![[Featured Image]: Students reading a textbook in a computer class.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/3M6oXDXsjozunu4p4nk47p/a99b802a12284505fb09ae53e8c45cf7/GettyImages-1440160796.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
What Is Computer Engineering? Career Guide + FAQ
Learn about the field of computer engineering, including different roles you can pursue, related career paths, and how to get started.
December 21, 2022
Article
Engineering
Explore articles about computer engineering, optical engineering, and electrical engineering. Learn about engineering careers, relevant skills and certifications, and how to build the qualifications needed for technical roles.
![[Featured Image]: A robotics engineer conducts research in a lab.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/6VfvVisiXX4q8MUM96tEy3/e3fd2d923a1ac42e90e01b678b460639/iStock-996179448.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image] An engineering manager in a yellow sweater is discussing the latest project with a design team member in a blue button-down. Both are standing in an open office, and large-format calendars cover the wall behind them.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/3NPKPEvJgwzLq5LCpMKCYK/d1a028dc2eba01caefd6b3088d0aab1e/GettyImages-680316205-converted-from-png.webp?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
Explore popular engineering courses
Georgia Institute of Technology
Skills you'll gain: Engineering Analysis, Mechanics, Torque (Physics), Engineering Calculations, Engineering, Mathematical Modeling
Rice University
Skills you'll gain: Cost Estimation, Project Scoping, Communication Planning, Cost Management, Scope Management, Project Estimation, Project Schedules, Earned Value Management, Scheduling, Team Management, Quality Assurance, Stakeholder Management, Work Breakdown Structure, Risk Management, Organizational Structure, Procurement, Project Risk Management, Project Documentation, Project Management, Planning
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Generative AI
![[Featured Image] An electrical engineer in an orange helmet and safety vest reviews charts and information on the job site.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/6htM3mLXLp0HLeUR6evj4j/9f7d6b3fcf79ba1a3354e6df61fd0373/iStock-650110970.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image] An electrical engineer with a laptop and protective gear examines robotic arc welding sensors.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/1zToChdH85uBuF1WYam6A0/c634849e896745e8f5fb9c74f5e0c987/GettyImages-1316064214.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image] Two power electronics engineers examine documents in front of electrical equipment.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/6lHGrzchqYNQaVFzvNVT30/0066c17ebf5dd12592ebcbfd7f0bc5a6/iStock-542298764_super.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] A photonics engineer works on light-based equipment with tools in a lab.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/69alkGTC8GUg9D0VRZA2RC/d76a5cf539371ab6e31b3c1705e25d8c/iStock-625895720.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Feature image] Biomedical engineers examine slides through microscope](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/64Moj7M3xs7gdI041fkPDg/14c74de55c861923f76c615ac0e9adcf/GettyImages-563374209.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image] An embedded systems engineer shows their colleagues a monitor connected to a larger electronic system.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/3ParDeusdYeGBrgPqmA7al/e0f0b23b0a8660a5c62016a7998c6191/GettyImages-672157207-converted-from-jpg.webp?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image] Someone who works in optical engineering examines a prototype lens on a robotic arm.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/5hpksYO3ifrm1AsIIbL1vO/cfbe935cdbacf87c875bac180ff0bd6f/Finally-my-project-works-624908314_7008x4677.jpeg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image] A controls engineer examines their computer in front of a wall of mechanical diagrams.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/4dU7xf6hJmuqI6ilcT9C2x/5b72fd4f43296b8c53073dbdbec3b787/GettyImages-1357844886.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image] A controls engineer works on machinery with tools in a manufacturing organization.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/3Acu9kfFPb8pfQ2c8GysNV/8e168961b91168cdfcd3e06afd06240b/image1_-_2026-08-28T160042.476.webp?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
Engineering covers a wide variety of skills and careers. With so many options and opportunities available, it can be tricky to know where to start. On Coursera, you'll find expert resources to support your goals, whether you're just starting or are ready to take the next step in your career. Explore engineering topics, including:
Interested in computer science engineering? Find out more about computer engineering and the essential skills needed for a career in computer science engineering.
Interested in systems engineering? Read about what a systems engineer is, and explore certifications for systems engineers.
Interested in a degree in engineering? Explore the types of engineering degrees and whether a degree in engineering is worth the cost and time.
Ready to start learning? Explore our catalog of computer engineering, software engineering, and environmental engineering courses for beginners and experienced professionals.
