Guide to getting a bachelor in computer engineering

Few inventions have been as significant as the computer. Computers play a central role in almost every aspect of modern existence, and computing professionals of all stripes continue to be in high demand.

Programming and software development are among the best-known careers in the digital age, but these focus solely on software. Developing hardware falls on computer engineers. Computer engineers can also pursue careers in programming, software development, network design, and management.

In addition to designing, testing, and developing new PCs, workstations, and supercomputers, computer engineers also work to create computer systems for a wide range of devices, machines, and consumer products – from commercial appliances to jet aircraft and everything in between.

Computer engineers often work on the cutting edge of technological innovation. While it may seem that the hardware side of computing has reached its peak, advances continue to make computers more powerful and portable. Quantum computing is a largely unexplored frontier that is ripe for game-changing innovations.

Pursuing a career as a computer engineer can also be exceedingly financially rewarding, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting a median annual salary of $119,560 for computer engineers.

To help you decide if earning a bachelor in computer engineering is right for you, this page covers everything you need to know about this degree, including job outlook, how to choose a program, scholarship opportunities, and more. Check out our rankings if you want to explore the best computer engineering schools.

What can you do with a bachelor’s in computer engineering?

Graduating with a bachelor in computer engineering qualifies you for entry-level computer engineering positions and the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. After 4 years of work experience, you can take the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam to earn a license as a professional engineer and pursue higher-level positions such as team leader or senior engineer.

Should you get a bachelor’s in computer engineering?

Computer engineering is a career path well suited to those with strong analytical and problem-solving skills who enjoy working with computers, particularly computer hardware.

When deciding if this degree is the right choice for you from a financial perspective, it can be helpful to compare the earnings of computer engineers to the average earnings of all other bachelor’s degree holders.

» Read: What is the return on investment for your degree?

Computer engineering graduates who are 3 years into their career earn substantially more than the average bachelor’s degree holder. It is also worth noting that 97% of computer engineering graduates are employed within 2 years of graduation.

Computer engineers enjoy salary increases with age at a rate markedly higher than all other bachelor’s degree holders. There is also a sharper decline in salary in the final years before retirement, possibly attributed to early retirement being somewhat more common among computer engineers compared to the average bachelor’s degree holder.

How to pick a computer engineering program

Accreditation

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a computer engineering program. An important first filter is ABET (Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology) accreditation. Attending an ABET-accredited program ensures education meets industry standards. Additionally, non-accredited programs may not be eligible for professional (PE) licensure.

Concentration

In addition to choosing the right program, it’s important to consider the specific concentration that you would like to study. Common computer engineering concentrations include:

• Systems programming
  System programming is a concentration that focuses on writing code for computer systems software.
• Software engineering
  Software engineering focuses on software development, teaching students how to design, test, and develop new computer software. While software engineering is comparable to systems programming, software engineers tend to focus more on the end-to-end development of software applications for end users rather than coding and programming alone.
• Big data analytics
  Big data analytics focuses on analyzing data sets that are too large and complex to be analyzed via traditional data-processing application software.
• Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics
  In this concentration, students learn how to design and develop both robotic systems and AI software.
• Hardware and computer architecture
  This concentration focuses on designing the various hardware components that make up modern computing systems.
• Communications and networks
  A concentration in communications and networks centers on the design and implementation of mobile networks and telecommunication systems that allow computer systems to communicate with one another.
• Cybersecurity
  With the rise of cybercrime, the need for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow. In this computer engineering concentration, you learn how to design and implement cybersecurity solutions and evaluate the security of networks and computing systems.

The best bachelor in computer engineering programs

Find below our ratings of the comparative earnings, costs, and payback rates of different bachelor in computer engineering programs.

How much does a bachelor’s in computer engineering cost?

The cost of a computer engineering degree depends on the specific program that you choose. With that said, the chart below demonstrates the average cost, earnings, and payback periods for both public and private computer engineering programs.

Computer engineering programs at public colleges and universities are about twice as affordable as private programs, with only a small difference in average earnings. This leads to a payback period that is significantly shorter for graduates of public schools.

Financial aid and scholarships for computer engineering majors

Financial aid for computer engineering majors can come in several different forms, including merit-based and need-based scholarships, loans, grants, and work-study programs.

The first step is to complete the FAFSA form, available on the Federal Student Aid website. This form is used to determine how much need-based federal financial aid you are eligible to receive. After completing the FAFSA, be sure to schedule an appointment with your school’s financial aid department to see what other financial aid opportunities you might qualify for.

» Read: How to determine if you’re eligible for student loan refinancing

What to expect from a computer engineering program

Computer engineering undergraduate students can look forward to learning how to design and develop computer hardware and software. Additionally, computer engineering majors may take courses in artificial intelligence, robotics, telecommunications, data analytics, and cybersecurity.

What are the admission requirements for a bachelor in computer engineering?

The admissions requirements for computer engineering programs differ from school to school. Generally speaking, a high-school diploma with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, STEM prerequisites, and SAT and/or ACT minimum scores are required.

How long does it take to get a bachelor degree in computer engineering?

A bachelor in computer engineering generally takes 4 years to complete.

Internship requirements

Computer engineering majors are not required to complete an internship in order to earn their degree. With that said, completing internships is a great way to make your computer engineering resume stand out to potential employers.

FE and PE exams

Immediately following graduation, computer engineering graduates are eligible to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. The FE is a 110-question, computer-based exam that marks the first step toward earning your license as a professional engineer.

The FE is available in multiple versions geared toward specific engineering concentrations, such as the FE Civil exam for civil engineers and the FE Electrical and Computer for electrical and computer engineers. While you are free to choose whichever version you want, it is advisable to select the FE exam that best matches your field of study.

After passing the FE exam and earning 4 years of work experience, computer engineering graduates can take the PE exam and earn the title of Professional Engineer.

What types of courses are there in a bachelor of computer engineering?

In addition to various courses in mathematics and applied sciences, computer engineering students can expect to attend a range of courses dealing with both computer software and hardware, including:

What types of computer engineering bachelor’s degrees are there?

A Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering is the most common degree title in this discipline. Other possible degree titles include:

• Bachelor of Engineering (BEng or B.E.)
• Bachelor of Science Engineering (B.Sc.Eng.)
• Bachelor of Engineering Science (B.Eng.Sc.)
• Bachelor of Technology (BTech)
• Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.)

While these titles do have some variation, they are mostly interchangeable so long as you earn your degree at an accredited school.

Some schools may combine computer engineering and electrical engineering into a single program, allowing you to learn both disciplines at once.

What careers can I have with a bachelor’s of computer engineering?

This degree can lead to a variety of lucrative careers. Check out our careers in computer engineering page for more information. Pursuing a master’s in computer engineering also opens up an array of career options for those interested in leadership or research and development roles.