Where to Find the Best Online Backend Engineering Courses, Classes, and Training

With the increase in demand for software engineers, it is important to specialize in a skill that will increase your job prospects. Focusing on backend development will open up opportunities and bring you recognition. To learn backend engineering, you should consider attending a class, course, or training. You can find the best online backend engineering courses in this guide.

What Is Backend Engineering?

Backend engineering is the process of designing and building server-side web applications. A backend engineer develops the application’s structure throughout the software development life cycle. Most backend engineers are responsible for writing server scripts and APIs used by the software development team. They also optimize servers. 

The most fundamental backend engineering languages are PHP, Python, Ruby, Java, and JavaScript. It also requires some knowledge of HTML5 and CSS3, which are useful for integrating the backend with the user interface. 

Why Online Backend Engineering Courses Are Important for Professional Development

Online backend engineering courses are important for professional development because they help keep you on track with new developments in the field. Online learning platforms offer courses designed to meet the current industry demand. If you want to be updated on the best tools, technologies, and processes, an online backend engineering course is your best option. 

Should You Attend a Coding Bootcamp to Learn Backend Engineering?

Yes, you should attend a coding bootcamp to learn backend engineering. The curricula of coding bootcamps feature in-demand knowledge and skills to ensure students learn current and new information. You can rely on coding bootcamps to help you navigate the field of backend engineering easily. 

Coding bootcamps also offer multiple learning options to cater to students’ learning needs. You can choose to attend a full-time or part-time online coding bootcamp. Coding bootcamps also provide students with career services like mock interview sessions and resume reviews. This will help get you job-ready before graduation and prepare you for your job search.

Overview: The Best Online Backend Engineering Courses, Classes, or Training

Below is a curated list of the best backend engineering courses, classes, and training. Note that not all the courses listed are limited to backend engineering. However, they feature modules that will help you explore backend engineering fully. 

In Detail: The Best Online Backend Engineering Classes, Courses, or Training

Back End Engineer | Codecademy Pro

• Learning Format: Self-paced course with hands-on training
• Level: Beginner 
• Subjects Covered: JavaScript syntax, Git and Github, basics of backend development, web development fundamentals, SQL, PostgreSQL, Agile methodologies

In the backend engineering course by Codecademy, you will learn how to navigate the backend using tools like Node.js and Express. You will also learn how to manage and authenticate accounts. To achieve this, you will learn the process of setting up a web development environment. 

After mastering this, the instructor will teach you JavaScript. You will learn how to code in JavaScript, touching on advanced techniques such as arrays and loops. You will also learn Git and GitHub before completing the portfolio project, where you will practice your skills by building a test-driven JavaScript application. 

In addition to JavaScript, you will also learn SQL for backend engineering. You will master how to create, retrieve, and update data in relational databases. The instructor will demonstrate how you can connect the database to the server. 

Key Takeaway: In Codecademy’s backend engineering course, you will build three projects to add to your portfolio.

Software Development Online Full-Time Bootcamp | Coding Dojo  

• Learning Format: Bootcamp program with hands-on training
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Programming basics, web fundamentals, Python, MERN, Java

Before delving deeper into backend technologies and tools, Coding Dojo offers a two-week bootcamp prep course for students to familiarize themselves with the basics of programming. In the program, you will learn basic programming languages and technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, and Terminal. 

If you already have coding experience, you can skip the prep course and start attending the main software development program. In this program, you will learn web fundamentals like CSS and JavaScript. You will also learn full stack Python, Java, and MERN.

By the end of the program, you will be well versed in MySQL, Flask, Ajax, MongoDB, Express, React, Node.js, and advanced JavaScript technologies. The instructor will also take you through Java 8, JSP, Tomcat, and Thymeleaf. 

To ensure you properly grasp all these fundamental concepts and achieve your career goals, you will complete a series of assignments and hands-on projects. Most Coding Dojo graduates work for top companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, LinkedIn, IBM, eBay, and Disney. You will also find some of the alumni working for Facebook and Avira. Read this Coding Dojo review to learn more about this school.

Key Takeaway: Coding Dojo offers unlimited lifetime access to its career services. The school boasts an 89.1 percent job placement rate within six months of graduation.

Part-Time Full Stack Development Bootcamp | Coding Temple  

• Learning Format: Part-time course with hands-on training
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Python, Flask, object oriented programming, data structures, algorithms, Git, HTML and CSS, workflow management, Bootstrap, entity-relationship diagrams, PostgreSQL

The project-based full stack curriculum offered by Coding Temple will help you break into tech. You can easily become a backend developer, software developer, Python developer, product manager, or front end designer. 

Students develop hands-on experience by building 15 different projects during class. In addition, each student must complete a capstone project to demonstrate their backend development skills.

In the 12-week curriculum, students learn Python, Flask, object oriented programming, data structures, and algorithms. These are vital for backend development. The instructor also covers different SQL databases, NumPy, pandas, Tableau, and linear regression. This means you will get comprehensive coverage of front end, backend, and data technologies. 

You will also receive a lot of career support. Through mock interview sessions, you’ll get to practice technical, behavioral, and general interview questions for upcoming career opportunities. The program also provides one-on-one mentorship and career coaching sessions to provide proper career guidance and to ensure your job hunt is easy. 

Key Takeaway: Coding Temple provides multiple payment options. You can pay your tuition in full or through installments, and you can use student loans or scholarships. 

Introduction to Programming with Python and Java Specialization | Coursera 

• Learning Format: Self-paced course with hands-on training
• Level: Beginner 
• Subjects Covered: Python programming, data science techniques, object oriented programming, Java

Coursera provides a course to help you learn Python as a programming language. You will also learn different techniques and basic concepts in data science. It’s an excellent course to master data visualization and explore data analysis libraries. 

In addition, you will learn object oriented programming. You will use Java for writing fully functional programs and applying various advanced techniques throughout the development process. By the end of the course, you will have in-depth knowledge of debugging and using advanced data structures. 

To earn the certificate of completion, you must complete two projects, an online banking system and a data analysis project. The latter will be based on movie ratings on IMDB. 

Key Takeaway: The four courses in this specialization are Introduction to Python Programming, Data Analysis Using Python, Introduction to Java and Object Oriented Programming, and Inheritance and Data Structures in Java.

Introduction to Python Programming Professional Certificate | edX

• Learning Format: Self-paced course with hands-on training
• Level: Advanced
• Subjects Covered: Python programming

In this certificate course, you will learn the basics of Python. You will cover variables, operators, and debugging. You will also cover control structures such as loops, conditions, and functions. The instructor will teach you how to handle data in building complex Python applications. Recursion, algorithms, and object oriented programming are also modules in the course. 

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Key Takeaway: In this program, you will learn backend engineering through the lens of Python programming.

Back End Web Development Graduate Certificate | Harvard Extension School 

• Learning Format: Four-course series with hands-on training
• Level: Beginner 
• Subjects Covered: Scripting languages, object oriented technologies, rapid application development 

In this graduate certificate course, you will learn how to build responsive, database-driven applications. You will achieve this by learning JavaScript, HTTP, Angular, and Groovy. You will also learn version control using Git, server management, and object oriented PHP. Students also learn debugging, testing, and security for applications.

To gain entry to this program, you will need to have a working knowledge of front end web development. Harvard Extension School offers a front end web development graduate certificate program for complete beginners.

Key Takeaway: The backend web development graduate certificate course offered by Harvard Extension School takes longer to complete than other courses on our list, but it is also more in-depth.

Backend Development | Lambda School 

• Learning Format: Bootcamp program with hands-on training
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Java foundations, Java programming, data structures and algorithms, concurrency, DynamoDB

In this backend development course, you will learn the basics of Java, software engineering, data structures, and algorithms. The instructor will take you through command-line basics, conditionals, loops, debugging, and unit testing. You will also learn how to design with Java. 

In addition, you will also learn how to work with databases. Lessons cover DynamoDB, HTTP, and RESTful. To complete the course, you must also learn advanced Java. This includes queues, stacks, and threads. The program will help you develop backend applications. 

You will also participate in Lambda’s apprenticeship program as part of the curriculum. In the program, students break into small teams and build real-world projects.

Key Takeaway: The backend development curriculum is developed by Lambda and Amazon.

Become a Back End Web Developer | LinkedIn Learning 

• Learning Format: Self-paced course
• Level: Beginner 
• Subjects Covered: Node.js, programming foundations, database for Node.js, RESTful APIs, HTTP

This is an excellent course to build a solid foundation in backend development and server-side programming technologies like Node.js. LinkedIn Learning designed the program to help students work with databases, test code, and master HTTP. 

Key Takeaway: This course is popular among busy professionals looking to upskill.

Back End Development | MIT xPro

• Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Tiered applications, Docker containers, Express, GraphQL, API documentation, serverless computing, testing, DevOps

This is a fantastic program to help you become a backend developer, software engineer, or front end developer. You will learn how to build a full stack MERN application with a server database. You will also learn how to deploy the application to the cloud. Bootstrap and Faker will help in displaying user data for your application. 

It is also important to master how to use Docker for packaging a Node.js application. The instructor will teach you how to create an Express server and use GraphQL for application integration. Once complete, you will learn how to leverage JSON for the security and authentication features of the application. 

By the end of the program, you will be well versed in Express Swagger API, Firebase, MongoDB, Express, React, and Node.js. You will also be well informed on testing and debugging mobile applications. 

Key Takeaway: To graduate from this course, you will need to submit a GitHub portfolio project.

Full Stack Web Development Certificate | Noble Desktop 

• Learning Format: Bootcamp-style course with hands-on training
• Level: Beginner 
• Subjects Covered: JavaScript, React, Node.js, Express, NoSQL databases with MongoDB

Whether you attend the Noble Desktop course for two or eight months, you will go through the necessary steps to become a full stack developer. You will cover in-demand languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. You will learn how to create web pages, style them, and increase interactivity. This will help in building a front end application. 

As the course progresses, you will master JavaScript, React, and Node.js. Through backend JavaScript, you will be able to control the servers. You can rely on React to build interactive web applications. Node.js helps you run JavaScript on a server. You will also learn Express, MongoDB, Git, and GitHub. 

You will use Visual Studio Code, which is a popular code editor that integrates well with GitHub. By the time you finish the program, you will have an impressive portfolio of projects. You’ll also complete plenty of assignments to ensure you have grasped essential knowledge and skills.

Key Takeaway: This is an excellent program if you want to become a full stack web developer, backend developer, front end engineer, or UI designer. 

Back End, SQL, and DevOps Developer with Python | Nucamp 

• Learning Format: Bootcamp program with hands-on training
• Level: Beginner 
• Subjects Covered: Python, data structures, algorithms, SQL, DevOps

In this Nucamp program, you will cover all the essential aspects of backend development in a matter of months. The program will help you learn Python, data structures, and SQL. These are the building blocks of backend development. 

Python is highly reliable for building complex applications and websites. Data structures are vital for data organization, storage, and accessibility. SQL is a well-known database language. You will focus on PostgreSQL, which is a commonly used database language that can link to Python applications. As a result, you will create a powerful backend system. 

To learn best practices, the bootcamp will take you through modern technologies and tools. You will learn Agile project management, DevOps, and the software development life cycle. You will also learn how to deploy applications on different cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. 

You will also receive extensive career support. You will have access to a career advisor, who will help you navigate the industry. The program also features a two-week career service session, which involves resume writing tips and LinkedIn recommendations. 

Key Takeaway: Nucamp has a high graduation rate of 70 percent. Its graduates find employment within six months of graduation 79 percent of the time.

Full Stack Development Bootcamp | Sabio 

• Learning Format: Bootcamp program with hands-on training 
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Front end development, backend development, database development, source control, development environments, platforms, backend languages and tools

Sabio’s full stack development program gives students hands-on coding experience from beginning to end. It is an excellent beginner course that will help you learn key web development technologies, tools, and processes from scratch. 

The program will touch on multiple programming languages and technologies. You can expect to learn HTML, CSS3, JavaScript, Bootstrap, and jQuery. You will also cover asynchronous client-side development. 

The backend development modules will take you through basic and advanced level concepts and practices. You can expect to cover principles of object oriented programming, inversion of control, RESTful architectures, and ASP.NET. You will also learn debugging processes.

You will also learn database design, Query structures, database architecture, and optimization stored procedures. Aspects of source control are also part of the curriculum. You will learn how to merge conflicts, pull requests, and sync environments. You will learn C#, .NET, .NET Core, Microsoft SQL Server, and Azure. 

Key Takeaway: Sabio offers career support to its students. You can expect to receive mentorship and advice to navigate your career journey.

Post Graduate Program in Full Stack Web Development | Simplilearn 

• Learning Format: Bootcamp-style course with hands-on training
• Level: Advanced
• Subjects Covered: Java, backend technologies, HTML and CSS, testing in a DevOps life cycle

This program will equip you with in-demand knowledge to help you become a full stack developer. The course will take you through technologies such as Angular, Spring Boot, and Hibernate. More generally, the course is designed to help you master the foundations of Java data structures, Agile, and Scrum. 

The course targets backend engineering by way of a module on SQL and relational databases. In addition, you will cover continuous integration using Jenkins. The most important aspects of backend development you will learn are automation testing and how to properly set up a coding environment. 

Key Takeaway: This Simplilearn development course will help you develop technical skills in Agile, Java, Hibernate, DevOps, HTML5, CSS3, AWS, JavaScript, and REST. 

Intro to Backend | Udacity 

• Learning Format: Self-paced course with hands-on training
• Level: Intermediate 
• Subjects Covered: Forms and inputs, templates, databases, user accounts, security

In this backend course, you will learn basic and advanced levels of technologies, tools, and processes. The instructor will teach you how to handle user input, store information in databases, and build secure systems.

This intermediate course will be easier if you have prior experience using Python. If you’re a beginner, you can find free courses that teach Python on Udacity.

Key Takeaway: Udacity provides free self-paced learning classes to help students break into tech. This is a great option for working professionals. 

The Advanced Web Developer Bootcamp | Udemy 

• Learning Format: Self-paced course with hands-on training
• Level: Advanced
• Subjects Covered: Virtual DOM, JSON APIs, Node.js, Express, Mongo, JavaScript, React

Udemy provides an advanced web developer bootcamp to help you upskill. In this bootcamp course, you will learn how to build responsive web applications using modern CSS technologies such as Flexbox. You will also master React and how it reconciles code. 

In terms of backend development, you will touch on Node, Express, Mongo, and React. It is also important to learn how JavaScript handles asynchronous code. The instructor will go over cleaning code, using default parameters, and using jQuery for single-page applications. 

Key Takeaway: Once you pay the course fee, you will have full lifetime access to 121 downloadable resources, 18 coding exercises, nine articles, and all the assignments.

Online Backend Engineering Classes, Training, or Courses: Which Is the Right Option?

The right option between an online backend engineering class, course, or training depends on your learning goals. Before enrolling in a particular program, establish whether you want to specialize, gain hands-on skills, or simply boost your resume. This will help you determine the best education path. 

Online backend engineering classes last for a few hours or days. Online backend courses are a series of classes that feature hands-on training. Training programs take weeks or months to complete. You can choose to attend an online backend engineering training program if you want to learn a particular aspect of the field. 

How to Choose the Right Online Backend Engineering Course, Class, or Training Program

First Factor: Certificate 

You should go for a course, class, or training program that offers a certificate of completion at the end of the program. This validates your education. You can add it to your resume for job applications. 

Second Factor: Curriculum 

Reviewing each curriculum will help you establish which is the best learning option. There are backend courses that focus on Python and JavaScript. You should decide which backend programming language, technology, or tool you want to specialize in before selecting a course.

Third Factor: Tuition

The tuition cost should reflect the value you will get by attending the program. You should check the curriculum, course resources, job placement rate, instructors, and career support services. This will help you determine if you are getting good value for your money. You can also check if the platform offers financing options like student loans, scholarships, or installment plans. 

Backend Engineering Course Certificates vs Certifications

A backend engineering course certificate shows that you have successfully completed a training program or course. They are normally referred to as certificates of completion. A backend engineering certification, meanwhile, is issued by a third-party organization to show that the professional has reached the national or regional standards of practice. 

A certificate course does not feature any exams, but some require students to complete capstone projects. Backend engineering certifications feature standard exams that test professionals’ skills and knowledge. Failure to pass the exams disqualifies a student from receiving the professional certification. 

Professional certification requires renewal after a stipulated time frame, whereas backend engineering certificates do not require renewal. 

Importance of Backend Engineering Certifications

Backend engineering certifications are important for boosting your resume. If you want to get a competitive edge during the job application process, you should consider getting certified. Most potential employers prefer hiring professionals with valid skills in backend engineering. The best way to validate your backend engineering skills is by earning a certification. 

Why You Should Take Online Backend Engineering Courses or Classes

You should take online backend engineering courses or classes because they offer a convenient way to learn cutting-edge technologies. The online courses allow working professionals to attend the programs from home. You can easily balance work and study if you are studying online.

In addition, online backend engineering programs can keep you abreast of developments in the tech industry. Industry professionals can easily stay updated on new technologies, trends, and best practices by simply attending a class offered by a bootcamp or a massive open online course (MOOC) platform.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is $110,140, and the employment of software developers is projected to increase by 22 percent by 2030. This means that, if you have any knowledge or practical experience in full stack development, you will have access to over 409,500 new jobs.