What Is Computer Engineering?
Career Guide + FAQ
What Is Computer Engineering? Career Guide + FAQ
Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on Jan 22, 2025
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Learn about computer engineering and how to become a computer
engineer.
[Featured Image]: Students reading a textbook in a computer class.
Computer engineers design computer systems that power a wide range of
everyday devices. These systems, often embedded within products,
perform essential functions but remain invisible to the end user. The
demand for computer engineers is particularly high in industries like
aerospace, telecommunications, and health care.
IBM
IBM and ISC2 Cybersecurity Specialist
Professional certificate
Beginner level
· 3 month(s)
Skills you’ll build:Authorization (Computing), Network Security, Data
Security, Computer Security Incident Management, Security Controls,
Microsoft Windows, Software Development Life Cycle, Cloud Computing
Architecture, Information Assurance, Penetration Testing, Computing
Platforms, Encryption, Cryptography, Cyber Governance, Information
Technology, Data Storage, Application Security, Incident Response, Cloud
Computing, Cybersecurity, Programming Principles, Database
Management, Computer Programming, Relational Databases, Software
Versioning, Open Source Technology, Databases, System Software,
Software Systems, Cloud Services, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Data
Centers, OSI Models, Threat Management, Computer Networking, TCP/IP,
Cyber Attacks, General Networking, Threat Detection, Network Protocols,
Infrastructure Security, Virtualization, Cloud-Native Computing, Cloud
Infrastructure, Microservices, Hybrid Cloud Computing, Identity and Access
Management, Cloud Storage, Cloud Security, DevOps, Serverless
Computing, Public Cloud, Virtual Machines, Application Deployment, Data
Ethics, Data Integrity, Risk Management Framework, Governance,
Vulnerability Assessments, Security Awareness, Disaster Recovery,
Information Privacy, Operational Risk, Crisis Management, System
Monitoring, Business Continuity, Personally Identifiable Information,
Security Management, User Provisioning, Scenario Testing, Role-Based
Access Control (RBAC), Data Access, Authentications, Cyber Security
Policies, Malware Protection, Multi-Factor Authentication, Computer
Security Awareness Training, Windows Servers, Technical Support,
Hardening, Computer Hardware, Operating Systems, Peripheral Devices,
Display Devices, USB, System Configuration, Hardware Troubleshooting,
Networking Hardware, Desktop Support, Computer Displays, Software
Installation, Linux, File Systems, Computer Systems, Mac OS, Hardware
Architecture, Continuous Monitoring, Configuration Management,
Information Systems Security, Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security
Standards, Cyber Risk, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Threat Intelligence,
Wireless Networks, Wide Area Networks, Data Storage Technologies,
Network Troubleshooting, Firewall, Local Area Networks, Network
Architecture, Network Administration, Command-Line Interface, Cyber
Security Assessment, Cyber Security Strategy
4.8
(641 ratings)
What is computer engineering?
Computer engineering is a branch of computer science and electrical
engineering. This field of study combines several disciplines to design and
develop software and hardware systems. Learn more about computer
engineering and how you can become a computer engineer.
What’s the difference between computer science and computer
engineering?
Although computer science and computer engineering are closely related,
they have a few key differences. Both require critical thinking, problem-
solving and communication skills, and technical expertise. However,
computer scientists focus more on theorizing and developing ways to use
software to solve real-world problems. They must be able to work with
programming languages such as Python and Java.
Computer engineers typically work more closely with hardware and
computer systems as a whole. Computer engineering students gain
programming skills to assist with software design but generally focus their
studies on disciplines like electrical engineering and physics.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Hands-on Internet of Things
Specialization
Intermediate level
· 2 month(s)
Skills you’ll build:Machine Learning, Network Infrastructure, Electronics,
Network Security, Infrastructure Security, Network Routers, Network
Performance Management, Telecommunications, Internet Of Things, Cloud
Infrastructure, General Networking, Network Switches, Network
Architecture, Basic Electrical Systems, Network Protocols, Python
Programming, Local Area Networks, Wireless Networks, Distributed
Computing, Embedded Software, Embedded Systems, Hardware
Architecture, Computing Platforms, Systems Architecture, Electrical
Systems, Systems Design, Electronic Hardware, Electronic Components,
Network Planning And Design, Enterprise Architecture, Network Routing,
Digital Communications, Algorithms, Cloud Computing
4.7
(184 ratings)
What do computer engineers do?
Computer engineers work with all aspects of computer operating systems,
from software to robotics. As a computer engineer, you’ll work closely with
other engineers and programmers to design computer systems and test
their functionality. You’ll remain current with the latest technology and
update software and hardware to keep systems running smoothly.
Where do computer engineers work?
Computer engineering professionals work in research labs, private sectors,
and federal, state, and local governments. To become a computer
engineer, consider pursuing the specialization or focus area that interests
you most. You can start researching engineering jobs by browsing job
posts. This exercise can help you understand the differences in
responsibilities and pay across industries as you plan your next career
move.
How much do computer engineers make?
The average annual base salary for computer hardware engineers in the
US is $94,874, according to Glassdoor [1]. For computer engineers more
broadly, Glassdoor lists an estimated total pay of $116,100 [2]. This figure
includes an average base pay of $91,739 and $24,366 in additional pay.
Additional pay insights may include profit-sharing, commissions, and
bonuses [2].
How to become a computer engineer
Sixty-six percent of computer engineers have a bachelor’s degree, 14
percent have a master’s degree, and 11 percent have an associate degree
[3]. Twenty-eight percent of computer engineers with a degree pursued a
computer engineering major. Other relevant areas of study include
computer science and electrical engineering.
If you don’t plan on earning a degree or are considering switching from
another role, you may supplement your experience with certifications or
engineering programs. Consider a beginner-friendly option to help you
build a strong foundation of computer engineering knowledge:
Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems. You can complete this
online, self-paced course in just 17 hours. Centered on computing
fundamentals, this course can help you gain insights into identifying and
describing internal desktop and laptop computer components, interfaces,
and peripherals. You’ll also earn a certificate from IBM, an industry leader
in technology.
