engineering part 2

Typically, most employers expect software engineering professionals to have at least a bachelor’s degree, while companies hiring hardware engineers traditionally seek applicants that hold a master’s degree. Bachelor’s degree programs allow students to complete a comprehensive education in while concentrating their studies in either hardware or software specializations. For example, an electrical engineering program with an emphasis in computer engineering is appropriate if you want to work with microprocessors and high-speed circuitry. For those considering a career in software engineering, they may want to pursue a general computer engineering degree or a software engineering degree. Other applicable undergraduate majors include mathematics and computer science. When choosing a program, be sure it is certified by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

3

Advanced Study (Optional, But Sometimes Required for Hardware Engineers)

While graduates may find an entry-level software engineering job with a bachelor’s degree, better-paying positions and software management jobs typically call for a master’s degree. Hardware engineers usually return to college for post-graduate work. Those who want to rise to leadership or management roles pursue masters of business administration (MBA) degrees with a technology focus. Pay increases are often pegged to ongoing education, and engineers are inquisitive enough to want to stay abreast of technological advances. In many cases, your employer may contribute to ongoing education fees. A doctorate can be an advantageous degree for engineers who want to teach at the university level or conduct advanced research at a university-sponsored laboratory. Engineers with a PhD in information technology can advance to management workplace roles such as IT strategist, chief technology officer or chief information officer.

4

Specialized and Get Certified

Computer engineers can work as general problem solvers or they can focus on one aspect of their career. For hardware professionals, continuing education in software development can be beneficial and vice versa. As the fields are continually evolving, job candidates will want to go where the opportunities exist. Specialize, but remain nimble. Some corporations may demand employees pursue advanced certifications in hardware or software systems offered by vendors. Certification exams are offered to benchmark skills for a prospective employer or advance in the company. They can be an essential part of the job search arsenal. Popular certification categories include Microsoft Systems Administration (MCSA), Cisco Network (Wireless and Voice), Project Management and VM Ware.

Computer Engineering Degree Options

Computer engineering degrees are available in both campus and online formats and range from two-year associate degree programs to advanced graduate study at the doctoral level. Instruction varies from the career-specific–such as an associate degree in electronics technology–to research-focused PhD programs in digital signal processing. Each academic step offers students the opportunity to not only enhance their existing skill sets, but also develop knowledge and skills in new or more specialized areas.
Associate Degrees At the associate degree level, prospective students can select from two educational paths: Electronics and Computer Technology or Pre-Engineering with a Computer and Electrical Engineering emphasis. An associate in electronics and computer technology offers career-focused curriculum that allows students to either continue their studies at the bachelor’s degree level or pursue entry-level employment opportunities after graduation. A pre-engineering degree, on the other hand, is aimed at students seeking to transfer to a four-year university to complete a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering. Both options are designed to introduce students to fundamental principles in computer engineering and electronics design, including programming, communications and networking, electronic systems, computer hardware and software, electronic systems, instrumentation, and maintenance and repair. For example, students may take classes in subjects such as computer architecture, object-oriented programming, circuit theory, networking and Internet technologies, and digital electronics. These programs can be completed in two to three years and typically require between 65 and 72 credit hours to graduate, depending on the school and program.

Networking and Internet Technologies

Introduces students to networking fundamentals, including database concepts, client-server programming, and database design

CE Skills & Knowledge Gained

• Structure query language (SQL)
• Internet applications
• Relational databases

Object Oriented Programming

Introduces students to the object oriented design programming techniques, including different programming languages, data manipulation, and sorting.

CE Skills & Knowledge Gained

• Object-oriented programming
• Data abstractions
• C++ and Java
• Algorithm analysis, design, and implementation

Data Communication and Networking

Introduces students to the fundamentals of data communications, networking, and the Internet.

CE Skills & Knowledge Gained

• Data security
• Signal processing
• TCP/IP communication
• Internet protocol (IP)
• Client-server API

C++ Programming

Introduces students to C++ programming language and focuses on effective approaches to design and coding.

CE Skills & Knowledge Gained

• C++
• Functions
• Arrays
• Loops
• Variables

Bachelor’s Degrees

There are multiple degree formats at the bachelor’s degree level, including the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering (BSCSE), the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (BSCE), and the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Technology (BSCET). Although curriculum varies by program type, each features a balanced approach to the study of computer engineering with an emphasis on the design, integration, and support of computer hardware, software, and network systems. Typically requiring between 120 and 128 semester credits to complete, the curriculum is divided between general education and computer engineering classes. Broadly, students develop foundational technical skills by studying programming languages, databases, computer and network architecture, and electro-mechanical systems. Examples of specific areas of study include systems software, digital integrated circuit design, microcomputer systems, and electrical and computer engineering design. Some colleges allow students to individualize their studies through program concentrations in software, hardware, and related fields such as robotics, Web technologies, information assurance, and Web design.

Advanced Programming

Broad study of the C language, including its structure, style, and operators. Students also receive an introduction to programming design in regards to problem solving.

CE Skills & Knowledge Gained

• Problem definition and program design
• Algorithm programming
• UNIX, PHP, C languages