Computer Engineering Degrees
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Salaries For Degrees in Computer Engineering
Those who majored in Computer Engineering can work in a variety of occupations. While no one can say with certainty what you personally will do with a degree in Computer Engineering, our survey panel picked the following occupations as likely options:
- Computer hardware engineers
- Computer software engineers, systems software
- Engineering managers (Best salary!)
The median salary for people with a degree in Computer Engineering is $101,710.99. The lifetime value of this degree is approximately $2,327,196.00.
Salaries are highly dependent on individual negotiating skill, seniority in the field, policies at your employer, area, and more. The estimates we show on these pages are just that: estimates. Your individual experience will likely vary.
Where does this come from?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics, a unit of the US government, classifies all workers into some 800-odd occupational categories. We paid a team of freelancers to get their opinion on what type of degree a holder of each type of job would likely have majored in. For pairs which had a high degree of consensus, we created a link between the degree and the job.
From this, we calculated the average salary for Computer Engineering degrees and converted it into a lifetime value. We then compared it against other degrees at the same level of schooling (such as associate's, bachelor's, or master's), so that you can make informed educational and employment decisions.
What do Computer Engineering Students Learn?
Computer Engineering degrees actually combine two separate disciplines: Computer Science and Electrical Engineering into one program. It was formerly known as Computer System Engineering, and still is in many circles. Students interested in this program will have various aspects of system design and theory for 4 different areas, instead of just computing and engineering. They also need some training in software design, and the integration of both hardware and software into a desired location. Undergraduates not only learn about how an artificial intelligence system works, but also how the applications provided by the system will increase efficiency.
The most common jobs for people with Computer Engineering degrees involve writing software and firmware for machines equipped with microcontrollers. These have become a huge part of industry, and make automating a factory a great deal easier. They also need to know how to design the following types of components: VLSI chips, circuit boards, operating systems and analog sensors. Another specialty for persons trained in this specialty is in the area of Robotics. This field is heavily dependent on the use of digital systems that both control and monitor the internal electrical systems found in today’s motors, sensors, and communication devices.
Computer Engineering degrees basically follow the typical undergraduate program of study for the first two years. This is in case the scholar changes his/her mind before completion of the program. It is easier to switch career paths if this occurs. Following the sophomore year, students are free to choose those areas of interest which best suits their talents. A heavy load of math and science is needed to form a foundation upon which to build the specialized computer and engineering classes. Such varied modules as Digital and Logic Design, Industrial automation, Circuit analysis and Digital (Computer) electronics, are offered to complete the degree program, and give scholars the chance to apply their knowledge in the real world.
There are a great many colleges offering this type of specialized program; both online and on campus. For those students who go straight from high school to a university, they now have the option to stay home and go to school on the Internet, or attend a more traditional place of higher learning. With advantages to be had either way, many young people are having difficulty in deciding what the best route to take is for their situation. By getting input from several people who are important to them, this decision is easier to make. Of course, starting either way can be changed later, but it will require some sacrifices once the program is started
Online Schools Offering Accredited Computer Engineering Degree Programs
A great many schools have realized the importance of offering an online degree program. This is no different for the field of Computer Engineering. As more students are of the non-traditional variety, a need has arisen for class schedules to be adapted to better meet their requirements. Individuals getting retrained for a new job, or those who simply want to try another field, often hold down a full time job and can’t attend classes during the day. A distance learning program is the perfect solution to this dilemma. Such colleges as Boston University, Drexel Online University, and the University of Southern California are a small sampling of the organizations that are now making this program available on the Internet. Since these are all accredited plans, there is no need to worry about the diploma being worthless. In fact, with a college degree from a valued name as part of the portfolio often opens up more doors for the job candidate. There is more information available about these programs on the websites of the individual schools.
The classic way of obtaining a bachelor’s degree is to attend the University in person. There was no other way until about 10 years ago, when distance learning came into prominence. While certain advantages exist to going to school this way, it takes a certain individual with a great deal of discipline to be able to successfully navigate the coursework on his/her own. By being literally forced to attend class, a student starts to realize the commitment it takes to survive in the business world. Also the chance to meet and discuss problems with professors face-to-face is a luxury not afforded by the virtual world.
Many scholars also rely on the valuable experiences created by performing hands-on laboratories. When lead by a qualified instructor who has experience in the field, valuable knowledge can be obtained that is often impossible to gain on the job. Most companies want the know-how provided by the educational background, but aren’t willing to put somebody out in the field without any practice. There is no substitute for experience, and many of these Universities have the latest technology available, which will be perfect when that scenario is actually faced while on the job. It also looks good to a prospective employer on a resume. Newly graduated students typically have the very latest information when it comes to technology. Most employers are looking to tap into this reservoir as soon as possible
Top Colleges & Universites Offering Campus-based Computer Engineering Degrees
The list of places that cater to the Computer Engineering field numbered over 170 as of 6 years ago. The first accredited program was established at Case Western Reserve in 1971. The numbers have continued to rise as more companies have become dependent on this type of trained professional to design, build, and repair the vital components that keep their machinery running. Students can go anywhere in the country for this program as evidenced by the following list of colleges that are offering this training at the present time: Arizona State, Auburn, Baylor, Boston University, Brown, Carnegie Mellon, Clemson, Duke, Howard, Iowa State, Lehigh, Marquette, Michigan State, Northwestern, Oklahoma State, Rutgers, San Diego State, Temple, Texas Tech, and the University of Notre Dame. 
These are just a small fraction of the actual number of schools that are providing the requirements necessary to complete a Computer Engineering degree. The smaller ones were not listed due to brevity concerns, but they do have the same exacting standards as some of their larger colleagues. For those students wish to attend classes close to home, it might make sense for them to check out the total list online. Undergraduates interested in obtaining more information on any of the University requirements can consult with their school counselor, or visit the school’s webpage to see if the location and amenities are a proper fit for their vocational goals.
Famous Computer Engineering Students
The list of notables who have obtained the Computer Engineering degree is not as long or illustrious as many of the other disciplines, but the members have made significant contributions to society nonetheless. Among those who stand out are Larry Page, who was one of the original co-founders of Google along with Sergey Brin. He is worth an estimated 17.5 billion dollars at this time according to Forbes magazine.
John Cornwell is another distinguished gentleman on this list. He has gained some notoriety with his invention of the beer-launching refrigerator. One of his creations was actually featured on the Tonight show, and was autographed by comedian Jack Black. Kermin Fleming completes this short list; a Georgia Tech junior at the time, he was the winner of the2004 Jeopardy college tournament.
