Bootcamps vs. Certificates: What's the Difference? | BestColleges (2024)

• Certificates and bootcamps can enhance your resume or help you change careers.
• While flexible and affordable, these programs do not replicate a four-year degree.
• Be sure to enroll in programs with accreditation or an established reputation in the industry.

Computer and information technology is one of the fastest-growing and most lucrative industries in the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that occupations in this field will grow 13% through 2030, adding over 667,000 jobs to the U.S. economy.

Individual careers within the IT industry are poised for even greater growth. For example, employment of software developers is expected to grow by an astounding 22% — over three times the national average.

To take advantage of these job opportunities, you can pursue a traditional bachelor's in computer science or a related field. Alternatively, you can enroll in a college certificate program or coding bootcamp and learn some of the same skills in more condensed formats.

Aside from offering flexibility, these alternative tracks can help college graduates with unrelated degrees shift to computer science and information technology. But keep in mind that the best program for you depends on your interests, career goals, and schedule.

Certificate Programs

Technical certificate programs in IT and computer science typically take place over 8-12 months and are taught in on-campus, hybrid, or fully online formats. Certificates are non-degree programs that, in most cases, are offered through regionally or nationally accredited colleges and universities. It's never advisable to earn a certificate through a program that hasn't earned accreditation.

Certificate programs focus on a sub-topic within the larger field. Because of this, they do not replicate the depth of a four-year computer science degree. However, they are certainly useful for beefing up or gaining introductory knowledge in a particular area. Certificates are typically offered in subjects such as the following.

Coding Bootcamps

Coding bootcamps, also known as code schools, prepare you for entry-level roles in IT or computer science through a condensed, rigorous format. These programs vary in length and quality based on their content, structure, and admission criteria. For example, Hack Reactor offers a 12-week accelerated program, Evolve Security's Bootcamp Pro track spans 20 weeks, and Turing School's comprehensive front-end development program takes a seven-month commitment.

Related Programs That Might Interest You

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

While coding bootcamps are an effective introduction to IT and computer science and can secure you entry-level roles, they are not comparable to a four-year computer science degree. Bootcamps tend to cover particular skills needed within the industry, such as web development. They are also more practically oriented, focusing on real-world applications over theoretical problems. Below are some examples of the subjects you'd encounter in a coding bootcamp.

Should You Enroll in Certificate or Bootcamp Programs?

IT certificate programs and coding bootcamps provide highly focused training in a relatively short amount of time. Your career goals, schedule, and finances will ultimately determine which option works best for you.

Technical certificates from accredited universities are sure to meet current industry standards. Bootcamps, however, are not regionally or nationally accredited unless they are affiliated with a university, so the quality of individual programs may vary. Some employers may value college credentials over private bootcamp training, especially if you have little or no relevant work experience.

Enrolling in a certificate program grants you the name recognition and resources of a higher education institution, but they can be more expensive than a bootcamp. Some bootcamps offer innovative repayment plans, such as income-sharing agreements, that are meant to guarantee job placement.

No matter which option you choose, the most important indicator of your success is your employment. To this end, bootcamps excel at helping you develop practical, in-demand skills in popular IT subfields. One drawback, however, is the narrow scope of bootcamp curricula. You may become competent in a particular skill without understanding the theoretical foundations of computer science, which can hinder career advancement later on.

That said, students who have already studied computer science can also leverage bootcamps and certificates to gain additional knowledge and further advance their careers. The utility of these programs will depend entirely on your professional background and ambitions.

Career Benefits of Certificate and Bootcamp Programs

Technical certificate programs and coding bootcamps are a cost-efficient way to pursue a wide variety of IT careers. As you decide between a certificate program and bootcamp, consider your desired career and how the program will help you develop the core skill-set that employers expect of entry-level professionals.

Train for a New Career

If you recently graduated from college, regardless of your major, certificate programs and coding bootcamps can help you jumpstart a lucrative IT career. If you are a seasoned professional looking to change careers, or if you are already an IT professional and want to add to your toolkit, bootcamps and certificates may enable you to continue working as you learn new skills.

Both certificate programs and bootcamps cover fundamental topics like computer programming, coding languages, and IT ethics. However, a certificate program's curriculum includes theory alongside practical application.

Coding bootcamps tailor curricula to employer needs, sometimes altering content on the fly to cater to industry trends. The majority of bootcamps focus on full-stack web development, with many bootcamps also focusing on software engineering, data science, and cybersecurity.

In addition to skill development, certificate programs and bootcamps offer career support. Services differ by school, but this can include one-on-one coaching, resume writing assistance, interview guidance, and even job placement with institutional and commercial partners.

Evolve into a New Role

Programs and bootcamps are not just for people who want to break into IT. They can also benefit industry professionals who want to add skills to their repertoire. Rather than starting at square one with foundational curriculum, returning students can train in specialized areas like cybersecurity analytics or UX/UI design.

Another high-demand specialization for IT professionals is data science, which increasingly drives business. Data science skills allow you to capture, extract, and analyze useful information from vast data sets using mining and visualization techniques.

The ever-changing nature of technology rewards professionals who keep abreast of new ideas and practices through continuing education.

To recruit working professionals, certificate programs and coding bootcamps increasingly provide part-time, self-paced, and remote enrollment options. Many programs also allow you to defer tuition payment until after graduation, or pay with a part of your salary over time through income sharing agreements.

How to Find the Right Program for You

If you work in the IT field, consult colleagues about their experiences with certificate programs and coding bootcamps. You can also ask for guidance through LinkedIn forums and other online professional networks.

Employers may also be able to give first-hand accounts of the certificate or bootcamp process. They may also offer financial support. Many companies will pay partial or full tuition for employees' continuing education, particularly if you're already in the tech industry.