With the way the world is going, the tech industry is flourishing and every day we wake up to see that some cool innovation has been invented and this only makes you thirst for more of the digital age.
Maybe you’re fresh out of high school, and you’re wondering what the best way to gain the skills needed to break into tech is, do I go to college or a coding camp?
For a long time, the way to go would be to go to college for a computer science degree, or a related degree and then work your way into getting a master’s degree or a Ph.D. These days, however, several alternative programs are being created to help train young people in their various preferred tech fields.
This begs the question, which of them is right for me? Do I go to a coding camp or to college to improve my skills? If you’re wrestling with these thoughts, not to worry! We’re here to help. In this article, we would shed some light on what you need to know to make an informed decision.
College vs. Coding camp: how do I choose?
These are the two main options everyone with an interest in tech considers first. Comparing the two of them is like comparing apples to oranges – each quite different, but has its benefits. The best way to compare would be to weigh them with some important factors such as;
Curriculum
In college, the degree to major in is Computer Science (CS). The curriculum of CS provides an adequate knowledge of computers that covers operating systems, the how’s and why’s. It also provides the soft skills needed to manage people and communicate better in the tech industry. Some CS degree programs include the following; operating system design, programming java, and C++, advanced mathematics, algorithms, and computer science theory. If you have little to no knowledge of these programs, you may want to consider college.
Coding camp, on the other hand, provides the in-depth knowledge of algorithms used in developer-scale apps and the general foundation needed for programming. The focus of coding camps is on tools for developers, coding languages, and practical applications. The curriculum of the coding camp includes; GitHub, JavaScript, Ruby, APIs, Python, etc. Another important deciding factor is your learning style. Do you learn better by taking lectures with a set curriculum and predictable interactive lessons? Then a CS degree in college may be your best bet. However, If you prefer hands-on, practical learning then coding boot camp may be more suitable for you.
Time Factor
The ultimate goal of college is to turn you into a reliable adult. You will have a lot of options to explore and learn about yourself in the process. In college, you get a well-rounded curriculum that includes everything from projects to assignments. The workload may be too much, and you sometimes need to visit Writix.com to get help with your studies. However, college prepares you for your next phase in life. The con is that a computer science degree takes about four years to complete and a master’s degree of about two years. While coding boot camps may take between 2-6 months for completion.
Time factor aside, the curricula of boot camps are limited compared to that of a computer science degree. For in-depth knowledge about foundational computer science concepts and scopes, a degree program in college will be more appropriate.
Cost
In terms of cost, coding camps are considerably cheaper than colleges. The cost of most coding camps ranges between $10000-15000, while tuition at top colleges with CS programs costs about three-four times that amount. The Massachusetts Institute for Technology (MIT) costs $60,000-70,000 per year, with cheaper colleges costing under $30,000 per year.
Personal Career goal
Another important factor to consider is your personal career goal(s). You need to think long term. In 10-0 years from now, where do you see yourself? If you want to work as a software engineer in multi-million dollar companies like Google or Amazon, you will need a CS degree. However, if you are planning to launch a startup or become a part of one, then coding boot camps may be a suitable option for you.
In essence, the only person that can decide if coding boot camp or college is the best option to develop your skills is YOU! Consider the factors above carefully before making a decision.
- EduBirdie Code Writing Services for Students – Review - September 16, 2022
- What Kinds of Math are Used in Programming - August 18, 2022
- Coding Camp or College: What is the Right Choice for Skills Improvement? - July 15, 2022