Computer Engineering
Computer engineering is where software meets hardware. It's for people who want to understand the code and the circuits that make it possible for us to have smartphones, robots, driverless vehicles, computer networks, medical sensors and millions of other devices. In this program, you'll get to work with your head and your hands as you discover how to be a translator, making software and hardware work together as efficiently as possible. It's part computer science, part electrical engineering … and all pretty amazing.
What will I learn?
As a computer engineering (CE) major, your first few years will include courses in software, such as data structures and object-oriented programming, as well as classes in math, physics, chemistry and circuits that help you understand how computer hardware functions. Once you have this foundation, you’ll take more technical courses in computer organization, operating systems and microprocessors, as well as electives that let you explore interests in computer architecture, networks and other advanced topics. Along the way, you'll have opportunities to focus on your communications skills, teamwork and leadership ability.
What can I do with a computer engineering degree?
UB grads make a difference. They've worked as an engineering manager at Facebook, chief technology officer within Microsoft, and many other positions within the world's top tech organizations—from Apple and Samsung to the National Institutes of Health and Brookhaven National Laboratory. Of course, they've also gone on to some of the top graduate programs in the world.
As a computer engineering grad, you'll have the flexibility to work in many different fields and industries, including (but certainly not limited to):
- Academia/education.
- Government.
- Health care.
- Marketing.
- Technology.
- Industry.
Whether you want a career as a software engineer, systems engineer, security engineer or a related position, you’re in the right place to get started.
By the Numbers
Check out salary ranges and career outlooks straight from the U.S. Department of Labor to see the return on investment for your degree.
| Occupation Title | Mean Annual Wage | Mean Hourly Wage | Future Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $113,360.00 | N/A | Rapid Growth |
| Computer Network Architects | $62,530.00 | $30.06 | Rapid Growth |
| Database Architects | $60,810.00 | $29.23 | Rapid Growth |
| Software Developers | $63,170.00 | $30.37 | Rapid Growth, Many Openings |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $63,170.00 | $30.37 | Rapid Growth |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | $84,700.00 | $40.72 | Rapid Growth |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | $65,040.00 | $31.27 | Rapid Growth |
Data provided by the and DOL data from 2024.