In reality, the field of computer engineering has existed since the first computers were developed. In fact, the individuals who developed the Antikythera mechanism thousands of years ago could have considered themselves among the first computer engineers, as they developed hardware that acted as the basis for all computational systems that we use and understand today.
Since this time, the field of computer engineering has grown and developed significantly, providing a wide array of technological advancements that many people use every day. For example, computer engineers were integral in the development of:
Computer engineering principles can be applied to several other purposes, including the development of integrated circuits, embedded systems, computer vision, computer systems architecture, and much more.
Generally, to pursue work as a computer engineer, prospective students must first complete a degree in this specific subject, either at the associate or bachelor’s level. Not all computer engineering programs are identical, with each having certain unique characteristics. That said, most students within undergraduate computer engineering programs take classes on the following subjects:
Additionally, students with a computer engineering degree may have the option to specialize, for example, in software or hardware development. Specializations are especially prevalent at the higher degree levels. Students who choose a concentration are required to take courses that relate to their chosen specialty.
Furthermore, to obtain a degree in computer engineering, most students are generally required to take part in a laboratory class, and may also need to complete a large-scale senior project or complete an internship. Senior projects are intended to help students put their newly acquired skills to use while developing software or hardware with real-world applications. Internships can help students gain experience and develop connections with other professionals that may extend well beyond graduation.
Finally, some students may also choose to continue their studies in pursuit of a master’s degree, or even a doctoral degree (PhD). While this is not a requirement to gain employment in the field, pursuing a graduate degree can demonstrate a superlative commitment to advancing the field of computer engineering in research and practical applications.
At first glance, computer engineering may seem to be a narrow field with only a single focus. However, computer engineering can be broken down into a multitude of different subcategories, all of which are geared towards a specific focus. Although it would be impossible to list all of the subtopics within the field of computer engineering, the list below elucidates several of these distinctions:
Embedded systems – Embedded systems work within a larger system and have a specific function integral to the entity as a whole. The embedded systems design area has been gaining enormous growth in recent years. According to The Brainy Insights, the global embedded system market is projected to grow from $88.35 billion in 2020 to $138.45 billion by 2028. A big reason for this growth has been the addition of operating systems and networking technologies to embedded systems.
Embedded systems have applications in areas such as government or military, automotive or transportation, medical equipment, avionics or aeronautics, telecommunications, aerospace electronics, data communication, office automation, consumer electronics, and industrial automation. In addition, embedded systems are now also used in several other sectors such as the military, defense, and healthcare sectors.
The University of California’s Division of Continuing Education offers an embedded systems engineering certificate that is designed for working professionals interested in transitioning into the embedded systems industry.
Computer systems – The subfield of computer systems focuses on the development of processes that provide reliable and secure computer systems. This computer systems specialization is particularly known to affect the fields of autonomous vehicles, robotics, industrial automation systems, smart technologies, and medical devices. The practitioners of this subfield are diverse having an understanding of areas ranging from bioengineering to software development.
Computer systems engineers develop, test, and evaluate personal computers and software by combining their knowledge of computer science, math analysis, and engineering.
Common career choices professionals in computer systems are computer hardware engineers, systems software developers, and application software developers. Additional positions of interest might include industrial research positions, academic positions, component manufacturing positions, system integration positions, and system innovation positions.
Wireless networks and communication – This specialization focuses largely on the development of wireless networks and communication systems, as well as data transmission and storage methods. Wireless communications and networking are key technologies in today’s technological world. Networks such as the Internet, telephone, wireless networks, and cable serve to interconnect computers and people in a cost-effective way.
The wireless communications area, in particular, has had rapid growth in recent years utilizing networking technology. There is a large industrial base involving wireless communications and networking in terms of software providers, equipment, end-users, and service providers. Moreover, this wireless technology has made the life of an average consumer more flexible, enjoyable, and productive.
Stony Brook University’s department of electrical and computer engineering offers a certificate program in networking and wireless communications providing matriculated students validated graduate-level instruction in this specialization.
Computer networks – This subfield is concerned with technology that allows a number of computers to work in a larger network. Simply put, the computer networking subfield is the study of how computers can be linked for sharing data. Computer networks facilitate interpersonal communications allowing users to communicate easily and efficiently via several means such as emails, instant messaging, telephone, chat rooms, and video conferencing.
Computer networks support a massive number of services and applications such as digital video, access to the World Wide Web, digital audio, printers, fax machines, shared use of storage servers, and use of instant messaging applications and email, among many others. This specialization may be considered a branch of telecommunications, electrical engineering, computer science, computer engineering, or information technology since it relies upon the practical and theoretical application of the related disciplines.
Renton Technical College’s bachelor of applied science degree in computer network engineering prepares graduates to work as engineers, managers, and computer network architects to design and implement computer networks; perform network modeling, planning, and analysis; and implement advanced virtualization and cloud technologies at the enterprise level.
Computer coding – The subcategory of computer coding focuses on utilizing existing coding techniques, as well as developing new ones, with various applications, such as protecting sensitive information. Coding refers to the computer language that is used for developing apps, software, and websites. In simple words, the code is what tells a computer what to do. Computer applications need properly written codes to know what to do. Some of the major coding languages include HTML, Java, Python, CSS, C++, PHP, and SQL.
Learning to code is helpful for several careers, ranging sectors from education to medicine and finance. Some in-demand careers prioritizing candidates with coding abilities include database administrators, web developers, information security analysts, applications developers, health informatics specialists, instructional designers, digital marketing managers, and computer programmers.
Operating systems – Computer engineers in this field, work to develop and improve operating systems. An operating system can be referred to as software that manages computer software and hardware resources and provides common services for computer programs. It performs all the basic tasks such as memory management, file management, process management, security, controlling peripheral devices such as printers and disk drives, job accounting, coordination between other software and users, and error detecting aids.
Some examples of operating systems include Windows Operating System, Linux Operating System, VMS, AIX, OS/400, iOS, and Android OS, among many others.
Robotics – Some computer engineers may work to develop robotic technology that is intended for public or private use. Robotics is a branch of electrical engineering, computer science, and mechanical engineering that deals with the designing, constructing, operating, and application of robots. It also involves computer systems for the control, information processing, and sensory feedback of robots.
Computer science and other disciplines such as mechanics, biology, and mathematics are all used in robotics. Consumer products, defense, and manufacturing are the three main areas in which robotics jobs exist. Computer science degree holders can use their degrees in the robotics industry, but they may need to enroll in a master’s program in order to be competitive in this field.
Majoring in robotics engineering can enable students to have an in-depth understanding of this rapidly developing field. They will learn about building the robot framework, programing its operating system, testing the machine, and incorporating it into transportation, military, and medical applications.
Oregon State University offers graduate degrees in robotics that include core areas of robotics such as actuation, manipulation, locomotion, control, dynamics, artificial intelligence, human or robot interaction, and sensing.
As mentioned above, this is only a small sample of the specializations available within the field of computer engineering, and those within the field will likely discover many more. Some schools actually allow for the opportunity to specialize during a degree program. For instance, those students who are pursuing a degree in computer engineering at Kansas State University may choose the following specializations: bioengineering, electronics and communications, and power systems.
While the present-day holds many opportunities for those with a degree or experience in computer engineering, the future is likely even brighter. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2021), employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 13 percent from 2020 to 2030, nearly double the average growth expected across all U.S. occupations during that time, adding about 667,600 new jobs.
Some of the reasons for the expected rapid growth in computer engineering over the next decade and beyond are due to the continued demand for mobile computing, as well as a thriving demand in cloud computing, the collection and storage of big data, and information security.
The significant demand for computer engineers and related professionals allows these individuals to command a relatively high salary as well. The BLS (May 2021) reported that computer and information technology occupations earned an annual median salary of $97,430. Thus, those in computer and information technology careers were earning over twice the median salary of all U.S. occupations ($45,760).
Overall, computer engineering is an extremely important field in the modern era. Computer engineers are responsible for the design and development of certain pieces of technology that are used every day. From personal computers and desktops to smartphones and robotics, these advancements in technology are meant to add convenience to our daily lives.
Computer engineers also perform a variety of other important tasks, from developing and improving wireless networks to allow for communication across the world, to the creation of operating systems powered by new hardware and high-level research that expands the boundaries of computer science and computer engineering as a whole.
In addition, those working in computer and information technology occupations are well-compensated for the work they perform. As discussed above, these individuals can earn more than twice the annual median salary in the U.S., and likely even more with additional education, experience, and training.
The following is a list of some of the most compelling reasons to pursue a computer engineering degree. Getting trained in computer engineering affords a person the opportunity to:
These are only three reasons to pursue a degree in computer engineering, and may not apply to everyone. However, those interested in computer engineering may pursue a career that can better integrate the world with rapid advancements in technology.
Farheen Gani has researched a wide array of topics related to engineering since 2018. She has written about electrical and computer engineering programs, structural engineering programs, mechanical engineer salaries, environmental engineering programs, and many other subfields of engineering. She...
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