Despite the many similarities between coding and computer science, the career outlook for each discipline reflects some key differences. The primary difference between coding and computer science is that coding is a skill, and computer science is a field. A skill is something you know how to do, while a field is a discipline or area of study. In this sense, a field includes training in multiple skills, and a skill can be applied in multiple fields.
This article discusses the primary differences between coding vs. computer science, focusing on how these two areas differ in career outlook, demand, and potential jobs.
Coding vs. Computer Science: What's the Difference?
As a skill, coding is another word for computer programming. The application of coding is seen when an individual learns how to code in one or many programming languages. In contrast, computer science is a field that covers an understanding of skills like coding and the more general study of computers, software, and other technologies.
Students learn more than the practical application of programming languages in a computer science classroom. For example, college degrees offer more opportunities to learn about the ethics of automation, artificial intelligence, and responsible machine learning. These definitions also mean differences in why and how people learn about these two areas.
As an applied skill, learning how to code allows students to practice different programming languages and technical skills in an independent learning environment. Consequently, many people learn how to code through bootcamps and online resources to develop their skills. In contrast, computer science is a broad field that includes specific skills and the practical applications of those skills, and an understanding of theory and research methods. So, many people learn computer science as part of a traditional degree program by majoring in computer science or engineering. In either case, learning coding or computer science reflects the career outlook and demand for professionals with technical skills.
Career Outlook for Computer Science
The career outlook for computer science depends on the background of the student and their intended career path. Most students who pursue computer science are interested in a computer programmer or scientist career. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the typical entry-level education for a computer programmer is a college degree in computer science, information technology, or mathematics. However, some companies offer positions in this field without a college degree, depending on your skills and experience. In addition, the job outlook for computer programmers is expected to decline over the next decade by approximately ten percent.
While this decline has sparked discourse and concerns about the oversaturation of computer science and programmers, the career outlook for specific subsets of computer science remains positive. Compared to computer programmers, the the BLS states that computer and information research scientists can expect growth from 2020 to 2030. However, computer scientists usually have an advanced degree in computer science or engineering, i.e., a Masters's degree or Ph.D. At the minimum, this role requires a bachelor's degree, as computer and information scientists require advanced skills in research and technical methods.
Demand for Computer Science
Noting the declining employment of computer programmers but the increasing employment for computer scientists, it would seem that the demand for computer science depends on your degree and training. Many industry professionals claim that this decline in employment for computer programmers is due to the steady decrease in computer science majors over the past decade. From the lack of women and people of color in computer science to the increase in coding bootcamps, many students choose different career paths and less traditional methods of becoming computer programmers. Consequently, students with a background in computer science will find greater demand for their skills by pursuing more education and applied roles in science, technology, finance, and healthcare.
Jobs in Computer Science
Despite this decline in employment for computer programmers, there are multiple jobs and career paths in computer science. According to the the BLS, students with a background in computer science can find jobs as computer systems analysts, software developers, or information systems managers. For example, employment for software developers is expected to grow by 22% from 2020 to 2030.
Following behind software developers, information systems managers are expected to see a growth in employment of 11%, while employment for computer and computer system analysts are expecting a seven percent increase. Compared to pursuing a job as a computer scientist, the job outlook for these roles is more positive and reflects the industry's investment in practical skills and applied knowledge over theoretical understanding.
Career Outlook for Coding
Unlike computer science, coding is a skill that does not require an advanced degree to find suitable employment opportunities. As a practical skill, coding applies to multiple fields and industries. But, like computer science, the career outlook for learning coding depends on one's anticipated career path. There are many ways to work as a coder outside of computer programming. Although employment for computer programmers is expected to decline, other coding roles have a more favorable career outlook.
For example, the most popular entry-level jobs are working in cybersecurity, web and software development, or data science and analysis. Coding students can look to these industries as some of the best places to build a career from a coding bootcamp or without a degree.
Demand for Coding
As a synonym for computer programming, the BLS has predicted that the demand for coders will decrease by 10%. However, coding is not only synonymous with computer programming. The term also applies to jobs in computer engineering, information technology, and other careers in science and technology. Many people who learn coding skills do not pursue a job as a computer programmer but focus on applying their knowledge to a career or skill in high demand.
For example, students can learn how to code for mobile application development, as the demand for developers in this field is projected to grow significantly with the rise of smartphone users. This demand is also reflected in the popularity of coding bootcamps and certificate programs. Although computer science majors and employment for computer programmers are on the decline, most coding bootcamps and programs teach students the targeted skills needed to find a job in a fast-growing field.
Jobs in Coding
Although coding students can pursue many of the same jobs and careers as computer science students, coding students have more options due to the breadth of programming languages that one can learn. Like computer scientists, coding students can pursue a job in growing fields like software engineering and development. Still, coding students can also branch out into other fields and industries. For example, data science, cybersecurity, and database management are just some of the areas where coding students can find job opportunities. By taking a bootcamp in any of these topics, coding students can pursue entry-level positions as data scientists, cybersecurity specialists, and even database administrators. These are all jobs that exist across sectors and are projected to see an increase in employment opportunities in the next decade.
Interested in Starting a Career in Coding?
Whether you are interested in building a career in coding or computer science, Noble Desktop's coding bootcamps offer multiple classes and certificate programs to meet your needs. When comparing the demand for coding to computer science, there is a greater demand for practical skills than theoretical knowledge in the marketplace. While majoring in computer science is helpful for students who want to do research or learn multiple programming languages, coding is more beneficial for students who want to quickly find a job to apply their skills. For these students, taking an in-person coding bootcamp located at a school near you or finding a live online coding bootcamp available from anywhere in the world is the best way to build a career in coding and computer science!