Engineering Why Is Demand for Software Engineers Growing Faster Than Computer Engineers?

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The discussion centers on the projected growth in demand for software engineers compared to computer engineers. It highlights that while many computer science graduates enter application programming, which is perceived as easily replaceable, the need for software engineers remains high due to the increasing number of applications being developed. The distinction between computer science, computer engineering, and software engineering is emphasized, noting that many computer science graduates do not work directly in their field. Software engineers require programming skills, but their role encompasses more than just coding, unlike computer engineers, who may not need programming skills as a core competency. The conversation raises concerns about job stability, suggesting that computer engineering may offer more secure employment compared to software engineering, despite the latter's higher demand.
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I was just wondering, but why is the demand for computer scientists (well actually it says "software engineers") projected to grow at a much faster rate than that of computer engineers?

I thought that most comp sci grads go into applications programming, who can basically become replaced by newer grads much easier than computer engineers get replaced. Thus, a career in comp engineering would be a better long-term investment, no?
 
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Because there are far more applications that need to be built than computers that need to be designed.
 


You need to use the right terms. Then again, so does BLS (they lump computer scientists and database administrators in the same category).

Computer science ≠ computer engineer ≠ software engineering ≠ information technologies.

The demand for computer scientists per se is rather low. Most comp sci graduates go into something other than computer science. Computer programming, for example.

Software engineers need to know how to program but it is not the core of what they do. While many computer programmers do call themselves software engineers, most haven't the foggiest idea what software engineering is. Do you?

Computer engineers do not need to know how to program, period. (It is nonetheless a good idea for them to have this skill.)
 


DavidSnider said:
Because there are far more applications that need to be built than computers that need to be designed.

Hmm... but this does not merit a stable job, does it? It seems to me that C. Engineering would usually bring a more stable job than software engineering...
 
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