IT bootcamps and IT degrees are among the most popular IT education options. While IT bootcamps are better for beginners or accelerated learners, IT degrees provide more of a long-standing foundation in the world of computer science.
The best educational choice for you is going to depend on a variety of personal factors such as your existing skills, current job status (and field), your amount of field-relevant experience, your finances and the time you can commit to your education.
In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at IT bootcamps and college degree programs to help you identify which education model is the best fit for your career path.
IT bootcamp vs degree: what you need to know
Both Information Technology bootcamps and computer science degrees can be highly beneficial to someone pursuing a career in IT. It’s possible to pursue both forms of education, and some people choose to do so in order to pre-qualify themselves for higher-paying, more senior positions.
What most aspiring IT professionals do is pursue either a bootcamp or degree, and then seek out additional education or certifications later in their career, if and when it’s necessary.
Here’s the bottom line: there’s more than one way to break into the IT industry, and there’s more than one way to become successful. There are, however, certain programs that are better suited to your personal lifestyle and career goals than others.
What should I know about a computer science degree?
A college degree provides a comprehensive overview of the IT landscape, and often takes a full four years to complete. This represents a significant investment, both longer and more expensive than other IT training options.
Through a computer science degree, you'll typically gain a strong understanding of essential software fundamentals, such as algorithms, data structures, coding, linear algebra, calculus, digital architecture, operation s