Computer Engineering

Computer engineers develop computer hardware and software. They are involved in many hardware and software aspects of computing, from the design of microprocessors, personal computers, and supercomputers, to circuit design.

There are two major specialities in computer engineering: computer software engineering and computer hardware engineering.

Computer software engineers develop, design, and test software. Some design, construct, and maintain computer programs for companies. There are also many more jobs software engineers have.

Computer hardware engineers research develop, design, and test various computer equipment. Most computer hardware engineers work in research laboratories and hi-tech manufacturing firms. They generally work full-time and approximately 25% of their work requires 40 hours a week.

Computer engineers work in many different jobs, such as in the government, military, or computer companies like Dell or Microsoft.

WHAT CLASSES SHOULD YOU TAKE IN HIGH SCHOOL?

• Advanced science
• Advanced math
• Computer science
• Computer engineering

Some of the few colleges to pursue the goal of becoming a computer engineer is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, and the University of California--- Berkeley. A student must at least have a bachelors degree in college in order to become a computer engineer, which will take about 4-5 years.

The average pay for starting computer engineers is $56,000 per year. For experienced engineers, it's $89,000 per year. The maximum pay for computer is $140,328 or more per year.