Educational Requirements for a Computer Engineer

A computer engineer, or a computer software engineer, is a person who works in developing, testing and evaluating software applications for computers. This is one of the careers projected to grow the fastest from 2006 to 2016 by the U.S. Department of Labor. Job candidates considering a career in computer engineering recognize that the need for new software applications will continue in the post-information age. Here are some key educational requirements for computer engineering based on the 2008-2009 version of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Four Years of College Education

A computer engineer needs a minimum of a bachelor's degree and a working knowledge of computers and computer software. A strong job candidate also has experience working with computers beyond the college classroom. Prospective engineers can choose college majors like computer science or computer software engineering. Other choices are computer science, computer information systems, and graduate programs in computer technology. According to BLS, nearly 80 per cent of workers in software engineering held at least a four-year degree in 2006.

Information From Professional Engineers

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) provides career resources for prospective computer engineers and graduates from computer technology programs. The IEEE is the largest association of computing professionals in the world. Explore the career articles at the IEEE website for information on the latest trends in computer engineering, including the topics of education and training and searching for jobs.

A Range of Education Options

Prospective computer engineers can choose from a degree in software engineering or a joint degree program in engineering and computer science. According to BLS, pursuing an advanced degree in a discipline such as systems design or math will also make a job candidate more desirable for positions in the software, consulting and government industries.

Internships and Co-Ops

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recommends internships and co-ops as ways to gain entry to employment in computer software engineering. A job candidate who first works for an employer at the pre-professional level gains valuable experience in working with computer software and becomes more valuable to employers. Hands-on work experience also provides a way for college students and college graduates to demonstrate that they can successfully transfer academic knowledge to the workplace. Some graduates from college programs in computer technologies will go to work for a computer or consulting firm and complete an in-house training program to secure software engineering experience.

Job Tasks

With the right education and training in computer technology, software engineers can create individualized careers and job descriptions. This field also provides opportunities for using business and invention skills to design and improve computer technologies either as an entrepreneur or as a key contributor to a private or government organization. Because of the vast array of software applications that exist now and await future development, computer engineering can accommodate many talents and skill sets. For job seekers looking for varied job tasks throughout their career, computer engineering is an attractive career choice.