Key Takeaways
- Coding boot camps offer focused training that helps learners build practical skills faster than many traditional timelines.
- They can be a strong option for career changers and professionals who want to add technical capability to an existing role.
- The most valuable boot camps emphasize hands-on practice, so students finish with work they can show, not just concepts they have heard.
With demand for skilled web developers at an all-time high, University of Denver will launch a 24-week Coding Boot Camp in April 2017 through the college of professional and continuing studies, University College. The innovative, fullstack program, says Michael McGuire, dean of University College, “is ideal for those interested in changing or advancing their career without putting it on hold.”
The Coding Boot Camp, which will start on April 25, 2017, is designed to accommodate the schedules of working professionals, with two three-hour evening classes during the week (6:30-9:30pm) and a four-hour class on Saturdays (10:00am-2:00pm).
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, web development ranks among the world’s fastest-growing professions, with jobs projected to increase at a 20% annual pace through 2022. The opportunities for skilled developers have already outstripped the labor supply: Of more than 150,000 new openings posted each year, some 50,000 go unfilled. The median salary for professional web developers is $63,000, with some earning as much as $110,000 a year.
“This is a powerful combination of real-world content for web developers coupled with convenient delivery,” said McGuire. “The resources and opportunities made available through the Coding Boot Camp are aligned with the professional competencies needed to succeed in this field.”
Students who complete the program will have the skills they need to develop dynamic end-to-end web applications—and to make a great impression on prospective employers. In addition, they will receive a certificate in Fullstack Web Development from University of Denver’s University College.
The curriculum ranges from the basics of coding, algorithms and data structure, to intensive training in Javascript, Node.js, HTML, CSS, jQuery, PHP, Laravel, and more. In addition to classroom instruction, students will spend 20 hours a week on outside projects and experiential learning activities and build a professional project portfolio to showcase their abilities and hone their competitive edge in the employment market.
Students will also receive a range of career-planning services, portfolio reviews, demo days, recruiting assistance and extensive staff support. Area businesses participating in the Coding Boot Camp’s employer network will advise on curriculum, products and student needs. While no previous training or experience is required, applicants should have an understanding of coding basics.
To learn more about the Coding Boot Camp, visit
http://codingbootcamp.du.edu. Students can apply online or by calling (303) 223-1868.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a good fit for a coding boot camp?
People who want structured, intensive learning and are ready to practice consistently tend to do well. Boot camps can work for career changers and also for professionals who want to strengthen tech skills for their current job.
What makes a boot camp different from learning to code on your own?
Boot camps provide a roadmap, deadlines, and feedback that keep you moving and help you avoid common learning traps. Many learners progress faster with structure and support than they would with self-study alone.
What should students look for before enrolling in a boot camp?
Look for hands-on projects, support resources, and a clear explanation of what graduates can do by the end. If the program helps you build a portfolio, it becomes easier to demonstrate skills to employers.
How can someone prepare for a boot camp to improve their odds of success?
Start with basic computer comfort and a little exposure to coding concepts so the first weeks feel less overwhelming. Creating a realistic schedule for practice time is also important, because consistency is the real driver of progress.
