This is a subject of ongoing discussion as the industry continues to evolve. Some people use the terms interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference between engineering and development:
- A software engineer applies traditional engineering principles to analyze and solve problems. Their analysis, interpretation and solutions are done through a quantitative, engineering lens.
- A software developer approaches problems creatively with more flexibility to solve problems outside of the scientific method, applying qualitative practices and patterns learned outside of an engineering-based process.
The Herzing software development program introduces concepts in software engineering but does not provide a full foundation in engineering principles.
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* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2023 / Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.