• Computer Programmers: Computer programmers are the professionals who actually write the computer code that gives the computer commands to carry out. They work to make the overall plans and requirements of software engineers a reality in their code.
• Computer Applications Software Engineers: Applications software engineers evaluate users' needs and design computer programs to meet those needs. They lay out the structure of the program and decide which programming languages are best for each particular project. 
• Computer Systems Software Engineers: Systems software engineers work with the software within a particular computer system, rather than with stand-alone applications. They may work within companies to improve their computer systems; for example, they may assist a company with development of payroll or accounting systems software. They also work with clients to modify existing software for their needs.

• Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
• Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
• Master's Degree: 2-3 years to complete
• Doctorate Degree: 5 to 7 years to complete

As an undergraduate computer engineering student, you'll take a variety of classes, from basic programming to algorithms and operating systems. The goal of associate and bachelor's programs in computer engineering is to graduate students who have a handle on both liberal arts topics and the skills to code and design effective programs. Classes in math, information science, statistics, and related computational areas are also often required, and are helpful for individuals interested in using computers to solve natural science problems. Courses in social science, humanities, and natural science subjects help students develop critical thinking skills and a historical understanding.

Certification isn't necessary to find a job, but it can certainly be one great way to distinguish your computer engineering skills to employers. Certifications may require a particular educational level, professional experience, exam score, or some combination of all three. Computer engineering credentials are most commonly offered by professional groups, such as CompTIA, or product vendors like Microsoft and Oracle.

Depending on the computer engineering specialization you choose, your required classes will vary. Here are some of the most common:

• Programming Methodology: In this course, students learn the fundamentals of programming a computer. Students study the basics of object-oriented programming, as well as object-oriented languages such as Java.
• Mathematical Foundations of Computing: It's no secret that computer systems are math-based at their core. This class covers complexity theory, discrete math, and computability theory.
• Computer Organization & Systems: This class focuses on how computer systems actually execute commands and utilize data. Topics covered include computer memory and how to improve the performance of computer systems.
• Computer Networks: Students in this class learn how computers communicate with one another via wired and wireless networks. The course discusses how to secure networks, administrate networks, and repair data communication issues.
• Operating Systems: This project-based course teaches students how to actually design and code the systems that allow computers to have a functional user environment. By working with other students to actually build an OS from the ground up, students learn the ins and outs of optimization and debugging for these complex programs.

It depends on the program you choose, but in general, no. As you might imagine, computer engineering is a program that is very amenable to the online format. It's easy to submit assignments online when they are already computer-based.

• Computer Science: Closely related to computer engineering, computer science is a more general program that covers programming and engineering as well as other computer-related topics. CS programs can be more theory-based than engineering programs.
• Computer Networking: Rather than focusing on computer programming, a computer networking degree trains students in designing and administrating computer networks. Although there is significant overlap in the required classes, core concepts focus more on network principles.
• Web Design: Web design can be a great program for individuals interested in both programming and human computer interaction. Web design tends to focus on optimizing web pages for human use.
• Information Technology: An IT program is a great way to get an introduction to a variety of computer skills, such as networking, programming, and web development. Many schools allow students to specialize their IT degree in a particular area of their choosing.
• Information Assurance: This emerging field trains students in the skills to protect sensitive information in our increasingly connected world. Courses discuss how to secure databases and networks, as well as other information storage tools.