How do you choose the right bachelor's degree in computer engineering?

Confirming that your computer engineering bachelor's program is accredited by ABET (formerly the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) helps ensure it meets the highest industry standards. Additionally, you'll want to assess the faculty and staff, specialization opportunities, and scheduling flexibility. Review different online bachelor's in computer engineering programs before making your decision.

What is the difference between a computer science degree and a computer engineering degree?

Computer engineering emphasizes the design of systems and networks, while computer science concentrates on theoretical computer topics and software development. In the larger sense, however, both fields focus on technology, computer operating systems, and information systems.

What can I do with an online bachelor's degree in computer engineering?

Those with an online computer engineering bachelor's degree can qualify for a number of in-demand jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Some career options include computer engineer, computer scientist, and hardware engineer.

What do you learn in a bachelor's in computer engineering?

By: Nancy Finney, Edited by: Luke Daugherty

Published: March 6, 2025

A bachelor's program in computer engineering explores hardware, software, and computing principles. As a computer engineering major, you may study an array of important topics, including streaming, cloud systems, storage, smartphones, and design. Computer engineering is an interdisciplinary, versatile degree that prepares you for many careers in technology.

Discover what you'll learn in a bachelor's in computer engineering program, and find out what requirements you'll need to meet to graduate.

What to expect from a computer engineering bachelor's program

Computer engineering degrees encompass a study of hardware, software, and electrical engineering. It's a specific branch of electrical engineering that merges with computer science and helps prepare graduates for opportunities in software, robotics, artificial intelligence, web development, networking, and hardware development.

A bachelor of science degree in computer engineering takes around four years to complete with a full course load. Coursework involves studies in mathematics, computer science, programming, communications, and computer architecture and design. Additional requirements may include a capstone, internship, or final project.

Bachelor's in computer engineering program curriculum

Many computer engineering programs feature the opportunity to specialize in certain areas. While you are most likely to obtain a bachelor of science within this field of study, your electives may involve other areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) prompting, business communication, and law and ethics. Some common courses include:

Data structures and algorithms: This course examines how data structures and algorithms are used in various industries, examining arrays, hash tables, graphs, heaps, and linked lists. You'll look at measuring complexity and data within various programming languages.
Embedded systems: In this course, you'll learn about memory systems, functional modeling, models of computation, and software architectures. You'll also cover mapping in functional and architectural models.
Software development: This course focuses on programming languages like JavaScript, HTML, Python, and C/C++. It will also review common data structures utilized to implement software, including Git and unit testing.

Specializations and concentrations

Computer engineering is a broad discipline that allows you to decide if you'd like to focus on applications, mobile devices, hardware, websites, or software. Determining a specialization or concentration within the field can help you market yourself as an expert within a certain niche. Some common specializations include:

Web development: This concentration allows you to learn how to develop web applications and design websites using front-end and back-end technologies. This may include server-side development, full stack development, or user experience (UX) design.
Systems programming: Specializing in systems programming involves the development of software components. You'll learn programming languages and computer architecture while focusing on device drivers, operating systems, and foundational software processes.
Mobile development: This concentration is ideal if you're interested in creating, designing, and developing mobile device apps. You'll need to master certain programming languages to develop apps for iOS and Android.

Graduation requirements for a computer engineering bachelor's degree

To earn a bachelor's degree in computer engineering, you'll need to complete the curriculum requirements for your particular school. This will typically include general education courses, upper-level coursework in computer science, data science, and computer engineering, and a final all-encompassing capstone where you may develop or design an app or coding project.

As with most bachelor's programs, it will take roughly four years of full-time study and around 120 credit hours to earn your degree.

Explore bachelor's degrees in computer engineering

Are you ready to delve deeper into the ever-expanding field of computer engineering? Then check out edX's computer engineering courses and programs and get started today.

Frequently asked questions about obtaining a bachelor's degree in computer engineering

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