Preparation
 Students
studying computer engineering may choose to focus on
specialty areas including artificial
intelligence (intelligent systems for applications such as robotics,
language understanding, knowledge acquisition, reasoning, computer
vision, and pattern recognition), computer systems (the design and
analysis of computers including the topics of VLSI systems, computer
architecture, computer networks, and integrated circuits), or systems
and computations (including the integration of both hardware and
software into a coherent system). They must have strong analytical stills and be detail oriented. In
addition, they must work well in team situations as they are often
called upon to work in a group setting with other engineers and with
others outside of engineering.
 Computer
Science vs. Computer Engineering vs. Information Science
Most four year degree programs in computer science and computer
engineering are accredited by ABET,
Inc. Typically these degree programs reside in the
university's College of Engineering. The computer engineering degree
program resides in the department of Computer Science and Engineering,
or the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, or it may be a
stand-alone department of Computer Engineering. In some cases, such as
MIT and University of California at Berkeley, these degrees are offered
in the department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
Typically there is considerable overlap in the computer science and the
computer engineering degree programs. The major difference between the
two accredited degree programs is that an engineering design component
is required in the accredited computer engineering degree program.
Information science degree programs are tailored to prepare students for
careers in the application of computers in business. Therefore these
degree programs typically reside in business colleges and are not
accredited by ABET. Although there are a few ABET accredited programs
offered in engineering colleges. In addition to computer science courses
in programming, computer organization and operation, computer networks,
databases, these degree programs require courses in business and
management, and fewer courses are required in mathematics and the
sciences than in computer science and engineering degree programs.
Computer
Engineering Programs
A bachelor's degree in engineering is required for almost all
entry-level engineering jobs. Accredited computer engineering programs
usually provide broad studies in electrical engineering and computer
science. It is important to select a program that is
accredited in Computer Engineering.
Admission
Requirements
Admissions
requirements for undergraduate engineering schools include a solid
background in mathematics (algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and
calculus) and science (biology, chemistry, and physics), and courses in
English, social studies, humanities, and computer and information
technology. Bachelor's degree programs in engineering typically are
designed to last 4 years, but many students find that it takes between 4
and 5 years to complete their studies. In a typical 4-year college
curriculum, the first 2 years are spent studying mathematics, basic
sciences, introductory engineering, humanities, and social sciences. In
the last 2 years, most courses are in engineering, usually with a
concentration in one branch. For example, a computer engineering program
might include courses in computer hardware, microcomputers, software
engineering, digital signal and image processing, electromagnetic
fields, electronic devices and circuits, and computer organization and
design.
Co-ops
Internships and Coops
provide students with a great opportunity to gain real-world experience
while still in school. Many universities offer co-op and internship
programs for students studying Computer Engineering.
Click here for more
information.
Courses
of Study
Students specializing
in Computer Engineering will study computer hardware, microcomputers,
software engineering, digital signal and image processing,
electromagnetic fields, electronic devices and circuits, and computer
organization and design. They will likely take courses in
linear algebra, data structures and software principles. Computer Engineers also
need to develop
strong communication skills.
At some point in the career
of the engineer typically the engineer must make a choice between
following strictly a technical career path or a career path that
involves both technology and management. State-of-the-art research and
development teams are usually led by individuals with an M.S. or Ph.D.
degree in engineering or science. The Ph.D. degree is typically required
for individuals aspiring to be university research professors.
Some engineers elect the
technology management path. Typically they take advanced courses in
accounting and finance, business management, business or patent law, and
entrepreneurship and may acquire an MBA degree or an advance degree in
technology management.
Ongoing
Study
Technological advances come so rapidly in the computer field that
continuous study is necessary to keep one's skills up to date post
graduation. Employers, hardware and software vendors, colleges and
universities, and private training institutions offer continuing
education. Additional training may come from professional development
seminars offered by professional computing
societies.
Accredited
Programs
Those interested in a
career in Computer Engineering should consider reviewing engineering programs that are
accredited by
ABET, Inc.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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