r/ComputerEngineering • u/Difficult_Echidna590 • 3m ago
[Career] Why Does Computer Engineering Have Higher Unemployment Than Computer Science?
I originally planned to major in Computer Science, but I changed my mind to Computer Engineering because I want to explore both hardware and software. My thinking was that this would give me more career options after graduation and make me more adaptable to changes in the technology industry.
However, I recently saw data showing that Computer Engineering graduates have a higher unemployment rate than Computer Science graduates. This confuses me because Computer Engineering is a broad, technically demanding degree that covers both hardware and software.
I want an honest, evidence-based analysis of the following:
Why might Computer Engineering have a higher unemployment rate than Computer Science despite offering knowledge of both hardware and software?
Does this happen because hardware engineering has fewer job openings, because employers require more specialized skills, because of the current technology job market, or for other reasons?
Does Computer Engineering actually give graduates access to more career options, or am I overestimating the advantage of having both hardware and software knowledge?
Why does Computer Engineering have lower underemployment despite its higher unemployment rate? What does that tell us about its career prospects?
How do the career prospects, entry-level opportunities, salaries, and long-term growth of Computer Engineering compare with Computer Science and Electrical Engineering?
Considering that I will graduate around 2031–2032, what risks should I consider? Don’t pretend to know exactly what the job market will look like.
7.If my priorities are employability, a good salary, career flexibility, and the ability to move between hardware and software, which degree structure makes the most


