After completing high school, students are faced with a multitude of opportunities. There are various paths to success, but if you’re passionate about a career in Computer Science, you might be contemplating the choice between a ‘Coding Bootcamp vs. Computer Science Degree.‘ย
Do you opt for a Coding Bootcamp, ensuring job readiness in a few months, or do you embark on the traditional college journey, experiencing the four-year college life?ย
This article delves into everything related to Coding Bootcamps and Computer Science Degrees, exploring whether a quick completion will suffice for your needs or if the traditional four-year college is the right fit
Summary Of The Article:
- Coding boot camps are a great option when you focus on fast career readiness over a traditional four-year computer science degree.ย
- While a traditional degree provides you with a more comprehensive and detailed education, coding bootcamp graduates, on the other hand, get more concentrated courses.
- ย Weโll explore how boot camp students focus on working on specific skills, whereas, computer science graduates delve into more deeper and diverse subjects.
- The job placement opportunities both boot camp students and computer science graduates get exposed to are also explored in the article.
- Both boot camp graduates and students with a bachelorโs degree in computer science make efficient software developers, but, we will see what scenario works best for you.
Coding Bootcamp Vs. Computer Science Degree: A Field Of Conflict
We will point out some important differences present between a coding boot camp and a computer science degree. Let us look at them one by one briefly.
Enrollment Process:
It is the main difference between a coding boot camp and a computer science degree. It seems a tedious task for a group of students to grab a seat in a reputed college.
The enrollment process in Coding Bootcamps is relatively easier than getting enrolled for the computer science degree. During the enrollment process in Coding BootCamp, nobody asks for your previous marks or School Leaving Certificates, etc. This means, there are not many formalities present.
But in the case of a Computer Science Degree, one needs to go through a formal application procedure and document submission to secure admission. Moreover, the limited number of seats in the colleges you are interested in makes the competition tough.
Budget Of Programs:
While discussing the difference between a coding boot camp vs computer science degree, if we do not discuss the difference in budget for both of them, will be a grave injustice to the entire student community.
In the case of Coding Bootcamps, the budget or cost is shallow as compared to colleges, as it runs only for a few months and has no involvement in college accessories. From a survey, it came to our concern that a coding boot campย takes USD 15,000 to complete the entire session.
Many students also ask, โWhy are coding boot camps so expensive?โ While the duration of a boot camp program may be a short period of four to six months, they provide comprehensive resources, career support, and expert mentors to boot campers, leading to their higher cost in comparison to self-paced courses.
On the other hand for a Computer Science Degree, one needs to pay twice or thrice as much as for their college tuition fees. If you manage to enroll in a cheaper college, then also you have to pay USD 20,000 in a year. And it goes for four years as per computer science degree.ย
Flexibility Of Program:
Nobody wants to do any kind of job at a stretch. They also need flexibility in their work environment. The same goes for coding bootcamp vs computer science degree also.
In the case of Coding Bootcamps, you will get complete flexibility in your study. Many bootcamp programs offer you a flexible schedule including full-time, part-time, or even self-paced options. If you want you can study at midnight or early in the morning. Also, the rest of the time you can be involved in any freelancing job that might suit you. Hence, you can start earning early time & enjoy the tech industry.
On the other hand, Computer Science Degrees, have a more structured approach and provide less flexibility to students in terms of time and pace. Being a college graduate seems like a full-time job, after all.ย
Length Of Program:
While discussing the differences, we have to know the duration of the programs in both a coding boot camp vs computer science degree.
In the case of the Coding Bootcamp, the length of the program is relatively short. In many cases, a coding boot camp takes a few weeks to provide basic knowledge of any programming language. And if you contribute a few months, you will know basic to advanced information about any programming languages.
On the other hand for a Computer Science Degree, one needs to pay full four years as a student in that university or college. Not only that, attending every day is a must in your college or university. Otherwise, your attendance might get lower which will impact you while preparing for the exam.
Format Of Course:
You should be aware of the format of the course that you might have in any Coding Bootcamp & while pursuing the Computer Science Programs.
In the case of attending any Coding Bootcamp, you might come across different kinds of formats. You can choose from a variety of learning options like an Online Course, Offline or In-Person Course & even a Hybrid mode. As per your ability to study, the formats are available there.
However, students pursuing computer science degrees have a set curriculum of subjects – both theoretical and practical that offers a comprehensive education. All these are core subjects that help you become great software engineers.
Ability Of Program:
You might be having doubts about the ability of the programs offered by Coding Bootcamp vs Computer Science Degree, then this point is only for you.
In the case of Coding Bootcamp, you will come across different coding skills most days. And within a few weeks, you will be able to work on different projects by using the coding skills. The Coding Bootcamp is not everyoneโs cup of tea. You have to be skilled enough to grasp knowledge quickly.
And with a Computer Science Degree, you will get a lot more time to grasp knowledge on a certain topic. Because college degrees take four years to complete, students can gain in-depth knowledge about essential topics like data structures, computer systems, etc, and get plenty of time to revise and master the concepts.
Curriculum Of Program:
The curriculum of Coding Bootcampers and College graduates is divergent. You should know them, before making any decision.
In the case of a Coding Bootcamp, the curriculum is based on the necessary elements. It is based on the required programming languages along with some basic theoretical knowledge. The Coding Bootcamp graduates have a good knowledge of the tech industry in their curriculum.
But in the case of Computer Science Degree Programs, you will get all the knowledge those are aligned with the Computer Science Course. You will learn about Operating Systems, Computer Networking & many more. Also, some general knowledge you will get during the first year.
Quality Of Faculty:
As a student, there will be an obvious doubt present regarding the quality of faculties you will get in both cases. Here, we will clear all your doubts regarding the same.
In the case of any Coding Bootcamps, the presence of excellent faculty is inevitable. Different experts from several institutions came to join such organizations due to a handsome salary structure. So, there will be no doubt that you will come across a set of jewel faculty teachers during your tenure.
In the case of Computer Science Degree Programs at the University, you will be taught subjects like data structures and others by proficient professors. The continuous evaluation in the form of assignments, group projects, etc also adds to the pros of bachelorโs degrees.ย ย
Presence Of Resources:
The resources are the main thing that supports any student more than the faculty during their study time. So, we have to know the resource differences in both of the cases.
For Coding Bootcamp, the presence of resources will be unlimited. You will get particular study material from the institutes that will be in the current edition. But one thing you should remember, most coding boot camps provide virtual books as study material.
In the case of a University Degree Program, writing down and note-taking will be your biggest resource. Share your writing with your peers and engage in discussions with them. You may also get reference materials from your professors or libraries.
Networking Opportunities:
You might be aware that achieving any great things canโt be accomplished on your own, you have to take the help of others. In such cases, Networking helps a lot more in studentโs life.
In the case of Coding Bootcamps, the chance of Networking is a bit less. Networking with good people & students needs to be done using Social media & the Job Portals. Networking in such a manner will not help you more to grow up & solve your doubts.
On the other hand, in the case of a University Degree, you will get a chance to interact with the individuals personally. You can choose your friends & whom you have to spend most of your time with. You can get help from your friends in any traditional four-year college degree program.
Recognition Of Market:
After getting the ideas, related to the study field of both cases, it is time to understand which field is going to be recognized by the market easily.
In the case of the Coding Bootcamps, the recognition ratio is still lower than the traditional four-year college graduates. Many MNCs & other organizations donโt rely upon the Bootcamp certificates in a wider vision.
In the case of the College Degreeโs Market value, it is still holding the first position. Many organizations ask for original College Leaving Certificates along with the Character Certificate before joining. That is the reason, many students choose a college degree.
Job Opportunities:
We will consider the Job Opportunities are the key element that will help in selecting the best path between Coding Bootcamp and Degree Programs.
For Coding Bootcamp, you will directly land a job after completing Computer Science courses. As coding bootcamp graduates, most of the students get chances in the Startup companies. Because whatever projects you have done during the course attracts Startups most rather than MNCs.
On the other hand in Computer Science Degree Programs, the HR executives of different MNCs get attracted because you have a degree certificate with you. And you will get a chance to contribute as a Software engineer or Software Developer in any MNC company.
Earning Capability:
At last, the Coding Bootcamp and Computer Science degree debate is going to finish by enlightening the potential earning capability.
In any Coding Bootcamps, you will have the upper hand to get a high salary. As coding boot camp graduates, you will be directly involved in a Startup company. The Startup companies provide relatively much higher salaries than the Tech Companies, but the job security is less as Bootcamp grads.
On the other hand for a Computer Science Degree, the salary will not be an attractive one during the starting period. With the CS Degree, you need to prove yourself in the company to get increments & appraisals. But job security is much better in Tech Companies than the Startups.
Scenarios To Go For Coding Bootcamps
Before we move to discuss the differences between a coding bootcamp and vs computer science degree, we need to first understand what general scenarios present that push one student towards attending any coding bootcamp.
Scenario 1: During Career Switch:
Most of the time a student needs to visit any coding boot camps due to their career switch decision. In most cases, a student already has a college graduate degree in any of the subjects, but still, the coding boot camp is necessary because they want to explore the world of computer science.
Suppose, a student has to get a college graduate degree in Electrical Engineering. Now, he wants to pursue a career in software engineering. In that case, being a coding boot camp graduate can only save his dream.
So, is coding boot camp for beginners? Well, yes! Coding bootcamps are beginner-friendly as they do not require any prerequisite programming knowledge to begin with. You start from the basics!ย
This is why it is suitable for people looking to switch careers or grow their skill set. So, you can easily start your coding journey and become a software developer.
Scenario 2: Get Real Experience:
Sometimes, a bizarre situation can be witnessed. A student who has a computer science degree moves to attend any kind of good coding boot camp. Computer science graduates get their real experience of work from such coding boot camps only, not while pursuing a college degree.ย
Amid those bootcamps, you may encounter challenges or moments of uncertainty, and when that happens, you have the option to enlist the assistance of a computer science expert to help clarify your queries.
In all computer science degrees, students have to learn a lot of theoretical knowledge that they donโt need to implement while working for any organization. But in the coding boot camps, all the necessary information is given with proper priority.
Scenario 3: Dire Need Of Urgent Job:
Another good reason why students often move to attend coding boot camps is the need for jobs. Sometimes, a student feels a great need for any kind of software engineering job to balance their family need. And a student knows, that only the software engineering domain can able to serve that.
What if a job opportunity of your interest requires a specific skill set that you are not great at? The best way to learn and gain knowledge is a coding boot camp.
Suppose, a student has a college degree in Mechanical Engineering. But the stream is not going well at the time of his pass out. He is not getting any good job market from his domain. So, he tries to get a coding BootCamp certificate that would help to push his ability.
Scenarios To Go For Computer Science Degrees
Now, after discussing the scenarios for going to coding boot camps, it is time to know the necessities of joining a computer science degree program & get a bachelorโs degree. Then it will be easy for us to understand the difference between a coding boot camp vs computer science degree.
Scenario 1: Get College Experience:
If you want to taste the flavor of college campus life, then pursuing a computer science degree will be the right choice for you. The college campus is the real-life teacher of every student. Whatever you will learn from your college campus apart from your curriculum will help you much in your job.
The most important thing is to get familiar with the social life of the outer world. The same social life you have to face in your work environment. So, getting enrolled for any college degree is necessary for such a kind of student. While doing computer assignments in college, you might face difficulties in doing your homework then you can hire Codingzapโs experts to solve all your problems
Scenario 2: Valuable Bachelorโs Degree:
If you are a student who has a traditional concept that having a bachelorโs degree will brace your resume or CV for attracting any certain job towards you, then you should go for the computer science degree rather than attending coding boot camps.
Having a bachelorโs degree in computer science adds credibility to your portfolio or job profile. Whether you want to become a web developer, a cybersecurity engineer, or an enterprise cloud solutions sales architect who constantly works in developing tech solutions, your bachelorโs degree in computer science will add value to your resume.ย
Scenario 3: Want To Know Basics:
If you are an individual who wants to know everything from its base, then getting a computer science degree as your bachelorโs degree will be preferable for you. In your bachelorโs degree, you will come across a lot of theoretical knowledge that might not be as valuable as practical skills.
As computer science students, in your curriculum, you will come across some kind of subject that has zero value in your workplace. But as you are going to enjoy those things, attending college for a computer science degree will be better than coding boot camps.ย
Also, while studying computer science at your university, you will be given many assignments and projects. In case, you need ideas for computer science projects, then you can check out our article.
What to Choose: Coding Bootcamp or Computer Science Degree?
Now, if you are confused about choosing between the Coding Bootcamp and Computer Science Degree to become a software developer or web developer, this particular section will help to do that. We know you are impressed with the positive features of both categories.
You must be contemplating, โAre computer science bootcamps worth it?โ or should you just go for traditional computer science degree programs that take four years to complete?ย
To answer the first question, by looking at the learning options they provide, coding bootcamps are indeed worth it! Not only can you learn about a new coding skill in a short period, but you can also gain exposure and develop your problem-solving skills by working on hands-on projects.ย
A degree in computer science will also provide you with an equivalent learning environment at a slower pace. Having something tangible in your hands at the end of the day will also make you confident about your skills and open broader opportunities for you.
If you are really confused, then we advise you to enroll in one college as per your choice to get a Tech Career. Along with that, you can also enroll for any Coding Bootcamps present on the internet as per your choice.
In this way, you can grab knowledge from both the fields. And the knowledge that seems attractive to you go for that.
Conclusion:
As we saw the difference between Coding Bootcamps vs Computer Science traditional degree courses.
Both the sections have some positivity & negativity. Depending upon your learning style, you should move to a particular section to get a good career in Web Development or Software Development. We also have a blog where we have mentioned an ultimate guide for coding languages to clear your concepts and to make your vision clear.
We advise you to concentrate on your study in whatever section you choose to move ahead. Without proper dedication, you will not achieve success in your career either in four years of a degree or a few months in Coding Bootcamps.
Key Takeaways:ย
- Bootcamp graduates and students having a degree in computer science are offered different learning approaches. However, what works for others may not work for you.
- Coding bootcamp graduates have the advantage of gaining hands-on work experience in a specific skill set at a faster and more flexible pace over traditional education.ย
- Software engineers having a bachelorโs degree, are provided with a more comprehensive, in-depth knowledge, and a steady learning pace.
- In the end, the decision to choose between both options depends on what suits you the best. Either way, achieving your career goals and becoming a software developer opens up a whole new world of opportunities for you in the tech industry.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Question by Students)
Coding bootcamps are more suitable to get immediate jobs. However, you can pursue research or advanced studies after having some experience in the industry.ย
Yes! Bootcamps are flexible enough and may offer part-time opportunities as well for people with commitments.ย
Coding bootcamps can quickly adapt to industry trends to help you keep updated with the skills and tools required by the tech industry.ย
