How to Become a Software Engineer (Without a CS Degree)

A lot of people still believe the only way into software engineering is with a computer science degree. That belief stops many from even trying.

But things have changed. Big companies like Google and Apple care less about diplomas and more about what you can build. What matters most now is your skill — and there are plenty of ways to get those skills without setting foot in a university lecture hall.

You can go the self-taught route or enroll in a coding bootcamp. Both paths can lead to full-time jobs, even if you’re starting from scratch. It takes time and consistency, but the opportunity is real.

Why You Can Skip the CS Degree (and Still Get Hired)

Let’s talk about the shift happening in tech hiring.

More companies are open to hiring people from non-traditional backgrounds. They’ve seen that real-world experience often beats theory. In fact:

• Google, IBM, and Apple have dropped CS degree requirements for many technical roles.

• A Course Report study showed coding bootcamp grads earn around $70,000 as a starting salary.

• The StackOverflow Developer Survey found that around 40% of developers are self-taught.

What makes the difference isn’t a degree. It’s a solid GitHub profile, a few working projects, and your ability to solve real problems.

3 Main Paths to Learn Software Engineering

There isn’t one single path that works for everyone. Your choice depends on how much time you have, your budget, and how you like to learn.

1. Self-Learning (Free or Cheap)

This path is flexible and budget-friendly. You’ll find tons of free content online.

Try:

• freeCodeCamp (great for beginners)

• YouTube (channels like The Net Ninja, Fireship, and CS50)

• Coursera or edX (low-cost certifications)

• roadmap.sh (see what skills to focus on next)

Pros:

• Flexible schedule

• No cost

• Choose your learning style

Cons:

• No structure

• Easy to lose motivation

• Slower progress

If you go this route, try setting a weekly learning goal and build something every few weeks. That helps keep momentum going.

2. Coding Bootcamps

Bootcamps are fast-paced and built around job readiness. You’ll usually finish in 12–24 weeks with a portfolio and job prep.

Why people like it:

• Clear learning path

• Mentorship and feedback

• Real-world projects

• Career coaching

Stat to know: Around 79% of bootcamp grads land jobs within 6 months (Course Report).

Bootcamps are great if you're serious about making a change quickly. They can be intense, but the structure helps many stay focused.

Not sure where to start? Find a bootcamp that fits your timeline and learning goals.

3. Traditional CS Degree

This option still works — especially if you’re already in college or thinking about research or academia. But for most people aiming for entry-level software jobs, it’s not essential.

Drawbacks:

• Expensive

• Time-consuming

• Heavy on theory, light on projects

If you're not already in school, you probably don’t need this route

Skills You’ll Need as a Software Engineer

Let’s keep it simple. Here’s what most beginner-friendly jobs expect:

Languages:

• HTML, CSS, JavaScript (for web)

• Python or Java (for logic and back-end)

Frameworks/Libraries:

• React (for front-end)

• Node.js, Express (for back-end)

• Django (Python-based full stack)

Tools:

• Git and GitHub (version control)

• VS Code (code editor)

• Chrome DevTools (debugging)

Foundational Concepts:

• How the web works (HTTP, APIs)

• Problem-solving and logic

• Databases (SQL, NoSQL)

• Basic algorithms and data structures

Don’t let the list overwhelm you. Learn one thing at a time, build something with it, then move on.

Step-by-Step: How to Become a Software Engineer Without a Degree

Here’s a straightforward path that’s worked for thousands of people.

Step 1: Pick Your Learning Path

Decide if you’ll go self-taught or join a bootcamp. There’s no wrong choice — go with what fits your life and budget.

Step 2: Learn Programming Basics

Start with JavaScript or Python. Focus on writing simple programs, solving problems, and understanding logic.

Avoid bouncing between too many languages. Stick with one until you can build something real.

Step 3: Build Projects

Nothing shows your skills better than a working app. Start small.

Ideas:

• To-do list app

• Weather checker

• Simple blog site

• Rock-paper-scissors game

• Chatbot or calculator

Don’t worry if it’s not perfect. Getting it to work is the goal.

Step 4: Use Git and GitHub

Every software job expects you to know version control. Use Git from day one. Push all your projects to GitHub.

This becomes your public resume. Recruiters will look.

Step 5: Join Online Tech Communities

Learning alone can get lonely. Join Reddit threads, Discord servers, Twitter/X circles, or post on Dev.to.

You’ll find support, answers, and maybe job leads.

Step 6: Build a Portfolio Website

This is where you’ll showcase:

• Links to your live projects

• Screenshots and descriptions

• Your GitHub profile

• A short intro about yourself

Tools like Carrd, Framer, or WordPress work well.

Step 7: Get Ready for Jobs

Now it’s time to prep for the job hunt.

• Make a resume that lists your projects and skills

• Practice interview questions and challenges on LeetCode or HackerRank

• Join mock interviews or review your resume with others

• Apply to junior dev roles, internships, apprenticeships

Don’t wait until you feel 100% ready. You learn a lot during the interview process too.

What Recruiters Want (When You Don’t Have a Degree)

They’re not looking for a certificate. They want to know:

• Can you write code and solve problems?

• Have you built anything?

• Do you keep learning?

• Can you explain your work clearly?

Your background doesn’t matter much if your work speaks for itself.

Bootcamps or Self-Taught?

Here’s how to choose between them:

Self-Taught Works Best If:

• You have time

• You’re patient

• You enjoy figuring things out on your own

Bootcamps Work Best If:

• You want structure and mentorship

• You need to switch careers quickly

• You like deadlines and accountability

Neither path is “better.” It’s about what you’ll actually stick with.

You Can Do This — With or Without a Degree

It’s easy to feel like you don’t belong in tech without a traditional background. But the truth is, a ton of successful developers started just like you — learning in their spare time, building tiny projects, and slowly improving.

You don’t need four years or a pile of debt. You need a clear plan, consistent effort, and a few real-world projects.

If you’re thinking about starting, the best time is now. Pick a language. Build something small. Share it. Keep going.

The tech world is big enough for you too.

Want extra help? Explore our full-time or part-time bootcamps that guide beginners through everything — no CS degree needed.