Feedback About wiseGEEK Login
What is a Computer Engineer?
Article Details
  • Written By: Malcolm Tatum
  • Edited By: Bronwyn Harris
  • Last Modified Date: 07 December 2011
  • Copyright Protected:
    2003-2012
    Conjecture Corporation
Free Widgets for your Site/Blog
 more...

A computer engineer is an engineering professional who not only possesses the training of an electrical engineer, but also has credentials related to the field of computer science. The combination of the basic engineering skills that are the province of all engineers with an extensive knowledge of software design and implementation provides the computer engineer with a skill set that is very attractive in the business world today.

Computer engineering involves many aspects of computer design, the creation of individual components for computer equipment, networking design, and integrating software options with the hardware that will drive the applications. A competent computer engineer can secure work in any environment where computers play a role in the operation of the business. Because a computer engineer will have an extensive understanding of such electronic devices as microprocessors, local and wide area networks, and even supercomputers that form the basis for worldwide communications, the career paths are wide and varied. Computer engineers can find work in such fields as telecommunications, transportation, manufacturing, and product development.

Some of the common tasks associated with the computer engineer include software design that is customized for a particular industry type. Operating systems that are peculiar to the culture of a given company often require the input of a computer engineer, ensuring that the functionality of the custom design meets all the needs of the application. In general, a computer engineer is not only part of the design process of a new application, but also continues to provide service and support as new versions of software are released, and in implementing additional customizations or fixes to existing software.

One area where opportunities are expanding for qualified computer engineers is in the robotics industry. The unique skills of the computer engineer is helping to move robotics forward, by making the best use of traditional electronic technology and the latest in computer generated applications. The computer engineer can find significant opportunities within robotics to purse the design of new motors, improved communication devices, and more sensitive sensors that can help robotic equipment function more efficiently.

Related Videos

Discuss this Article

anon228608
Post 113
I´m only 13 years old. I'm from Mexico and I want to be a computer engineer. The problem is that I am very bad in Algebra. Really I don't understand anything but I'm working on that.
anon200970
Post 112
will a computer engineer be called as an engineer?
anon194855
Post 111
I love this course as a student. I'll be graduating in october 2011 and i want to proceed on to a graphic card company like ATI, Sapphire, etc. I love ICs.
Related Topics
skhera1
Post 110
do you only have to know algebra to do computer engineering. If there is more mathematics that you have to learn than please let me know.

and please would you kindly give me some tips on becoming a computer engineer?

anon173968
Post 109
For all of you who are asking if you need to be good at math: Yes. Math is also important in computer engineering (or almost any other engineering degree).

You will have to pass through many math classes. If you are struggling with even the simplest algebra, this is not a career for you. Math skills are probably more important than your basic computer skills (anyone can build a computer from parts; it takes much much more than that to become an engineer).

anon172887
Post 108
I am currently an eighth grader but I'm pretty mature, I love working with computers and I'm starting to get into computer hardware engineering. There's only one problem. I'm not the best at math, I can do it, but i had downgrade my classes from algebra to regular math, so I'm wondering if i can still make it and not be the best at math.
Related Topics
anon168914
Post 106
i have a very good background in trigonometry and algebra, including physics when i was high school so i guess I'm taking up computer engineering in college.
anon166345
Post 105
I'm a student of grd 10 after slc, i want to go in the field of computers and i want to study computer engineering. so i just want to know how i join after slc or what are the things that I need for CE and do I also study mathematics in this field?
anon165397
Post 104
A professor of differential and integral calculus said that if a student could pass these two subjects he or she will progress in the field of engineering.
Related Topics
anon160142
Post 103
i really love computers, however I'm very weak in maths. Can i improve?
anon152879
Post 98
do i need computer as a subject of 11th and 12th for any good college entrance, or it is not necessary?
anon149144
Post 97
I am a second semester sophomore in computer engineering. A B.S. typically takes four years, and some can complete their M.S. in one or two additional years.

So far, I have taken: linear algebra, vector geometry, calc 1-3, differential equations, discrete, calc-based physics 1-2(we covered all of AP physics in two weeks), circuit analysis, intro to comp engineering, intro to C++, fata structures, microprocessor system design, Unix, and signals and systems. Those are just the most related ones. Trust me, there have been more.

Related Topics
anon138112
Post 95
i just want you to show me the steps i can take to study my computer engineering education.
anon135341
Post 94
i have not entered into the university but i want to start reading books on computer engineering. but i don't even know the recommended books to purchase.
anon134529
Post 93
how can we score in engineering?
Related Topics
anon133472
Post 91
Is math used in computer engineering?
anon132969
Post 90
how do i become a competent computer engineer? and is math a compulsory subject. please reply
anon131118
Post 89
I am good in math but my weakness is designing.
Related Topics
anon123196
Post 87
what is a typical day for someone in this career/profession?
anon122009
Post 86
I want to learn all about computer especially when it comes in software and hardware. can you please give me some ideas on it for me to know how will i undergo with this kind of studying? i need your reply. thanks.
anon121992
Post 85
i am studying a diploma in computer eng. Please inform me more about this engineering and give me information about jobs after my diploma.
Related Topics
anon119981
Post 84
I am currently pursuing a computer engineering degree (BSCPE). The math involved can become extensive and tedious, but does not go as far as a math major or physics major. Calc 1,2,3 and Diff. Eq. are required.

You must also take prob + stat for engineers and linear algebra is recommended, but not required.

Most of the courses after your GEP, or associates degree as some say, are electrical engineering and computer science based. I would highly recommend that a minor in intelligent robotic systems be considered, as this is a field with a growing demand. FYI: Avg, starting salary is about 60k per year (USD).

anon116349
Post 82
@anon109541-78, i am a junior in high school and am already taking calculus ab, so you are really far behind. And i want to become a computer engineer as well.
anon112845
Post 81
@78 -anon109541 You're going to need Calculus 1, 2 and 3 for starters so that mean Pre-cal and Cal with Trig as a pre-req, Physics with Cal 1 and 2 at the minimum, along with a ton of other maths like Linear Algebra and Differential Equations. All the above mentioned is only for the two-year transferable and not the actual 4+ year degree
Related Topics
anon110926
Post 80
I am 23 and I have finished my Bachelors in Business Studies and would like to make a future in the field of computers. So, how would I choose a better college for Computer Engineering? And how much does it cost to finish the course?
anon110004
Post 79
how do i become a competent computer engineer?
anon109541
Post 78
I am 26 and am now deciding to pursue a bachelors in computer engineering. I have been out of school since 2002. I was very good at math and sciences in school. I was wondering, are there any math courses I should already know going into a bachelors of computer science. I took algebra 1 and 2 geometry and trig in high school but I forgot a lot of it because it has been so long. I am sure if I studied I could pick it up quickly.
Related Topics
anon109538
Post 76
I want a career in computer engineering. how much will i learn and is intel the only chip makers?

anon105081
Post 73
I am 26 and am now deciding to pursue a bachelors in computer engineering. I have been out of school since 2002. I was very good at math and sciences in school. I was wondering, are there any math courses I should already know going into a bachelors of computer science. I took algebra 1 and 2 geometry and trig in high school but I forgot a lot of it because it has been so long. I am sure if I studied I could pick it up quickly.
jane18
Post 72
what qualifications do i need to study computer engineering?
Related Topics
anon102528
Post 71
i passed 10th and now i want to make career in computer engineering. What do i do now?
anon100688
Post 70
I am a computer engineer and i worked on different computers but at times faced some challenges, like being unable to recover system from its recovery disk. what might be the root cause?
anon97810
Post 69
what type of math is needed in computer engineering? is is it possible to get a job after completing computer engineering? Please reply.
Related Topics
anon94495
Post 64
what are the different courses of computer engineering?

And what type of maths do i need to study it?

anon93754
Post 63
Please tell me all about computer engineering. I'm getting confused about which engineering career to pursue.
anon92619
Post 62
i want to understand all thing about computer engineering.
Related Topics
anon92127
Post 61
i passed my 12 this year. i wish to become a computer engineer, but i need proper information about it. can you please help me? thanks.
anon91676
Post 60
i have done my 10 standard now and i want to pursue computer engineering? can i do this course on 10th basis? Is math very important for this subject? what level and kind of math will i learn?
anon91001
Post 59
i am in 12 std. and wish to do computer engineering. what are criteria required? what things should i take in to consideration. And on which subjects should i pay attention? does it have any relation with 12 computer.
Related Topics
anon90026
Post 58
What are the steps required for being a computer engineer?
anon89929
Post 57
can you tell me the kind of maths you need to know to become a computer engineer, and how much years you have to finish to get your bachelors or masters degree in becoming a computer engineer?
anon89501
Post 56
I heard computer engineering is a really good course, and is currently on top ten highest-paying majors. Is this true? Medicine and law came tops followed by computer engineering and other computing careers. Also, what is the difference between computer engineering and computer science? thanks.
Related Topics
anon88764
Post 55
I am starting college for software engineering technology this september 2010. I just wanted to know if there where any courses other then my main study that would really look good on a resume?

Also can you tell me what pays more: software engineering technology or software applications development and what the difference is between the two?

anon88758
Post 54
I really love computers. However if math is my weak point, can I always improve it greatly?
anon87932
Post 53
i am passing SSC this year. i want to became a computer engineer. will you give me guidance?

Related Topics
anon87434
Post 52
I am a computer engineer and i have been searching for a good job the last two years.

I am a good programmer plus i have many other skills, like analysis of electrical circuits etc etc. I want to invest my skills for a disciplined organization but this world does not needs good engineers.

I have applied to bigger companies of the world like GE, Microsoft and many more but all in vain. No response at all from almost 30 big organizations.

anon86157
Post 50
I would very much like to be a computer engineer.

and i want you to tell me the difference between information technology and computer engineering.

anon85101
Post 49
seriously, i want to know what it really takes to be a computer engineer. most times it's like we are relegated to the background except when you have some IT knowledge-which is very expensive. please, how can one get around to learning the real basics without paying so much.
Related Topics
anon84746
Post 48
what is the difference of information technology and computer engineering? what is much better to take to college --IT or CE?
anon84049
Post 47
Please how is a computer engineer useful to a country. In a way like a doctor?
anon82619
Post 46
what is the worst quality of this job?
Related Topics
anon81263
Post 45
What subjects do i need at leaving cert to qualify as a Computer Engineer?
anon80349
Post 44
I want to be a computer engineer, but i would like to know what to specialize in, so that after finishing i can easily get a good job. thanks.
anon77698
Post 43
what is the difference between computer engineering and computer science engineering? kamal-india
Related Topics
anon76772
Post 42
Please, i am a nigerian and i'd like to be a computer engineer but most of the schools on the net don't offer programs to african countries. how can you guys help students here in africa.
anon72737
Post 40
what are the opportunities for a masters degree when you study computer engineering.
anon72258
Post 39
do i have to go to college to become a computer engineer?
Related Topics
anon70297
Post 37
I want to be a potential computer engineer. but i just wanted to know if it would be very tough or hard to cope up with because it would include electrical engineer and computer science. Please reply to this query.
anon70269
Post 36
I am a computer engineering student in my last year.

I doesn't matter what you major in - it has no connection to the world outside whatsoever.

as for a job, I am currently working @ Intel Development - a pretty fun place to work in.

anon69613
Post 34
how do i become a competent computer engineer?
Related Topics
anon69544
Post 33
Computer Engineering is a very wide field. You can deal with hardware and software side of technology, or you can take different specialist path.
anon69385
Post 32
i am now a college student and i will be taking computer engineering. Is this course really hard? what are the subjects?
anon63174
Post 29
right now i'm taking up computer engineering don't know the reason why, but i really did enjoy it. And i still don't know what would be my specialty.
Related Topics
anon55536
Post 25
what do you do all day once you are at work?
anon55439
Post 24
What courses do you have to take in high school to become a software engineer?
anon50324
Post 22
how do i become a computer engineer?
Related Topics
anon49488
Post 21
@anon32425: Some math that I've encountered; calculus 1/2, multivariable calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, abstract algebra, advanced geometry, discrete mathematics, statistics and trigonometry. It's not too bad. I tend to think of the math as three types: calculus, algebra, and discrete. Calculus mostly for the EE, discrete for the CS, and algebra for both.

@Diana

A computer engineer could very well be capable of fixing the hardware like a TV, or even the software such as MP3. Keep in mind though, many repairs on recent hardware will involve swapping out prefabricated parts, and for the most part doesn't require a vast knowledge of how the hardware works.

anon49299
Post 19
What's the salary difference between Manangement Info Sys and CE?
anon45048
Post 18
normally a salary for a CE is around $50,000 - $90,000 per annum.
Related Topics
anon44766
Post 17
What qualifications does one need to attain in order to enter the computer engineering field? -thando
anon44326
Post 15
can you tell me about opportunities for getting jobs after finishing the B.E computer engineering course? and also tell how much salary I can secure by being a general computer engineering?
mikehough11
Post 14
Can computer engineering be used in game engineering? Do you like your job? Do you enjoy your work? What is your annual salary?

Related Topics
anon39746
Post 13
how much can a computer engineer with a masters degree earn? ulrich
anon34084
Post 12
What are some career options for computer engineers after obtaining a B E Degree?
anon32425
Post 11
What math will I encounter?
Related Topics
Diana
Post 10
Does a computer engineer have to read a lot and deal a lot with statistics?

Can a computer engineer fix electronics such as computers, mp3s. televisions, bluetooths, etc...

anon26167
Post 9
What is the career path to becoming a certified computer engineer?
anon22186
Post 8
@anon16185: You should be learning Calculus, Trigonometry, and all of the basic algebras I & II.

@newguy123: Just google it, like I googled "Top 10 Tech Colleges" and I came up with some good stuff, It depends on where you are living or where you want to go.

Related Topics
anon18360
Post 7
@anon13183: Web, Software and Hardware
anon16185
Post 4
what type of math will i be learning?
newguy123
Post 3
what college do you have to go to for a major in computer engineering.
Related Topics
karly2188
Post 2
I am majoring in Computer Engineering. What classes should I take?

anon13183
Post 1
What are three computer-related jobs?

Post your comments

Post Anonymously

please enter the following code:

Login

username
password
forgot password?
or connect with facebook

Register

username
password
confirm
email