Why is it that coding bootcamps are getting more popular over studying a CS degree? Is it possible that you can work as a software engineer with just a coding bootcamp of 4 months over a CS degree? Also what are the chances of getting a good job with just going to a coding bootcamp over the CS degree?
First, computer science is not coding. The two are very different things, though computer science does tend to involve some amount of programming (and, by extension, coding). Computer science is an applied math degree in which students learn about the principles of computing, like data structures, algorithms, etc. Coding simply refers to writing code.
The reason coding bootcamps are becoming more popular than a full-blown CS degree is because they’re a lot easier and cheaper, and you don’t need a CS degree to simply write code, and most people who do coding bootcamps are interested in front-end design for web applications or in IT. A CS major has little direct relevance to this, though a CS major would certainly have a relatively easy time learning to code for front-end development.
Another point, though it might be a little pedantic: software engineering and computer science are not the same thing. Computer science is to software engineering as physics is to mechanical or electrical engineering. In practice, a lot of CS grads end up in and are qualified for software engineering positions, but I think it’s important to be aware of the distinction nonetheless.
Another issue here is job titles. Lots of jobs have the title “software engineer” these days even though they have little to do with software or the use of engineering principles for developing software. For many of these positions, which involve simple front-end development or simple IT work, a coding bootcamp may be sufficient to land you a job. However, it’s important to note that, while there’s definitely an overlap in the jobs available to individuals with a little coding experience from a coding bootcamp and those with a full-blown CS degree, there are significantly more jobs available to CS grads. For example, if you’re interested in robotics, you pretty much need a 4-year degree in CS or engineering. A coding bootcamp (or just being able to code without a fundamental understanding of the mathematical theory underlying robotics and robot kinematics/dynamics and control theory) would never in a million years qualify you for such a job.
So, short answer: learning to code might be enough to get you a job in front-end development or IT, but often won’t be enough to get you a true computer science or software engineering role, particularly in certain fields.
Thank you for that information, in your perspective you think I should finish my degree in computer science? Right now I just need 26 more credits to get my associates in CS, would that land me in an entry level job or should I take a semester off and go to a coding bootcamp just to get a part time job and still continue towards my bachelors degree in CS?
I’m a programmer in the San Francisco/Silicon Valley area and agree with the article. Coding bootcamps were all the rage here for about a year, then people realized they weren’t working. I hardly ever hear about them anymore.
I wouldn’t hire anyone with only three or four months of training, and I’ve never seen anyone else do it, either. Continue towards your bachelors in CS.
@simba9
I am almost done with my associates degree in CS. Can I actually get a job with that and also continue towards my bachelors degree? In your perspective to get a job is it better to get a Bachelors degree in CS or Software Engineering?
@steve0533, Most companies want someone with a bachelor’s degree. With an associates, you might be able to get your foot in the door at a start-up if you have some demonstrable apps or programs. You should also be aware that a company isn’t going to want to hire someone who’s always taking time off to go to class.
Even though you’ll likely end up doing software engineering with either degree, a CS degree would be a little better than an SE degree. Software Engineering is still a relatively rare degree and sounds kind of hokey to some employers, but if SE looks more interesting to you, go for that. There won’t be that much of a difference, and in many ways, an SE degree teaches you more practical skills than a CS degree.
@simba9
Do you suggest me getting my associates degree or just transfer with the credits that I have to a 4 year university and finish my bachelors degree and get an internship on the summers?
@steve0533, go for the Bachelors.
@simba9
Thank you for that. Do you think a masters is necessary or just go straight after your bachelors to work?
@steve0533, a masters won’t be necessary. You can get a good job with a bachelors.
@simba9
So you don’t need a masters degree at all for long term employment or to benefit you at your job?
There is no need for a master’s degree versus a bachelor’s degree for a technical job in computing. For cutting edge research, a PhD may be preferred.
From what I have seen, US citizens and immigrants who had permanent residency before college age generally work in the industry (other than in the more cutting edge research areas) with bachelor’s degrees. Those with master’s degrees are more likely to be those who originally came as international students to funded US graduate programs.
Outside of simply wanting a graduate degree for ego purposes (that’s why I got mine,) the only job-related reason you might want a masters is if you found a graduate program that allowed you to do a deep-dive into some of the “in-demand” areas of CS, e.g., data science, machine learning, autonomous vehicles, etc. Otherwise, the majority of employers will prefer someone with a bachelors and two years of practical work experience over someone with no work experience and two years in grad school studying theory that mainly interests academics.
If you do go to grad school, it’s better to do that after you’ve gotten some work experience. I worked for four years and then went to grad school part-time. You’ll better understand how what you learn can be applied to the real world.
One other reason to enter a graduate program is if you get into a funded one, but your bachelor’s degree graduation date occurs during an industry downturn when you are unable to get a job. It is better to spend a year or few in funded graduate study than as part of unemployment statistics.