by our College Data Analytics TeamTechnology is rapidly changing and growing. New software and devices are constantly emerging in the market due to the work of Computer Engineers and Computer Engineering Technicians. Majoring in Computer Engineering Technology will teach you the technical skills you need to help computer engineers design computer hardware, software and peripheral systems. This major combines the knowledge of scientific, engineering, and computer skills to create real-world solutions to issues.
Students will learn how to assist engineers in design, developing, and innovating modern computer-based applications. Courses within this major include Data Communication Systems, Communications Circuits, Microprocessor Architecture, and Advanced Microcomputer Networks.
Some of the concentrations available within this major are Computer Systems Technology, Computer Software Technology, and Computer Hardware Technology. This major is often taken as a Bachelors degree; however it can be taken as an Associate's degree.
In 2020-2021, computer engineering technology was the 181st most popular major nationwide with 3,595 degrees awarded. This represents a 5.9% reduction in computer engineering tech degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 3,807.
This year's Best Computer Engineering Technology Schools ranking compares 57 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom computer engineering tech rankings further below.
To be successful in Computer Engineering Technology computer and scientific skills are required. Creative minds tend to be drawn to this major because of how innovative this field is. In order to prepare for this major, you should seek classes in computer science and computer drafting. If you are interested in perusing a career in this field you should apply for internship opportunities in order to gain experience.
computer engineering technology degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. In addition to these basic computer engineering technology program qualifications, to serve in some computer engineering tech careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
There are many different computer engineering tech degree levels. You can get anything from a in computer engineering technology to the highest computer engineering tech degree, a . The time it takes to complete a computer engineering tech degree varies depending on the program.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to computer engineering tech, with approximately 46.7% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for computer engineering tech workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 47.8% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 16.9% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 13.6% |
| High School Diploma | 7.6% |
| Master’s Degree | 7.2% |
53.8% of computer engineering tech workers have at least a bachelor's. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in computer engineering technology have received.
This of course varies depending on which computer engineering tech career you choose.
Students who complete a degree in Computer Engineering Technology commonly become Computer Technicians, Help Desk Managers, PC Support Technicians, Engineering Assistants, and Field Service Technicians. These jobs all require large amounts of computer knowledge and skill. They will work with innovating software and hardware and fixing existing problems. The demand for trained workers in this field is in very high. Due to the rapidly developing computers and other forms of technology, jobs in Computer Engineering Technology predicted to increase.
Want a job when you graduate with your computer engineering tech degree? Computer Engineering Technology careers are expected to grow 16.3% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to computer engineering technology.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Software Applications Developers | 1,086,600 | 30.7% |
| Systems Software Developers | 472,100 | 11.1% |
| Computer Programmers | 273,600 | -7.2% |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians | 139,800 | 2.0% |
| Engineering Technicians | 80,800 | 5.2% |
Computer Engineering Technology graduates between 2017-2019 reported earning an average of $41,962 in the 2019-2020 timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $19,491 to as high as $76,042. As you might expect, salaries for computer engineering tech graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for computer engineering technology graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers computer engineering tech grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Systems Software Developers | $114,000 |
| Software Applications Developers | $108,080 |
| Computer Programmers | $89,580 |
| Engineering Technicians | $65,720 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians | $65,050 |
With over 418 different computer engineering tech degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased computer engineering tech school rankings to help you with this.
Learn about other programs related to Computer Engineering Technology that might interest you.
Computer Engineering Technology is one of 18 different types of Engineering Technologies programs to choose from.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer Technology/Computer Systems Technology | 1,818 |
| Computer Engineering Technology | 1,363 |
| Computer Software Technology | 250 |
| Other Computer Engineering Technologies | 133 |
| Computer Hardware Technology | 31 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Industrial Production Technology | 11,906 |
| Electromechanical Engineering Technology | 10,593 |
| Drafting & Design Engineering Technology | 8,964 |
| Environmental Control Technology | 8,690 |
| Electronics Engineering Technology | 8,592 |
