What Are Coding Bootcamps? How Are They Different From A Computer Science Masters Degree Program?

13 min readApr 19, 2021

When you’re trying to start a career as a software developer, you’ll usually come across two options: a university-level CS degree or a coding bootcamp. This means you’ll have to compare a CS degree to a coding bootcamp at some stage. Although it’s tempting to focus on details like time and expense, this ignores the main point of the debate. Coding bootcamps and CS degrees have very different purposes, and their goals are very different.

What is a Web Development Coding Bootcamp?

A bootcamp is a modern approach to your IT education, an intensive, short-term, frequently immersive experience created to offer all the skills required to start a career in their chosen specialty to aspiring IT professionals.

Coding bootcamps concentrate on equipping Students with both the technical skills that will allow them to step into an entry-level web development job upon completion — as well as the soft skills that will allow them to blend easily into an already well-established team — in a shorter period of time than a conventional degree.

CareerFoundry’s Full-Stack Web Development Coding Bootcamp Program

CareerFoundry is an international bootcamp offering flexible career transition programs in web development, UX design, UI design, and data analytics. All programs cover the on-demand capabilities available as well as the real-world resources used by experts in the industry. The 7-month Web Development Program discusses HTML, CSS, JavaScript, API construction, server-side development, test-driven development, experimental web applications, native app development, and more and addresses how and where to use industry-standard tools like Atom, GitHub, Node, React, Angular, Vue, and Bootstrap, and more.

Springboard’s Full-Stack Web Development Coding Bootcamp Program

Springboard is an online learning portal that offers intensive, mentor-led online programs in software engineering, computer science, machine learning, UI/UX design, cybersecurity, and more to train students for the most in-demand jobs in the tech industry. All Springboard courses are 100% online, remote, and self-paced, lasting 6 to 9 months on average.

Ironhack’s Full-Stack Web Development Coding Bootcamp Program

Ironhack provides full-time and part-time bootcamps in Web Development, UX/UI design, Data Analytics, and Cyber Security in Miami (Florida), Madrid and Barcelona (Spain), Paris (France), Mexico City (Mexico), Berlin (Germany), Amsterdam (Netherlands), Sao Paulo (Brazil), and Lisbon (Portugal), as well as online. Ironhack takes a personalized approach to education by encouraging students to personalize their learning experience. Graduates of the Web Development Bootcamp will be proficient in JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS3, among other technologies.

How long does it take to complete the Web Development Coding Bootcamp?

Most of the web development coding bootcamp can be completed within 9 months. But students can also complete the program much faster depending on the mode (Full-Time / Part-Time) they enrolled in and the time they invest in the program. Sometimes courses offered in the program also determine the time to complete the bootcamp.

Duration of CareerFoundry’s Full-Stack Web Development Coding Bootcamp Program

This coding bootcamp is a fully online program and is offered in both full-time and part-time format.

Students can complete the program in 4 months if they take the full-time format and invest a minimum of 30 hours per week. Or they can take the program part-time, and complete it in 7 months by dedicating 15 hours per week.

Duration of Springboard’s Full-Stack Web Development Coding Bootcamp Program

This program is a fully online coding bootcamp. And by working 20 hours per week students can complete the program in 9 months.

Duration of Ironhack’s Full-Stack Web Development Coding Bootcamp Program

Depending on the format selected by the pupil, this program can be completed in 3 (Full-time) or 6 months (Part-time). Students with the Full-Time curriculum should attend class from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, and they will have a lot of additional work after class. Students of the Part-Time program will take classes two weekday evenings and on Saturdays, and it is required that they will devote at least 15 hours a week to their studies.

What do you learn In a Web Development Coding Bootcamp?

What do you learn from CareerFoundry’s Full-Stack Web Development Coding Bootcamp Program?

Students learn all of the job skills, resources, and procedures they’ll need to get started as a web developer in this class, which has a job guarantee. Via the dual mentorship model, students will be paired with not one, but two web development experts who will assist, counsel, and provide guidance during the program. The program is entirely online and self-paced, with a comprehensive, project-based, and adaptive learning experience. The curriculum is expert-authored and developed entirely in-house.

Courses offered in CareerFoundry’s Full-Stack Web Development Coding Bootcamp Program

Introduction to Frontend Development
Learn HTML and CSS
Full-Stack Immersion
JavaScript Basics
Server-Side Programming and Node.js
Client-Side Programming & React
Testing in the Development Process
Native App Development & React Native
Collaboration & Documentation

What do you learn from Springboard’s Full-Stack Web Development Coding Bootcamp Program?

This program has teamed up with acclaimed coding mentor Colt Steele to create a cutting-edge curriculum that covers everything from Python and SQL to the most in-demand JavaScript frameworks, such as React and Node. Students will create their own production-ready web apps to present employers as part of the course. Students will also be assigned a personal trainer, an accomplished software developer who is actively employed in the field, who will assist them in the program.

Courses offered in Springboard’s Full-Stack Web Development Coding Bootcamp Program

Front End
Back End with Python, Flask, and SQL
Node and Express
ReactJS and Redux

What do you learn from Ironhack’s Full-Stack Web Development Coding Bootcamp Program?

Students will learn how to design and build full-stack JavaScript web applications in this course. Students will study the basics of programming, with a focus on tried-and-true trends and best practices. Students will be able to analyze a challenge and choose the right approach using the language/framework best fit for the project’s reach by the end of the course. The course will teach students how to act like a programmer in addition to technical skills. Students can learn how to break down abstract problems into simpler components by deconstructing them.

Courses offered in Ironhack’s Full-Stack Web Development Coding Bootcamp Program

Module 1: Responsive Design with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
Module 2: The Back-end
Module 3: The Front-end

How much does a Web Development Coding Bootcamp cost?

The tuition cost of web development bootcamp can range from $4,500 to $15,000. The cost is determined by the program provider, mode (Full-Time / Part-Time) the students enrolled and also the complexity of the program.

Tuition cost of CareerFoundry’s Full-Stack Web Development Coding Bootcamp Program

Upfront tuition cost — $6,555

Total tuition cost (Part-time) — $6,900

Total tuition cost (Full-time) — $4,500

Tuition cost of Springboard’s Full-Stack Web Development Coding Bootcamp Program

Upfront tuition cost — $8,500

Total tuition cost (Part-time) — $10,350

Tuition cost of Ironhack’s Full-Stack Web Development Coding Bootcamp Program

Total tuition cost (Part-time) — $13,000

Total tuition cost (Part-time) — $12,000

What are the career benefits of doing a bootcamp in Web Development?

The majority of coding bootcamp graduates find full-time employment, and 83 percent of those surveyed claim they’ve been hired in a position that requires the technical expertise they acquired at bootcamp, with a median wage boost of 51 percent, or $22,000. A bootcamp graduate’s annual starting salary is $66,964.

Salary increases as bootcamp alums advance with their careers. According to the most recent survey, bootcamp graduates receive an average of $78,000 per year in their second career and $90,990 per year in their third job! This research demonstrates that as new graduates gain experience as engineers, they become more useful to their teams and organizations and can expect higher salaries.

Other considerations, such as distance, have an effect on wages — graduates living in California earn the most, with an annual salary of $100,482. The next city on the list is New York, where graduates earn an average of $74,756. Graduates who trained online, on the other hand, have the third-highest annual income of $70,500. However, students should keep in mind that housing expenses in tech hubs like California and New York are likely to be higher, so they should factor that into their career search.

What is an Online Computer Science Master’s Degree?

Many career development prospects are available through an online or distance-learning master’s program. Employed students may benefit from fully online self-paced research because it gives them the time freedom they need to combine work and studies. Online masters open the door to new market prospects by forming networks of students with similar interests, using the most recent advances in communication technologies. Online master’s programs have lower tuition rates than on-campus master’s programs while maintaining the same course standard and teacher participation.

A computer science master’s degree is a study of computer systems and hardware. Computer scientists study computer software and hardware systems in terms of theory, architecture, and implementations. Advanced knowledge of programming, databases, software creation and algorithms is required of these practitioners. Analysis, critical reasoning, math, and problem-solving skills are common to those who are drawn to the profession.

Online Master of Computer and Information Technology by University of Pennsylvania

The Online Master’s degree in Computer Science and Information Technology (MCIT Online) is a first-of-its-kind degree program in computer science geared to non-computer science majors. The curriculum includes the completion of 10 courses, consisting of six core courses and four electives. All courses are entirely online and there are no real-time sessions needed.

Online Master of Computer Science by Rice University

The Rice University Computer Science Department’s legacy of innovation has been combined with a best-in-class online teaching approach to create the Master of Computer Science Online Program. This program provides a personal and interactive learning environment for students, with limited class sizes and one-on-one experiences with professors that are essential for improving graduate-level skills and thought.

Online Master of Science in Computer Science by University of Southern California

The Master of Science in Computer Science (Scientists and Engineers) is for students who hold a Bachelor’s degree in engineering or science but have little or no experience with computer science. This two-year, 37-unit curriculum incorporates an introductory series of undergraduate preparatory and foundational coursework with all of the graduate depth requirements for a standard M.S. in Computer Science.

How long does it take to complete the online computer science master’s degree?

An online master’s in computer science normally takes two-three years to complete. Some programs, on the other hand, deliver accelerated courses that make for faster completion times, while others require more in-depth testing and can take longer to finish.

Duration of Online Master of Computer and Information Technology by University of Pennsylvania

This fully online program can be completed in 16–40 months

Duration of Online Master of Computer Science by Rice University

The degree can be completed as quickly as 12 months, or as long as 3.5 years (10 semesters)

Duration of Online Master of Science in Computer Science by University of Southern California

Students can complete the program in 18–24 months by taking the program full-time. Or they can enroll in the part-time program and complete it in 30–36 months.

What do you learn In an Online Computer Science Masters Degree?

A thesis, dissertation assignment, or rigorous test are normally required in computer science master’s programs. These services cover topics such as computer and network security, information management and analytics, real-world computing, virtual systems, artificial intelligence, and natural language processing. Students also choose their concentrations, which include elective courses. Additionally, certain programs can encourage students to select between a thesis and a non-thesis track.

What do you learn in the Online Master of Computer and Information Technology by the University of Pennsylvania?

After completing this program, students will be able to build solutions to real-world computational problems, merge mathematical foundations and engineering concepts. As part of a joint development team, they will plan, build, and manage high-quality applications. They will also learn how to assess the effective use of modern methods, skills, and tools to build a technological solution. Students will also learn how to model and analyze information structures using algorithmic reasoning and computer science theory.

Courses offered in Online Master of Computer and Information Technology by University of Pennsylvania

Core Courses

Introduction to Software Development
Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science
Introduction to Computer System
Data Structures and Software Design
Computer System Programming
Algorithms and Computation

4 Electives

Fundamentals of Linear Algebra & Optimization (Math for Machine Learning)
Software Analysis
Wireless Communications for Mobile Networks and Internet of Things
Database & Information Systems
Computer Vision & Computational Photography
Intro to Robotics
Blockchains & Cryptography
Statistics for Data Science: An Applied Machine Learning Course

What do you learn in Online Master of Computer Science by Rice University

Students will learn how to solve specialized computer science questions after completing this computer science master’s program. Students can obtain and submit a doctoral-level comprehension of the subject in the computer science sub-areas. They will be introduced to the concepts of Designing and implementing advanced information programs. Students will show expertise in their concept and execution and will work well in teams.

Courses offered in Online Master of Computer Science by Rice University

Computer Systems

System Software
Cyber Security

Data

Database
Machine Learning
Big Data
Data Visualization
Statistics for Computing and Data Science

Principles of Algorithms and Software

Software Construction
Programming Languages and Design
Principles of Algorithms and Software Area

What do you learn in Online Master of Science in Computer Science by University of Southern California?

Students gain a thorough knowledge of both the basics and relevant contemporary topics of computer science and computer engineering, allowing them to find work or seek advanced degrees.

The Master of Science in Computer Science program allows students to take a wide variety of classes while also encouraging them to concentrate on particular fields of interest.

Courses offered in Online Master of Science in Computer Science by University of Southern California

Core Requirement (4 units):

Analysis of Algorithms

Emphasis Requirements (16 units):

Software Management and Economics
Software Engineering
Software Engineering
Software Architectures

Emphasis Electives (12 units):

Testing and Analysis of Software Systems
Requirements Engineering
Computer Science Research Colloquium
Directed Research
Special Topics

How much does an online computer science master’s degree cost?

The cost of a master’s degree in computer science varies depending on the course, the format of the curriculum (online or in-person), the type of school (private or public), and the tuition rate (in-state or out-of-state) are all factors that will affect how much you spend.

Public universities are often the most cost-effective options, particularly if you apply for in-state tuition. In addition to tuition and fees, prospective students should consider housing, transportation, meals, and textbooks as expenses they may incur when pursuing their degree.

Tuition cost of Online Master of Computer and Information Technology by University of Pennsylvania

Total number of courses — 10

Cost per course — $2,500

Total tuition — $25,000

Tuition cost of Online Master of Computer Science by Rice University

Total number of credits — 30

Cost per credit — $1,666.67

Total tuition cost — $50,000

Tuition cost of Online Master of Science in Computer Science by University of Southern California

Total number of units — 32

Cost per unit — $2,148

Total tuition cost — $68,736

What are the career benefits of doing an online master’s in computer science?

Web engineers, computer systems analysts, knowledge technology analysts, computer network architects, and computer systems administrators are among the jobs available to graduates with an online masters in computer science. For most of these positions, only a bachelor’s degree is needed for an entry-level position.

A master’s degree, on the other hand, prepares computing professionals for advanced positions, including those needing study, as well as a salary increase. Most computer science positions don’t need any further education, but those who choose to do rigorous research or work in a university setting will need a doctorate.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information technology employees earn above-average salaries and have a wide range of career openings (BLS). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, field employees earn a median annual salary of $88,240, which is more than double the national average.

Employment for app developers and information security analysts are expected to rise by 22% and 31%, respectively, from 2019 to 2029, according to the BLS.

Which one should I take — coding bootcamp or an online master’s degree?

Choosing between a coding bootcamp and an online master’s degree in computer science is an individual’s choice. While bootcamps offer short-term, high-impact programming knowledge, learners must also devote hours to self-study in order to maintain their skills. Programming proficiency takes time and practice, which CS degrees have in great abundance.

Often, bootcamps are not for all due to their fast pace. 30–40 hours a week over a continuous duration of 12 weeks can lead to burn-out and stress, without taking into account certain individuals who may not be able to motivate themselves beyond the boundaries of a formal program. That said, bootcamps are perfect for those who learn to do better than to study. Instructors also collaborate on topics for the students during bootcamps, making them hands-on and project-oriented. Bootcamp teachers rarely lecture the class, which is ideal for those who want a hands-on approach to learning.

If you’re at college entering age, get a degree, since a bootcamp isn’t a substitute for a master’s degree. If you want to make a full career change later in life, an in-depth computer science education would provide you with a strong base and encourage you to advance in the field. You must, though, consider the fact that this is a far greater financial and time commitment.

Coding Bootcamps vs Online Masters Degree in Computer Science