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COMPUTER ENGINEERING

WHAT IS COMPUTER ENGINEERING?

Computer Engineering uses principles from computer science and electrical engineering to create hardware (physical components) and firmware (software that allows operating systems and applications to optimize hardware), used in a wide variety of products and industries. Computer Engineers research, design, develop, construct, and test computer systems and components such as processors, circuit boards, microchips, memory devices, networks and routers.

WHAT DOES A COMPUTER ENGINEER DO?

Computer Engineers work in a wide variety of industries. Some common tasks include: 

  • Designing devices used in manufactured products that incorporate processors and other computer components (cars, home appliances, medical devices)

  • Working closely with developers to ensure computer hardware works together with software

  • Optimizing hardware for different applications with an understanding of how software interacts with the hardware (smart phones, electric vehicles, other related hardware/devices)

  • Increasing the reliability and security of computers

  • Supervising manufacturing and installation of computer or computer related equipment and components

  • Building controllers for robots to move, recognize objects, and draw conclusions of surroundings

  • Designing software that interacts with hardware for integration and optimization

CONCENTRATIONS

Although not required, MSU Computer Engineering majors can add a concentration to align with a specific academic or career interest. Concentrations include

Biomedical Engineering

Cybersecurity

 Robotics & Automation

Smart Systems

Software Systems

TOP INDUSTRIES

Explore the most common industries associated with MSU Computer Engineering graduates. Determine which industries fit you best in order to guide your search for job titles and companies you may want to work for!

Automotive

Defense

Internet and Software

Manufacturing

Retail

Electronic & Computer Hardware

Insurance

Number of CpE graduates placed per industry from 2018-2020. 

COMMON JOB TITLES

Learn about some of the most common job titles among MSU Computer Engineering graduates. Utilize Handshake to search for the specific job titles that interest you the most and see the specific skills and experiences employers are looking for so that you can start developing them now!

Software Engineer

Software Developer

Application Engineer

Computer Engineer

Test Engineer

Electrical Engineer

Number of CpE graduates placed for each of the top job titles from 2007-2020. Descriptions via The Center

TOP EMPLOYERS

Discover the most common employers of MSU Computer Engineers. See which companies interest you the most and start connecting with them via Handshake, LinkedIn or on their website!  

General Motors

Bosch

SRC, Inc.

Target

Texas Instruments

U.S. Department of Defense

Microsoft

Amazon

GE

Number of CpE graduates placed for the top full time employers from 2018-2020. Descriptions via LinkedIn and Handshake

DESTINATION DATA

Learn about the specific data associated with Computer Engineering graduates so that you can better understand the average compensation and placement rates within the major. (Represents 2023 data.)  

100%
Placement Rate
(Employment/Education)

$80,112
Average Starting
Salary

$24.87/hr
Intern Average
Hourly Wage 

LEARN MORE

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Connect with other engineering students by joining a student organization! Some of the organizations related to the CpE major include:

Association for Computing Machinery

FIRST Alumni and Mentoring Network

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

iOS Club

STARX

VEX Robotics

Women in Computing

DEPARTMENT WEBSITE

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ADVISING APPOINTMENT

Schedule an appointment with one of our career advisors to learn more about CpE degree outcomes and career paths

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