Code Fellows

Code Fellows Bootcamp Reviews and Complete Guide

Code Fellows offers modular courses that allow students to begin at the level they feel matches their skills. In other words, you can enroll as a beginner with no programming experience, or you can enroll at a more advanced level if you already have some experience. Below is a full Code Fellows review to help you find out if this coding school is what you’re looking for.

What Is Code Fellows?

Code Fellows is a modular technical skills training academy that offers flexible courses in software development, technical operations, cybersecurity, and career training for students with busy schedules. This institution is different from other coding bootcamps because it allows students to test into the course level that is most appropriate for their current skill level. Plus, with a wide variety of financing options available, anyone can afford to attend.

Is Code Fellows Worth It?

Code Fellows is worth it if you want to sign up for a bootcamp that perfectly aligns with your current skill level. Whether you are a complete beginner, have already learned a programming language, have cyber ops experience, or want to update your advanced tech skills, Code Fellows is probably the best option. If you want to get an idea of whether a full bootcamp is worth it, you can attend one of the school’s beginner courses.

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The only downside to Code Fellow is that it doesn’t yet have tracks to train and become a digital marketer or UX designer, so you should look into other schools if that’s what you’re looking for.

Code Fellows Job Placement

Code Fellows has a 93 percent job placement rate, and its graduates have a median salary of $72,000. This high job placement can be attributed to their reputation, the technical curriculum, and the career coaching included in the school’s coursework. Students are coached on building their network, technical and behavioral interview skills, professional etiquette, and more. The school also offers a career accelerator program which provides additional career coaching, networking events, job fairs, industry-led mock interviews, and access to their network of hiring partners and other Code Fellows alumni.

Code Fellows has placed former students in jobs at the biggest tech companies out there, like Amazon, Google, Facebook, Starbucks, Microsoft, and Boeing.

Does Code Fellows Offer a Job Guarantee?

No, it doesn’t offer a job guarantee. However, the school has one of the highest job placement rates in the industry and has partnerships with many major tech companies.

How Much Does Code Fellows Cost?

Code Fellows’ modular courses differ in price depending on the level you’re enrolling in. The beginner’s courses cost $99 and generally consist of a single eight-hour workshop. Higher-level courses last much longer and cost between $5,000 to $12,000.

How to Pay for Code Fellows: Scholarships, Loans, Discounts

Paying for a bootcamp can be tricky, but Code Fellows has a variety of financing methods available to its students, including special discounts, income share agreements, payment plans, loans, and scholarships. Plus, they’re certified to receive the GI Bill and funding from the Washington State Worker Retraining Program.

Loans

Code Fellows has loan partnerships with Ascent and Climb Credit. Students can choose how and when they want to pay off their loan, such as by making interest-only payments up until a few months after graduation, or by deferring all payments until after graduation. Though more repayment options are available.

Students can request a loan amount that covers their tuition and living expenses if they are attending a Code Fellows course full time.

Discounts

Students can apply for two discounts, either the Early-Bird discount for 201 courses, or the Course-Bundle discount. The Early-Bird discount is for anyone who is accepted to a 201 course, signs their contract, and pays the $500 deposit at least four weeks before the first day of class. The Course-Bundle discount is for applicants who have committed to a 201 course prior to enrolling in a 102 course. These applicants receive a $500 credit towards their 201 tuition, in addition to having their seat in the course reserved.

Scholarship Fund

Code Fellows’ scholarship fund is the school’s way of contributing to increased diversity in the tech industry by making careers in tech more accessible to everyone. Anyone from an underrepresented ethnicity, as well as women, military veterans, career changers, recent college graduates, code school students looking to join a better program, and unemployed or underemployed people can apply. These scholarships cover up to 70 percent of tuition. In addition, Code Fellows gives one full-ride scholarship to a Black American in each cohort.

GI Bill

The GI Bill is a US Department of Veterans Affairs program that aims to help former servicemen build better lives. If you are a veteran or a family member of a veteran, you can use the GI Bill to help pay for your tuition.

Washington State Worker Retraining Program

This program is administered by the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges. It can cover up to 15 percent of the tuition cost. To be eligible, you must be a Washington state resident who is unemployed or underemployed.

Code Fellows Location

In addition to its virtual campus, Code Fellows only has one physical campus in Seattle, WA. It is an excellent location because the city is a rising tech hub with plenty of opportunities for new graduates. 

Code Fellows Courses

Code Fellows has different course modalities that are separated into two paths. Whether you choose software engineering or cybersecurity, the modules are grouped into beginner, foundations, intermediate, advanced, and continuing education levels. Students can test into any level without having to attend or pass the previous course level.

Let’s look at the module levels in more detail.

100: Beginner

Code Fellows offers several beginner courses in software engineering and cybersecurity. Some of these are eight-hour workshops that are completed in one day, while others will last one or two weeks.

• Code 101: Explore Software Development. This workshop is designed to give students a taste of what it is like to be a software developer. It includes learning about CSS and HTML, and creating, launching, and sharing a website. It is the perfect way to find out whether software development is a career you might enjoy.

• Code 102: Intro to Software Development. This course is available in either full-time, part-time, or self-paced versions. The full-time module lasts only one week. The curriculum includes web development basics such as JavaScript programming. It will prepare you for the Code 201 entrance exam.

• Ops 101: Explore Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity Careers. This course will be your window into what it’s like to work as an information security analyst. You’ll learn how to think like a cyber attacker by testing hacking techniques, and will learn about social engineering and cryptography.

• Ops 102: Intro to Computer Operations. This course is available in either full-time, part-time, or self-paced versions. It will guide you a little deeper into computer operations. You’ll learn how to perform basic technical operations, how to install new software and peripherals, and will get an understanding of many IT management concepts.

200: Foundations

The foundation level is designed to help students build a well-rounded foundation of skills necessary for modern web development or cyber operations. These courses last four (daytime) to nine (nights and weekends) weeks, and include career coaching.

• Code 201: Foundations of Software Development. In this course, you’ll build a strong software development foundation and learn how to use HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and various libraries to create fully functional web apps. You’ll also learn how to write JavaScript that leverages the fundamentals of computer science, the Object-Oriented Programming paradigm, basic data types, data structures, and basic algorithms so that code is efficient, error-free, and matches commonly accepted standards of syntax and style as well as how to utilize Git workflow processes, project organization, designing with wireframing and employing introductory Agile development methods.

• Ops 201: Foundations of Computer Operations. This hands-on course covers significant aspects of four of the five domains required for CompTIA A+ certification. It focuses on practical systems support and troubleshooting as well as building key skills in communication, process documentation, fundamental terminal operations, performance monitoring, system process management, issue handling, backup/imaging/recovery tools, and software application operations. At the end of this course, you will be able to land an entry-level IT Support Technician position, with the skills to support technology operations by resolving issues with hardware, software, and virtual or cloud systems. 

300: Intermediate

The intermediate level is for students that have a strong base in programming, with some previous experience. These courses last four to eight weeks, depending on the module.

• Code 301: Intermediate Software Development. This course will leave you almost ready to start a job in software development. In it, you will learn how to build professional-grade web applications using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The course also covers many other concepts like databases, dynamic front-end and backend applications, and Agile software development practices.
• Ops 301: Networking and System Administration. This course includes four of the five domains you need to master to sit for the Network+ CompTIA certification. After completing the course, you will be able to apply for jobs as a system administrator or network specialist. In the class, you will learn configuration management best practices, how to administer critical network systems, and how to use Microsoft SQL.

300: Intermediate

The intermediate level is for students that have foundational knowledge in either software development or cyber operations. These courses last four (daytime) to nine (nights and weekends) weeks, and include career coaching.

• Code 301: Intermediate Software Development. This course will prepare you for Code 401 or an entry-level website development job or internship. In it, you will learn the common core of software development including the MVC pattern, object-oriented and functional programming, and computer science fundamentals such as basic data structures and algorithms. You’ll also learn how to build and deploy professional-grade web applications in the “MERN” stack with Mongo, Express, React, and Node.js, with the help of third-party APIs and libraries from around the web. The course also covers many other concepts like databases, deploying dynamic front-end and backend applications to cloud platforms, authentication, and Agile software development practices.

• Ops 301: Networking and Systems Administration. This course includes four of the five domains you need to master to sit for the Network+ CompTIA certification. After completing the course, you will be prepared for Ops 401 and able to land an entry-level Network Operations Specialist or Systems Administrator job. In the class, you will learn practical administration operations such as network design and troubleshooting, VPN tunneling, firewall configuration, network security, server deployment and configuration, user identity management, scripting and management, and project planning in a simulated on-the-job narrative. 

400: Advanced

The 400-level courses are the most intense courses offered at Code Fellows. Students come in with various backgrounds and leave with the training and skills they need to excel as professional software developers or cybersecurity professionals. 401 courses require prior experience in either software development or IT operations, whether through preceding Code Fellows courses, self-study, or on-the-job training. These courses last ten (daytime) to twenty-three (nights and weekends) weeks, and include career coaching.

• Code 401: Advanced Software Development in Full-Stack JavaScript. In this course, you will learn to build full-stack applications. The first four weeks focus on building back-end web applications with Node.js. During weeks six through nine, students learn to build web apps with modern front-end libraries and frameworks, including React. This course goes in depth into the core competencies of JavaScript, object-oriented programming, and functional programming. Students get hands-on practice in test-driven development with agile tools and best practices. Throughout the course, you will also study data structures and algorithms and professional software development techniques. At the end of this course, you will be able to land a job as a software developer, or as a Full-Stack Javascript or Front-End Web developer.

• Code 401: Advanced Software Development in Python. In this course, you will learn to write clean, well-tested, advanced Python code using industry-standard software engineering patterns, as well as the foundational structures of programming, from object-oriented principles to advanced topics such as Django, Docker, and Data Science. The course also covers advanced data structures and algorithms as well as building your own code libraries of algorithms and data structures commonly found in computer science and software development. At the end of this course, you will be able to land a job as a software developer, or as a Python web developer.

• Code 401: Advanced Software Development in ASP.NET Core. In this course, you will learn to use Visual Studio 2017 to create ASP.NET MVC Core applications and work with Azure to deploy the applications onto a live server. The course focuses on fundamental computer science concepts like object-oriented programming, advanced data structures, and algorithms, and the foundations of Microsoft’s ASP.NET Core Framework as well as how to write clean, well-tested, advanced C# code using industry-standard engineering patterns. You will also progressively build projects from start to finish following industry best practices and standard agile methodology. At the end of this course, you will be able to land a job as a software developer.

• Code 401: Advanced Software Development in Java with SpringMVC & Android. In this course, you will learn to write clean, crystal-clear, well-tested, advanced Java code using industry-standard software engineering patterns while building servers with SpringMVC and mobile apps with Android. You will use IntelliJ IDEA and Android Studio to create Java applications, deploy the applications to a scalable cloud server platform, install your Android applications onto your phone, and have the apps communicate with AWS services like DynamoDB, Cognito, Pinpoint, and Lambda using AWS Amplify. This course focuses on fundamental computer science concepts such as object-oriented programming, advanced data structures and algorithms, Big O asymptotic analysis, and the structure of statically typed languages. At the end of this course, you will be able to land a job as a software developer, or as a Java or Android developer.

• Ops 401: Cybersecurity Engineering. This course covers significant aspects of all six domains required for CompTIA Security+ certification. In this course, you will learn to perform cyber operations. The first half of the course focuses on using information assurance concepts, data security, cloud security, and introducing core SecOps tooling and skills. During the second half of the course, students will learn how to build threat models, assess web application security, customize defenses against malware, and perform basic penetration testing. Students will gain hands-on cyber ops experience with modern tools and frameworks in this challenging journey into modern cybersecurity. At the end of this course, you will be able to land an entry-level Cybersecurity Analyst or Operations Technician position.

What Is the Code Fellows Schedule?

Code Fellows offers its courses in three different time schedules, full-time, part-time, and self-paced; as well as in-person and online options so that no one has to miss out. Students can choose whichever option fits with their other commitments and location.

Day-Time

This is Code Fellows’ full-time option, but the schedule will vary depending on the course. One-day workshops take place from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm PST. Courses that last a week or more usually run from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm PST on weekdays.

Nights and Weekends

This is Code Fellows’ part-time option. These courses are offered from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm PST on weekdays and from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm PST on Saturdays.

Self-Paced

These self-paced courses are intended for highly motivated students who are comfortable learning on their own schedule. These courses are intended to be completed within 30 days of starting the class. Right now, only the Code 102 course is available in a self-paced format.

How to Get Accepted into Code Fellows

Code Fellows’ admissions process can take a few weeks. If you are applying to a beginner’s class, the process is really simple. If you are applying to a higher level, you’ll need to complete a technical assessment. Because the school allows applicants to test into 201- 401 level courses, some courses require additional steps to enter. 

Application Process

To apply to Code Fellows, you must first choose which module you want to enroll in, but if you’re unsure you can always speak with an admissions advisor to assist with your course plan. A technical assessment is only required when testing into a 201 – 401 level course.

1. The first step is to contact the school with the name of the course you want to apply to and the start date.

2. The admissions team will then contact you for a phone interview, which will last 15 to 30 minutes. This is mostly to give you more information about the course and to get to know you better.

3. You’ll need to complete pre-work and an entrance test for courses at foundations level or higher. 

4. This last step is only for students applying to 401 level courses. In this case, you’ll need to do a final interview in which you will walk through the work submitted during the test-in process to demonstrate your skill level.

Interview Questions

Code Fellows’ phone interviews differ depending on the level of the course you are applying to. In the phone interview, they will generally ask the following questions.

• What is your previous experience with coding or operations & cybersecurity?
• What’s your background?
• What are your future goals?
• Why do you want to study at Code Fellows?
• What do you hope to learn from this experience?

Is Code Fellows Right for You?

Code Fellows is a good choice because it has a very high job placement rate. It offers plenty of career coaching as well as life-long job assistance to make sure its graduates are successful.

The best part of the school is that it allows you to progressively learn software development or cybersecurity through modular courses. You can save up your money and enroll in the next level when you have the funds and time. If you already have software development or cyber ops experience and want to skip the beginner’s classes, Code Fellows is also for you.

As always, make sure to do your research and compare several bootcamps before choosing the one that is best for you.