Receive a quick overview on what is a computer engineer, school options and career outlook.
Computer engineering is a huge technological field encompassing electrical and software engineering and the search for ways to make computers better, smaller and faster.
A computer engineer combines training from both computer programming and electrical engineering and applies his or her knowledge to a wide variety of computers, from ordinary laptops to massive networks to computers embedded in vehicles and everyday gadgets.
Unlike computer science, which trains software engineers to focus on software development, computer engineering is intensively focused on developing great computer hardware. To enter the computer engineering field, you'll need at least a bachelor's degree. According to U.S. News and World Report, some great computer engineering colleges are:
- MIT.
- Stanford.
- University of California at Berkeley.
- Carnegie Mellon.
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
- Georgia Institute of Technology.
All these schools feature outstanding graduate programs in computer engineering as well, which is the preferred degree for this field.
It's also possible to achieve a computer engineering degree while serving in the military, particularly in the most technological positions in the Navy or Air Force.
There are dozens of career options in this field. Computer companies are always looking for new people to help develop cutting-edge technology. Military contracting companies need engineers to create specialized equipment, like lightweight drone computers. The rapid advancement in automobile technology alone has resulted in over 60 different vehicular systems being computerized, which creates openings for computer engineers throughout the car manufacturing industry.
In larger companies, computer engineers are critical to the proper development and maintenance of very large computing infrastructures. In small companies, computer engineers develop specialized computing equipment for specific applications. From your smartphone to your car's remote key, computer engineers have created designs and technology to ensure modern conveniences work as expected.
The job market outlook for computer engineers is pretty good, though it is low compared to the current average. Graduates from well-known schools and with a more advanced degree may do better when seeking a position.
Pay rates in this field are exceptional, with a median of $98,810 per year as of 2010, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries are dependent on your education and skill level and the type of project or company you're working for. For instance, if you're setting up a system for a small nonprofit, then your starting salary may be much lower at about $30,000. Job location also effects a salary range, no matter the field.
When comparing computer engineering vs. computer science as a career field, you'll find computer engineers typically make significantly more money than professionals in computer science fields, like software development or computer programming. However, other computer science fields also have a little more growth expectancy.
If you're the kind of person who loves working with your hands and with computers, either in teams or by yourself, and enjoy challenges and puzzles, a career as a computer engineer could be a perfect fit for you. It's a well-compensated field with lots of excitement and a particularly bright future. While the work and education are challenging, the outcome may likely be worth the extra effort.
Photo credit: computer engineer by Iain Browne via Compfight CC.