Obtaining a degree from a university is a worthwhile endeavour in many cases. But there are so many resources online – from interactive learning websites like Codecademy and other tutorials – that can teach you coding from the comfort of your home. Can you get a programming job without a degree? Yes, you can. If you are more interested in beginning a career in tech quickly, then you don't necessarily need a degree in coding. Coding Bootcamp can get you the skills you need, in a much more affordable and time-efficient way, to start your career in coding. Coding Bootcamp, like Code Institute, is an efficient way to learn to code. Immersing yourself in the focused and fun environment of a Bootcamp will allow you to learn how to code in a matter of weeks, not years – enabling you to get a head start in your career sooner than through a university.
Believe it or not, but there’s a significant population of software developers in the tech–industry who are self-taught, and to this day, still don’t have formal degrees. This is because computer programming is a trade, and it can be taught in the same manner that someone can learn how to use Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. Of course, when first starting out this person isn’t a full-fledged programmer or graphic designer, but they know how to use the tools, which is sufficient to get a job. Once they land a job, they build a portfolio and begin to master their trade. This is precisely how self–taught programmers find success and even many graphic designers. Additionally, many programming technologies such as PHP are extensively documented online and are enthusiastically supported by the online community, which further promotes opportunities for self–taught coding.
Furthermore, the rise of the coding Bootcamp industry in the U.S. proves that a college degree is not required to learn how to become a software developer.
Although a degree certainly carries more weight, this doesn’t devalue the coding Bootcamp experience; both routes are effective stepping-stones to kick–start a career in software development. Contrary to many misconceptions, the goal of a coding Bootcamp is not to gain comparable coding skills to a 20–year veteran, which is an impossible feat. The goal is to graduate with ample coding experience to land a job in the tech–industry – an accomplishment attained by our Coding Dojo alumni and other coding Bootcamp graduates many times over. This career path is parallel to that of a computer science graduate from a 4–year university. Although more reputable than attending a coding Bootcamp, the CS degree is still fundamentally a tool to get a job in the tech–industry. But after landing the job, work experience and a portfolio will ultimately decide future career prospects, less so an alma mater or degree. So do you need a degree to pursue a career in computer programming? The answer is an explicit “no”.
Pick a beginner course in interactive learning websites like Codecademy, or read tutorial sites like Nettuts+ that have clear explanations in both text and video formats. Have a problem and want a direct answer? Stack Overflow and Stackexchange are your best friends.
Look, we’re not saying that universities can’t teach you anything. A professor or lecturer can certainly speed up your understanding of theories and concepts such as Object-Oriented Programming. But regardless of the path you choose, it’s best for you to master your self-learning ability because, unlike most industries, programming is always evolving at a very fast pace, and only you can determine whether you can keep up.
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