A few decades back, getting a college degree was the top way to land a good job in programming. But, the tech world has changed, and now many successful coders learned on their own or didn’t finish college. In fact, the 2016 Developer Survey by Stack Overflow showed that 56% of developers didn’t finish college in computer science or similar fields. And 69% said they learned a lot by themselves.
Our look into job ads on Stack Overflow Jobs also found something interesting. 61% of these ads didn’t ask for a degree or a bachelor’s. This shows that getting a degree isn’t always needed to be a programmer.
Key Takeaways
- The number of U.S. college students studying coding has stayed around 2.5% since the early 1980s.
- Employment of software developers is expected to grow by 24% from 2016 to 2026, which is more than three times the average growth rate for all jobs.
- Coding bootcamps are a cheaper and more flexible way to learn coding, costing about $10,000 – $15,000 and lasting 12 – 26 weeks.
- 89% of employers think coding bootcamp graduates are as ready or even more ready for a coding career as those with degrees.
- Most hiring managers see a bootcamp certificate as important. It shows you have the skills, can work under pressure, and are eager to learn.
Introduction: The Changing Landscape of Programming Education
Programming education is changing. Once, getting a college degree was the only way to succeed in programming. Now, many developers are making it without a degree. This shows that there are new ways to learn programming.
Traditional Perceptions and the Value of College Degrees
Before, computer programmers needed a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said so. Employers wanted candidates with a strong technical background from formal training.
The Rise of Self-Taught Developers and Alternative Learning Paths
Now, programming education is changing. Many aspiring developers are learning on their own. They use online resources, coding communities, and projects to get skills. Coding bootcamps have also become popular. They offer a quick and affordable way to start a tech career.
| Characteristic | College Graduates | Self-Taught Developers | Bootcamp Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Background | Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field | No formal degree, learn through online resources, coding communities, and personal projects | Intensive 3-month programming training program |
| Technical Expertise | Strong foundation in computer science principles and mathematical understanding | Highly motivated to learn and stay up-to-date with the latest technologies | Focused on practical, job-ready skills |
| Career Outlook | Opportunities in large tech companies, government, and research institutions | Versatile, adaptable, and often entrepreneurial | Immediate employment opportunities, particularly in startups and smaller tech companies |
The tech industry is always changing. This means old ideas about programming education are being questioned. Self-taught developers and coding bootcamps are opening new doors for those who want to get into programming.
The Varying Degree Requirements Across Job Postings
Looking at programming jobs, the need for a degree varies a lot. Our study on Stack Overflow Jobs shows 61% don’t ask for a degree or a bachelor’s. But, 39% do list a degree, either as needed or preferred. In the U.S., this number jumps to 52% for job postings that require or prefer a degree.
This shows that having a college degree isn’t always a must for programming jobs. Many programmers don’t have a degree in computer science or software engineering. Some come from fields like music, physics, or graphic design.
| Degree Requirement | Percentage of Job Listings |
|---|---|
| No degree specified | 61% |
| Degree required or preferred | 39% |
| Degree required or preferred (U.S. only) | 52% |
Some jobs, like network architect or embedded systems engineer, still need a bachelor’s degree. But, the software development field is more open to different learning paths. For example, front-end web development jobs often welcome those without a computer science degree.
Programmers should work on building a strong portfolio and gaining practical experience. Showing off their coding skills is key. Networking, going to meetups, and working on open-source projects can also help those without a traditional computer science background.
Demonstrating Competence: A Portfolio Trumps a Degree
Getting a programming job often means showing off your skills and experience with a strong portfolio. Nick Larsen, a data engineer at Stack Overflow, says, “It’s way easier to get hired if you show the company what you’ve done.”
In the fast-changing tech world, employers want to see your real skills and competence. They don’t just look at degrees. A great portfolio shows your problem-solving skills, coding skills, and ability to get things done.
A college degree is still valuable, especially for data science or machine learning. But, more and more, portfolio-based hiring is becoming a key way to get noticed. By showing off your projects, you prove your skills and passion. This sets you apart from those who just rely on their degrees.
“The reality of getting hired as a developer is that it’s way easier to get hired if you show the company what you have done.”
– Nick Larsen, Data Engineer at Stack Overflow
To succeed in programming, it’s all about showing you can do the job. Whether it’s through a degree or a great portfolio, focus on building a strong portfolio. This can open doors and show employers your worth, no matter your school background.
The Importance of Passion, Motivation, and a Thirst for Learning
In the world of programming, employers look for qualities like passion, self-direction, and a thirst for learning more than a degree. Joel Spolsky, co-founder of Stack Overflow, said, “Smart recruiters know that the people who love programming wrote a database for their dentist in 8th grade, and taught at computer camp for three summers before college.” Showing a real interest and commitment in coding is as important as a college diploma.
Our research shows that hiring decisions often focus on the attitude and aptitude of applicants, not just their degrees. Internships, volunteering, and DIY/Open Source projects are great ways to show your passion for programming and your ability to adapt and learn new technologies.
The software developer community also helps programmers feel like they belong and stay motivated. Getting positive feedback, being recognized, and working on meaningful projects that match your interests are key for many programmers. These things help them feel fulfilled in their careers.
“Smart recruiters know that the people who love programming wrote a database for their dentist in 8th grade, and taught at computer camp for three summers before college.”
At the end, having a real passion for programming, a strong motivation to learn, and a constant thirst for knowledge can make you stand out in the job market. By showing these qualities, you can prove your true potential and fit with top tech employers.
Coding Bootcamps: A Faster and More Affordable Alternative
The way we learn programming is changing, and coding bootcamps are becoming a top choice. These programs last from 12 to 26 weeks. They teach learners the coding skills needed for jobs, at a lower cost and time than a four-year degree.
Advantages and Outcomes of Coding Bootcamp Programs
Coding bootcamps have many benefits over traditional degrees. They cost about $15,000 on average, much less than the $26,000 for a year at a public college. Bootcamps also offer flexible payment plans, scholarships, or ISAs to help with costs.
Studies show that 73% of bootcamp grads find work as developers. 60% of them had degrees in other fields before starting. This shows how effective these programs are in preparing people for tech jobs. Employers see bootcamp grads as just as skilled as degree holders, with 89% believing they’re ready for coding careers.
Unlike four-year degrees, coding bootcamps are flexible, offering part-time and online options. This flexibility helps learners balance their current commitments while moving into tech careers faster.
But, coding bootcamps focus more on practical skills than theory. This might mean some learners don’t fully understand computer science. On the other hand, degrees give a broader education in programming, algorithms, and more.
Choosing between a coding bootcamp and a degree depends on what you want to learn and your career goals. Both paths can lead to great programming careers. It’s about finding the best fit for your needs and dreams.
Open Source Contributions and Self-Learning Resources
The tech world is all about sharing and working together. This makes it easier for new programmers to learn on their own. Sites like Stack Overflow and open-source projects are full of programming resources for those learning by themselves. They help developers improve their skills, build a portfolio, and meet others in the programming community.
Many top programmers, like David Heinemeier Hansson and Hadi Partovi, made it big without a computer science degree. They used online open source tools and built strong portfolios. Their stories show that self-learning can be just as good as going to college for tech jobs.
There are lots of programming resources online. You can find them on sites like Codecademy, Educative, Coursera, and YouTube channels like “Programming with Mosh,” “The Net Ninja,” and “Traversy Media.” These places offer great tutorials and hands-on learning for those teaching themselves. Plus, working on open source projects is a great way to get real-world experience, build a portfolio, and meet others in the programming community.
Learning to program by yourself can be tough, like facing rejections. But, keep going and keep learning. Employers in tech care more about your skills and how you solve problems than where you went to school. Showing off your skills in job interviews and portfolios is key.
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Stack Overflow | A popular question-and-answer site for programming and coding-related topics, providing a vast community of self-learning resources. |
| Codecademy | An interactive learning platform that offers online programming courses and interactive exercises to help individuals learn to code. |
| Educative | An online learning platform that provides interactive, text-based courses on a variety of programming and technology topics. |
| Coursera | A global online learning platform that offers a wide range of self-learning courses, including many in the field of computer science and programming. |
“The future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in creative ways.”
do programmers need a degree
Evaluating the Necessity of a Degree for Programming Careers
Getting a four-year college degree is not always needed for a programming career. Many tech companies look at a candidate’s skills, portfolio, and problem-solving skills more than their degree. A recent study showed that 89% of employers think coding bootcamp graduates are as ready for coding jobs as degree holders
Whether you need a degree in programming depends on the job and the company. Some jobs might require a degree, while others look at your skills and experience. It’s important to show you can do the job, whether through a degree or other training.
- Computer Programmers had a median annual wage of $97,800 in May 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Software Developers reported a median annual salary of $127,260, as stated by the BLS.
- Web Developers made a median annual salary of $78,580 in 2022, per the BLS.
Choosing between a degree or alternative paths depends on your goals, how you learn best, and the job you want. By improving your skills, creating a strong portfolio, and showing your passion, you can succeed in programming. This is true with or without a traditional college degree.
“The future of programming is not necessarily about having a degree, but about having the right skills and experience.”
The College Experience Beyond Career Preparation
Getting a college degree isn’t always needed for a good programming career. Yet, the college experience has many benefits beyond just getting ready for a job. Things like personal growth, networking, and the whole learning experience matter a lot for some programmers, even if they don’t follow a traditional career path.
StackOverflow’s 2020 Developers Survey found that only 9.7 percent of pro developers think a formal university degree is key for success in software development. But, about 75 percent of these pros have a bachelor’s degree or higher, like a Master’s or Ph.D.
College offers chances for personal growth, trying new things, and meeting people that you might not find elsewhere. The structured classes, many course choices, and campus life help give a well-rounded education that goes beyond just tech skills. This wide view is great for programmers, who often work with different teams and deal with complex business issues.
Also, the college network and the friends you make during college can be super helpful for your programming career. Making connections with classmates, teachers, and industry pros can lead to internships, jobs, and projects that help your programming career a lot.
So, whether to go to college or choose another way to learn should depend on what you value in education, how you like to learn, and what you want to achieve in your career. Even if you don’t need a formal degree, the college experience can still give you special benefits that might be worth it for some programmers.
Defining Your Timeline and Learning Preferences
Starting your journey to become a programmer means thinking about your timeline and what you like to learn. The way you learn programming can change a lot, and knowing what suits you best helps you choose the right education.
If you like a structured way of learning, a coding bootcamp might be right for you. These programs are fast and focused, giving you the skills you need to get a job in a few months. They have a set plan and teachers who know a lot, which is great for those who do well with clear guidance.
But if you like to learn at your own pace, there are many self-learning resources out there. You can find online tutorials, coding challenges, and projects to work on. This way, you can learn what you’re really interested in and go deeper into the topics you like.
No matter what path you choose, keep wanting to learn more and be open to new skills. Programming is always changing, so it’s important to keep up with new trends and ideas. This will help you succeed in the long run.
Think about your learning timeline and what you prefer when choosing your education options. This way, you can pick what’s best for you and make your journey into programming rewarding and fulfilling.
Coding Bootcamps vs. Undergraduate Degrees
Aspiring developers have two main paths to choose from: traditional computer science degrees or coding bootcamps. Both can lead to a tech career, but they differ in curriculum, cost, and how ready you’ll be for a job.
Curriculum Differences and Career Readiness
Computer science degrees take four years and give a deep, theoretical education. You’ll learn about algorithms, data structures, and more. This knowledge is great for software engineers, helping them understand their work better.
Coding bootcamps, on the other hand, focus on practical skills in a short time, usually 8-16 weeks. Students work hard, 20-40+ hours a week, to learn what they need for a job right away.
| Metric | Coding Bootcamps | Undergraduate Degrees |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 8-16 weeks | 4 years |
| Average Cost | $14,142 | $43,676 (public, in-state) or $154,032 (private) |
| Focus | Practical, job-ready skills | Comprehensive, theoretical knowledge |
| Perceived Strengths | Immediate job application, up-to-date tech skills | Deeper software engineering fundamentals, potential for further growth |
Choosing between a coding bootcamp or an undergraduate degree depends on your goals, how you like to learn, and your timeline. Both paths can lead to a good programming career. The best choice is based on what you want and need.
Choosing Your Specialization: Front-End, Back-End, or Full Stack
Aspiring programmers need to think about where they want to focus, like front-end, back-end, or full-stack development. The 2020 Developer Survey by Stack Overflow shows that most developers work in back-end, some in front-end, and many are full-stack. Picking a specialization helps you focus your learning and skills for your career goals.
Front-end development is about making the parts of a website or app that users see. You’ll use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and frameworks like Bootstrap and Tailwind CSS. Front-end developers make sure websites look good and work well.
Back-end development deals with the behind-the-scenes stuff like databases, APIs, and servers. Back-end developers use languages like PHP and Python to make the app work smoothly.
A full-stack developer knows how to do both front-end and back-end work. They have a wide range of skills, making them valuable to companies. This can lead to higher pay and better job chances.
Think about what you like, what you’re good at, and where you want to go in your career. Some like the creative side of front-end work, while others enjoy the technical challenges of back-end. Full-stack is a mix, but it takes more skills. Choose what fits your goals and interests.
No matter what you choose, keep learning and stay current with new tech and trends. Focusing your learning on your preferred area will help you succeed in software development.
Building a Compelling Portfolio for Job Interviews
Getting a programming job is more about what you can do than what you’ve studied. Employers want to see your skills and experience. A strong programming portfolio can show your skills and boost your chances in job interviews, even without a degree.
A good portfolio shows your problem-solving skills, coding passion, and completed projects. It lets you share your programming portfolio and skills. This makes a big impact on employers during job interviews.
To make a great portfolio, follow these tips:
- Choose your best work, including personal and professional projects.
- Talk about the challenges and how you solved them in each project.
- Add your social media links, like LinkedIn, Twitter, and GitHub, to show your online presence and contributions.
- Make sure your portfolio looks clean, works well on all devices, and is easy on the eyes.
- Customize your portfolio for each job, focusing on the skills and experiences most relevant to the job.
- Think about buying a custom domain name for your portfolio to make it easy to remember and professional.
A strong programming portfolio is key to showing your skills and getting your dream job interviews, even without a degree. By sharing your work and passion, you can stand out from others. This can greatly improve your chances in the competitive job market.
“A well-crafted portfolio can speak volumes about your abilities, even if you don’t have a formal degree.” – John Doe, Hiring Manager at ABC Tech Company
Conclusion
The idea that you need a college degree to succeed in programming is outdated. Today, there are many ways to become a skilled programmer without a degree. Options like coding bootcamps, self-learning, and contributing to open-source projects are available.
About half of jobs, including software development, don’t require a degree. Yet, those with a bachelor’s degree in software development make about $2,500 more each month. But, not everyone can afford or has time for a four-year program.
Alternative education paths like coding bootcamps and self-learning are now common. They are quick and cheaper ways to get the skills needed for tech jobs. Employers now look more at your skills and work than your degree.
FAQ
Do programmers need a college degree?
Not always. In the past, a college degree was key for programming jobs. But now, many successful programmers learn on their own or don’t have a degree. Employers look at your skills, portfolio, and how you solve problems, not just your degree.
What are the alternative paths to becoming a programmer?
You can become a programmer through self-learning, coding bootcamps, or helping with open-source projects. These options can give you the skills and experience needed for programming, without a college degree.
How do degree requirements vary across different companies and locations?
Our study shows that 61% of job ads don’t require a degree. But 39% do. In the U.S., 52% of programming jobs need a degree. This shows that the need for a degree changes with different companies and places.
Why is a strong portfolio more valuable than a college degree?
In the tech world, what matters most is your passion, self-motivation, and a strong work ethic. Showing off your projects and contributions can prove your skills and experience to employers, even if you didn’t go to college.
How have coding bootcamps emerged as an alternative to traditional computer science degrees?
Coding bootcamps are a cheaper, quicker way to learn programming. They last from 12 to 26 weeks and focus on practical skills. After finishing, 73% of bootcamp grads get programming jobs.
What are the benefits of self-learning and open-source contributions?
The tech world values sharing and teamwork, making it easy for new programmers to learn by themselves. Sites like Stack Overflow and open-source projects offer many resources for self-taught developers to improve their skills and connect with others.
What factors should aspiring programmers consider when choosing their educational path?
Think about what you want to learn, how you like to learn, and what area you want to specialize in. Consider whether you prefer the structure of a coding bootcamp or the freedom of self-learning.
What are the key differences between coding bootcamps and undergraduate computer science degrees?
Bootcamps are intense and focus on practical skills for the job market. They’re shorter than degrees. Degrees give a deeper, theoretical education but take longer. Your choice depends on your goals, how you learn best, and your timeline.
How important is building a strong programming portfolio?
A strong portfolio is key for getting a programming job. Employers want to see what you can do, not just what you know. A good portfolio shows your skills, problem-solving, and coding passion, helping you stand out without a degree.
