Do developers need college degrees? Just a generation ago, it was a given that a college degree was the best way to maximize the likelihood of securing a high-paying job in the field of your choice. But the world has changed, and more and more you hear of successful developers who never earned a degree, or college dropouts who made it big in Silicon Valley. Think pieces are published every day pondering the value of college, the skyrocketing rate of student loan debt, and whether or not the entire institution is just outdated and archaic.
At the same time, kids as young as elementary school are learning to code, building apps and websites, and, as they grow up, looking to development as a career. They’re often self-taught, using Google (and Stack Overflow, of course) to find answers and resources, then teaching themselves what they need to know. So it’s natural that as this generation comes of age, they’re wondering: Do I even need college to be a developer?
Nick Larsen, a data engineer at Stack Overflow and a frequent speaker on getting hired as a developer, says the answer depends on the job you’re applying for. According to Nick, there are three scenarios: a degree is not required, a degree is a plus but not necessary, and a degree is a real requirement. Different companies have different policies and cultures, which influence their hiring criteria. For some roles, practical experience and a strong portfolio are more valuable than formal education, while others may still prioritize a degree as a sign of a well-rounded candidate.
“The reality of getting hired as a developer,” Nick explains, “is that it’s much easier to get a job if you can show the company what you’ve done. A portfolio of projects you’ve contributed to is worth more than years of experience or schooling.” Employers want to see proof of your abilities. If you have built useful and impressive projects, it shows that you have the practical skills needed for the job. This is especially true in tech, where the ability to solve problems and create working solutions is more important than theoretical knowledge.
A 2016 Developer Survey revealed that 56% of developers do not have a college degree in computer science or related fields. This shows that many people in the industry have found success without following the traditional path. The most common way developers learn is by self-teaching; 69% said they were at least partially self-taught, and 13% said they were entirely self-taught. This indicates that a significant portion of the developer community values practical learning and self-initiative over formal education. With so many online resources available, anyone with the motivation and curiosity can learn to code and build projects on their own.
Do Most Companies Require a Degree?
Out of 4,499 job listings on Stack Overflow Jobs, a search for terms like “degree” or “bachelor” found 1,760 matches. This means 2,739 listings, or 61%, did not specify a degree as a requirement. This shows a significant portion of the job market is open to candidates without formal degrees, focusing more on skills and experience. In the U.S., however, the percentage of jobs requiring a degree was higher. Out of 2,287 U.S. job listings, 1,198 mentioned a degree, meaning 1,089, or 48%, did not. This regional difference could be due to varying cultural expectations or industry standards in different areas.
So, yes, some companies require a degree. But does this mean you have a better chance of getting a job if you have one? Not necessarily. Nick stresses that demonstrating your skills and achievements is more important than having a degree, even for jobs that list a degree as a requirement. Employers are often more interested in what you can do rather than where you learned to do it. A strong portfolio and a track record of successful projects can often outweigh the lack of a formal degree.
“Regardless of the degree level in the requirement,” Nick says, “it’s usually okay not to have that degree if you can show a history of success relevant to the company’s needs. Even for jobs looking for Ph.D. level candidates, having relevant published work can be more impressive than having a Ph.D. without such work.” This is why many job listings include the phrase “or equivalent experience.” This means that practical experience, relevant work, and demonstrable skills can substitute for formal education, even at higher levels of job requirements.
The Importance of a Portfolio
This emphasis on demonstrated competence means that even if you have a college degree, you can’t rely on it alone. You need a portfolio that showcases your work. Employers care more about what you can do than what you learned in college. When discussing your college work, focus on how it relates to the company’s problems and how your education has improved your skills as a developer. The tech industry moves fast, and companies are interested in what you can do for them now. Your ability to solve current problems and adapt to new challenges is what will make you stand out.
Passion and Practical Experience
Joel Spolsky, a co-founder of Stack Overflow, once advised college students to demonstrate their passion for programming through real-world projects and experiences. Employers want to hire developers who love coding and have a strong work ethic. They look for signs of passion and commitment, such as projects you’ve worked on in your own time, contributions to open source projects, or internships and freelance work. Motivation, self-direction, and a thirst for learning are often more valuable than a degree. These qualities show that you’re likely to continue growing and adapting in your career.
What About Coding Bootcamps?
Coding bootcamps have emerged as an alternative to traditional college degrees, offering intensive training programs that promise to teach coding skills in a few months. These programs can be less expensive than a four-year degree and have good job-placement rates. A study showed that 73% of bootcamp graduates were employed as developers. However, 60% of these graduates already had a bachelor’s degree in another field, using boot camps as supplementary education rather than a replacement. Bootcamps can be a good option for those who want to switch careers or gain specific skills quickly.
Learning by Doing
Software development has one of the lowest barriers to entry because developers openly share their knowledge. Stack Overflow, for instance, is a community where developers help each other by asking and answering questions. You can find resources online to learn the skills you need. This openness makes it possible for anyone with access to the internet and a computer to learn to code.
Contributing to open source projects is another great way to learn, build a portfolio, and make
industry connections. Working on real-world projects helps you develop practical skills and shows potential employers that you can contribute to a team. A good developer can think critically, solve problems, work in a team, and meet deadlines. You can learn these skills in college or on your own, but the most important thing is to keep building and learning. The tech industry values continuous learning and adaptability.
So, Is a Degree Pointless?
Not at all. College offers more than just a path to a job. It’s a place for personal growth, networking, and exploring various subjects. College can provide a broad education, expose you to different perspectives, and help you develop soft skills like communication and teamwork. We wouldn’t recommend dropping out if you’re already in college or skipping it if you want to earn a degree. But when it comes to getting a job as a developer, there are more important factors than a degree.
Who is more hirable: someone with three years of work experience and no degree, or someone with a degree and internship experience? It depends on what they can actually do. Employers want to see your skills and achievements, regardless of how you acquired them. In the end, the ability to demonstrate your skills and your passion for coding is what will make you stand out, whether you have a degree or not.
Conclusion
Whether or not you need a college degree to be a developer depends on the job and company. Building a strong portfolio, continuously learning, and demonstrating your passion for coding are crucial steps to becoming a successful developer, with or without a degree.