5 answers
brian
Student
Columbia
1
Question
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Do you need a college degree for computer science?
what colleges offer a computer science program?
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5 answers
Fred Rosenberger
Data Analyst
392
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Fred’s Answer
No, but it helps A LOT.
If you don't have a college degree, an employer is generally going to want to see evidence you can do the work. How do you show that? Generally it's done by listing your work experience. So you are in a catch-22.
You can develop your own projects, and show it off as a portfolio piece (i.e. pointing them to your github repo or something similar.
Another option is to start in a low level position, and work your way up. I know some folk who started in a call center at a company. They then used the company benefits to take classes. They may have gotten various certifications, or just taken core classes and not actually gotten a degree, but they were then able to show knowledge in the area and then transfer over.
Hundreds if not thousands of colleges offer CS programs. You should probably speak to your high school college counsellor and ask them to help you narrow down your list of schools. There are MANY factors to consider when selecting a college.
If you don't have a college degree, an employer is generally going to want to see evidence you can do the work. How do you show that? Generally it's done by listing your work experience. So you are in a catch-22.
You can develop your own projects, and show it off as a portfolio piece (i.e. pointing them to your github repo or something similar.
Another option is to start in a low level position, and work your way up. I know some folk who started in a call center at a company. They then used the company benefits to take classes. They may have gotten various certifications, or just taken core classes and not actually gotten a degree, but they were then able to show knowledge in the area and then transfer over.
Hundreds if not thousands of colleges offer CS programs. You should probably speak to your high school college counsellor and ask them to help you narrow down your list of schools. There are MANY factors to consider when selecting a college.
Atul Bhankharia
Sales
456
Answers
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Updated
Atul’s Answer
Absolutely, unless you're a genius who can create unique software, you'll need formal education in this field. Every state college and university provides majors in Computer Science and Computer Engineering. If you're currently a high school student, excelling in Math, Science (both Physics and Chemistry), and English is crucial to thrive in these majors. Finally, possessing strong communication skills is essential as you'll be collaborating with a team.
Jeff Sloan
Software engineer - firmware Retired
89
Answers
Round Rock, Texas
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Good question, Brian!
The short answer is no. Michael Dell, Bill Gates a couple of examples who have done pretty well without a degree. But, the reality is that you really do need a degree. because at this point, it's really the baseline. Many job postings require a minimum of a bachelor's degree. And you will be put up next to a lot of people who are applying for the same position and have a degree. When I was a hiring manager, I always looked for some reason to reduce the huge stack of resumes on my desk Monday morning. I had to get through the stack quickly. If education didn't list a degree, the resume went to the no pile.
I absolutely believe that college gives you the basic tools to solve problems.
The short answer is no. Michael Dell, Bill Gates a couple of examples who have done pretty well without a degree. But, the reality is that you really do need a degree. because at this point, it's really the baseline. Many job postings require a minimum of a bachelor's degree. And you will be put up next to a lot of people who are applying for the same position and have a degree. When I was a hiring manager, I always looked for some reason to reduce the huge stack of resumes on my desk Monday morning. I had to get through the stack quickly. If education didn't list a degree, the resume went to the no pile.
I absolutely believe that college gives you the basic tools to solve problems.
Jo Ann Hill
Technology Advocate
19
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jo Ann’s Answer
Hi Brian, a college degree in computer science is indeed a precious asset and I would highly recommend pursuing it if it's within your reach and budget. Yet, it's worth noting that there are numerous companies and organizations that place high value on Apprenticeship programs, emphasizing practical technical skills over traditional degrees. This approach is effectively bridging the tech skills gap and ushering in fresh talent into the technology industry, irrespective of their educational qualifications.
Here are a couple of insightful articles for your perusal:
==> https://www.ibm.com/blogs/jobs/the-ibm-apprenticeship-program-no-degree-no-problem/
==> https://www.ibm.com/blogs/jobs/no-degree-no-problem-ibm-apprenticeship/
Best wishes to you on your future endeavors!
Here are a couple of insightful articles for your perusal:
==> https://www.ibm.com/blogs/jobs/the-ibm-apprenticeship-program-no-degree-no-problem/
==> https://www.ibm.com/blogs/jobs/no-degree-no-problem-ibm-apprenticeship/
Best wishes to you on your future endeavors!
Taylor Girard
17
Answers
Long Beach, California
Updated
Taylor’s Answer
I will parrot what a lot of other responses here and say that yes, a degree in CS is helpful but not required. In order to get in to the field without one, you need to be really disciplined in teaching yourself and making portfolio projects. That doesn't mean it's impossible, however. I've seen people get into the industry just with bootcamp or self-taught experience, but it takes a certain type of person. You'll need to do some self-reflecting to see which path is right for you.