Computer Engineering Degree: Coursework, Timeline, and Jobs

Key takeaways

Computer engineering is a broad field that focuses on designing both hardware and software, combining elements of electrical engineering and computer science. It's often a career path where a bachelor's degree, and at times even a master's degree, is expected.

• Earning a computer engineering degree typically requires completing foundational and advanced coursework in math, science, core engineering, and computer engineering.

• A computer engineering degree generally takes four to five years to complete.

• Graduating with a degree in computer engineering can lead to a variety of careers.

Learn more about what it takes to earn a computer engineering degree, and the different jobs you can explore after graduation.

What does it take to earn a computer engineering degree?

A computer engineering degree most often refers to a bachelor's in computer engineering. This major focuses on learning a combination of computer science, electrical engineering, and math to solve problems and design hardware and software.

Computer engineering degrees typically take between four and five years to complete. In that time, you'll need to successfully pass general education requirements, your major coursework, and any electives you opt to take. Learn more about how many credits it takes to graduate college.

The average cost of college in the US is $38,270, according to the Education Data Initiative [1]. The total cost will depend on whether you attend a public or private institution, whether you live on- or off-campus, how long you take to graduate, and whether you have any financial aid, such as scholarships or student loans.

Computer engineering degree coursework

Computer engineering degrees focus on learning a combination of computer science, electrical engineering, and math to solve problems and design hardware and software. With such an expansive field, you can expect courses in math, software, hardware, embedded systems, computer programming, communications, and electronic circuits.

Degree programs also generally offer electives and specializations so you can focus on areas that align with your career goals.

Math and science

Students begin with calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, and discrete mathematics to build analytical skills. Physics courses, particularly in electricity and magnetism, provide the scientific foundation for understanding electronic systems and electromagnetic principles.

Core engineering

Digital logic design teaches students how computers process information using binary systems and logic gates. Circuit analysis and electronics courses cover electrical components, voltage, current, and how to design and analyze electronic circuits that form the basis of computer hardware.

Computer systems and programming

Programming courses in languages such as C++, Java, and Python develop software development skills. Computer architecture classes examine how processors, memory, and storage systems interact, while operating systems courses teach how software manages hardware resources.

Advanced computer engineering

Once you have completed your core computer engineering coursework, expect to take advanced coursework in niche topics, such as microprocessors and embedded systems courses, computer networks, or software engineering.

Specialized topics

Later coursework often includes signal processing, control systems, cybersecurity, and emerging fields such as artificial intelligence or robotics, allowing students to specialize based on their career interests.

What can you do with a computer engineering degree?

Computer engineering is a broad field with numerous roles to consider. This means your career options are wide-ranging and can include jobs in software and hardware development, web development, technical support, and systems analysis.

Depending on the position, the following roles require a computer engineering degree, along with additional knowledge and computer engineering skills.

1. Web developer

Average annual salary: $98,626 [2]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 8 percent [3]

Requirements: You’ll need to have a firm grasp of and familiarity with programming languages.

Web developers do more than design and develop websites; they also maintain them and work with applications. In this role, you ensure that your websites are functional, perform well, and handle desired traffic levels. You’re responsible for the website layout, design, and content, ensuring your designs are user-friendly. 

Duties include:

• Meeting clients to discuss their needs and specifications

• Designing and testing web pages and applications

• Writing code for the website

• Creating designs and content 

2. Systems analyst

Average annual salary: $117,804 [4]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 11 percent [5]

Requirements: Courses in business are helpful. Some employers may prefer you have a master’s degree in computer engineering.

Systems analysts support businesses and organizations by improving technology and systems to make processes more efficient and technology more effective. In this role, you may also suggest technology and tools that will benefit an organization. 

Duties include:

• Meeting with companies and organizations to discuss their technology needs

• Analyzing current processes and technology for effectiveness and evaluating costs and benefits

• Researching and suggesting technology and processes

• Designing, installing, and testing new systems

3. Hardware engineer

Average annual salary: $144,354 [6]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 7 percent [7]

Requirements: Employers favor degree programs with ABET accreditation. Proficiency in programming is also a must. 

As a hardware engineer, you work with various computer hardware systems and products such as circuit boards, routers, processors, and memory devices, typically designing, developing, testing, and maintaining them. You work closely with software engineers who use your hardware, so having a good understanding of programming languages is essential.

Duties include:

• Designing new hardware

• Testing hardware and making changes for improvement

• Updating and maintaining hardware

• Overseeing the hardware manufacturing process

4. Database administrator 

Average annual salary: $110,649 [8]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 9 percent [9]

Requirements: Some employers may require a master’s degree focusing on data and an understanding of programming languages and database languages such as SQL.

As a database administrator, you’re responsible for using technology to develop systems to store and access company data, such as payroll records, confidential financial data, and shipping records. 

Duties include: 

• Designing and building databases according to users’ needs

• Ensuring databases and access are efficient and free of errors 

• Ensuring data is secure and that you have the correct permissions 

• Backing up data to avoid loss

5. Software developer

Average annual salary: $119,820 [10]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 17 percent [11]

Requirements: You may need a master’s for some senior-level jobs. You’ll also need a background in computer programming. 

As a software developer, you’re responsible for creating computer applications and software that allow computers, applications, and devices to run on a network. You’ll work on all aspects of software development, including testing and maintenance. 

Duties include:

• Designing and developing software according to users’ needs

• Recommending upgrades to existing software

• Creating models and diagrams to instruct programmers on software code

• Documenting design and maintenance for future upgrades

6. Security analyst

Average annual salary: $127,372 [12]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 33 percent [13]

Requirements: Employers may ask for relevant experience and security certifications, which vary depending on the job.

As a security analyst, your role is to secure and protect company systems, networks, and data from hackers, cyber attacks, viruses, and malware to safeguard critical data from theft and manipulation. 

Duties include:

• Monitoring and investigating security networks for intrusions and breaches

• Recommending security updates and new technology to enhance security

• Creating plans for emergencies and recovering lost data due to natural disasters

• Training staff and system users on security procedures and data safety

7. IT consultant

Average annual salary: $134,104 [14]

Job outlook (projected growth from 2023 to 2033): 17 percent [15]

Requirements: You’ll need significant experience in your field.

As an IT consultant, you’ll have expertise in your area of specialization and will work with clients in an organization to improve existing IT systems, processes, and efficiency. You’ll train staff on new technology and infrastructure. 

Duties include: 

• Determining clients’ needs and suggesting upgrades and technological solutions

• Troubleshooting any current technological issues and providing solutions

• Training staff on new technology and processes

• Monitoring the progress of new IT systems

nd build games

• Working with artists and animators to design game features 

• Testing and debugging while following quality assurance procedures

Earn your computer engineering master's through Coursera

Advance your career with the Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering from Dartmouth University, available through Coursera. In the program, you'll work on industry-relevant collaborative projects and receive ongoing detailed feedback and guidance from Ivy League professors and active researchers. Learn more today.