Can You Be a Computer Programmer With an Associates Degree?

Is it possible to get a programming job with just an associates degree or should you wait until you have a bachelor's degree? The truth is that your associates degree will most likely...

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[Coco]

I’ve been thinking about doing this and eventually going for a Bachelor’s. My roommate has a BS in Computer Science and I like how he’s able to work from home during the pandemic while I have to go in to work.

[triminhtran]

You may don't even need a degree. I don't as far as I know. If a company is holding that promotion away from you just because you don't have a degree after all the works you have done without one. Feel free to jump to another ship. High paying tech jobs is always available if and only if you have the right experience ( no degree involved)

Self-taught route is a hard route. I've been self-taught before while working part-time as a McDonald employee just to earn the living, and I can say, you will fail a lot. A few hundred times is possible, there are people are being self-taught for years and can't get their first job.

But if your situation is not good and you can't get a degree just like me. Just learn the skill, build things out like portfolio and web-apps that using technologies that many companies is hiring for and you will eventually get your first job. I got mine after 1 year and 3 months learning how to code every single day and applied over 400 times.

Just don't lose hope

[scifyry]

Currently back in school(at 36) for an associates in programming&systems analysis. I've been using different IDEs and languages on my own time over the last year to get my feet wet so to speak.

I use troubleshooting theory a lot in my current job that deals with the hardware side of things such as expansion cards, daughterboards, motherboards, etc. I'm not sure how much of that would factor in to my resume' getting into the software side.

[Dreamsai_]

In my case I was originally a CS major transferred into my school as a Linguistics and CS major but the CS classes were too difficult for me so I swapped into Applied Linguistics bc if I didn’t I would have probably gotten kicked out from school and lost my grants. I am considering getting my associates in CS to accompany it (school offers no minor). I believe I am making the right choice because at the very least I’ll have a bachelors. I already considered a masters and a bootcamp and neither path is for me. Im doing it so I can pass HR and have the CS related degree checked off. Luckily I’ll only need to take 5 courses to obtain the associates which wouldn’t cost much/take a lot of time.

[revolutionaryfrog]

Im halfway through my associates right now, I think I'm going to start making a bunch of android apps with my knowledge of Java so far and just build a portfolio of simple but efficient programs like some games/ stock price watchers that can display multiple skillets.

[DefinitelyNotNeal.]

I recently got my Associates degree and currently pursuing a bachelors of science in computer science. It’s hard to say the least, just hope to not flunk out of school otherwise I’d have to do the self teach route

[braydenlemke]

I think associates degrees are worth it for some(you need at least an associates to work federal government jobs in my state) Whether you are tight on money, have a learning disability (like me), or struggle with self direction or need guidance. Also student discounts are great too when it comes to tech. Some community colleges even can help you fund for a new device. The current technical trade school I'm going to for front end web dev associates is paid training. You learn your basics and create projects in quarters 1-3, your 4th quarter is a portfolio interviewing skills. The school then helps pair you with your paid internship for the 2nd year. After completetion of minimum amount of hours on the internship and based on employer review you graduate. A lot of graduates in the program can end up working for that company(s). I also live in a city in my state that has a booming and growing tech industry. This tech school is known for IT and has a broad range of course lengths for most tech related careers. From 1-6 months, a year, two years and tech apprenticeships. I'm doing the associates rather than apprenticeships because with an extra year of study I can graduate with a AS in graphic design :) like you said though a degree is not needed but certain tech schools and programs are worth it depending your area. Education is always great for networking (if you put in the effort). Along with if you want a BS but not sure school is for you, a two year program can help you figure out what you really want to do. Overall if you want to do something whether you go to school or not it's on you to put in the work.

Thanks for listening to my Ted talk.

[spider-man]

If boot camps weren’t so ridiculously expensive, they would be a good option. But the self satisfaction of earning a bachelors degree is hard to beat. Having that piece of paper is basically the golden ticket to a high salary. Employers have more respect for a traditional degree these days. The job market is too saturated to not have that advantage, especially if you’re goal is to work at a reputable company in the long run. It could be the difference between $60, 000 a year and $120, 000 a year. I would say the bachelors degree is the better option.

[rockey]

I am the type of person who finds math fun and simple to comprehend when given enough time. I am not saying that I am a genius but I am saying that I am like average or near average. I am interested in Computer science but I am not so keen on the number of math courses and classes that I need to attend. I am 18 years old and money and time aren't something I have. I feel like an associate degree would be a simple way to get but I am not sure that getting an associate degree in computer science would either be more difficult or less difficult than getting a bachelor's degree. Sorry if this sounds dumb I just have so many questions.

[wreckingtestes]

Is it possible to go for an associates degree then find a job and work my way up to a high salary and transfer to a bigger corporation once I’ve had the experience? Isn’t experience more important than a BA though? 🤔

[Kaisaccountt]

Just got my associates degree in software development. Hopefully I can get a job now 😁.

[greenchilaquiles]

I just want to learn because Im terrible at self teaching

[Gladieth]

Thanks for the advice Devsmak. This is a topic I've been thinking about and so I appreciate you making a video discussing it. I am very interested in this career field and am trying to determine the best routes available to transition into it. I actually already have a B.S. in engineering that is unrelated to computer science, so I have been looking into whether it is more beneficial for me to get associates, bachelors, or masters in computer science. Basically, I'm trying to figure out the most practical option for me to close that skills gap and be desired in the market.

[bradmiller]

Every child in the 21st century should be graduating highschool with an associate's understanding in programming. The illiteracy is embarrassing and the lack of awareness for the need of globalized literacy is unacceptable.

[salem]

Very helpful content as usual, thanks a lot James, keep it up bud 👍

[Hugo-eywc]

So should i go for an associates degree or go with a coding bootcamp, would really value some advice before it hits June.

[onlygenderkennder]

I really want to be a UX designer. I new nothing about computers, until recently. I started teaching myself HTML and I know a little bit of CSS. I start my associate's at Weber State this July. I am so nervous I won't get a job though. I need encouragement lol. What should I learn as a UX designer? Are there even positions like that? Someone told me companies will just hire full stack developers instead, so I'm not sure if I can. What languages/skills do I need, other than HTML, CSS, JavaScript, SQL? Do I even stand a chance in this saturated industry?

[MidnightKing]

I just graduated with an associates in Computer Science and planning on getting a bachelors in 2023. Is it possible to get a job with my current degree while pursuing my bachelors?

[perezident]

I’m currently working as a web engineer (3 years of experience so far), is it still worth going back to get a Bachelor’s degree (or Associate’s)?

I’ve been contemplating. My current employer does offer tuition assistance. Im not sure how important it is since I have experience and I’m currently working.

[SaviorKnight]

I'm going back to college to study CIS AA. I want to get into the tech field.