Computer hardware engineers are responsible for researching computer hardware, designing it, developing the specifications and testing the computer hardware as well as supervising the production and installation. Computer hardware can be all of the following: internal computer systems, circuit boards and computer chips, as well as other necessary computer parts such as keyboards, modems and printers. While there are similarities to the electrical engineer, computer hardware engineers focus exclusively on computer equipment. The work of computer hardware engineers is responsible for the frequent advances in computer technology.
This major relies heavily on understanding electronics, physics and mathematics. Salaries for graduates range from $59,000 to mid $65,000.
In today's computerized workplace, the demand for specialists is increasing. These individuals can provide advice and instruction to computer users, and perform administrative, maintenance and support tasks for computer systems and networks. A degree program in computer electronics engineering technology will provide students with instruction on the practical aspects of computer technology and network maintenance and repair. It will also help students develop troubleshooting techniques. Such a degree will prepare students for an entry-level position as an electronics technician, desktop support specialist, systems coordinator or field technician.
Required course work for this degree include the following AC/DC theory, electronic troubleshooting, upgrading and maintaining microprocessors and networks and electrical engineering courses. Salaries range from $45,000 to $59,000.
Computer science degrees offer students a learning combination about hardware, software, practical applications and theory. This is the oldest of the computer degrees, and the broadest. The others mentioned focus on electronic components design or computer technician operations. The computer science degree will allow students to delay making the focus until graduate school, but allowing them to learn many different technical aspects.
This degree provides the student with a wide scope by offering learning opportunities in a variety of disciplines. The software discipline gives the student knowledge of computer programming, software design and application. The hardware discipline exposes the student to a design and implementation of various hardware components. The network discipline exposes the student to the combination of hardware and software that makes the network possible.
Because of the lack of technical focus, salaries for this degree will not be as high as the others that have the tighter focus. These may start at $40,000 to $45,000.