Hardware Engineering

Hardware Engineering

Hardware Engineering is a discipline that combines aspects of both electrical engineering and computer science. The course is an amalgamation of electrical and computer engineering teaching the fundamental of both discipline. Students will become familiar with the basic concepts of circuits, systems and their applications. They will also explore the tools necessary for creating electrical devices. At the end of the course the students earn a Bachelor or an Associate Degree.

Most hardware engineers research, develop, design, and test various computer equipment. This can range from circuit boards and microprocessors to routers. Some update existing computer equipment to be more efficient and work with newer software. Most hardware engineers work in research laboratories and high-tech manufacturing firms. Some also work for the federal government. According to BLS, 95% of hardware engineers work in metropolitan areas. They generally work full time. Approximately 25% of their work requires more than 40 hours a week. The median salary for employed qualified computer hardware engineers (2010) was $98,810 per year or $47.50 per hour. Hardware engineers held 70,000 jobs in 2010.