[idiot_stick]

Engineers are people who hold engineering degrees. I'm not sure how it became otherwise.

[JshWright]

Engineers are people who build and operate engines. I'm not sure how it became otherwise.

[brianwawok]

Computers are people who add together table of math facts to be used in artillery calculations. Not sure how it became otherwise.

[ubersoldat2k7]

That might be for the English term. On romance languages, ingeniero/ingegnere/ingénieur is based on the "ingenio" root, so an engineer is someone who uses their wit to build/solve something.

[JshWright]

I am indeed referring to the Anglo-Norman etymology.

http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/62225

[FLGMwt]

Maybe degrees became less relevant (and even less feasible) for the burgeoning engineering practices. That is, assuming you buy into software as an engineering practice.