Computer Engineering is the branch of engineering that primarily focuses on developing computer hardware and software. Students who want to build a career in the field of technology complete their degree in computer engineering. In Computer Engineering, physical components and firmware are developed based on Computer Science and Electrical Engineering principles for consumer electronics, medical devices, communication systems, aircraft, and self-driving cars.
“Computer engineering” consists of intertwined IT disciplines. The three branches of computer engineering are software, hardware, and network engineering. A computer engineer is an IT professional with systems and a network, including software engineering experience. Microchips, circuits, processors, conductors, and other components used in computer devices and systems (such as supercomputers, smartphones, laptops, servers, and IoT gadgets), are developed, prototyped, and tested by Computer Engineering students. In addition to firmware, they also develop operational systems and applications to make the most of hardware.
Various institutions across the world provide programmes related to computer engineering. These reputed institutions allow candidates to choose specific areas for in-depth understanding and learning. They provide numerous platforms where students can demonstrate skills and build careers in computer engineering. This blog covers all your queries related to the question of what is computer engineering.
Computer Engineering Specialisations
To understand what is computer engineering, you should know what is taught in computer science engineering and should be well-versed in computer engineering specialisations.
Whether you are a professional who wants to make a shift in your career or a student looking to get admission to a college offering computer engineering programmes, consider the multiple courses available for you in computer engineering. It has many designations, providing one with capabilities and skills. Learning about what is computer science engineering and the specialisations which one can do in this field would make your job easier. The different paths can make it easier for the students to choose the one that aligns with their career goals. The specialisations which a computer engineering student can pursue have been listed below:
- Hardware Systems
- Robotics and Cybernetics
- Distributed Computing
- Medical Image Computing
- Computer and Network Security
- Embedded Systems
- Computer Graphics and Visualisation
Computer Engineering Classes
Students interested to learn about what is computer engineering can opt for online computer engineering courses and programmes to build their skill set. To make yourself aware of what is a computer engineering course, the curriculum can be checked before applying for a programme and not only rely on the course title. If the students have queries, they can contact the university where they wish to apply. The admission department of the respective university will help students.
If you plan to study in the United States, some computer science universities offer an opportunity for students to study a double major in computer science and engineering. Although this is challenging, students can benefit a lot from this degree. Some classes offered by computer engineering degrees to make the students learn about what is computer engineering have been listed below:
- Introduction to Electronics
- Signal Processing
- Circuit Analysis
- Embedded Systems
- Engineering Computing
- Computer Vision
- Programming Principles
- Computer Networks
- Autonomous Robotics
- Computer Architecture
Roles And Responsibilities Of A Computer Engineer
Once you learn about what is computer engineering and become a computer engineer, there are specific responsibilities that you will have to fulfil. The roles and responsibilities of computer engineers depend on the career they choose and some of them are listed below:
- They are responsible for designing and managing the hardware and software systems, operation analysis, installation, updating, and network modifications.
- They handle the computer-related issues and provide technical support to the staff members. They also monitor a company’s cloud storage accounts and perform routine checks to ensure all systems operate efficiently.
- Write software, including firmware for the embedded microcontrollers.
- Do research, including robotics research based on digital systems. It is used for monitoring electrical components such as communication and sensors.
- Design analogue sensors, VLSI chips, mixed-signal circuit boards, and various OS. Ensure the functionality and integration of the computer hardware and software.
- Communicate detailed information to their colleagues. They communicate directly with clients, which requires listening skills.
Hence, they should be decisive. They must assess a situation and communicate the recommendations to top management to find the most beneficial solution. The knowledge and ideas of a computer engineer are invaluable as no project development phase is brought to an end without the input of the computer engineers.
Best Universities Offering Computer Engineering Courses
The best universities will help you understand what is computer engineering easily. The top 10 universities based on the QS Rankings 2021 are given below:
| University | Location |
| Stanford University | USA |
| Massachusetts Institute Of Technology (MIT) | USA |
| University Of California Berkeley | USA |
| Carnegie Mellon University | USA |
| National University Of Singapore | Singapore |
| Harvard University | USA |
| University Of Oxford | UK |
| Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) | Switzerland |
| University Of Cambridge | UK |
| ETH Zurich | Switzerland |
Computer Engineering Skills
Computer engineers acquire training and get skilled in many things. They have excellent knowledge of the hardware components, and they know different programming languages, including Java and Python.
The engineers know the best practices of computer engineering. They deeply understand mathematics, content management, and integrated system management. To become a successful computer engineer, they must improve abilities like
- Analytical thinking.
- Problem-solving.
- Attention to detail.
- Programming.
- Creativity.
- Critical thinking.
- Technical writing.
Using these skills, they can find solutions to enhance the speed of the devices and make them power-efficient.
Computer Engineering Career And Salaries
As per the US Bureau Of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for computer engineers will be stable. Computer engineering jobs will grow by 2% by 2029, increasing the competition for the best positions in this field. More than theoretical knowledge from classes is required, hence, they should do internships, perform research projects, acquire training, and gain experience to stand out among the other candidates.
They can secure a high-paying package if they work hard and remain dedicated throughout. The list of the best-paying jobs with annual salaries based on the data from Glassdoor has been given below:
| Job | Salary |
| Computer Engineer | 92,000 USD |
| Network Engineer | 72,350 USD |
| Computer Architecture Developer | 85,750 USD |
| Firmware Engineer | 98,250 USD |
| Systems Engineer | 77,750 USD |
| Quality Control (QC) Engineer | 44,400 USD |
| Mobile Device Engineer | 91,700 USD |
Final words
Over the last few years, computer engineering has had a good base with websites, desktops, and software. This field is expected to get successful in big data, robotics, and machine learning.
The future increases with the increasing technology. According to BLS’s prediction, these engineers’ employment rate will increase to 7% in the coming years. The growth rate is, however, slower than the expected average rate in the case of hardware engineers, and this is due to the increasing innovations which would limit their requirement. The scope for software engineers will increase to 22% in the coming years, which is higher than the average growth rate.
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I have done Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts from India and completed my graduation in the year 2022 .I am 22 years old. After graduation, I have done 1 year paid internship from USA .Now, I would like to take occupational experience and learn culinary skills and also do masters in Culinary arts.How can I find the college n best course / country where I can persue studying further