UCSD Extension Bootcamp: Review, Cost, and Complete Guide

The University of California in San Diego is known for its positive campus culture. San Diego fosters some of that old-school SoCal attitude, and the residents genuinely love their city. The school also offers several tech bootcamps and online programs where students quickly gain career skills. UCSD extension bootcamp programs can train you in coding, cyber security, or data science. 

University coding bootcamps often do more than provide technical skills. UC San Diego coding bootcamp programs also provide career services like mock interviews, career coaching, and portfolio reviews to ensure students reach their career goals. In this article, we will go over everything you need to know about attending a UCSD extension bootcamp.

UC San Diego Extension Courses

Top UCSD Coding Bootcamps

UC San Diego coding bootcamp programs have curricula designed to include the most in-demand skills in the tech industry in California. The cyber security and data science bootcamps are offered part-time, while the coding bootcamp is offered part-time and full-time. If you attend a UCSD coding bootcamp, you’ll learn through hands-on projects and receive training from experts in the field.

UCSD Coding Bootcamp

The UCSD Coding bootcamp provides students with a wide range of technical skills applicable to full stack development. It is available as a part-time or full-time program and prioritizes project-based learning. Previous tech experience is not required for a UCSD extension bootcamp, but if students are worried about keeping up in class, they can look into the pre-course tutorials.

What you will learn at UCSD Coding Bootcamp:

• Front end development. Front end development encompasses the user-side of an application or web page. Some of the technologies students learn include HTML, CSS, and React.js.
• Backend development. Backend development includes the server-side of a website. Students will gain experience with database theory, MySQL, Git, MongoDB, and agile methodology. 
• Web applications. Students will create their own applications by combining their front end and backend development skills. Toward the end of the UC San Diego coding bootcamp, they will learn how to optimize for speed and efficacy and prepare to transition into a career in web development.

UCSD Cyber Security Bootcamp

The UC San Diego Cybersecurity Boot Camp is a challenging program that takes place part-time over 24 weeks. It is designed for tech enthusiasts or anyone eager to learn how to make the Internet a safer place.

You don’t need experience with programming to enroll in UCSD cyber security courses, as long as you are dedicated and diligent. Scholarships and payment plans are available to qualifying students to help lower the UCSD cyber security bootcamp cost of $13,995.

What you will learn at UCSD Cyber Security Bootcamp:

• Security fundamentals. The UCSD cyber security program starts with risk analysis and risk mitigation, and disaster recovery. Students also learn how security protocols impact a business and its employees. 
• Systems administration. Students gain experience with Linux and Windows as they prepare for common IT roles. Some of the technologies covered include Bash scripting and programming, Kerberos, and logging. 
• Network security. In this portion of the UCSD cyber security bootcamp, students learn about network configuration, cloud security, cryptography, and data communication. This includes network architecture, wireless security, and Wireshark and traffic analysis. 
• Defensive security. This critical module of the UC San Diego cyber security program covers digital forensics, incident response, and how to recover deleted data. 
• Offensive security. Students will learn about the common vulnerabilities of applications and databases and how to protect them from cyber attacks. They will work with an array of technologies, including Burp Suite, Zenmap, and Metasploit, and practice penetration testing.

UCSD Data Science Bootcamp

The UCSD data science bootcamp trains students to work with big data and tackle real-world problems. In 24 intensive weeks, the UCSD extension data science program covers fundamental statistics, business intelligence software, data analytics and visualization, and a wide array of in-demand technologies.

While students don’t need extensive experience to apply to the UCSD data science bootcamp program, it is recommended that they have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or at least two years of real-world experience in business, finance, management, statistics, or something similar.

What you will learn at UCSD Data Science Bootcamp:

• Front end web visualization. During this module of the UCSD data science bootcamp, students gain hands-on experience with technologies like HTML, CSS, and Bootstrap. 
• Python programming. While mastering the Python programming language, students will have the opportunity to use in-demand tools like NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, and SciPy. 
• Databases. The UCSD data science bootcamp includes a module dedicated to helping students practice using essential database technologies like MongoDB and PostgreSQL/pgAdmin.

UCSD Extension Bootcamp Review

The UCSD extension bootcamp programs were created in collaboration with Trilogy Education Services, which has a history of producing excellent results with students. UC San Diego’s reputation for excellence, combined with Trilogy’s well-designed model, created a program that students can feel confident with.

All three of the UCSD extension bootcamp options include challenging courses designed to include in-demand technologies. At the end of the day, students are responsible for their success in the program. Nonetheless, the UCSD extension bootcamp classes are well-structured and provide students with the resources they need to be successful.

Bootcamp graduates are prepared to land modern information security, cyber security, and web development roles after program completion. UCSD extension bootcamp programs provide a range of career services, such as a dedicated career counselor. The emphasis on hands-on learning also ensures that students enter the workforce with a strong portfolio full of complex projects.

UCSD Extension Bootcamp Instructors

What does it take to become an instructor at a Trilogy-backed coding bootcamp? The selection process isn’t easy to get through, as instructors must be both skilled at their trade and willing to teach. Unsurprisingly, the students enrolled in UCSD extension bootcamp programs rate their instructors highly.

UCSD Bootcamp Cost

Cost is always an important factor to consider when choosing a coding bootcamp. Generally speaking, most coding bootcamps cost between $8,000 and $20,000. This is a broad range in which Trilogy programs often fall on the low-end of the spectrum.

UCSD coding bootcamp tuition prices are comparable to other Trilogy programs, starting at $11,745 for the part-time, full stack coding course. The part-time data science program costs $13,245, and the cyber security program costs $13,995. While these prices may seem intimidating, there’s no need to stress when you think about the value of the program.

Many students use payment plans to help cover their UCSD coding bootcamp tuition. Additionally, plenty of excellent scholarships are available to students, so be sure to check them out. Career Karma also wrote an extensive article on coding bootcamp scholarships, many of which can save you hundreds in tuition costs.

Schedule

Trilogy coding bootcamps typically follow a standard full- and part-time schedule. UCSD Extension Bootcamp is no exception, and the hours are exceedingly reasonable. The UCSD bootcamp schedule for the part-time programs runs for 24 weeks. Students attend evening classes two days per week, making it perfect for anyone with a busy schedule.

The full-time course lasts for 12 weeks, with classes Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Students receive extensive coding and technical education, so it’s vital not to miss any classes. You can find more details about the UCSD bootcamp schedule on its website.

But students aren’t finished when they leave for the day. You should expect an extra take-home workload that can require hours to complete. Each student will vary, but you should set aside around 20 hours per week for homework.

Curriculum

The UCSD coding bootcamp curriculum is intense and requires your utmost attention to complete. Despite the technically dense nature of the work, it’s not impossible to succeed. In fact, many students with absolutely no coding background are enormously successful in the program simply from motivation and excellent study habits.

The full stack web development course teaches the basics, such as HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. In addition to these fundamentals, the UCSD coding bootcamp curriculum covers  React.js, jQuery, Node.js, Heroku, Git, Responsive Design, along with User Authentication, MySQL, MongoDB, and others. As you can see, that’s quite a heavy load.

UCSD’s data science course is a little less code-heavy, but students still learn the fundamentals of Excel, Python, JavaScript, SQL Databases, and Tableau. The UCSD coding bootcamp curriculum is frequently updated to match the needs of employers in the area.

UCSD Extension Bootcamp on Reddit

Oh, Reddit, what better online forum is there to find an honest review about a coding bootcamp? There are several reasons why somebody would want to check UCSD bootcamp Reddit reviews before filling out an application form. The site offers insight into how people really think and gives people a platform to share their post-graduation experiences out in the workforce.

While there isn’t much information about UCSD’s coding bootcamp on Reddit, we did find a very interesting comment on this thread about the subject. A Redditor writes, “The big takeaway for me was I learned how to learn code. I just graduated last month, and my last day of my internship is tomorrow. I haven’t really [started] applying too heavily yet, but I have landed a few interviews that are coming up this week and next. One of my classmates has already landed a full-time job.”

Overall, the sentiment in UCSD coding bootcamp Reddit reviews seems optimistic. Redditors have strong opinions about coding bootcamps, and they’re free to say whatever they want—so remember to take the good (and the not-so-good) with a grain of salt.

Job Placement

Trilogy coding bootcamps don’t publish the UCSD coding bootcamp job placement rate publicly. It’s difficult to determine how well every bootcamp’s specific graduates do because individuals all act differently and succeed at varying levels.

Although we can’t provide an exact number, we can look at some of the reviews online. Most students who mention their job directly attribute their success to the coding bootcamp. The school’s extensive career services are also likely to improve the UCSD coding bootcamp job placement rate.

And while the bootcamp employment rates at UCSD aren’t published, it’s worth noting that many coding bootcamps that advertise job placement statistics claim between 70 percent and 90 percent of students land a job after graduation. Overall, it looks very promising.

"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"

Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot

Find Your Bootcamp Match

UC San Diego Bootcamp Admissions Process

The UC San Diego bootcamp admission process starts with filling out an application form online. The school is looking for students who demonstrate dedication and a strong work ethic, as most of the programs do not require extensive previous coding experience. The UCSD coding bootcamp assessment primarily tests problem-solving skills rather than coding competency.

Note that you should also ensure you have the proper equipment before applying. You can contact admissions to ensure your machine meets the UCSD coding bootcamp computer requirement.

• Visit the school’s website. Make sure you read about the available programs on the UC San Diego Extension website. You will find information about the program requirements and curriculum. This can help ensure you choose the best option for your needs. 
• Fill out an application. You can find the application form on the UC San Diego website. The school has a rolling admission process, so you can apply at various times throughout the year. 
• Schedule an interview. The UCSD coding bootcamp requires a phone interview with a member of the admissions team. They will likely ask about your educational history and career goals. 
• Complete the UCSD coding bootcamp assessment. You won’t need coding or technical experience to pass the UCSD coding bootcamp assessment. The questions are designed to test your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 
• Prepare for classes. If you are accepted, you can prepare for your program by taking the prep courses or tutorials and choosing a payment option. You won’t need to buy any books, but you will need a machine that meets the UCSD coding bootcamp computer requirement.

UC San Diego Bootcamp Payment Options

There are various UC San Diego bootcamp payment options to help students cover tuition. UCSD Extension financial aid options include a scholarship for UCSD alumni and flexible payment plans.

Scholarships

UC San Diego offers a $500 scholarship to any alumni who enroll in a UCSD Extension coding bootcamp program. There may also be scholarship opportunities for students who take advantage of early registration prices.

Payment Plans

UCSD Extension Boot Camp programs offer flexible payment plans to qualifying students. To learn more or discover whether you qualify, you can contact the admissions department. This is the best way to get answers to any questions you have regarding UCSD extension financial aid.

Loans

UCSD allows qualifying students to use loans to help cover their bootcamp tuition. To learn more about this option, prospective students will need to contact an admissions advisor or fill out the application form on the school’s website.

Is the UC San Diego Coding Bootcamp Worth It?

Yes, enrolling in a UC San Diego coding bootcamp is worth it if you want to become a web developer, data scientist, or cyber security specialist. The hands-on classes will help you develop a professional portfolio and will equip you with a broad array of the technical skills you need to succeed in the job market.

UCSD extension coding bootcamp programs are definitely worth it if you are looking for a school that offers courses that fit your busy schedule. The part-time programs include evening classes to accommodate working professionals. This makes it easier than ever to start a career in coding.

UC San Diego Coding Bootcamp FAQ