Written By Liz Eggleston
Edited By Jess Feldman
Course Report strives to create the most trust-worthy content about coding bootcamps. Read more about Course Report’s Editorial Policy and How We Make Money.
Course Report strives to create the most trust-worthy content about coding bootcamps. Read more about Course Report’s Editorial Policy and How We Make Money.
Do you really need a coding bootcamp to make a career change? Or can you take a coding class at the library or an online MOOC and do it yourself? All three focus on teaching tech skills, but there are some major differences between these paths – career services, support, teaching style, and intensity just to name a few. Let’s explore these differences and which is best for you!
First, we’ll clear up the definitions of these 3 related paths:
What is a Coding Bootcamp?
Coding bootcamps are intensive, accelerated learning programs that teach beginners digital skills like Full-Stack Web Development, Data Science, Digital Marketing, UX/UI Design, Cybersecurity, and even Machine Learning & AI. If you’re looking to make a career change in ~3-6 months, then a coding bootcamp is your best bet.
What is an Adult Coding Class?
You may find an adult coding class at a public library or a community college. These are typically low-cost. If you’re just looking for computer literacy classes or to get your feet wet with basic coding, then one of these coding classes could be a great first step!
What is a MOOC?
A Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) is a pre-recorded, usually free class that hundreds of students attend. If you can learn on your own with no interaction with students or instructors, then a MOOC could be a good option. The most popular MOOCs are Introduction to Computer Science and Learning how to Learn. The good news? MOOCs typically cost $0. The not-so-good news? There’s very little built-in accountability, so completion rates are notoriously low.
So which option is best for you? After talking to hundreds of successful bootcamp alumni, I’ve discovered that most begin with a free class like a MOOC or an adult coding class. Once they realize that programming is interesting work to them, they invest in a coding bootcamp to actually make their career change.
Liz Eggleston is co-founder of Course Report, the most complete resource for students choosing a coding bootcamp. Liz has dedicated her career to empowering passionate career changers to break into tech, providing valuable insights and guidance in the rapidly evolving field of tech education. At Course Report, Liz has built a trusted platform that helps thousands of students navigate the complex landscape of coding bootcamps.
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