University coding bootcamps prepare students for computer science careers, including software and web development professions. With valuable skills and a portfolio, bootcamp graduates can qualify for many in-demand computer occupations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the computer and IT sector will add more than 650,000 positions from 2020 to 2030.
The 11 best university coding bootcamps
The best bootcamp for you fits into your lifestyle and brings you closer to your career goals. Therefore, this list of bootcamps is presented in alphabetical order. All were developed in conjunction with Trilogy Education Services. SEE: Python programming bootcamps guide: Invest in a tech career The training covers JavaScript, MySQL databases, and server-side development, along with API interactions, progressive web applications, and browser-based technologies. Classes include online discussions, lab work, and portfolio projects. Students typically spend between 4-20 hours in classes each week and at least 20 hours/week on study and assignments. Enrollees can access Columbia’s extensive employer partner network, career services assistance, and career fairs. Prospective students must complete an admission interview and pass a problem-solving assessment. Pros
Support from instructors, assistant instructors, tutors, and a Learner Support ManagerOther bootcamps include fintech, digital marketing, and data analysis
Cons
More expensive compared with majority of university bootcampsGreater outside-the-classroom time commitment
The program teaches students to work with some of the most in-demand technologies and combines theory with practical assignments and peer collaborations. Northwestern’s full-time courses run entirely online for four hours a day, Monday to Friday, whereas part-time classes take place on various weekday nights and Saturdays. The bootcamp has four start dates per year. Prospective students need to complete an interview and a problem-solving assessment for admission. Pros
Prestige and rigor for a good priceCurriculum covers Django, a high-level Python web framework
Cons
Fewer career services resources
Students delve into databases and quality assurance topics while building portfolios. The online training combines programming tutorials, class discussions, and practical assignments. Students spend 4-20 hours in virtual classrooms each week, plus at least 20-25 hours of additional study outside class. For admission into this university coding bootcamp, applicants must complete a critical thinking assessment and an interview. Pros
Bootcamp focuses on the most in-demand skillsFace-to-face, interactive learning model rather than lectures
Cons
Fewer bootcamp topics to explore
Part-time learners typically spend four hours in class and 20+ hours studying and completing assignments each week, whereas full-time students spend 20 hours in class and at least 25 hours in study and assignments each week. Applicants are interviewed and must pass a problem-solving assessment for admission. Pros
Strong emphasis on peer support and collaborationNetworking opportunities from joining the bootcamp alumni community once you graduate
Cons
Fewer special topics, such as fintech, product management, cybersecurity etc.
Part-time students dedicate approximately four weekly in-class hours and over 20 out-of-class hours, and full-time students spend 20 weekly in-class hours and over 25 out-of-class hours. Learners benefit from Berkeley’s professional network of over 250 organizations. For admission, applicants must complete a problem-solving assessment and an interview. Pros
Bootcamp course topics include special topics such as tech product management, fintech, and dataUCB is among the country’s most prestigious universities
Cons
Competitive admissions processDifficult, academically rigorous curriculumPricey
SEE: Best Java bootcamps: Where to learn Java and why it can benefit your career Courses combine interactive lessons, project-based teamwork, and practical assignments. Full-time classes run Monday to Friday, while part-time classes run two evenings a week and Saturdays. For admission, applicants must complete an assessment and an interview. Pros
Variety of special topics, including cybersecurity, digital marketing, and UX/UICareer services include soft skills training
Cons
Competitive admissions processChallenging, academically rigorous curriculumPricey
Classes feature teacher instruction, self-study, group work, and practical projects that students can include in their portfolios. All university coding bootcamp classes run online. Learners spend between 4-20 hours in class each week and more than 20 hours studying and completing assignments. For admission, applicants need to complete an interview and a logic-based assessment. Pros
Special bootcamp topics in coding, cybersecurity, and product managementLess expensive than other schools in the UC system
Cons
Competitive admissions processNo scholarshipsFewer special bootcamp topics than other schools in the UC system
All instructor-led classes take place online: Monday to Friday for full-time students; two nights a week and Saturdays for part-time learners. University bootcamp participants benefit from UCF’s partner network, industry events, and career coaches. Applicants must complete an interview and a critical thinking assessment. Pros Cons
Limited live class options for full-time learners
The training combines web development theory and applications in interactive online classroom discussions and practical assignments. Students in the university coding bootcamp spend approximately four hours in class each week, plus at least 20 hours studying and completing at-home assignments. Program applicants need to complete an interview and a critical thinking assessment. Pros
Quality instruction with a lighter financial burdenDesigned with working learners in mindTopics include coding, data analytics, and tech project management
Cons
Caters less to beginning codersNo accelerated, full-time learning option
The training includes front-end design, MERN stack, object-oriented programming, and the leading programming languages. Each week, in addition to four hours of class, learners typically spend at least 25-30 hours studying and completing assignments. Classes feature live, interactive discussions, practical projects, and self-study lessons. Learners compile application and project work in their portfolios as they move through the program. The university bootcamp begins quarterly. Applicants must complete a problem-solving assessment and an interview for admission. Pros Cons
The only bootcamps currently offered are in coding and dataNo accelerated, full-time learning option
They study front-end frameworks, command-line interfaces, database theory, and some of the most popular programming languages. Students complete interactive online classes, peer collaborations, and coding portfolio-building exercises. The university coding bootcamp classes run for four hours a week, plus weekly challenges and at least 20 hours of homework and studying. Applicants must complete a problem-solving assessment and an interview. Pros
Less than 2% of VU’s students report a low level of academic supportLighter financial burden than comparative programsTopics in data analytics, cybersecurity, and digital marketing
Cons
Less helpful for experienced codersNo accelerated, full-time learning option
For instance, a working learner may want to consider a part-time-only bootcamp offering weekend and night classes over a full-time bootcamp requiring a significant weekly time commitment. Additionally, consider the level of specialization of a bootcamp relative to your career plans. If you know you want to work in data analytics, opt for a bootcamp that focuses on it. University bootcamp curricula vary, but they often explore front- and back-end developer tools, design, and web applications. Students can learn fundamentals, database architectures, cloud-computing platforms, and data structures. Graduates typically earn a certificate of completion, though some schools also offer college credit. These programs usually run for three to six months and provide full- or part-time online or in-person instruction. The accelerated training can lead to entry-level positions or help experienced professionals advance their technology careers. Learners can pursue a bootcamp while they work or even as they tackle a degree. While bootcamps are generally unaccredited, prospective students can look to the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting for information on program outcomes. The best coding bootcamps offer more concentrated training, typically omitting electives and general education credits to focus only on the most relevant and useful topics for the field. As a result, bootcamps take only a few months to complete and cost much less than a degree.
Created by partner organizations
Several organizations, such as Trilogy Education Services, Noodle Partners, and Stack Education, have partnered with universities to offer coding bootcamps and related programs. These organizations often have a vested interest in supporting the technology industry. They assist schools to build and deliver useful training programs.
Offer college credit
Several schools offer college credit to students who complete bootcamps. Institutions like Westcliff University and Yale University award credits to incentivize students to pursue the bootcamp or earn a degree at a later date. These coding bootcamp college credits can then be applied toward a degree program.
Continuing education, without college credit
Most university coding bootcamps fall in this category. Colleges run these continuing education programs so new, current, and former students can bolster their skills and credentials. The following bootcamps may not award college credit but they do appeal to employers.
