Today, coding bootcamps are a fantastic option for potential tech careers. Many students enroll in booptcamps vs degree programs. It can be difficult to find a schedule that works best for you, but understanding part-time vs full-time coding bootcamp schedules is vital to your training plan. With a solid knowledge of these different schedule options, you will find the perfect bootcamp program for your lifestyle.
This guide has the details you need to make the best choice when it comes to full-time vs part-time coding bootcamps. Both options give you the same training, but your current situation will dictate which suits you best. We lay out the expectations each schedule brings, the pros and cons of each option, and list some of the best coding bootcamps available.
Part-Time vs Full-Time Coding Bootcamp Comparison
Part-time bootcamps take longer to complete than full-time bootcamps, and typically offer classes on weekends and weekday evenings to accommodate learners with full-time jobs. You can also expect part-time programs to cost less, but students must understand that, even with a part-time schedule, bootcamp courses are intense programs.
Choosing the right schedule will completely depend on your personal and work commitments. If you have a flexible part-time job, you may be able to fit a full-time coding bootcamp around your schedule. Students must also set aside time for self-study, projects, and revision. Continue reading for detailed information when it comes to part-time vs full-time schedules.
Full-Time Coding Bootcamp Schedules
When you attend a full time coding bootcamp, your life centers around school. If you have enough free time and want to get through bootcamp and on to your new career in a hurry, full-time class is probably the best choice.
Most full-time bootcamp schedules run Monday to Friday, on a similar schedule to full-time employment. You can expect to spend at least 20 hours in the classroom every week. You’ll also have lots of tasks to perform outside of class, including homework and project development. On the plus side, you will be job-ready in a couple of months.
Learning Pace
The learning pace of a full-time coding bootcamp is fast and intense. Students will move through the curriculum quickly and if you miss a class or don’t revise each topic on your time, you will fall behind. Students who don’t work well under time pressure or have bad time management skills will struggle to keep up with a full-time schedule.
Flexibility
Full-time schedules don’t offer much flexibility and are typically fixed to set days and times each week. While you can take full-time classes online, they are usually offered as instructor-led, virtual classes, and stick to a regular schedule like in-person bootcamps. If you need a flexible schedule, you should consider a part-time course.
Curriculum
The curriculum for full-time programs will typically include foundational classes, various modules, and a capstone project. Modules are often covered in one or two weeks, and during full-time programs students often get through entire subjects in one day. One of the benefits of a full-time schedule is that the information remains fresh as there is little time between lessons.
Part-Time Bootcamp Schedules
If you have commitments and need to keep working while you get your training, you’ll appreciate the flexibility of part-time coding bootcamp schedules. Part-time bootcamps are ideal for teaching beginners how to code without forcing them to put their lives on hold.
A good part-time coding schedule will let you get your programming experience without having to sacrifice personal or professional obligations. Furthermore, you’ll still have plenty of in-class time. Part-time is a fantastic choice for industry professionals and will help you reach your career goals.
Learning Pace
Learning is more spread out for part-time schedules, but there will be a lot of information to be covered in a short space of time. While students will spend less time in the classroom, the pace is still quick and intense, similar to full-time learning. It is more difficult to get left behind during part-time study, but students must still be prepared for a busy schedule.
Flexibility
The main advantage of part-time programs is flexibility. Whether students opt to study online, in-person, or a mix of both, part-time programs allow learners to keep their professional and personal commitments active. A lot of online part-time programs are self-study courses, which allow students to complete their studies in their own time.
Curriculum
Part-time curricula are very similar to full-time programs, with introductory classes, several modules, and some sort of a final project. With a part-time curriculum, subjects are more often broken up across various learning days. Students will have more time to process new subjects and revise, compared to full-time programs that offer fewer breaks between topics.
Pros and Cons of Part-Time vs Full-Time Coding Bootcamps
Part-Time Coding Bootcamp Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Flexible schedule | Some students may struggle without a rigid schedule |
| Allow students to work full-time | Students who work full-time may suffer from burnout |
| Online part-time bootcamps can be self-paced | Self-paced programs require strong time management and motivation |
Full-Time Coding Bootcamp Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Complete your program faster | Less time for revision and study |
| Rigorous schedule | Other commitments have to be sacrificed |
| Enter the workforce quickly and start earning money | Higher tuition costs can result in higher student debt |
Best Full-Time Coding Bootcamps
- Flatiron School | Software Engineering. Flatiron School offers one of the best full-time coding bootcamps in the country. Students can study online or in-person at the Denver or New York campuses. The full-time course takes 15 weeks to complete and includes lab time, group work, and design sessions. The curriculum includes a prep class and the main program covers subjects like JavaScript, React, and Ruby.
- Le Wagon | Web Development. This full-time coding school offers in-person or online programs. This web development bootcamp is made up of prep work, 9 weeks of classes, and one week of career prep. Students will learn a wide range of coding languages such as Ruby, SQL, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Git. Graduates will master front end development and web design.
- Thinkful | Software Engineering. Considered one of the best online full-time coding bootcamps, this software engineering program teaches job-ready skills to students looking for their dream job in tech. The full-time course takes five months to complete and during their studies students are matched with a mentor who works in the industry. The curriculum covers full stack web development and offers hands-on experience.
- The Tech Academy | Software Developer Boot Camp. Tech Academy offers this online coding bootcamp full-time to allow students to learn from the comfort of their homes. The program takes 22 weeks to complete. Students cover the most popular and in-demand programming languages such as C#, Python, JavaScript, and HTML.
- App Academy | Campus Software Engineering. This program teaches students the top coding languages and in-demand technologies at either the San Francisco or New York campus. The schedule runs at an accelerated pace and takes only 16 weeks to complete. The curriculum is based on JavaScript and Ruby On Rails and the content is beginner-friendly. Students participate in hands-on projects using peer collaboration.
Best Part-Time Coding Bootcamps
- Springboard | Software Engineering Bootcamp. Led by the world’s leading coding teacher, Colt Steele, this self-paced course will take students nine months to complete if they study 20 to 25 hours per week. The curriculum covers front end and backend web development, including JavaScript, Python, Flask, Node, and Express to name a few. Springboard also offers a job guarantee.
- Kenzie Academy | Full-Stack Web Development. With average reviews of 4.9 out of 5 on Career Karma, Kenzie Academy is one of the best part-time coding bootcamps around. The flexible schedule allows students to attend live online classes or watch back pre-recorded videos. The curriculum takes about nine months to complete and covers JavaScript, React.js, Node.js, and MongoDB.
- General Assembly | Front-End Web Development Course. This coding bootcamp is an online part-time program taught by the industry’s top talents. Students will learn how to build and design responsive websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Using the Remote classroom setup, students attend instructor-led classes two evenings a week or all day on Saturday.
- Coding Dojo | Online Software Development Part-Time Flex. This excellent part-time online coding bootcamp takes just 24 weeks to complete, with less than 15 hours a week of commitment required. The program will suit both beginners and advanced coders looking to upskill. The curriculum covers web fundamentals and full stack Python.
- App Academy | Online Software Engineering. During this part-time program, the curriculum will focus on Python and JavaScript, two of the most popular programming languages. Mastery-based learning will ensure students excel at coding. The program takes 48 weeks to complete, with students required to spend about 27 hours per week in total on their studies.
Part-Time Coding Bootcamps vs Full-Time Coding Bootcamps: Conclusion
When it comes to part-time vs full-time coding bootcamps, the curriculum tends to be the same for both formats. Part-time and full-time learners will receive the same level of education and learn the same subjects to an industry standard. Both formats offer career services such as mock technical interviews and professional portfolio building.
Part-time bootcamps offer greater scheduling flexibility, cheaper tuition costs, and commonly have self-learning elements on the curriculum. However, these programs take much longer to complete and the intense coursework makes it difficult to balance work and studies.
With full-time programs, students are often able to find employment after a couple of months, but the intense schedule and higher tuition costs can lead to burnout or student debt. Furthermore, with classes happening nearly every day, it is much easier for full-time students to fall behind.
Part-Time vs Full-Time Coding Bootcamps FAQ
Code Platoon is the most respected coding bootcamp. On Career Karma, Code Platoon has a five star rating from over 100 reviews. The coding bootcamp offers a highly-rated full stack development bootcamp that offers hands-on technical and soft skills training and a range of career services.
What is immersive programming?
Immersive programming is based on an interactive learning environment. This can be done in person or remotely. During immersive learning, students are placed in real-world scenarios such as simulations, role play, or virtual learning environments. Immersive coding bootcamps focus on in-depth technical skills using a full-time schedule.
Which coding bootcamp has the highest employment rate?
Codesmith has the highest coding bootcamp employment rate at 92 percent. Graduates go on to earn a high annual salary of $118,250. DevMountain’s coding bootcamp job placement rate is the second best at 87 percent.
Is doing a coding bootcamp part-time worth it?
Part-time coding bootcamps offer the same level of education as full-time programs. If you want to continue working while you study or if you have a lot of personal commitments, a part-time coding bootcamp is worth it. Furthermore, part-time schedules are extremely flexible and may allow you to study at your own pace.
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