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Because computer science is not an engineering degree, and (at least in the states) professional engineers are required at a minimum to hold a four year degree

Because computer science is not an engineering degree, and (at least in the states) professional engineers are required at a minimum to hold a four year degree in an accredited engineering program, work under a certified engineer for a period of time, take an exam, etc. While this is for literal physical engineering, there is not an appropriate parallel for software engineering. There are people who hold doctorates in computer science that cannot build functioning software. And it’s not expected that they can — CS is not an engineering degree. If mathematicians were commonly employed like software engineers, they may find themselves adopting a Mathematic Engineer, but that doesn’t mean it bears any relationship to an engineering degree, let alone any degree.

shynrou 5y ago
In addition to that, the title is more descriptive of what other employees should expect from you. A programmer is a typist, tasks in results out, no creativity or problem solving expected. Developer creates something new so a little more creative. Engineers engineer stuff they plan and make things work. Architect strictly plans. I don't say thats what they do but a lot closer to what people expect.
wheelinsupial 5y ago
> While this is for literal physical engineering, there is not an appropriate parallel for software engineering. What you have described of an engineer applies to software engineers in Canada. There exist accredited software engineering degrees, some of which may be held under a computer science major with a further specialization in software engineering. There used to be a PE in software engineering in the US. So a parallel for software does exist. Given that there is precedence for licensing and there exist programs attempting to focus on educating those who need to build systems, why is there such an aversion to hiring those graduates and following those processes? Do they produce worse software? Is there no need because of agile and move fast and ship things?

shynrou 5y ago

In addition to that, the title is more descriptive of what other employees should expect from you. A programmer is a typist, tasks in results out, no creativity or problem solving expected. Developer creates something new so a little more creative. Engineers engineer stuff they plan and make things work. Architect strictly plans. I don't say thats what they do but a lot closer to what people expect.

wheelinsupial 5y ago

> While this is for literal physical engineering, there is not an appropriate parallel for software engineering. What you have described of an engineer applies to software engineers in Canada. There exist accredited software engineering degrees, some of which may be held under a computer science major with a further specialization in software engineering. There used to be a PE in software engineering in the US. So a parallel for software does exist. Given that there is precedence for licensing and there exist programs attempting to focus on educating those who need to build systems, why is there such an aversion to hiring those graduates and following those processes? Do they produce worse software? Is there no need because of agile and move fast and ship things?