Computer Science

"""Common majors for this field

Computer Engineering is the most common major for Computer Engineers. The second most common major for Computer Engineers is Computer Science. Computer Science takes a more theoretical approach to the information frameworks and codes that make computers work, while Computer Engineering takes a more hands-on, applied approach to the same subject matter. Both majors provide graduates with a solid understanding of computer software and there are excellent Computer Engineers who majored in each one.

Civil Engineer Employment & Outlook

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that Computer Hardware Engineer employment will increase by 9% between 2010 and 2020. Computer Software Engineer employment is expected to increase by 12% between 2010 and 2020 (BSL). The difference in employment outlook between these two closely related Computer Engineering fields is due to the fact that software practices and development change at a much faster rate than hardware practices and development.

Typical Computer Engineer Salary

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that Computer Hardware Engineers made an annual median salary of $98,810 in 2010. Software Engineers made a considerably lower salary of $71,380 in 2010 (BLS).

Career Advancement Opportunities

Computer Engineers generally have plenty of opportunities for career advancement within their workplaces. Pursuit of a graduate degree in Computer Engineering or a related field can lead to the opportunity to train and teach other Computer Engineers at a college or university. Many Computer Engineers choose to start their own engineering firms or work on a freelance basis as their own bosses.

Is this career the right one for you?

Before deciding if a career in Computer Engineering is right for you, consider taking some courses in Computer Science or Computer Engineering in high school or college.

Additionally, read as many articles on recent developments and topics of interest in the field as you can. By studying the major publications for the Computer Engineering field, you'll gain a better understanding of the specifics that the job entails. An internship in Computer Engineering is by far the best way to find out if the career is right for you. Most internships offer a variety of experiences in both the software and hardware sides of Computer Engineering.""

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