Criticizes the conclusions and analyses of an earlier paper (EJ 036 385) and concludes that the problem (apparent oversupply of Ph.D.'s) is one of political allocation of resources and not one of too many people with too much education. (AL)

Considers that the supply of new scientists and engineers will eventually become limited by the availability of motivated and able young people. Population, enrollment, and employment projections to 1990 suggest that a shortage of graduates will occur in the 1980's. (AL)

Projections are analyzed for the future supply and demand of scientists and engineers. The demographics of the college-age population combined with estimates of the percentage of students who will pursue careers in science and engineering indicate significant shortfalls between the supply and demand for the next several decades. (CW)

Provided are projections for the scientific job market in the 1990s. Predicted are increases in the numbers of engineering positions above the rate of growth for all other occupations. The status and outlook for minority groups are highlighted. (CW)