2 answers
joanna
Student
2
Questions
Asked
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what job can i get with a hardware degree?
What's an advantage hardware degrees have? what jobs would I be able to get under an hardware degree?
Are there any programs in Rochester, Minnesota, that I can go to to learn about hardware? i don't have one as of currently, but I'm a freshman, so I would like to learn more about my options if I take courses for my associates in it?
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2 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
735
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Joanna,
Computer hardware engineers develop new technologies for computers. They deal with the inner workings of computers, the circuit boards and processors and all the other physical bits and pieces that make the magic happen.
To become a computer hardware engineer, you need at least a bachelors degree (e.g. in computer engineering, computer science or electrical/electronic engineering) for entry level positions. You can then earn certifications for certain specializations or you can continue to earn a masters and/or PhD.
You could start by studying for an associates degree in engineering at Rochester Community and Technical College with the goal to transfer into a 4-year program.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://www.computerscience.org/careers/computer-hardware-engineer/how-to-become/
https://www.rctc.edu/program/engineering/
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/computer-hardware-engineers.htm
Computer hardware engineers develop new technologies for computers. They deal with the inner workings of computers, the circuit boards and processors and all the other physical bits and pieces that make the magic happen.
To become a computer hardware engineer, you need at least a bachelors degree (e.g. in computer engineering, computer science or electrical/electronic engineering) for entry level positions. You can then earn certifications for certain specializations or you can continue to earn a masters and/or PhD.
You could start by studying for an associates degree in engineering at Rochester Community and Technical College with the goal to transfer into a 4-year program.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Karin, thank you!
Deanna Berger
Computer Hardware Engineering
2
Answers
Poughkeepsie, New York
Updated
Deanna’s Answer
Joanna,
Great question! Computer hardware work is generally focused on the design of computer chips themselves. (As opposed to SW which focuses on writing code to create software applications. Within chip design, there are several types of career options:
1. Logic Design - this role involves creating the logical representation of what you want your hardware chip to do. There are 2 types of logic design:
1.a. Digital Logic Design - If you like Logic puzzles, truth tables, binary math and logic gates, then this could be the career for you. Digital logic designers (like me!) write code in a "Hardware Description Language" like "VHDL", often at the close to gate level.
1.b. Analog Logic Design - If you like logic but also are interested in the electronics and the physics of how voltage and current can make a signal look like it is a '0' or a '1' then this is a good choice for you.
2. Physical Design - this role involves taking the logical design, converting it into transistors and wires and then making them all fit into a postage stamp sized chip. If you enjoy things like tangram puzzles and making a lot of things fit into a small area this could be for you.
3. Pre-Silicon Verification - this role involves writing SW code like C++, Python to test that the Logic Design works as expected before the design built out of silicon. This is a VERY important job because it is expensive to build silicon! This could be a good fit if you like both SW coding and have an interest in HW as well.
Since micro-chips are now in almost everything (from your cell phone to your cars) and not just computers, this is a growing field.
Good luck and I hope this helps!
Great question! Computer hardware work is generally focused on the design of computer chips themselves. (As opposed to SW which focuses on writing code to create software applications. Within chip design, there are several types of career options:
1. Logic Design - this role involves creating the logical representation of what you want your hardware chip to do. There are 2 types of logic design:
1.a. Digital Logic Design - If you like Logic puzzles, truth tables, binary math and logic gates, then this could be the career for you. Digital logic designers (like me!) write code in a "Hardware Description Language" like "VHDL", often at the close to gate level.
1.b. Analog Logic Design - If you like logic but also are interested in the electronics and the physics of how voltage and current can make a signal look like it is a '0' or a '1' then this is a good choice for you.
2. Physical Design - this role involves taking the logical design, converting it into transistors and wires and then making them all fit into a postage stamp sized chip. If you enjoy things like tangram puzzles and making a lot of things fit into a small area this could be for you.
3. Pre-Silicon Verification - this role involves writing SW code like C++, Python to test that the Logic Design works as expected before the design built out of silicon. This is a VERY important job because it is expensive to build silicon! This could be a good fit if you like both SW coding and have an interest in HW as well.
Since micro-chips are now in almost everything (from your cell phone to your cars) and not just computers, this is a growing field.
Good luck and I hope this helps!