There are certain factors to consider if you are thinking about taking coding bootcamp or enrolling in a computer science degree. It is important to pick the right educational strategy to help you meet your career goals. Keep reading to discover what coding bootcamp is all about and how it compares to taking a graduate degree. Once you have the differences outlined, you can easily pick a route to pursue.
Definition of Coding Bootcamp
Typically, coding bootcamps run from twelve to forty weeks. However, some courses can be as short as a weekend or a single week.
These bootcamps are focused on high-impact, rapid learning and take much less time to finish than a college degree. They have been designed to deliver skills that students can immediately utilize in their jobs fast and efficiently.
Because of their shortened duration, the bootcamps function at a much quicker pace compared to a degree program. Students generally don't go as deeply into the subject matter and this can make it hard to explore additional interest areas that are not covered by the coursework. Some students may wish some of the subject matter was covered more in-depth.
What Kind of Skills Will Be Discovered In a Coding Bootcamp?
It is wise to put some thought into the kind of skills you are wishing to obtain by taking the course prior to enlisting in a coding bootcamp. If you don't set your goals in advance, it will be hard to determine if the class you are taking is the right one to help you meet your needs.
The programs will go over coding languages such as Python, JavaScript and Ruby, databases, hosting and servers, web development frameworks including Ruby-on-Rails, Django, and Express JS and version control tools.
Coding bootcamps are not the best choice for everyone even though they may be appealing due to the reduced financial commitment and lower time requirement. It will depend on what your end goals are for your career. Some people will find that taking their graduate degree in computer science or a related field is a better fit.
What Is the Cost of Coding Bootcamp?
Of course, depending on which program you take, the price of the bootcamp will vary significantly. Bootcamps that include in-person classes and those that take more time will be more expensive compared to the ones that are completed online.
Master of Science In Computer Science
You can earn vital skills to enhance your career growth by taking a Master of Science in Computer Science. Compared to a coding bootcamp, this route will cost more in both money and time. However, the payoff will be worth the extra funds.
One of the main differences is that bootcamps focus typically on a skill such as coding in a particular language. The degree alternatively will deliver the fundamental problem-solving techniques and skills to help you learn new languages as they are created. It gives students the tools they need to adapt. Coding bootcamps are designated to quickly deliver the skills to students, whereas an MS in CS can range from one to three years.
This extended timeframe enables students to have more freedom and time to explore a variety of concepts and delve deeper into the information. They have a chance to explore skills more thoroughly compared to what they may be exposed to in a condensed format with a bootcamp.
What Is The Best Path To Pursue?
It is important to define your career goals before you choose which path to take. You need to know what you want to achieve by taking more schooling. These goals will help you determine if a degree or a bootcamp will yield the best results.
Individuals who want to learn new skills to bring leverage to their current job may find a coding bootcamp a great option. It is also helpful for thinking about changing careers and taking computer science but is not sure if they will like the work. Someone who would enjoy thorough training across a broader sense of computer science topics may be better suited toward a master's degree in computer science.
Which option to pursue will boil down to how you value completing the coursework. Ensure you understand your professional and personal goals before committing to a particular path. Weigh out the pros and cons of each option to help you determine the best decision.
Micro-Credentials Vs. Graduate Degrees
Graduate degrees and bootcamps deliver students with the skills and knowledge they can rely on to grow their careers. It is typically easier to showcase a degree on a resume or use it for a promotion at a new job compared to merely having bootcamp certification.
However, many employers do value micro-credentials and bootcamp courses. It is essential to know that these are much less accepted compared to complete degrees. Bootcamps are generally viewed as a supplement as opposed to a substitute for a full degree. Across the industry, computer science professionals with a master's degree earn approximately 30K more compared to those who don't have one.
Besides heightening your earning potential, taking a degree allows you to work alongside faculty members and like-minded peers. These people may end up playing a vital role in your future and your career and can become members of your professional network. Although bootcamps may deliver some version of community, being so condensed, these programs make it harder to establish more meaningful and long-term connections.
