Nowadays, we are witnessing the rapid advancement of technology and computers. Hence, the presence of computer engineers is becoming more and more critical as they help us keep up with the world.
But what’s it really like to study computer engineering (CE)? In this article, we give answers to this question in detail and many more questions. So, ensure to read to the end of this article.
What are You Going to Learn?
You will need to learn how to develop, prototype, and test any components used in computer systems or involved devices, such as:
- Supercomputers
- Laptops
- Smartphones
- LoT gadgets
- Servers
In other words, you will apply the principles of Computer Science & Electrical Engineering to the creation of physical components (hardware), which is used in many areas, including:
- Consumer electronics
- Communication systems
- Medical devices
- Self-driving cars
- Aircraft
- And more
Here are some standard abbreviations for this science:
- CE/CEN
- CompE
- CompEngineering
- CPE
Some universities or colleges offer different majors or sub-disciplines for those who want to narrow their focus, such as:
- Distributed Computing
- Hardware Systems
- Embedded Systems
- Medical Image Computing
- Robotics and Cybernetics
- And more
If you want to know what you’re going to learn, look at the curriculum first instead of relying on the program title. Let’s take a look at some typical classes offered by Computer Engineering degrees:
- Circuit analysis
- Introduction to electronics
- Signal processing
- Embedded systems
- Engineering computing
- Computer vision
- Computer networks
- Programming principles
- Autonomous robotics
- And more
Jobs and Salaries
Overall, the job prospects of these engineers look stable going forward. Specifically, this job is expected to grow 2% by 2029 (according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
However, it would be wrong to think that doing this job is easy. You will have to compete with many other talented engineers to get good company positions.
Hence, you need to prepare for your career early to take advantage. Specifically, you should self-study, find internships, and participate in research projects.
Here are the annual salaries for a few jobs related to this field in the United States:
- Computer Architecture Developer – Annual salaries: $85,750
- Computer Engineer- $92,000
- Network Engineer – $72,350
- Systems Engineer – $77,750
- Firmware Engineer – $98,250
- Quality Control Engineer – $44,400
- Mobile Device Engineer – $91,700
The good news is that you do not have to worry about job opportunities. You will most likely get a well-paying job. Moreover, the amount that you get will increase with experience.
Why Should You Study This Major?
It is not easy to find a job after graduation. But fortunately, you can quickly get a good job after graduating with this major.
1. Attractive Salary
The average salary of these engineers is almost three times the national average income (US). According to our report, they can earn about $127,038 per year or $61.07 dollars per hour.
Some engineers work for peripheral equipment production and earn more than 140 dollars per year.
2. High Demand
Today, technology is increasingly advanced, leading to countless opportunities for you to find a good job for at least the next 25 years after graduation.
3. Creativity & Innovation
When it comes to information technology, we usually only think of programming. But that’s not all. You can be the one to come up with solutions to bring about innovation.
Like a painter and paintings, you can invent new things yourself through your creativity.
4. High Level of Job Satisfaction
According to statistics, people working in IT departments have a high level of job satisfaction. Besides receiving an attractive salary, you have freedom as your time flexibility is widely open.
As you know, flexibility and freedom are two things that everyone wants to get when they go to work, in addition to receiving a high salary.
What Are the Best Universities to Study CE?
Here are the top university choices for this major:
| United States | – Massachusetts Institute of Technology – Harvard University – Carnegie Mellon University – Stanford University – University of California Berkeley |
| United Kingdom | – University of Oxford – University of Cambridge |
| Switzerland | – ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne |
| Singapore | – National University of Singapore |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is studying CE like?
Simply put, you will learn to use science, engineering, and mathematics to handle problems and design solutions for many digital systems.
2. Is this major hard to study?
It is pretty hard. You have to take more electrical engineering classes, additional math courses, and several practical lab sessions.
3. Is it reasonable to follow CE?
Sure! There are many good reasons for you to pursue this major, which we mentioned above.
Conclusion
We have covered some essential information about this field of study and job opportunities. In general, it will not stop expanding in the future. So, all you need to do is equip yourself with the necessary knowledge and skills.
Thank you for your interest in this article!