Morshed If you’re looking to build a career from scratch in the world of programming, then chances are you have two main options available to you: coding bootcamps or a computer science (CS) degree. Aspiring programmers are usually faced with this dilemma and the two options have their own pros and cons, making it a tough decision to make. So in this post, we’ll be exploring some of the key factors to keep in mind when deciding between the two.
Job opportunities and career growth
Both coding bootcamps and CS degrees can get your foot into the door. However, the scope that they target is a little different. Coding bootcamps are typically known for their focus on practical skills. This helps you prepare for an entry-level job as a developer. On the other hand, a CS degree focuses on foundation skills and core principles. This gives you a much broader set of skills, but can be great for pursuing more advanced roles that require a deeper understanding of how computers work.
So if you’re looking to find a job as quickly as possible, a coding bootcamp is usually the way to go. However, a CS degree might be better for broader career growth potential.
Costs and financing
Bootcamps typically have a fixed cost for their duration, making it a relatively easy expense to finance or at least plan ahead for. A CS degree will usually last four years, and the costs will depend on a variety of factors such as the college that you attend, and any additional costs that you might incur such as accommodation fees. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that some people may qualify for financial aid if they pursue a CS degree.
Curriculum and program format
These two are the main differentiating factors between coding bootcamps and CS degrees.
Coding bootcamps tend to focus on practical skills, meaning you’ll be learning the more relevant programming languages and how they can be applied in different programming roles. You’ll also pick up skills in industry-standard tools and services such as GitHub. Since these are focused on helping people find a job quickly, they’re more often short and intense courses that last a few months or weeks.
On the other hand, a CS degree focuses on core concepts like the theory behind computers and mathematics, and you’ll likely learn a variety of different programming languages. College and university degrees are typically very long, spanning up to four or more years depending on how far you want to take your studies.
Job opportunities and salary potential
Both coding bootcamps and CS degrees can lead to well-paying jobs, but it’s worth mentioning that the two have different starting targets. Those who finish a coding bootcamp may immediately be given entry-level opportunities, whereas those with a CS degree may have an easier time finding highly technical or research-oriented roles.
Conclusion
Coding bootcamps and CS degrees both offer tremendous opportunities to grow as long as you learn to apply those skills to different roles. It’s all down to your preferences; would you like a short and intense course that focuses on relevant skills and programming languages, or a longer program format that prioritizes the core fundamentals of computer science?
