What is Computer Engineering

Basic Information

The field of Computer Engineering is at the epicenter of this development. It encompasses a wide range of topics including operating systems, computer architecture, computer networks, robotics, artificial intelligence, and computer-aided design. 

If you major in Computer Engineering, you'll learn all about the hardware and software aspects of computer science. You'll gain a solid understanding of circuit theory and electronic circuits, too. Also, because Computer Engineering is closely linked with Electrical Engineering, the fields are found in the same department at many universities. Consequently, many undergraduate programs incorporate most of the core curricula in both electrical engineering and computer science so graduates will be prepared to work in either field.

Computer Engineering is a difficult major but it's a major that's in demand. Software engineering companies, telecommunications firms, designers of digital hardware, and many other business enterprises hire Computer Engineering majors right out of college and pay them well. Computer Engineering also makes great preparation for medical school, business school, and law school (particularly if you want to specialize in patent law).

Computer System engineering, also called computer engineering, is a discipline that combines both electrical engineering and computer science.Computer System engineers usually have training in electronic engineering, software design and hardware-software integration instead of only software engineering or electronic engineering. Computer System engineers are involved in many aspects of computing, from the design of individual microprocessors, personal computers, and supercomputers, to circuit design. This field of engineering not only focuses on how computer systems themselves work, but also how they integrate into the larger picture.Usual tasks involving computer engineers include writing software and firmware for embedded microcontrollers, designing VLSI chips, designing analog sensors, designing mixed signal circuit boards, and designing operating systems. Computer engineers are also suited for robotics research, which relies heavily on using digital systems to control and monitor electrical systems like motors, communications, and sensors.

Computer engineering as an academic discipline

The first accredited computer engineering degree program in the United States was established at Case Western Reserve University in 1971. As of October 2004, there were 170 ABET-accredited computer engineering programs in the US.Due to increasing job requirements for engineers, who can design and manage all forms of computer systems used in industry, some tertiary institutions around the world offer a bachelor's degree generally called computer engineering. Both computer engineering and electronic engineering programs include analog and digital circuit design in their curricula. As with most engineering disciplines, having a sound knowledge of mathematics and sciences is necessary for computer engineers.

In many institutions, computer engineering students are allowed to choose areas of in-depth study in their junior and senior year, because the full breadth of knowledge used in the design and application of computers is beyond the scope of an undergraduate degree. The joint IEEE/ACM Curriculum Guidelines for Undergraduate Degree Programs in Computer Engineering defines the core knowledge areas of computer engineering as the following:

• Digital and Logic Design (USing Verilog or VHDL)
• Algorithms and Compiler Contruction
• Computer architecture and organization
• Industrial Instrumentation
• Industrial automation (Using PLCs,PLDs,and HMI)
• Robotics
• Artificial intelligence
• Circuit analysis
• Signal and systems
• Database systems (Using MS Access, SQL and Oracle)
• Digital (Computer) electronics
• Digital signal processing (Using LABView)
• Electronics
• Embedded systems (Using Microcontrollers,FPGA,PLDs and ARMs)
• Human-computer interaction or Human Machine Interface(HMI)
• Interactive Systems engineering
• Operating systems (Using LINUX,SOLARIS,Mac OS and RTOs)
• Programming fundamentals
• Social and professional issues
• Software engineering (Using UML)
• VLSI design and fabrication
• Computer networking (Using Omnet,Opnet,RouterSim and Packet Tracer)
• Wireless Communication (Using Zigbee,Bluetooth,WiFi and WiMAX)
• Fault diagnostic and tolerant systems
• Parallel and distributed computing
• Control engineering (Digital and Analog)
• MicroprocessorS interfacing and programming
• Microwave Engineering
• Electric and Electronic Machines
• Power Electronics
• Process Control and Instrumentaion
• Programming Languages (Using C#,VB.NET,JAVA)
• Computer Graphics (Using 3DS MAX,MAYA)
• Data Acquisition Systems
• Internet and Web Programming (Using XHTML,ASP.NET,JAVASCRIPT AND COLD FUSION)
• Hardware Engineering (PC Components Design LAN Card,Sound Card,VGA Card,Motherboard,MODEM etc)
• PC Interfacing and Process Control
• Analog and Digital PCB Design (Using ORCAD,ARES,EAGLEVIEW)

The breadth of disciplines studied in computer engineering is not limited to the above subjects, but can include any subject found in engineering.

In the United States, the average salary for a new graduate with a bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering is $61,738

Top Computer engineering Organisations

IEEE Computer Society

Top 10 College Degrees by Highest Starting Salary

1. Petroleum Engineering  $86,220

2. Chemical Engineering  $65,142

3. Mining & Mineral Engineering $64,552

4. Computer Science  $61,205

5. Computer Engineering  $60,879

6. Electrical/Electronics & Communications Engineering $59,074

7. Mechanical Engineering $58,392

8. Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering $57,734

9. Aerospace/Aeronautical/ Astronautical Engineering $57,231

10. Information Sciences & Systems $54,038