Online Bootcamps
Dive into the field of information technology in a fast-paced, flexible learning environment. Discover how information technology bootcamps compare and what you can do to expand your career opportunities in this fast-growing industry.
What Is an Information Technology Bootcamp?
The field of information technology, or IT, covers a broad range of skills and jobs. It includes web development, technology infrastructure installation, operations management, and software design. Almost any role that helps promote the use of computers to improve productivity, safety, or other areas of operations can be considered IT.
If you’re reviewing information technology bootcamps, you’ll likely learn some or all of these following areas:
- Cloud computing
- Software development
- IT automation
- Cybersecurity
- Big data management
- Data analytics
- Internet of Things, or IoT, computing
You can focus on a single aspect of IT in a more specialized bootcamp, but IT bootcamps offer a broad range of skills and knowledge necessary to remain flexible in this growing field.
A bootcamp is a short course where you have the opportunity to learn at your own pace. You don’t have to invest time in general education courses or other areas of knowledge not directly related to your career goals, but you can enjoy a highly specialized, career-driven learning opportunity.
How Long Are Information Technology Bootcamps?
Because bootcamps are designed to be short courses, they can typically be completed in about 12 weeks. Some can be completed in as little as four weeks, while part-time information technology bootcamps can take 24 weeks or more to complete. Part-time study is a great option if you still want to work as you study, but a full-time bootcamp is a quick and convenient way to gain career skills.
How to Pay for an Information Technology Bootcamp?
The wide range of online bootcamps for studying IT come with a wide range of costs. Some only cost about $1,000 to complete, while others can be over $30,000. Look for bootcamps that offer scholarships, grants, or financing options to reduce the upfront cost of your career preparations.
Is an Information Technology Bootcamp Worth It?
An IT bootcamp can be a rewarding experience for you as a current IT professional or as you prepare to enter the field. These camps help you focus on a few critical skills required to approach the field of IT with confidence.
Choose an IT bootcamp if you’re looking for a general overview of the field. These courses may not be as specialized as a cybersecurity or web development bootcamp, but they can help you see how various elements of information technology come together to create a growing field.
Compared with other course options, a bootcamp can be a quick and affordable option. You can study the specific information technology courses you want in just a few months, rather than spending two or four years taking general education classes required in degree programs.
Is an Information Technology Bootcamp Right for Me?
Are you excited about using the latest computer technology to make a difference? Whether designing software, managing teams, or working with automation technology, IT includes a number of diverse, rewarding career options. Consider an IT bootcamp if you’re passionate about the following skills:
- Critical thinking
- Mathematics
- Statistical analysis
- Design
- Teamwork
- Leadership
The exact career path you take can vary, but many IT professionals use these skills on a daily basis. Work closely with a team of engineers, developers, or technicians to address maintenance issues, improve current operations, or assist customers in reaching their IT system goals. A bootcamp may be right for you if you’re already working in the industry or if you’re looking to strengthen your application for your first IT position.
Applying to Information Technology Bootcamps
While many traditional degree programs only accept students during specific application periods, some information technology bootcamps offer rolling admission. Explore the list of bootcamps available in this article to learn more about specific application requirements.
Most applications for bootcamps are far more convenient than traditional degree programs. For example, you don’t often need to go through an interview process or submit an essay to apply for a bootcamp.
Review the guidelines for each course individually, as some require you to have previous experience or education in the IT industry, while others are aimed at first-time students in the field.
Information Technology Bootcamps vs. Traditional Degree
There are a few key differences between enrolling in an information technology bootcamp and a traditional degree program:
- Length of study
- Scope of classes
- Focus of program
- Cost of program
An associate’s degree program typically takes about two years to earn. A bachelor’s degree takes up to four years, while a master’s degree program can be between two and three years. A bootcamp takes far less time, making it a more flexible option for you.
Most IT bootcamps focus exclusively on IT training and career preparation, while traditional degree programs offer courses in humanities, sciences, and other areas of study. You’ll also likely pay more for a traditional degree than a bootcamp.