Computer Engineering

What it’s about:

The computer engineering technology major will prepare you for a career in a number of fields: computer networking, telecommunications. Computer electronics, programming, wireless and data communications and networks, embedded system design, and robotics. Offered at both the associate and bachelor’s degree levels, this major is designed to meet the needs of technically inclined students who prefer hands-on teaching and learning to the more theoretical, mathematics-oriented computer science and engineering disciplines.

What the study of this major is like:

This major provides you with practical training and skills in courses covering hardware and software, electronics, programming, and supporting topics. Most programs in computer engineering technology focus on both the hardware and the software aspects of the applications, including the interfacing of computers and systems; in contrast, most electrical engineering technology programs concentrate primarily on hardware and secondarily on related software.

Hands-on training in applications and equipment is the primary teaching method, but you’ll also learn theoretical aspects to help you adapt to new technology in the future. You begin with the basics of electricity and electronics, including analog and digital circuit analysis. Then you’ll be introduced to the fundamentals of microprocessors and operating systems; programming; and applications that use word processors, spreadsheets, and high-level and low-level computer languages.

Other required courses zero in on mathematical and communication skills, and you’ll learn enough about the industrial and business environment to perform effectively on the job. In lab, you work on a variety of microprocessor systems and devices, as you gain experience in installing, diagnosing, operating, and servicing computer systems and related equipment.

Upper-level courses, in which you get an in-depth look at the hardware and software used in industry and business, are usually wide ranging enough to allow for specialization. Topics include networking technology and security; advanced programming; digital testing technology; data communications; hardware description languages; embedded system design; industrial instrumentation; and industrial automation systems.

Because many areas of computer application are important in industry and business, colleges vary in the aspects of the major that they emphasize. For instance, some programs may focus on computer-use topics such as programming, Internet technology, and database systems, while others may stress technical applications such as industrial networking, Web-based control, electronic devices, Web services, and other aspects of enterprise networking.

Two-year associate degree programs are more likely to focus on specific occupations or systems than are programs designed for a four-year bachelor’s degree. In bachelor’s programs, you’ll study more math (in particular, differential equations, sets and logic, and calculus), alongside courses in the humanities and sciences. Coupled with business electives, a four-year degree will generally increase your employment options. Many students begin in the less-costly two-year program and then transfer into the last two years of a bachelor’s program, usually with enough job skills to work as they continue their education.

In computer engineering technology, lifelong learning really counts-you have no choice but to continue your education if you want to remain employable. Technological advances come so rapidly that even people with good jobs have to keep their skills up-to-date. After all, employers are often looking to put the latest technologies to profitable use. Continuing education opportunities are plentiful, however, and many employers will help you take advantage of them.

Career options and trends:               

Systems analysts; consulting engineer*; network administration*; database administrator; systems administrator; software engineer (applications or systems); support specialist*.

Certification in a particular application, program language (such as JAVA), or system (Linux) may be of value to employers using them. Some vendors and software firms may require certification if you will be working with their products.

The job titles listed above are among the fastest-growing careers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which also projects computer and data processing services to be the most rapidly growing industry in the economy. The employment outlook is favourable for graduates who can set up and maintain computer networks, information and Internet technology, and computer-based electronic systems.

However, computer support, like many technical fields, is becoming increasingly competitive internationally. As a result of the expanding knowledge economy, countries in Eastern Europe and Asia are producing labor pools of relatively low-cost, highly trained computer support positions are being outsourced overseas.

But don’t let that spook you-job creation is outpacing job destruction in this field, and you can prepare yourself for the competition by obtaining a broad-based education, developing interpersonal and business skills, and remaining alert to the areas of greatest demand, such as e-commerce and communications security.

Source: CollegeBoard 2012 Book of Majors