At one time, Product Managers were considered a luxury in the Product Management field. Only the top-performing organizations and the best-selling companies could afford to hire Product Managers to improve their efficiency.

Today, Product Managers are less of a luxury and more of a necessity. Companies that want to stay competitive generally need at least one Product Manager, someone who can help optimize every stage of the product lifecycle.

To earn your spot in the Product Management field, you’ll first need the right education — and there are a number of education options you can choose from. Some aspiring Product Management professionals opt for a four-year degree program from a traditional university.

In other cases, you might choose to particulate in an accelerated bootcamp program, to learn fundamentals in record time.

In this article, we’re going to compare Product Management bootcamp and degree programs, to help you figure out which one is best for your career.

Product Management bootcamp vs degree: the basic distinctions

Both Product Management bootcamps and degree programs offer unique paths to well-paying Product Management careers. However, there are some clear distinctions between the two types of programs.

Bootcamps are short-term programs and courses (typically less than six months) that can range in price from a couple hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. These bootcamps are designed to enhance your skills and provide a firm foundation in the Product Management field.

By contrast, some aspiring Product Management professionals prefer a degree program, one that takes considerably longer and provides more of a background on the industry and applicable skills. Degrees aren’t always required by employers, particularly today — in an era where more and more students are migrating away from four-year degree programs in favor of faster, more affordable education.

What should I know about a Product Management degree?

A Product Management degree is, in a general sense, the most thorough way to round out a Product Management education. If you commit to a degree program, it will likely take at least 3-4 years to complete.

The two biggest drawbacks of a college-level Product Management degree are the cost and the potential low-quality of education. Not all Product Management degrees are created equal: some are far better than others in educating learners and preparing you for a career. Before beginning any Product Management degree program, make sure to perform careful research on all available courses to find the right fit for you.

What should I know about Product Management bootcamps?

Product Management bootcamps are accelerated training for adult learners or those seeking a career change. These bootcamps can benefit aspiring and experienced Product Managers alike, depending on the “level” of bootcamp you choose.

The best bootcamps are built to support your unique career goals, rather than a one-size-fits-all program. Even without a degree, the right Product Management degree program can set you above other job candidates.

While the price of a Product Management bootcamp can be a few thousand dollars, it’s still only a fraction of the cost of a degree program. The affordability of a Product Management bootcamp, and the speed at which you can learn new skills, encourage many learners each year to participate in a bootcamp program.

Product Management bootcamp vs degree: which is right for me?

Depending on your needs, skills and career goals, either a Product Management degree or bootcamp program might be a better fit for you. 

If you don’t already have a strong preference for one education model over the other, here are some additional questions to ask yourself to make the decision easier.

What’s my availability?

Ask yourself how much time, and money, you’re willing to dedicate to your education.

Most Product Management bootcamps can be completed in under six months. For example, our Product Management Bootcamp can be completed in 14 weeks, and helps you earn your Product Management certification. Depending on the curriculum (which you review in advance), you may need to commit anywhere from 3-15 hours a week to learning.

If you opt for a Product Management degree program, you’ll need to make even more time for lessons. You’ll also need to pay for the full cost of the degree, which will be considerably more expensive than a bootcamp program.

What level of support do I need?

Identify where you’re at in your career path, and take the time to diagnose the amount of support you might need as you learn.

At this stage, you’ll also need to identify the form of education that best fits your learning style. For example, some students learn best through virtual programs and on-demand lessons, allowing you to learn at your own pace. Perhaps you’re someone who would prefer to learn in-person, inside of a classroom. These preferences can also help you decide between a bootcamp or a degree program.

What am I willing to invest?

An investment in education means more than just money. You’ll also have to decide how much time, and how much energy, you’re willing to devote to your professional future.

Here’s the good news: many bootcamps offer payment plans to make the investment easier, and there are countless forms of financial aid available to help you obtain your college degree, no matter what your financial situation looks like. Still, it’s important to consider the investment you’re willing to make before diving into any educational program.

Connect with our Admissions team today to get started.