Higher education of professionals in computer engineering

María del Carmen Romero Ternero
María del Carmen Romero Ternero
Director of the School of Computer Engineering of the University of Seville.

Higher education for professionals in computer engineering is not what it was or, at least, it should not be. The way in which the market demands these professionals has changed drastically in the last two decades, and where before it was sufficient to focus on the purely technical development of information systems (software and hardware), today other types are also required. of competencies and skills.

In today's digital era, higher education in computer engineering plays a crucial role in preparing professionals who must face constantly evolving technological challenges. The development of technological solutions with a human-oriented approach requires that other aspects be taken into account, such as user experience, personalization, accountability and security, to highlight a few.

This presentation will address the overview of computer engineering training both internationally, according to the ACM/IEEE guides, as well as at the Spanish level and, specifically, at the Higher Technical School of Computer Engineering of the University of Seville.

The ACM/IEEE guidelines play a relevant role in updating curricular standards that guarantee at an international level that study programs in this area are aligned with the changing demands of industry and society. Its latest recommendations reflect the evolution of higher education in computing. One of the highlights is precisely the promotion of interdisciplinarity. People who dedicate themselves to computer engineering must collaborate with professionals from various disciplines. The versatility of computing is recognized as a transversal discipline that can influence fields as diverse as medicine, economics and environmental sustainability.

Additionally, the ACM/IEEE recommendations reinforce the importance of certain areas, such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. Educational institutions are encouraged to update their curricula to include relevant content in these changing and emerging areas. Likewise, it reinforces ethics in computer engineering. This ensures that technological innovations are designed, developed and used responsibly. Taken together, incorporating these recommendations into curriculum updates ensures that graduates are prepared to face the technological challenges, not only of today but also of the future.