Key Takeaways
- Flexible learning opportunities: Weekend coding bootcamps provide a flexible option for individuals who can’t commit to full-time programs due to work or personal commitments.
- Diverse program offerings: These bootcamps cover various topics, including web development, software engineering, data science, and more, catering to beginners and experienced learners alike.
- Effective skill development: With intensive, hands-on training, weekend bootcamps can effectively teach technical skills as well as soft skills, preparing students for careers in tech.
- Important considerations: Prospective students should evaluate prerequisites, curriculum, class schedules, and any available career support when choosing coding bootcamp.
- Preparation is key: Adequate preparation before attending a bootcamp can enhance the learning experience and outcomes.
If you’re exploring career change options or looking to upskill and stay competitive in the job market, becoming a tech professional such as software engineer or front-end developer could be a worthwhile option. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for software developers will grow by 17% from 2023 to 2033—significantly faster than the average for all occupations, in part because the growing demand for coding skills goes beyond the technology and software development sectors.1
Financial and banking institutions, for example, need coding experts to build algorithms for trading and risk analysis. The healthcare sector employs coders for patient data management while retail and e-commerce businesses have software developers build online shopping platforms and inventory management systems.
To acquire the skills needed to compete for these jobs, you can either enroll in a traditional degree program or, if you have time constraints and need more flexibility, you can consider a weekend coding bootcamp. These intensive, short-term programs teach in-demand coding skills and technologies in a condensed timeframe, averaging 12 weeks for full-time and 24 for part-time coding bootcamps, making them ideal for those juggling busy schedules.2
Let’s now see how coding bootcamps work with a weekend schedule, their benefits and prerequisites, which ones are more popular, and how to choose the right one for you.
How Weekend Coding Bootcamps Work
Weekend coding bootcamps are for prospective coders who have other commitments that would prevent them from being able to attend class during the week; these programs typically operate on Saturdays and Sundays, with live sessions lasting several hours. Their length varies depending on the topic and format, making tech education accessible through convenient class options occurring in person, online, or hybrid (which is a combination of in-person and online learning).
For instance, the Web Development Fundamentals bootcamp by Nucamp spans four weeks, while their Front End Web + Mobile Developer program takes 17 weeks to complete. The time commitment they estimate for the latter is 8–12 hours of online course content to be completed on weekdays at your own pace, with 4-hour live workshops on Saturday or Sunday, depending on the time slot that works best for you.
The curriculum of a weekend coding bootcamp is designed to take students through the most relevant and in-demand programming languages, frameworks, and tools, such as JavaScript, React, Node.js, and SQL. These fast-paced programs are ideal for individuals looking to break into software engineering roles or enhance their coding skills for other tech-related opportunities, without having to drop other responsibilities they may have.
Popular coding bootcamp topics include:
- Front-end development: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build responsive user interfaces.
- Back-end development: Server-side programming, databases, and APIs.
- Full-stack development: Combining front-end and back-end technical skills to develop complete web applications.
The typical day of a bootcamp attendee is heavily project-based, which gives students the opportunity to immediately apply what they’ve learned by building fully functional web apps. This emphasis on hands-on learning, often culminating in a capstone project, is meant to ensure that students gain tangible experience, preparing them for the demands of the tech industry.
Benefits of Weekend Coding Bootcamps
An accelerated time commitment, cost-effective programs, flexible learning, and networking opportunities are just a few of the benefits that weekend coding bootcamps offer. Here’s a full picture of these benefits to give prospective students an idea of what to expect:
- Since live training sessions are only held during weekends, these bootcamps are ideal for working professionals or students that have commitments during the week that prohibit them from attending classes.
- The intensive training these programs provide covers material quickly, enabling participants to acquire a new skill in a shorter timeframe than traditional tech education routes.
- Participants have the chance to connect with peers and industry professionals, which can ultimately lead to future opportunities for careers in tech.
- Weekend bootcamps can be a more affordable option compared to full-time programs. As we calculated the average cost of coding bootcamps in 2024 at a little under $8,662, whereas the average public, four-year school cost $22,389 in tuition and fees for in-state students in 2022-23, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.3,4 While bootcamps are not necessarily the same as a traditional college degrees, they can be a good option if the higher cost of a degree program is a barrier, particularly with the presence of flexible payment options such as scholarships, loans, and monthly payment plans.
Prerequisites and Preparation
Common requirements for weekend coding bootcamps include basic computer literacy and, in some cases, preliminary coding knowledge. However, many programs that are designed to accommodate beginners do not require any previous experience, and they lay out career prep paths, highlighting the order in which one should enroll in their coding bootcamps.
Coding Career Path at Nucamp.co
To prepare for applying to a bootcamp, enrollees can start by brushing up on the basics, using available online resources to strengthen their understanding of fundamental coding concepts. The next step would be to engage with introductory materials to get acquainted with the programming language being taught and problem-solving techniques.
These two simple steps can help to ensure a smooth transition into the whole bootcamp experience, even for those without existing tech skills who are looking forward to a new path. If you’d like to know more about how you can best prepare for your specific bootcamp, you can also reach out to a student advisor for tailored guidance and support.
Popular Weekend Coding Bootcamps in the U.S.
The six schools listed below feature flexible, part-time programs; a strong emphasis on software development, web development, software engineering, and more; and robust curricula that includes hands-on, project-based learning. Program information for each has been gathered as of July 2025.
1. 4Geeks Academy5
4GeeksAcademy offers four programs that can help students learn coding skills in a matter of weeks. Bootcamps include: Full Stack Coding (18 weeks; 3 classes weekly), Data Science and Machine Learning (16 weeks; 3 classes weekly), Cybersecurity (16 weeks; 3 live online classes weekly), and Applied Artificial Intelligence (6 weeks; 2 live online classes weekly).
2. Coders Campus6
Coders Campus has one coding bootcamp to offer, which is an online part-time 9-month Java developer bootcamp with 100% remote learning at your own pace. New lessons and quizzes are uploaded in the video library every week on Monday, and there are three time slots for daily check-in calls with the instructors. These live video calls are recorded and are accessible to students anytime.
3. Ironhack7
Future Ironhackers can choose from three intense bootcamps, all available online (remote), either full-time or part-time: Web Development, Data Analytics, and UX/UI Design. The part-time coding bootcamp spans five weeks, with classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and 7 hours each Saturday.
4. Nashville Software School8
Three learning tracks await students at Nashville Software School: Web Development, Data Analytics, and Data Science. They all come with part-time coding bootcamp introductions that take between 3 and 6 weeks, and are followed by a lengthier career launch course, available as either full-time or part-time. The Part-Time Web Developer Bootcamp is delivered live online and takes 12 months to complete. Structured in a part-time evening and weekend format, it covers the same curriculum as the 6-month, full-time immersion program.
5. Nucamp9
Those new to coding can start with Nucamp’s Web Development Fundamentals bootcamp that teaches HTML, CSS, and Bootstrap for beginners. For a more advanced curriculum, consider either the Front End or the Full Stack Web + Mobile Development bootcamps. Nucamp also offers bootcamps to master specific software development topics: Backend, SQL, and DevOps with Python. The 4-week, career coaching course Job Hunting bootcamp features live weekly workshops on either Saturday or Sunday to help students practice their interviewing skills and ace future job interviews.
6. App Academy10
Besides its full-time coding bootcamp that spans 24 weeks, App Academy also offers a flexible learning experience: an online, self-paced GenAI for Software Developers course, available on demand. Over 10 weeks, students commit roughly 10 hours per week to lessons, bi-weekly live workshops, and collaborative study groups. The course is aimed at people with intermediate programming knowledge with full-time or part-time jobs as a software developer, software engineer, data scientist, or machine learning engineer, as well as AI enthusiasts and aspiring AI engineers.
Comparing online and in-person weekend bootcamps
There are several differences between online and in-person coding bootcamps, but schedule, accessibility, and personal learning style tend to be the most decisive factors. Online coding bootcamps are flexible, accessible options for learners who need a part-time schedule, offering self-paced and evening/weekend classes that cater to people with busy schedules and commitments. While some websites mention hybrid bootcamps, bootcamps are generally offered through a combination of self-paced learning and live online classes and not a mix of online and in-person ones.
| Aspect | Online Coding Bootcamp | In-person Bootcamp |
| Location flexibility | Participate from anywhere with internet access; maximum geographical flexibility. | Requires attendance at a physical location, which may limit accessibility based on proximity. |
| Interaction | Uses virtual collaboration tools for communication; may lack the immediacy of face-to-face interactions. | Provides direct, face-to-face interaction, allowing for immediate feedback and hands-on guidance. |
| Access to resources | Access to digital resources; physical resources depend on individual arrangements. | Access to on-site equipment and dedicated workspaces; enhanced hands-on learning experiences. |
| Learning format | Suited for self-motivated individuals comfortable with remote learning; requires self-discipline. | Structured environment with scheduled classes; beneficial for those who thrive on routine and direct supervision. |
| Networking opportunities | Online networking through virtual events and forums; may lack the depth of in-person connections. | In-person networking with instructors and other students; may lead to stronger professional relationships. |
Industry Partnerships and Career Opportunities
Many coding bootcamps have also developed partnerships with major tech companies, with the goal of helping graduates to get their foot in the door of established industries. For example:
- Tech Elevator touts itself as “the trusted provider of job-ready candidates” for “900+ hiring partners.”11
- 4GeeksAcademy lists Microsoft, Google Developers, and Meta among their hiring partners.12
- Galvanize has a Partnerships team that facilitates an efficient hiring process for those who have completed Hack Reactor coding bootcamps.13
- Fullstack Academy says that over 1,500 companies across the U.S. hire their bootcamp grads, ranging from large tech firms like Google to innovative start-ups.14
Note: Aside from industry partnerships, coding bootcamps may also offer comprehensive career services, including interview practice and networking events. Depending on your school, students and graduates could be able to use a wide variety of career support including mock interviews, resume-building workshops, support during the job search, opportunities to join alumni groups and networking events, and even access to a personalized career advisor.
Preparing for a weekend bootcamp
Time management and access to the right resources can help any learning process, and a coding bootcamp is no different. Below, we have a step-by-step guide to get you ready for your coding bootcamp.
Step 1. Set your learning and career goals (4–6 weeks before starting)
Clear goals will keep you focused and motivated throughout the bootcamp, so define what you want to achieve. Example: “Learn JavaScript well enough to build a basic interactive website.”
Step 2. Assess your schedule and manage time (3–4 weeks before starting)
Identify time blocks for preparation and coursework, and use a planner or app like Google Calendar to create a realistic schedule. Example: “Study for 2 hours each weekday evening and dedicate 4 hours on weekends.”
"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!"
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Step 3a. Beginner level: familiarize yourself with coding basics (2–3 weeks before starting)
Begin assembling a solid foundation of programming concepts and tools on your own. Consider exploring FreeCodeCamp.org for HTML/CSS basics, W3Schools.com for JavaScript fundamentals, and Python.org for beginner-friendly Python tutorials.
Step 3b. Intermediate level: practice problem-solving with a coding challenge (1–2 weeks before starting)
Apply what you’ve learned by tackling small coding challenges in your chosen programming language on sites like HackerRank or LeetCode. If possible, try pair programming with a friend or peer to stimulate the collaborative coding experience that bootcamps may emphasize.
Step 4. Review bootcamp-specific materials (1 week before starting)
You can reduce the learning curve during the coding camp if you familiarize yourself with their teaching tools and curriculum, so review all the prep materials or instructions the bootcamp provided.
Step 5. Get organized for success (1–2 days before starting)
If attending an online bootcamp, set up your workspace at home with the necessary tools (laptop, notebook, charger), ensure you have the required code editors installed, and don’t forget to confirm your bootcamp login credentials.
Make the most of weekend coding bootcamps
Coding bootcamps on the weekend are a flexible, accelerated path to valuable software engineering skills, web development skills, and more—especially for people with work- or school-related commitments during weekdays.
Whether you’re looking for a career change from an entirely different industry, or you simply want to enhance your coding abilities and land a new job in your existing tech career, weekend bootcamp options are worth considering, as they can equip you with practical skills in a condensed timeframe.
Review the information above and do your own thorough research to find the right bootcamps for your interests, until you find one that aligns with your goals and learning style. Then, all you have to do is contact their admissions office to gather detailed information about any prerequisites, schedules, the curricula you can expect to study at each, and job search support and career coaching sessions they offer.
Sources:
1 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm
2 https://www.computerscience.org/bootcamps/resources/how-long-are-coding-bootcamps/
3 https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/bootcamps/coding-bootcamp-cost/
4 https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d23/tables/dt23_330.20.asp
6 https://www.coderscampus.com/
8 https://nashvillesoftwareschool.com/
11 https://www.techelevator.com/workforce/solutions/hire-our-grads/
12 https://4geeksacademy.com/us/partners
13 https://www.galvanize.com/corporate-training/hire-bootcamp-graduates/
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
