Coding Bootcamps: Options, Benefits, Requirements, and More

A coding boot camp is a short—yet intense—way to learn key skills to begin working as a tech professional. While many boot camps emphasize the skills you need to be a software engineer, you can also find boot camps that focus on data analytics, full-stack web development, and more.

Explore what attending a coding boot camp involves, along with popular boot camp options and the benefits of attending one.

What is a coding boot camp?

Coding boot camps are intensive educational programs that focus on practical skills development. While the curriculum will differ for each boot camp, you can typically expect to learn:

• Programming fundamentals, like JavaScript, CSS, and HTML

• Web development

• Popular programming languages, like Python, Java, or C+

• Data queries and management web page development

Coding boot camps take place in person or online, can be part-time or full-time, and may run anywhere between 12 weeks to seven months. Given their condensed format, they can also be expensive. Many coding boot camps cost several thousand dollars, while some can run over $20,000 [1].

Read more: 5 Types of Programming Languages

Requirements for coding boot camps

Admission requirements to coding boot camps vary. Some boot camps accept applicants with no prior background in computers, while others expect some experience. In the US, many typically require applicants to have their high school diploma or GED.

Some programs may also require a test to prove your math, English proficiency, and technical skills, as well as an interview. Each boot camp provider’s website should list the specific requirements, and it’s worth reviewing these as you consider your options.

Can a coding boot camp replace a bachelor’s degree?

While a coding boot camp doesn’t completely replace a bachelor’s degree in computer science in terms of the breadth of education you receive, it does emphasize practical skills development and may help you quickly learn what you need to start as a tech professional.

When you want to start your career in tech at a faster pace, a coding boot camp may be a strong option. That being said, you may at some point find that employers want a bachelor’s degree as you seek out more senior roles.

Learn more: Is Computer Science a Good Major?

6 popular computer coding boot camps and certificates

Below, you can find five of the more popular coding boot camps and certificates to explore when you’d like to develop your practical skills at a faster pace.

1. Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate

If you want to work in information technology (IT), consider starting with the Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate. The program takes six months to complete when you can dedicate 10 hours a week to your studies, and you’ll explore how to program with Python, use Git, and solve problems with IT automation. The program also includes an applied learning project that allows you to build practical coding experience.

2. IBM DevOps and Software Engineering Professional Certificate

The IBM DevOps and Software Engineering Professional Certificate emphasizes a DevOps mindset. The program takes around three months to complete when you can dedicate 10 hours a week to your studies. You can expect to learn and practice the Agile philosophy and Scrum methodology, and grow proficient in creating applications using Python.

3. Meta’s Front-End or Back-End Developer Professional Certificates

You’ve got two options from Meta when you’d like to work with either the front-end or back-end of websites. Certificates take between seven and eight months when you can dedicate six hours a week, and you can learn practical skills and get coding interview support.

With the Meta Front-End Developer Professional Certificate, you can learn about responsive web design with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. With the Meta Back-End Developer Professional Certificate, you can begin learning programming systems, including Git, SQL, Version Control, Cloud Hosting, APIs, JSON, and XML.

4. BrainStation’s Software Engineering Bootcamp Online

BrainStation’s Software Engineering Bootcamp Online takes around three months to complete when you attend full time and eight months when you attend part time. You’ll begin by learning about the fundamentals of computer science before developing more specific and practical skills to work as a software engineer. The project-based program also brings in exclusive guest lecturers to bolster your experience.

5. General Assembly’s Software Engineering Bootcamp

General Assembly’s Software Engineering Bootcamp focuses on helping you become a full-stack web developer by learning engineering fundamentals and key programming languages, as well as completing projects to build your skills. The online program takes around three months to complete full-time, is led by experts, and promises industry relevance.

6. Flatiron School’s Software Engineering Bootcamp

Flatiron School’s Software Engineering Bootcamp takes as little as 15 weeks to complete when you’re able to attend full-time, and courses are available in person and online. The program is taught by industry professionals and emphasizes a focus on both front-end and back-end development. Topics include using JavaScript, Python, AI models, and more to build apps and web pages, and you’ll do a capstone project to showcase the skills you developed.

How to choose a coding boot camp

Factors to consider as you figure out which coding boot camp is right for you include the learning format, subject matter, time, and cost.

Learning format

Both in-person and online boot camps have their merits, so you can choose the environment that makes you feel most empowered and supported. Online coding boot camps are flexible so you can attend to your other responsibilities. If you prefer an interactive learning environment with face-to-face support from the instructor, you may want to attend an in-person boot camp.

Curriculum

It is important to consider what you want to gain from a coding boot camp. Are you a beginner who needs to build a skill set or an advanced professional who wants to strengthen your knowledge of an in-demand area like cybersecurity? You can find boot camps to help you fulfill either goal. Spend time reviewing the curriculum to make sure it aligns with your needs.

Duration

Each boot camp program lasts a different amount of time. Consider how much time you have to dedicate to your learning and which makes the most sense given those potential restrictions.

A part-time online program may be a good option if you want to continue working or have competing demands. Alternatively, you may want to attend full-time and move through the program more quickly so you can begin looking for relevant roles.

Cost

Coding boot camps can be expensive (and the most expensive options are not necessarily better). Think about how much you have to spend—and want to spend—on a boot camp and whether programs offer payment plans or if they require full payment upfront.

3 benefits of joining a coding boot camp

You’ll find many benefits to completing a coding boot camp. Review some of them next.

1. Boost your salary potential.

Working as a tech professional tends to come with higher salary options than other career paths. For instance, software developers earn a median US salary of $130,160 per year, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics [2]. That’s more than double the median US salary for all jobs [3].

2. Gain in-demand skills.

Building an in-demand skill set can open opportunities for increased salary rates and new employment opportunities. For example, demand for software developers is likely to grow by 17 percent in the US over the next decade, which is much higher than average [2].

Because of its focus on practical skills development, you may leave a coding boot camp with a variety of in-demand skills that make you a more competitive job candidate.

3. Expand your career possibilities.

Attending a coding boot camp is an excellent way to gain the fundamental skills to explore a range of tech professions—many of which remain in high demand. The following list details some of the more common jobs you may be able to get after you finish a boot camp:

• Application developer: Design, test, and troubleshoot applications for mobile devices.

• Back-end developer: Build and maintain databases and servers that support websites.

• Full-stack developer: Create and maintain websites and applications.

• Junior developer: Work alongside senior developers to design and troubleshoot software.

• Software engineer: Create applications, systems, and other types of software.

• Technical support specialist: Assist customers with installing and troubleshooting software and hardware.

• UX designer: Create and assess applications and websites with the end user in mind.

• User interface designer: Create digital products the customer finds attractive and easy to use.

• Web developer: Create websites and web applications.

Are coding boot camps worth it?

Coding boot camps offer some significant advantages over a more traditional learning path. They cost far less than earning a degree, and you may enjoy a significant salary increase once you complete your program. The fast pace of boot camps means you can quickly learn the skills you need and start applying for jobs. Additionally, the portfolio of work and the people skills you build in boot camp can make you more attractive to potential employers.

Prepare for coding boot camp with Coursera

If you’re new to coding, explore whether the subject is a good fit for your career interests by learning a programming language. Check out the University of Michigan’s Python for Everybody course on Coursera to get started. Alternatively, you may consider a computer science Professional Certificate, offered by industry leaders on Coursera, to help you prepare for a career in software engineering and development.