The current job landscape within the tech sector may have you questioning whether a part-time vs full-time coding program is better for you—and if a coding bootcamp will help you achieve your career goals. Ultimately, only you can determine what is best for you; however, understanding the academic options available can help you hone your journey towards a more fulfilling career.
If you’re wondering what the right coding bootcamp for you is, this guide is intended to help you make a choice between full-time vs part-time coding bootcamps. Both options give you similar training, but your current situation—from schedule and learning style to personal responsibilities and payment options—will dictate which suits you best. We will outline 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. Participating in a full-time bootcamp is like committing to a full-time job, requiring nearly 40 hours of focused work per week and the same level of dedication as traditional employment. This format offers an immersive experience that accelerates learning and job readiness. If you have enough free time and want to get through bootcamp and on to your new career in a hurry, a 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.
Learning Pace
The learning pace of a full-time coding bootcamp is fast and intense. After all, there are some bootcamps that last as little as six weeks. Students will move through the curriculum quickly, and if they miss a class or don’t revise each topic on time, they may fall behind. Students who don’t work well under time pressure or have poor 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. These programs allow students to learn over an extended time or a longer period, making it easier to balance other commitments.
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 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 |
Full-Time and Part-Time Coding Bootcamps Options to Explore in 2025
- Flatiron School |Software Engineering.1 Flatiron School offers both a full-time and part-time coding bootcamp option, where students can study 100% online. The full-time course takes 15 weeks to complete, while the part-time course takes 45 weeks. Both options include project-based learning with opportunities to engage with mentors and other students throughout the program.
- Le Wagon | Web Development.2 With part- and full-time coding programs, the school offers the option to pursue online programs as well as in-person classes in select locations around the world. This web development bootcamp is made up of prep work, web development classes, and career prep/personalized coaching. Students will learn a wide range of coding languages, such as Ruby, Ruby on Rails, JavaScript, as well as AI and LLM development.
- 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.3 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.4 This live online, part-time program teaches students full-stack development in a fully immersive learning environment. The schedule runs at an accelerated pace and takes only five months to complete. The curriculum is based on React, Flask, and SQL, and the content is beginner-friendly. Students participate in hands-on projects using peer collaboration.
- Springboard | Software Engineering Bootcamp.5 With classes led by the world’s top 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 full-stack web development, including JavaScript, Python, SQL, and React, to name a few. Springboard also offers a money-back guarantee.
- General Assembly | Front-End Web Development Course.6 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. This part-time and full-time online coding bootcamp by Coding Dojo takes just as little as 20 weeks and as many as 32 weeks to complete, 24 weeks to complete.7 The program will suit both beginners and advanced coders looking to upskill. The curriculum is customizable, with tiered one-, two-, and three-stack options.
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. Both formats are designed to help students launch or advance their coding careers.
Part-time bootcamps offer greater scheduling flexibility and commonly have self-learning elements in the curriculum. They are generally cheaper than a full-time option, making them attractive for those balancing work and studies. However, these programs take longer to complete, and the intense coursework may make it difficult to balance work and studies. The full-time option, often referred to as a full-time program, is an immersive experience designed for those who can dedicate full days to learning.
With full-time programs, the intense schedule may lead to burnout. Furthermore, with classes happening nearly every day, full-time students may fall behind. Regardless of the format, both part-time and full-time bootcamps focus on developing strong coding skills to prepare students for the tech industry.
Part-Time vs Full-Time Coding Bootcamps FAQ
This FAQ section aims to answer common questions students have about part-time vs full-time coding bootcamps.
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 and coding skills using a full-time schedule.
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 a great option. Furthermore, part-time schedules are extremely flexible and may allow you to study at your own pace.
Sources:
1 https://flatironschool.com/courses/coding-bootcamp/
2 https://www.lewagon.com/web-development-course
3 https://www.learncodinganywhere.com/softwaredeveloperbootcampcontact
4 https://www.appacademy.io/course/software-engineering/
5 https://www.springboard.com/courses/software-engineering-career-track/
6 https://generalassemb.ly/students/courses/front-end-web-development-short-course
7 https://www.codingdojo.com/software-development-part-time-accelerated
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