- 1.Computer engineering combines electrical engineering and computer science, focusing on hardware-software integration and embedded systems
- 2.Computer hardware engineers earn median $128,170/year with 5% job growth projected through 2032 - steady demand in IoT and AI hardware
- 3.175 accredited computer engineering programs in the US, typically requiring strong math and physics foundations
- 4.MIT, Stanford, and UC Berkeley lead rankings; many programs offer concentrations in robotics, AI hardware, or cybersecurity
- 5.Bachelor's degree is standard; master's enables specialization in chip design, embedded systems, or research roles
Source: Computer engineering offers excellent career prospects with $128,170 median salary and growing demand in IoT, AI hardware, and autonomous systems. Best for students interested in both hardware and software with strong math/physics skills. Pure software careers may prefer computer science programs.
What is Computer Engineering?
Computer engineering is the discipline that integrates electrical engineering and computer science to design and develop computer systems, from microprocessors to embedded systems to large-scale computing infrastructure. Unlike pure computer science (which focuses on software and algorithms) or electrical engineering (which covers broader electrical systems), computer engineering specifically targets the hardware-software interface.
Computer engineering programs cover digital logic design, computer architecture, embedded systems programming, signal processing, VLSI design, and system integration. Students learn to design everything from smartphone processors to autonomous vehicle control systems to data center hardware.
CE graduates work at major tech companies (Intel, AMD, NVIDIA, Apple), aerospace firms, automotive companies, defense contractors, and hardware startups. The field is crucial for emerging technologies like IoT devices, AI accelerators, autonomous systems, and quantum computing hardware.
Who Should Study Computer Engineering?
Computer engineering is ideal for students fascinated by how hardware and software work together, who enjoy both programming and understanding physical systems. Strong math and physics skills are essential - you'll need calculus, differential equations, and physics through electromagnetics.
- Hardware-curious programmers who want to understand how processors execute code
- Math and physics strong students comfortable with calculus, linear algebra, and electromagnetic theory
- System thinkers interested in designing complete computing systems from chips to software
- Hands-on builders who enjoy laboratory work and building physical prototypes
- Emerging tech enthusiasts excited about IoT, robotics, AI hardware, or autonomous systems
If you prefer pure software development without hardware concerns, computer science or software engineering may be better fits. For deeper hardware focus without programming, electrical engineering is the traditional choice.
Computer Engineering Degree Levels Compared
Computer engineering degrees are available at multiple levels, with bachelor's being the standard entry point for most hardware engineering roles.
| Degree Level | Duration | Typical Cost | Career Access | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 2 years | $5,000-$15,000 | Technician roles, transfer prep | Community college start, budget path |
| Bachelor's Degree | 4 years | $50,000-$250,000 | Hardware engineer, embedded developer | Standard entry point, most students |
| Master's Degree | 1.5-2 years | $40,000-$120,000 | Senior roles, chip design, research | Specialization, career advancement |
| PhD | 4-6 years | Often funded | R&D leadership, academia, startups | Research careers, cutting-edge tech |
| Certificate | 6-18 months | $8,000-$25,000 | Skill updates, embedded programming | Working professionals, specific tools |
Computer Engineering Career Outcomes
Computer engineering graduates have access to high-paying, specialized careers in hardware design and systems integration. The BLS projects 5% job growth for computer hardware engineers through 2032, with particularly strong demand in IoT, AI hardware, and autonomous systems.
Career Paths
Computer Hardware Engineer
SOC 17-2061Design and develop computer systems, processors, circuit boards, and hardware components for various applications.
Embedded Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Develop software for embedded systems in devices like smartphones, automotive systems, and IoT devices.
FPGA Design Engineer
SOC 17-2072Design and program field-programmable gate arrays for custom hardware applications and prototyping.
Systems Integration Engineer
SOC 15-1199Integrate hardware and software components into complete computing systems and troubleshoot compatibility.
Robotics Engineer
SOC 17-2199Design and develop robotic systems combining mechanical, electrical, and software engineering principles.
Computer Engineering Curriculum Overview
Computer engineering programs combine electrical engineering fundamentals with computer science concepts, emphasizing the integration of hardware and software systems.
- Mathematics Foundation: Calculus (3 courses), differential equations, linear algebra, discrete math, probability
- Physics & Chemistry: Physics through electromagnetics, basic chemistry for materials science
- Programming: C/C++, Python, assembly language, hardware description languages (Verilog/VHDL)
- Digital Systems: Digital logic, computer organization, microprocessor design, FPGA programming
- Electronics: Circuit analysis, analog/digital electronics, signal processing, communication systems
- Specialization Tracks: Embedded systems, VLSI design, robotics, cybersecurity, AI hardware
Most programs include hands-on laboratory experiences, senior capstone projects, and internship opportunities. Many schools offer concentrations in growing areas like autonomous systems, IoT design, or cybersecurity hardware.
Find the Right Computer Engineering Program
Explore our comprehensive rankings to find the best computer engineering program for your career goals, learning style, and budget:
Computer Engineering Program Rankings
Top-ranked CE bachelor's programs nationwide
Flexible online options for working students
Computer Engineering Programs by State
Find the best computer engineering programs in your state:
Programs by State
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Computer Engineering vs Related Fields
Choosing between engineering and computing disciplines? Here's how computer engineering compares:
Which Should You Choose?
- You're fascinated by how hardware and software work together
- You want to design processors, embedded systems, or IoT devices
- You're strong in math/physics and enjoy hands-on lab work
- You're interested in emerging fields like AI hardware or autonomous systems
- You prefer software development over hardware design
- You want maximum flexibility across tech careers
- You're more interested in algorithms and data structures than circuits
- You prefer theoretical computer science or software architecture
- You want broader electrical systems beyond just computing
- You're interested in power systems, communications, or control systems
- You prefer analog circuits and signal processing over digital systems
- You want traditional EE career paths in utilities or aerospace
- You want to focus purely on software development and methodology
- You're not interested in hardware design or circuit analysis
- You prefer practical engineering over theoretical foundations
- Your goal is web/mobile/enterprise software development
Is a Computer Engineering Degree Worth It?
For students interested in hardware-software integration, yes. Computer engineering offers excellent career prospects with $128,170 median salary and growing demand in IoT, AI hardware, autonomous systems, and edge computing. The field requires significant mathematical preparation but provides access to specialized, high-value engineering roles.
When it's worth it: You're genuinely interested in both hardware and software, have strong math/physics skills, and are excited about emerging technologies like autonomous vehicles, AI accelerators, or robotics. The degree provides deep technical knowledge that's difficult to acquire outside formal education.
When to consider alternatives: You're primarily interested in software development (consider computer science or software engineering), uncomfortable with extensive math requirements, or prefer purely hardware focus (traditional electrical engineering may fit better).
The job market is smaller but more specialized than computer science, with fewer but higher-paying opportunities. Most positions require formal engineering credentials, making bootcamps or self-study insufficient for hardware engineering roles.
Alternative Paths to Hardware-Software Careers
Computer engineering typically requires formal education due to the specialized hardware knowledge and math requirements. However, some alternative paths exist:
- Electrical Engineering Degrees — Broader hardware focus with computer engineering concentrations available
- Computer Science Degrees — Software focus with systems programming and architecture courses
- Embedded Systems Bootcamps — Intensive programs for embedded software development
- FPGA Programming Certifications — Specialized credentials for reconfigurable hardware design
- Electronics Technician Programs — Two-year programs for hands-on hardware roles
For software-focused embedded roles, some developers transition from software engineering backgrounds with additional hardware training. However, true hardware design roles typically require the full CE curriculum.
Preparing for a Computer Engineering Degree
Success in computer engineering requires strong preparation in mathematics and physics, plus some exposure to programming concepts:
- Mathematics Preparation — Strong algebra, trigonometry, and pre-calculus foundation essential
- Physics Foundation — Mechanics and electricity/magnetism background helpful
- Programming Basics — C/C++ or Python experience useful but not required
- Digital Logic Fundamentals — Basic understanding of binary, logic gates, and digital systems
- Electronics Projects — Hands-on experience with microcontrollers and circuits
Computer Engineering Degree FAQ
Related Resources
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.