Helpful Links

Navigate OHIO

Connect With Us

Russ College of Engineering and Technology
Stocker Center
Athens, OH 45701
Futuristic illustration of sci-fi tunnel
Careers in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Careers in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

The 19th century was transformed by the industrial revolution, the 20th century by the information revolution. Now the 21st century brings you — college students preparing for exciting and productive careers — the AI revolution.

Like the wheel, the combustion engine, and semiconductors changed human lives in generations past, artificial intelligence promises rapid gains for your generation and those to follow. We're poised for exponential leaps in medicine, advanced manufacturing, space travel, communications, and more.

While many of the job descriptions that await you aren't even written yet, a degree in electrical engineering or computer science is like the spaceship you'll use to conquer this new frontier. You'll be at the core of the machines, data and analytical tools that together have already begun transforming our society.

Your career trajectory with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or computer science may start with an internship while you're a student. As you graduate, you might go straight into a traditional role in tech companies or engineering industries. Or you might find new opportunities with companies involved in biomedical, defense, smart manufacturing, robotics, avionics, or scientific visualization. You might decide to earn a master's or Ph.D. degree to further your options in leadership and scientific research in areas like quantum computing or machine learning.

Interested in Graduate School?

What Type of Careers Are You Interested In?

  • Careers in Artificial Intelligence

    Yes, you can major in Artificial Intelligence as well as directly related degrees such as Computer Science and Cybersecurity. 

    An Artificial Intelligence degree prepares you for careers in business, industry, government, or higher education, the computer and software industry, and more as the need for AI engineers expands.

    With comprehensive training in AI theory, machine learning, deep learning, data analysis, optimization, and decision making, you're well-equipped to excel in various industries and to enter into graduate programs. Potential job titles for AI graduates include:

    • AI Developer
    • Machine Learning Engineer
    • Data Scientist
    • Autonomous Systems Engineer
    • Research Scientist
    Artificial Intelligence Major

  • Careers in Computer Science

    Not sure what specific, lucrative computer science careers await you? There are dozens of different positions you’ll be qualified for upon graduating with your computer science degree, including the data science and artificial intelligence and machine learning fields. 

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the computer and information technology industry is projected to grow significantly over the next decade. This organization projects over 377,000 new job openings every year.

    Examples of job titles include:

    • Computer programmer
    • Computer and information research scientist
    • Computer network architect
    • Information security analyst
    • Web developer
    • Software developer
    • Network and computer system administrator
    Computer Science Major

  • Careers in Cybersecurity

    Imagine being part of a team that stops a ransomware attack on a hospital, like the one that targeted Ascension Hospital, ensuring patient data stays secure and operational systems remain unaffected. This is the kind of work Cybersecurity Engineering graduates are trained for.

    Cybercrime is predicted to cost the global economy $12 trillion in 2025. Organizations are in dire need of professionals who can anticipate, mitigate and respond to these growing threats. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that cybersecurity jobs will grow 33% through 2033, far outpacing most other fields.

    Students who a cybersecurity degree can enter the workforce as a cybersecurity professional in one of the many employment sectors that hire cybersecurity employees, such as educational, banking, defense, manufacturing, etc. Job titles include:

    • Cybersecurity engineer
    • Network security analyst
    • Security systems developer
    Cybersecurity Engineering Major

  • Careers in Electrical Engineering

    Electrical engineers design products affecting everything from public health to safety, and ranging from huge electric power generators to miniature microprocessor chips. Most electrical engineering jobs are in the following places: Engineering and Business Consulting Companies, Government Agencies, Manufacturers of Electrical and Electronic Equipment, Manufacturers of Computer and/or Industrial Equipment, Transportation, Communications and Utility Companies, Computer and Data Processing Services Companies.

    Sample of companies that hire electrical engineers: AT&T, Microsoft, Ericsson, Inc., Milliken, General Electric, Procter and Gamble, IBM, Intel, Sprint Corporation, Intel Corporation, Texas Instruments, International Paper, Hewlett-Packard, Honeywell, Verizon, Walt Disney, AEP, Qualcomm, Cisco Systems, 3Com, Nortel Networks, Audiovox, Johnson Controls, Raytheon, TRW, Kimberly-Clark, NASA, NSA, Rocwell, RoviSys, Ford Motor, Boeing, General Motors, Honda, and Lockheed Martin.

    Electrical Engineering Major

  • Careers in Computer Engineering

    Computer engineering, a combination of electrical engineering and computer science, deals with the study of computing ranging from tiny microprocessors to enormous supercomputers. Computer engineers are electrical engineers who specialize in either software design, hardware design or both. Specialization areas include: Microprocessor and Microcontroller Systems. Assembly Language Programming, Coding, Cryptography and Information protection, Distributed Computing, Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition, Computer Graphics and Multimedia Applications, Internet Computing and Wireless Networks, Computer Architecture and Embedded Digital Systems Design, Network Security and Privacy, Real Time Systems, VLSI, VHDL and Application Specific Integration Chip (ASICS) design, Computer Internetworking and Network Protocols, Embedded Software for real-time Microcontrollers, Algorithms, Compilers, and Operating Systems Human Computer Interaction.

    Computer engineers deal with the following issues: Design hardware components that power the latest technology and develop software that allows computers to implement complex applications. The developed systems improve the quality of life while keeping manufacturing costs low. They also focus on the design of hardware and software systems that yield smaller, faster, cheaper and more powerful computers. They design products ranging from communications systems to imaging devices, consumer products, automotive microprocessors and household appliances. They coordinate the implementation, maintenance, and expansion plans of a company’s computer systems. In automotive applications for example, computers are embedded in 60 different applications including AC, navigation, audio, video, and alert systems.

    Most computer engineering jobs are found in the following places: Software Publishers, Engineering and Business Consulting Companies, Manufacturers of Computer and Peripheral Equipment, Management of Companies and Enterprises, Computer Systems Design and Data Processing Services Companies, Scientific Research and Development Centers, Wired and Wireless Telecommunications Carriers, Insurance Carriers, Financial Corporations.

    Sample of companies that hire computer engineers: Apple Computer, AT&T, Cisco Systems, Dell, Fujitsu Siemans, Google, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, Iomega, Microsoft, Motorola, Oracle, Panasonic, PeopleSoft, Raytheon Company, Sony Electronics, Texas Instruments, Toshiba, Verizon, Yahoo, NASA, NIS US Air Force, US Army, CIA, US Department of Energy, US Department of Defense, US Department of Transportation, US Naval Research Lab, US Navy, 3M Worldwide, ADT, Advanced Micro Systems, Alcatel, Alcoa, Ansys, Applied Digital, BMW International, Boeing, Delphi-Packard Electric, Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc., Federal Express, Ford, Genentech, General Dynamics, General Electric, General Motors Corporation, Honda, Honeywell, Hughes Network Systems, Johnson & Johnson, Lockheed Martin, Meade Instruments Corporation, Merrill Lynch & Company, New Piper Aircraft, Nuance Communications, Inc., Proctor and Gamble Company, Samsung, Siemens Automotive, Toyota Motor Sales, Inc, UPS, and Westinghouse.

    Computer Engineering Major