Computer Engineering Major: What It Includes, Classes and Careers

A Computer Engineering major designs computer hardware and the software that runs closest to it. Computer engineering blends electrical engineering and computer science.

A Computer Engineering major includes coursework in digital logic, computer architecture, embedded systems, circuits and electronics, and programming and more. You build skills such as hardware design, embedded programming, testing and debugging, and systems thinking. Typical degrees: bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees.

Typical courses include digital logic, computer architecture, embedded systems, circuits and electronics, programming, and computer networks. Exact course names and requirements vary by college, and most degrees also include general education courses.

It depends on the level. Computer Engineering is offered as certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral awards at U.S. colleges; certificates take from a few months to about two years, an associate degree usually takes about two years of full-time study, a bachelor’s degree usually takes about four years of full-time study, a master’s degree usually takes one to two years after a bachelor’s, and a doctoral or professional degree takes several more years beyond that. Part-time study takes longer.

Bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. In the latest federal data, 8 colleges reported certificate awards, 12 colleges reported associate awards, 274 colleges reported bachelor’s awards, 107 colleges reported master’s awards, and 55 colleges reported doctoral awards.

Career paths connected to computer engineering include electronics engineer, electrical engineer, software developer, network administrator, and electronics technician. Some roles need additional training, experience, certification or a license.

Examples include electronics engineer (typical training: 4-year engineering degree), electrical engineer (typical training: 4 years), software developer (typical training: 4 years or bootcamp plus portfolio), network administrator (typical training: 1–4 years), and electronics technician (typical training: 2 years).

Computer Engineering majors build skills such as hardware design, embedded programming, testing and debugging, systems thinking, and documentation.

Good pairings include Computer Science (adds software depth), Mathematics (supports signal processing and algorithms), and Cybersecurity (fits hardware and embedded security work).

It can be a good fit if you are interested in the work it leads to, such as electronics engineer, electrical engineer, and software developer, and enjoy subjects like digital logic and computer architecture. No major guarantees a job, so compare the coursework, the careers and the education each career requires before deciding.

How hard it feels depends on your strengths. Core coursework includes digital logic, computer architecture, and embedded systems; if those subjects interest you, the major is likely to feel more manageable. Reviewing a college’s course list and talking to current students helps you judge.

303 U.S. colleges reported awarding degrees or certificates in this field in the latest federal (IPEDS) data. Programs can have different names at different schools.

California (29), Texas (18), Ohio (15), Florida (14), and Pennsylvania (14), based on the colleges that reported awards in this field.

280 of the colleges that offer computer engineering also report offering at least one program entirely online, though not necessarily this one. Use the college search with this major and “Offers fully online programs”, then confirm with the school.

Computer Engineering designs computer hardware and the software that runs closest to it. Mechanical Engineering designs machines, engines, tools and mechanical systems. Computer Engineering leads to careers such as electronics engineer and electrical engineer, while Mechanical Engineering leads to careers such as mechanical engineer and mechanical engineering technician.

Computer Engineering designs computer hardware and the software that runs closest to it. Electrical Engineering designs electrical systems, electronics, power and communications equipment. Computer Engineering leads to careers such as electronics engineer and electrical engineer, while Electrical Engineering leads to careers such as electrical engineer and electronics engineer.

Yes. Short online career training can help you understand a specific job and build practical knowledge alongside your classes. It does not replace your degree or any required license.

No. Career Education Institute is not a college and does not award degrees. It offers short, non-credit online trainings about jobs connected to computer engineering, such as Electronics Engineer Training.