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Computer Engineering

WHAT IS COMPUTER ENGINEERING?

Computer Engineering uses principles from computer science and electrical engineering to create hardware (physical components) and firmware (software that allows operating systems and applications to optimize hardware), used in a wide variety of products and industries. Computer Engineers research, design, develop, construct, and test computer systems and components such as processors, circuit boards, microchips, memory devices, networks and routers.

WHAT DOES A COMPUTER ENGINEER DO?

Computer Engineers work in a wide variety of industries. Some common tasks include: 

  • Designing devices used in manufactured products that incorporate processors and other computer components (cars, home appliances, medical devices)

  • Working closely with developers to ensure computer hardware works together with software

  • Optimizing hardware for different applications with an understanding of how software interacts with the hardware (smart phones, electric vehicles, other related hardware/devices)

  • Increasing the reliability and security of computers

  • Supervising manufacturing and installation of computer or computer related equipment and components

  • Building controllers for robots to move, recognize objects, and draw conclusions of surroundings

  • Designing software that interacts with hardware for integration and optimization

CONCENTRATIONS

Although not required, MSU Computer Engineering majors can add a concentration to align with a specific academic or career interest. Concentrations include

Biomedical Engineering

Cybersecurity

 Robotics & Automation

Smart Systems

Software Systems

CAREER DATA

Below you will find data collected from graduates for the period 2021 – 2023. The data provides a sampling of industries, companies, and jobs that Computer Engineering graduates pursue. However, this data set is not the only story. Computer Engineering graduates work in a variety of industries and jobs. This information is meant to encourage your exploration. It’s your journey and we’re here to help. Connect with a career coach to discuss options and possibilities.  

Common Industries

 

  • Mobility/Automotive

  • Internet & Software

  • Manufacturing

  • Healthcare

  • Aerospace

  • Retail

 

 

Top Employer Representation (Companies hiring 2 or more graduates during the period 2021 – 2023)

 

  • General Motors

  • Texas Instruments

  • Ford Motor Company

  • Bosch

  • Fast Enterprises

  • GE

  • Target

 

 

Common Entry-Level Job Titles (Sample job titles from graduates during the period 2021 – 2023)

 

  • Software Engineer

  • Hardware Engineer

  • Computer Engineer

  • Controls Engineer

  • Implementation Consultant

  • Test Engineer

KEY STATISTICS

Learn about the specific data associated with Computer Engineering graduates so that you can better understand the average compensation and placement rates within the major. (Represents 2024 data.)  

89.2%
Placement Rate
(Employment/Education)

$89,686
Average Starting
Salary

$28.81/hr
Intern Average
Hourly Wage 

RELATED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

  • Association for Computing Machinery

  • FIRST Alumni and Mentoring Network

  • Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

  • iOS Club

  • STARX

  • VEX Robotics

  • Women in Computing

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