Technology careers are quickly changing—especially amid the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and cloud computing. As companies race to integrate these innovations, the demand for technology talent with both practical experience and theoretical knowledge is surging.
For students considering a technology career, choosing the right education—whether through a computer science degree or coding bootcamp—has never been more important. Both can open doors, but their scope, course content, and long-term career outcomes differ.
That’s why the University of Fredericton (UFred) is ensuring its Bachelor of Computer Science program stands out as a fully-online, academically-rigorous, and career-focused pathway that blends theoretical mastery with real-world flexibility. For students deciding between a formal degree and bootcamp, understanding the differences is critical.
So, how do these two educational paths compare? And, what exactly are today’s tech employers looking for?
The Scope: Breadth vs. Depth
The core distinction between a computer science degree and bootcamp comes down to scope. “I look at it as a difference between breadth and depth,” says Michael Hobeck, Provost and Vice President of Academics at UFred.
Bootcamps often zero-in on one language and emphasize project-based skills, serving as strong introductions to technical concepts vital for roles such as developers or product managers, Hobeck says. This may include crash courses in JavaScript or front-end frameworks. By contrast, computer science degrees offer a comprehensive understanding of how computing systems work from the ground up.
“Bootcamp would give someone specific, comprehensive skills designed to suit particular career paths,” Hobeck explains. “A computer science degree, on the other hand, is more versatile, allowing graduates to succeed in a large variety of technical careers.”
Before pursuing a tech career, experts say it’s critical to not only learn how to code but to study how technology works. From computation theory and data structures to systems design and algorithms, computer science programs expand on the skills that might first be introduced in a bootcamp.
“Algorithms and data structures are two subjects that underpin almost every software solution,” says Hobeck. “Your ability to design efficient algorithms and select the right data structures directly impacts performance, reliability, and user experience. Employers consistently seek candidates who think algorithmically and solve problems with both creativity and efficiency.”
Career Outcomes: Quick Start vs. The Long Game
Speed to market is where bootcamps excel, with students entering the job market quickly following 10-, 12- or 16-week programs. However, recruiters say their roles may cap out sooner without further study. Meanwhile, computer science graduates spend more time in school—an average of four years for a bachelor’s degree—but usually start with more upward mobility.
“Typically, [a degree] sets someone up for more of a structured and scalable long-term path,” says Hunter Lin, Director of IT Services Recruitment at Altis Technology, a Canadian tech recruiter. “These individuals often enter the industry right away into software engineering or systems development infrastructure roles, and then we tend to see them progress into senior engineering, tech leads, and management.”
Chris Brulak, Founder of DevTalent—a Toronto-based technical recruiting firm—and a former engineering manager and developer himself, notes the tech job market has tightened, and companies now prioritize highly-qualified candidates. “This market is really competitive and really hard, but maybe a couple years ago when it was easier to get jobs, it was easier to go up the ranks,” he says.
Return on Investment: Tuition Cost vs. Career Prospects
Bootcamps are often less expensive—a major draw for career switchers. They’re often the right option for workers who want to dip their toe into a new career path and see if it suits them, without committing to a higher-cost program. But when it comes to long-term earnings and adaptability, computer science degrees tend to win out.
“University degrees are definitely more costly, but one should consider the amortization of costs over time,” Hobeck says. “A computer science degree will offer more versatility when it comes to employment opportunities.”
In fast-evolving areas like artificial intelligence and machine learning, adaptability matters. “The AI and ML roles are really specialized, so I think there’s going to be more focus on computer science degrees because [these fields are] too complicated,” Brulak says, adding that the higher average salaries for these roles make employers extra selective throughout the hiring process.
When it comes to entry-level compensation, Brulak estimates that bootcamp graduates typically earn between $60,000 and $80,000. Those with computer science degrees, however, may qualify for higher-paying entry-level roles in back-end or full-stack development, often starting between $80,000 and $100,000.
What Education Are Tech Employers Looking For?
When hiring for technical roles, recruiters say education matters.
Brulak says that about 50 percent of employers say they want candidates with a degree. However, he notes that nearly every candidate his firm has placed is a graduate with a degree. “I can count on one hand like three or four people that we have placed in the last four years that don’t have degrees,” he says.
“Whether it be for a junior or senior role, having that education is a main talking point and a must-have when hiring,” Lin says. “It’s pretty much a baseline for all large enterprises to have that degree coming from a large university or science background.” Lin says the most valuable qualities students acquire from a formal education are their abilities to learn, ask the right questions, solve problems, think critically, and build on knowledge over time.
Bootcamp grads may land entry-level roles quickly, but many will need to build both hands-on and theoretical knowledge to move up, according to Lin. “The ramp-up can be so much longer, and the ceiling may be harder to break through without that additional foundational knowledge,” she says.
However, Brulak says the advantages and disadvantages of a computer science degree vs. coding bootcamp come down to the domain and skills needed for the role.
“Computer science grads are generally viewed as more flexible in terms of what roles they can take on, whereas bootcamp grads are more trained to certain domains,” he explains. “If you’re going after machine learning engineers or data engineers, those tend to be really focused on degrees because that is inherently more technical and complex.”
Lin adds that today’s most sought-after skills include core programming languages, such as Python and JavaScript, and experience with cloud platforms such as AWS. “Expertise within DevOps and automation tools are increasingly important for streamlining development and deployment processes,” she says.
Why UFred’s Online Computer Science Degree is Different
UFred’s Bachelor of Computer Science is designed for students who want work-life flexibility without sacrificing academic depth. Delivered fully online, the program balances foundational knowledge with in-demand technical skills.
“Flexibility is never a substitute for quality,” Hobeck says. “It’s a strategic design choice that empowers students to succeed academically without having to pause their lives.”
Courses cover everything from operating systems and software development to emerging fields like cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data analytics. Students receive weekly guidance, personalized feedback, and mentorship from industry-experienced faculty.
“Our students finish the program not only with a respected degree, but also with the depth of knowledge, practical experience, and confidence to lead in the tech sector,” Hobeck says.
The Bottom Line
For those seeking less expensive tuition and quick access to the job market, bootcamps offer a solid start. For students aiming for long-term growth, leadership roles, and career flexibility, a computer science degree offers considerable leverage.
Thanks to online computer science degree programs like UFred’s, students don’t have to choose between academic rigour and flexible delivery. They can have both—and build a tech career that’s not just quick to start, but built to last.
“A computer science degree will give you many opportunities to look for a job in an area that you love—whether it’s as a developer, tech support, database administrator, or security specialist,” Hobeck says.
Contributing Writer