How to become a software engineer without a degree

What does a software engineer do?

A software engineer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software applications and systems.

This dynamic and ever-evolving discipline combines technical skills like programming with problem-solving abilities to create efficient and reliable solutions for real-world challenges. As technology continues to advance rapidly, software engineering remains a field of lifelong learning.

How to become a software engineer without a degree

Becoming a self-taught software engineer takes time and dedication. Before landing your first role, it can take months or years to learn all of the necessary skills, including programming languages, tools, and API design.

Here are five steps you can take to pursue a career as a software engineer without entering a formal computer science degree program. Keep in mind, this is just one of many pathways you can take.

Step 1: Learn a programming language

There are several programming languages to choose from when learning computer science. The best language to start with depends on your career goals.

Common entry-level programming languages include:

• Java: A high-level, open-source programming language used to create applications that run in browsers and virtual machines. It's a strong starting point for game or app development since it is widely used in enterprise software applications.

• JavaScript: A text-based scripting language that makes webpages interactive, such as adding animations, audio functionality, or carousels. Aspiring front-end web developers should learn JavaScript fundamentals and backend programming.

• Python: A programming language that's ideal for building a strong foundation in programming concepts, often used by data scientists and business analysts for its simplicity, readability, and broad applicability across domains.

Step 2: Understand data structures and algorithms

Once you’ve mastered one or two programming languages, the next step is to learn about data structures and understand how algorithms work.

Data structures improve the efficiency of storing, fetching, and organizing data, while algorithms are applied to data structures to produce desired outputs. You will be expected to use them in the field, and they are frequently covered in technical interviews at many tech companies.

Step 3: Build a GitHub portfolio to showcase your skills

If you lack professional experience, the GitHub platform is a great space to collaborate with other developers, practice your coding skills, and build an online portfolio to showcase your technical abilities.

Tips for maintaining a strong GitHub profile include:

• Organize your repositories: Use clear names and descriptions. Include a README file in each repository, detailing what the project does, how to run it, and any other relevant information.

• Clean your code and add documentation: Add comments and documentation to explain your thought process and implementation. This will not only help others understand your work but also demonstrate your ability to write maintainable code.

• Participate in coding challenges: Solve problems and build projects within a constrained time frame. These experiences can demonstrate your ability to work under pressure and quickly develop functional prototypes.

• Work on group projects: Showcase your teamwork and communication skills by working on a project with other developers. This could also be a good opportunity to network.

Step 4: Prepare for coding interviews

A coding interview allows potential employers and recruiters to evaluate your technical skills and problem-solving ability.

One effective way to prepare is by practicing common technical interview questions using resources like LeetCode, which offers thousands of crowdsourced problems. You can also strengthen your skills through online coding courses and certificates that focus on sharpening programming techniques and technical proficiency.

If you’re interviewing for a specialized role, make sure to review concepts, tools, and frameworks related to that technology stack. Practicing with a partner can also be helpful, since explaining your thought process is an essential skill in technical interviews.

Step 5: Continue learning and expanding your skills

Software engineering is a constantly evolving field, so ongoing learning is essential for staying current and advancing your career.

Continue building your skills by exploring advanced topics such as cloud computing, machine learning, or cybersecurity. You can also deepen your expertise in a specific technology stack or framework.

Online programming courses, software engineering professional certificates, and executive education programs can help you expand your knowledge and gain hands-on experience with real-world applications.

Learn the skills to become a self-taught software engineer

Becoming a good software engineer without a degree is possible. Build the skills you need to start your career as a software engineer through expert-led courses and programs on edX.

Last updated: October 2025