How to Become a Software Engineer without a Degree

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

Learn more about how to become a software engineer without a degree, including what a software engineer does, the skills you will need, and how to develop them.

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Software engineers are in high demand because they build the applications and systems that power modern technology. As industries become more digital, the need for skilled engineers grows with the expansion of mobile apps, cloud infrastructure, and artificial intelligence. Some employers require a degree, but many prioritize practical skills. Certificate programs, online courses, and bootcamps can be an efficient way to gain the programming and technical expertise needed for the job.

If you’re pursuing this path without a degree, focus on building a strong foundation in programming, software development, and core engineering principles. You can get started right away using industry standard tools and methodologies through IBM's DevOps and Software Engineering Professional Certificate program. In as little as six months, you'll have built, tested, and deployed your own application.

How to become a software engineer without a degree

While many software engineers earn a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, it is not the only path to success. You can build a rewarding career in software engineering with a degree in another area or without a degree at all if you focus on developing the right skills and gaining practical experience. Employers often care more about what you can do than where you learned it. By building a strong portfolio, mastering in-demand technologies, and demonstrating your problem-solving abilities, you can stand out in the job market.

Read on to explore the different ways you can gain the skills and experience needed to succeed as a software engineer.

1. Build essential software engineering skills

As a software developer or engineer, you use your programming skills and understanding of engineering principles to design, build, and maintain software applications and systems. You'll need to learn a language like Python, Java, JavaScript, Scala, C++, or C. The best programming language for you to learn depends on the type of software engineering you're interested in. For example, you'll need to learn Swift if you want to code applications for iPhones and other Apple products. If you're not sure where to start, check out What Programming Language Should I Learn?

Here are a few more technical skills and areas of expertise you'll need to succeed in your first software engineering role:

  • Data structures and algorithms

  • Software development approaches and methodologies like DevOps or Agile

  • Knowledge of version control tools like Git and GitHub

Boot camps

Boot camps offer structured intensive training focusing on practical development skills used on the job. You can choose between online and in-person options. Although boot camps can be expensive up-front, they can also be a more affordable and faster option than a degree. Keep in mind some programs may require applicants to take a test to prove their math, English, and technical proficiency. Requirements will typically be on the boot camp provider's website.

Read more: Explore the Benefits of Coding Bootcamps

Certificate programs

Another way to show employers you have what it takes to work as a software engineer is by taking online courses and earning certificates. Unlike certifications which often only include an exam, a certificate program includes guided study and hands-on projects you can use to build your expertise. Consider examining your current skill set and filling the gaps with online courses.

For example, if you're learning a programming language for the first time, you can enroll in a program that introduces you to software engineering fundamentals with a beginner-friendly language, such as Duke University's Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals Specialization. In as little as four weeks, you'll learn web development using JavaScript, debugging, statistical analysis, and more.

If you already know how to program in Python but you're not familiar with the software development life cycle, you might instead enroll in an online course that covers methodologies, sprint planning, and task management like the IBM DevOps and Software Engineering Professional Certification.

Read more: Free IT Certifications and Courses to Elevate Your Career

2. Gain experience.

Gaining practical experience and demonstrating your abilities to employers is critical for proving that you have what it takes, even without a degree. You can start gaining valuable experience prior to becoming a full-time software engineer. One option to gain valuable experience and meet people in the industry is attending a hackathon. Hackathons are events where programmers collaborate on a project to solve a specific problem. They typically take place over the course of a weekend or a single day and are open to individuals of all skill levels, whether you’re just starting out or you have some previous experience. 

Seek out software engineering internship opportunities, as well as work experiences where you have a chance to continue honing your programming skills. You can also find relevant entry-level positions, such as quality assurance tester or software test engineer. Volunteering with nonprofits or organizations that would benefit from your services is another great way to gain practical experience in the field. 

Software engineer internships

One way to work toward an entry-level position in software development is to gain experience through an internship. Internships also allow you to build connections and expand your network with people who could be a valuable resource in helping start your career and make for a nice addition to your resume. With many different potential careers available in software development, it’s helpful to know what you want to do early on in the process so you can find an internship that aligns with your career goals and lets you focus your skill development on specific areas. To find an internship, consider attending career fairs where you can grow your network or speak directly to recruiters.

Read more: Computer Science Internships: A Guide

3. Build a portfolio.

Building a portfolio will allow you to showcase your abilities to employers through software engineering projects—going into more depth than your resume and highlighting specific examples of your work. You can include projects you worked on during a boot camp, your own personal projects, and any other samples of work that showcase relevant skills. In addition to displaying past projects and relevant experience, you can provide more information about yourself as a professional. When you apply for a job, presenting a portfolio is also a great way to differentiate yourself from other candidates who may not take the same initiative.

4. Land an entry-level software development role

As a software developer, you'll have many career options. Not only will you find various software developer positions, but the skills you learn for this career can open up even more opportunities for you to pursue outside of software development. Early in your career, when seeking entry-level positions, you can gain relevant experience to help prepare you for the future by working as a technical support specialist, software test engineer, quality assurance tester, or junior software engineer. 

As you move forward in software development, here’s a list of job roles you might explore:

Read more: Top 5 Entry-Level Computer Science Jobs + How to Get One

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