Is a Computer Science Degree Still Necessary?
Posted February 3rd, 2016
Ask most IT professionals how they broke into the field and they will tell you it starts by earning a computer science degree. For most of the history of IT, this has been the standard barrier to entry. But there is now reason to suggest that things are changing.
A recent survey of active developers revealed that in certain fields, close to a majority of professionals had no formal training in computer science. For instance, 46 percent of Swift developers and 45% of HTML5 developers lack a degree. Contrast this with the 75 percent of Java developers who do have a degree.
So what is to account for the lack of degree holders working in IT? First and foremost, alternatives have appeared in recent years that offer a viable alternative to a college or university. Massively Open Online Courses (MOOCs) offered by the likes of Udacity, Kahn Academy, Coursera and others teach students everything they need to know in less time and for a fraction of the cost of computer science degree programs.
Second, these online courses are often focused on cutting edge areas of study that have not yet found their way into academy curriculums. Since the cost of developing and delivering an MOOC is significantly less and the potential for flexibility is much greater, students are able to learn technologies/techniques that are still in their infancy – mobile app development and data science are two examples. Companies need help with these technologies but they’re not finding it in computer science programs.
It must be noted, however, that there are drawbacks to foregoing a degree program and relying on online or self learning entirely. Computer science programs may be less cutting edge, but that is largely because they focus on the critical thinking strategies of computing rather than the latest “hot tech.” Students graduate these program with a broad understanding of principles, which helps them to be more fluent and adaptable down the road.
That being said, deemphasizing the degree requirement should be seen as a positive thing. There are many smart, driven professionals who want to either break into a tech field or advance an established career who simply can’t spend $30,000+ and four years picking up a credential. This shift also suggests that employers are stating to acknowledge the value of the kind self directed, informal learning that has always been a feature of IT. Finally, the long hours spent experimenting with a new programming language at home are getting the credit they deserve.
If you are looking for a job in tech and don’t have a degree, don’t let that hold you back. Realize, however, that you’re going to have to make a different kind of case for yourself in order to convince employers that you have what it takes to succeed. Learn how to present your skills, experiences, and credentials in the way that impresses by partnering with Bayside Solutions. Reach out to us today to get started.
