If you are interested in being on the cutting edge of computer advancements, you might want to pursue one of the several different types of online computer engineering degrees that are available. Whether you are interested in designing the software and systems that are used to make computers work or you want to design and develop computer harder, earning an online degree in computer engineering is the first step necessary to get your career started.

After earning a computer hardware engineering degree online, you will be qualified design new innovations in computer hardware. Some examples of the hardware you will design includes computer systems computer chips, circuit boards, modems, keyboards and printers. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual income for computer hardware engineers was $88,470 in 2006. The average starting salary for computer hardware engineers, on the other hand, was $56,201 for those with a bachelor’s degree in 2007. Those with a master’s degree earned $60,000, while those with a Ph.D. earned $92,500.

After earning a computer software engineering degree online, you design a variety of different types of software applications. These may include word processing applications, network distribution software, compilers and even computer games. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer applications software engineers earned $79,780 in 2006. Those who worked for software publishers earned a median annual salary of $84,560, while those working for insurance carriers earned $74,230.

Becoming a computer software engineer or a computer hardware engineer requires earning a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Those with an associate’s degree are qualified to work as an assistant in the field, while those with a master’s degree or Ph.D. are generally qualified to obtain employment in a leadership capacity.