A college program for Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering offers students specialized concentrations in preparation for a rewarding industry career. Having a clear understanding of degree programs generally offered by a college’s Department of Computer Engineering is an important preparation when entering college.
Overview of Degree Programs for Computer Engineering
The computer engineering education is broadly focused on the analysis, design and application of computers as active components of various systems. When looking to completete a degree in Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (BSCE), the areas of concentration generally offered by the Computer Engineering Department include systems programming, robotics and control, computer systems, digital hardware and networks.
Beyond performing extensive research and accomplishing design and development projects required of a course major, most computer engineering undergraduates apply for faculty-led research projects to gain exposure in conducting cutting-edge research. The computer engineering department usually sponsors opportunities for undergraduate fellowships in information technology and other issues of interest.
After which, graduates of a BSCE degree program will have a thorough foundation of computer engineering principles and practices, along with the mathematical and scientific principles on which they are founded. Also, a BSCE graduate becomes well prepared to take on advanced education, whether formal and informal, when looking to build an entry-level employment into a fulfilling and productive industry career.
Planning for a Computer Hardware Engineering Career
Undergraduate students who have plans of becoming a Computer Hardware Engineer have to complete a Master of Science postgraduate study after pursuing a BSCE college degree.
There are colleges that offer combined Bachelor of Science and Master of Science 5-year degree program in computer engineering. The program enables undergraduates to complete the B.S. and M.S. degrees by way of a single degree program.
Computer engineering jobs with concentrations in hardware and software development, network architecture, programming and systems analysis usually have greater median incomes. The latest data in the jobs market show that computer hardware engineers have seen median annual incomes ranging between $82K and $104K in the past years, with the top 10% earning as much as $176K or higher per annum.
Industries with Highest Demands and Pay Rates for Computer Hardware Engineers
1. Manufacturers of computer and peripheral equipment like computer monitors, printers, mouse, keyboards, terminals or scanners have the highest level of demand for computer hardware engineers. Currently, the industry employs about 6.030 computer hardware engineers earning as much as $ 68.35 per hour or $ 142,160 per annum.
2. Manufacturers of semiconductors and various electronic components are primarily in the business of producing semiconductors, circuit boards, capacitors, resistors, transistors, coils, electronic connectors, inductors and printed circuit assemblies. There are about 9,240 computer hardware engineers employed by companies in this sector, earning an average hourly rate of $ 64.81 or $ 134,800 annually.
3. Industry providing scientific research and development services by conducting original and systematic investigations to gain new knowledge to use as applications of findings usually for significantly improving products or services. There are about 13,360 computer hardware engineers in this industry earning as much as $ 82.91 per hour or $172,460 yearly.