Computer Engineering Degrees

Drive a car, call your mom on your smartphone, listen to music on your MP3 player – even when we’re not at work, so much of our lives are spent using computers in one way or another. In an age in which we dependent on our computers, computer engineers are one of the most important and sought after professions.

Jobs & Salaries

Computer software engineering, specifically, is one of the fastest growing occupations of the decade; however computer programming is expected to decline. The difference between the two is usually that software engineers create designs and programmers implement them. Engineers often specialize in business software, like accounting systems, or science software, like robotics and medical devices. The median income for software engineers is high, ranging from around $68,000 to $105,000. Scientific research and development services, along with commercial industries pay the most.

Degree Requirements

Software engineers not only have to know how to design applications and operating systems, they also have to understand the hardware supporting these systems. Therefore, coursework ranges from learning programming languages and programming environments, to mastering microprocessor architecture, operating systems and database design. Most employers prefer applicants with a bachelor’s degree and relevant work or internship experience.