Are you looking to learn what “IVY Harvard” coding bootcamp means? You are not alone. There is not one official program with this exact name, but it usually refers to coding education that is somehow affiliated with university’s brand name such as Harvard. These offerings intend to provide you with intensive, job training focused coding education, often capitalizing on the university’s prestige factor when it comes to educational quality. 

What to Expect from a Harvard-Affiliated Coding Bootcamp

So, if you’re thinking about a “Harvard-affiliated” coding bootcamp, here’s what you should know:

Harvard University provides several options for taking computer science and programming courses. One main avenue is the Harvard Extension School In part-time, flexible, and affordable options for working adults or anyone looking to improve their skills. The Extension School is comprised of the following: 

• Coding Bootcamps: Coding Bootcamps are typically run through a third-party education provider such as Trilogy Education Services (which is now part of 2U, Inc.). The bootcamp programs teach in-demand skills, like full-stack web development, which cover JavaScript, Python, HTML, CSS, React, and Node.js. They involve largely hands-on projects with no barrier to entry in terms of knowledge which then builds a portfolio for review while having some level of job assistance / support.
• Undergraduate and Graduate Certificates in Programming: If you would prefer a more academic route, both the undergraduate and graduate certificates cover the foundational area(s) of computer science and programming. The certificates are well suited to improve your existing knowledge or support practical skills with a more theoretical foundation.

In addition to the Extension School, Harvard offers the prestigious CS50 (Introduction to Computer Science) course by David Malan, which is available for free, worldwide, to anyone via edX. The course is not a “bootcamp” but covers the rigorous subject matter found in the equivalent college course, making it a comprehensive learning opportunity for future developers. Additionally, there are variants such as CS50’s Web Programming with Python and JavaScript, CS50’s Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python, and CS50’s Introduction to Databases with SQL.

What Makes These Programs Stand Out?

• Notable Brand Recognition:The name “Harvard” itself is often impressive enough and implies a higher quality of education, plus, it will look great on your resume.

• Challenging Content: Both types of programs have demanding or rigorous curriculum. While engaging, both types of programs push students to understand core programming principles through both practice, labs, and projects.

• Experienced Instructors: You will be learning from educators and experts or practitioners in the field. For example, if you watch/read David Malan’s CS50 lectures, you will see what I mean!

• Career Support: Many of the bootcamp partner-based programs provide career services from the reviewed Bootcamp. These include dedicated resume support, interview practice, and networking.

• Flexibility: Many of these offerings are designed for working professionals, with many offering part-time programs or full online offerings. Additionally, many provide flexibility through a self-paced schedule.

Is an Ivy League Harvard Coding Bootcamp Right for You?

Consider these aspects before jumping into a program: 

• Knowing your Own Learning Style: Are you okay with engaged learning that might be pretty intense or even slow-moving? Even the highly regarded Harvard CS50 course may be a steep learning curve.
• Background or Experience: Is it important to you that the program is geared toward beginners or someone who has a lot of logical thinking or problem-solving background? Some advanced level bootcamps may also expect that you have some coding experience.
• Goals: Are you looking for a rapid pivot into a new job in tech or exploring computer science for foundational understanding or skill development? As a general rule, bootcamps are primarily about getting you into a job, and certificates provide a combination of fundamental learning and skill development.
• Cost and time considerations: Bootcamps can be costly, and both bootcamps and intensives require a considerable time commitment

Other Ivy League Options Beyond Harvard

Remember, Ivy League institutions for other coding offerings exist. For example, Yale features the Flatiron School in their web development certification. Most Ivy League schools offer computer science, programming training and even free Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) on Coursera. MOOC and online programs are good ways to dip your toes in the tech world and acquire some base knowledge.

Harvard-Hosted Bootcamp Details

We will take a moment to examine a potential bootcamp hosted by Harvard:

• Tracks: Full-Stack Web Development, Data Analytics
• Length: Approx. 24 weeks (part-time)
• Cost: Approx. $12,995 per track (according to businessinsider.in)

Curriculum: 

• Web Development: HTML/CSS/JavaScript, React, Node.js, Express, MySQL, MongoDB
• Analytics: Python, SQL, statistics, Tableau, fundamentals of Machine Learning (ML) (per bestcolleges.com)
• Career Support: Includes 1:1 coaching, resume/profile review, resume/profile prep and networking events (Per reddit.com).
• Transparency: The only program I found that shows completion rates is general assembly. I could not find anywhere that Harvard/Trilogy are publicly tracking completion rates, job placement rates, or employment rates.
• Employer connections: trilogy says bootcamp alumni have been employed with more than 3,000 employers around the world, including tech giants like Google, Apple, IBM, Oracle, and Verizon.

Final Thoughts

If you’re still waiting to learn how to code or think it is too late to learn, think again. Look for programs like the IVY Harvard Coding Bootcamp that show, with the right guidance and hard work there is an opportunity to break into technology. It will not be easy, but the confidence, technical skills and opportunity for career advancement gained from hard work can make it very rewarding.

Are you up for the next step? Maybe visit their site, review their program, and submit an application. Your tech future is on the other side of some simple clicks.