A college diploma or a bachelor's degree in computer science in Quebec

In Quebec, the DEC in computer science is a college diploma earned at a CEGEP, while the bachelor’s degree in computer science is a university-level credential. For a young student, it’s hard to gauge how a choice of education will shape a future career. Here’s an overview of the options and their consequences.

In the job market, having a college diploma rather than a bachelor’s degree doesn’t stop you from working in the field. You don’t need a bachelor’s degree to work in computing in Quebec. That said, a university education opens doors that the college level does not. For instance, to work at a university, the college level will close some doors: employers will look to fill positions with people who studied at university.

Education isn’t an end in itself: it gives you a foundation to grow in the field. Over the years, the skills of someone with a college diploma can match — and even surpass — those of a bachelor’s graduate. That depends on personal ability, not on the diploma alone.

The salary of a college-diploma holder is usually lower than that of a bachelor’s graduate for the same number of years of experience. In the long run, the bachelor’s degree pays off more: the training goes deeper, and employers know it. That’s why, in general, a bachelor’s graduate will earn more, especially early in their career.

In conclusion, a bachelor’s degree provides better training, generally offers higher salaries, and opens doors. Still, if a college-diploma holder is as skilled as a bachelor’s graduate and knows how to play their cards well, they can work in most areas of computing in Quebec.