Planning a career in Python development doesn't necessarily require a college degree. Depending on the job role, a solid foundation in Python and related tools, often acquired through bootcamps or certificate programs, can suffice.

Key Insights

  • Prospective Python Developers fall into three main categories: those with a degree in computer science or information management systems, those with a degree in another discipline, and those without a college degree.
  • Python Developers can hold various titles, including Web Developer, Back End Developer, and Database Engineer, and need to master tools like Django, SQL, Git, and data visualization techniques.
  • While many Python Developers hold degrees in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Management Information Systems, Information Technology, Mathematics, or Cloud Computing & Solutions, others get their training from bootcamps or certificate programs like the Python Developer Certificate from Noble Desktop.
  • Building a Python developer career without a degree is feasible with the right approach, including self-study, leveling up through coding bootcamps or certificate programs, and considering non-traditional employment options like internships, contract work, or freelancing.
  • Regardless of their educational background, all aspiring Python Developers need a solid understanding of Python fundamentals, server-side languages like React, machine learning algorithms, and object-relational mapping.
  • Noble Desktop offers a variety of online and in-person Python classes and bootcamps for different fields, providing practical training from experienced instructors and a certificate of completion for graduates.

People looking into a career in Python development may have concerns about their college education or lack thereof. Consider the following three categories of prospective Python development pros:

The graduate with a bachelor's degree in computer science or information management has an advantage over other applicants for certain positions. However, in many cases, nearly any degree can help a prospective Python Developer to attain their dream career. Depending on the role, a degree in another field, like marketing, graphic design, or finance, might be essential.

Finally, not everyone has a college degree. Depending on the position, some prospective Python Developers will qualify for entry-level roles after graduating from a certificate program. Read on to learn more about the relative importance of formal education for Python development.

What is a Python Developer?

Python Developers are tech professionals who can work on websites, software, games, or digital applications. Unlike some career tracks, those who fit the requirements of Python Developer often hold alternate titles; these can include Web Developer, Back End Developer, and Database Engineer, to name a few. Therefore, while most of these tech pros know tools like Django, SQL, and Git, not all Python development positions require the same skill set.

Responsibilities for Python Developers vary by industry as well as position. Some have to implement and maintain cybersecurity or integrate data storage solutions, while others mainly design and integrate front end elements with back end applications. Additional responsibilities can include web scraping, automation testing, and data visualization. Check online job postings for detailed lists of industry-specific Python development skills and responsibilities.

Read more about what a Python Developer does.

Do I Need a Degree to Become a Python Developer?

Python Developers enter their careers from varying points: some go through a four-year degree program, others take on entry-level work and level up, and others work remotely as independent contractors. Depending on your current skill set and the role you seek, you may be able to find the Python development job of your dreams without a related degree. Building a career as a Python Developer requires learning this object-oriented language and typically involves tools like SQL, Django, and Github. To get started, consider an in-person or online bootcamp or certificate like Noble Desktop’s Python Developer Certificate, Python Web Development with Django, or Python Programming Bootcamp.

Of course, some companies offer particular positions only to applicants with college or university degrees. Again, this can depend on the industry or organization. Thanks to the urgent demand for tech workers with Python expertise, an employer may pay for part or all of your tuition; the current high demand causes many employers to value practical experience over formal education.

If you decide on a college or university to learn Python fundamentals, you may choose a major tailored to a specific career path. Python Developers come from diverse backgrounds, but popular degrees in the field include computer science, information management systems, and software engineering.

Read more about whether you need a degree to become a Python Developer.

Common Degrees for Python Developers

Degrees for Python Developers vary, with some professionals holding a bachelor's or master's degree and others working in the field without any degree. While degrees in other disciplines can help, consider the following as the most common: 


These are popular degrees for Python development pros, but not all Python Developers have one of these degrees. Depending on the organization or position, a discipline like graphic or web design may be appropriate. And some entry-level positions do not require you to have a degree to qualify.

Read on to learn how professionals without a degree can break into Python development.

Tips for Starting a Python Developer Career Without a Degree

The number of self-taught Python Developers is growing. Because Python is one of the most popular programming languages in the world, the need for Python continues to outpace the supply of skilled development pros. That means more opportunities for those without formal degrees, even if a company has to train an employee in areas other than Python.

Self-taught development candidates face another competitor in a category between those with only high school diplomas and those with college or university degrees: graduates of bootcamps or certificate programs.

The following are tips for how to start a Python career without a college or university degree:

Whatever path you choose, remember that a Python development career requires ongoing education. With the right approach, you can navigate this exciting field—whether you have a college degree or not.

Learn the Skills to Become a Python Developer at Noble Desktop

To become a Python Developer, everyone needs a range of skills and knowledge. Most people start with basics, like functions, variables, and the principles of object-oriented programming (OOP). Progressing to a development role also can include additional server-side languages like React (JSX), machine learning algorithms, and object-relational mapping (ORM).

Noble Desktop offers a range of online and in-person Python classes and bootcamps for development, data science and analytics, FinTech, and cybersecurity. Instructors with practical expertise teach these programs, which feature small class sizes to ensure individual attention. Each graduate receives a certificate of completion and can even retake the course for up to one year at no additional charge.

Many Python novices review some free online resources to prepare for one of these courses. Noble Desktop’s Learn Hub includes a comprehensive guide to learning Python for development or data-centered roles. Here you can check out free on-demand courses and tutorials on topics like exchanging Excel for Python and making a Twitter bot with Python. 

If you’re new to Python training, you might want to start with an immersive course like Noble’s Python Programming Bootcamp. However, you can also save by taking this bootcamp as part of their immersive Python Developer Certificate. This program provides Python fundamentals before taking participants through in-demand tools like Django REST, Git, and SQL. Check course listings for more details, including prerequisite information.

Key Takeaways