Computer Engineering

About the computer engineering major

Computer engineering teaches you how to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the development, design, and evaluation of computer hardware and software systems and related equipment and processes.

A strong foundation in basic computer engineering subjects, physics, and mathematics is required, as well as specific courses related to computers, electronics, applied physics, and software development. Combine your expertise with hardware, analytical skills, and software knowledge to design computer systems, networks, software, and operating systems in the future.

Skills and abilities this major develops: analytical and critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, collaboration within multidisciplinary teams, detail orientation, and communication skills.

Engaged learning experiences

Regardless of your major or future career, engaged learning is vital to your present and future. It makes you more marketable for jobs and professional schools upon graduation, it enables you to build deeper connections with faculty and staff in your field of study, and it makes your learning personal by connecting your interests and values with the curriculum from your classes. Check out the three ideas below for places to get started, or learn more at IUPUI’s Institute for Engaged Learning website.

Student organizations

ET has many student organizations, which are a great way to build your skills, network, and grow as a professional.

Professional work experience

Grow your skills through internships, co-op, or part-time jobs.

Study abroad

ET has many program-specific study abroad opportunities—a great way to gain cultural competency and grow your skills.

Opportunities after graduation

Employment of software developers and testers is projected to grow 25% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 162,900 openings for software developers and testers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as retirement (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2022).

According to the IUPUI First Destination Survey in 2021, the average starting salary reported for computer engineering B.S. graduates was $71,435, and the median was $69,400.

The national median annual salary for software developers and testers was $109,020 in 2021 (Occupational Outlook Handbook).

(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)

Computer engineering graduates often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas:

Business administration
Computer engineering
Computer science
Other engineering or technical disciplines

Quick facts

Sample coursework

Calculus 1, 2, and 3
Circuit analysis 1 and 2
Digital logic design
Multiprocessor systems and interfacing
Operating systems
Probabilistic methods

Possible careers

Computer engineer
Firmware engineer
Product designers
Software engineer
Systems engineers
Test engineers

Where could I work?

Allied Solutions LLC
Baldwin & Lyons, Inc.
Convergent Technologies
Indianapolis Power & Light
Interactive Intelligence
Perimount Operating Solutions
Technicolor

Complementing interests

IInvestigative

RRealistic

EEnterprising

Get your interest code

Where to get more information

School of Engineering and Technology

Association for Computing Machinery

IEEE Computer Society

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Cluster

This major belongs to the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) cluster. The STEM cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in the sciences, technology, engineering, informatics, and computing. The STEM cluster partners with students on their academic advising and career plans to guide them into their degree-granting schools.

Learn about the STEM cluster

Learn about other clusters

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