by Preethi Kasireddy

Should I go back to school to get a Computer Science degree?

This week’s question for my “Ask Preethi’ series is one that’s near and dear to me, because I too once struggled to figure out the right answer.

The Question:

“I have been teaching myself to code for almost a year now. I initially started from freeCodeCamp.org and other tutorials.

“The more I learn about web technologies like JavaScript, the more I want to learn lower level languages like C++.

“A part of me wants to go back to college and study computer science. I have done a little research and many seem to say that it is not necessary but I want be marketable for a career in software development.

“I have also read that the industry is being flooded with junior developers who don’t know enough to be productive. So I suppose that is why I think I need to go back to school.

“I had been applying to companies that fit my skill set and I haven’t received one response regarding an interview.

“I would really appreciate your advice on whether I should bite the bullet and go back to college or keep getting better at javascript and web technologies?”

Here’s my answer

Everyone’s circumstances are different— including timing, affordability, job obligations, family responsibilities, and so much more.

Therefore, while I don’t have a silver bullet answer to this question, I’ll share how I evaluated this decision for myself: