UCLA Bootcamp Review
California continues to lead the country in the employment of tech professionals. The Los Angeles metropolitan region also ranks third in the nation for web developer jobs, as well as sixth for software developer jobs. Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that computer and information technology jobs will continue to grow at a rate faster than many other occupations between 2019 and 2029.
The University of California, Los Angeles offers immersive coding bootcamps through its extension program to help prepare workers for these fast-growing careers. The university partners with Trilogy Education Services to provide bootcamps in coding, cybersecurity, and product management. Trilogy works with more than 45 university partners and has taught more than 10,000 students.
Bootcamps are currently delivered through scheduled, interactive online sessions with students and instructors. Students build technical and soft skills over 12 or 24 weeks, depending on whether the bootcamp follows a full-time or part-time schedule. The curriculum features real-world projects that allow students to build a professional portfolio while they learn.
After completing a bootcamp, learners receive ongoing career development assistance. Career advisors assist with resume preparation, technical interview practice, and social media profile management. Bootcamp graduates do not receive college credit, but they do earn a certificate of course completion.
UCLA Bootcamp Courses
UCLA Extension bootcamp options include coding, cybersecurity, and product management. Each bootcamp focuses on building job-specific skills, while also developing students' critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Learners receive support from instructors, student success teams, and one-on-one tutors.
Coding
- Cost: $11,495 (Part Time); $12,495 (Full Time)
- Learning Format: Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
- Length: 12 weeks (Full Time), 24 weeks (Part Time)
UCLA Extension's coding bootcamp teaches full-stack web development. The curriculum features languages such as JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. Instructors also cover key principles and theories of computer science, Agile development, and database theory. Live, virtual classes use a simulated work environment where student teams build complex applications.
Cybersecurity
- Cost: $11,495
- Learning Format: Online
- Time Commitment: Part Time
- Length: 24 weeks
The cybersecurity bootcamp offered by UCLA Extension prepares students for industry certifications such as CompTIA Security+ and Certified Ethical Hacker. Students learn about security fundamentals, network security, and systems administration. Projects incorporate popular cybersecurity tools like Wireshark, Metasploit, and Kali Linux.
Product Management
- Cost: $11,495
- Learning Format: Online
- Time Commitment: Part Time
- Length: 18 weeks
Students enrolled in UCLA Extension's product management bootcamp receive training in product roadmapping, sprint planning and execution, product analytics, A/B testing, and SQL. Learners also cover the principles of design thinking and Agile project management. Students graduate with a portfolio of projects that demonstrate their product management skills.
UCLA Bootcamp Admissions Process
UCLA Extension bootcamps welcome applicants from a variety of educational and professional backgrounds. You do not need to enroll in the university to take bootcamp courses. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have completed high school or passed the GED exam.
The UCLA Extension coding bootcamp admissions process begins with a phone interview. Applicants can discuss their goals with enrollment counselors to ensure the selected bootcamp aligns with their professional plans. Learners do not need a background in coding or computer science. However, they do complete an assessment that evaluates critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Applicants to the coding and cybersecurity bootcamps can develop foundational skills through tutorials before starting their cohort. However, UCLA recommends applicants to the product management bootcamp already hold a bachelor's degree and related professional experience.
UCLA Bootcamp Payment Options
UCLA Extension charges $11,495 for its part-time bootcamps and $12,495 for its full-time bootcamp; this cost includes all necessary learning materials. Students must also have an appropriate laptop and a reliable internet connection.
The full-time program requires a significant investment of time each week. Classes meet online weekdays from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and students need to devote at least 25 hours outside of class to complete coursework. You should consider how you will pay for your living expenses while you finish the bootcamp. Because part-time learners cover the same material over a longer timeline, they may be able to better balance their educational goals with work or family responsibilities.
Students attending UCLA Extension bootcamps do not qualify for federal student aid, but UCLA does offer payment plans for these programs. Students can also finance their bootcamp tuition through private lenders. Learn more about how to pay for your bootcamp.
UCLA Bootcamp Student Outcomes
Trilogy offers testimonials from graduates describing their career outcomes and the quality of these bootcamp programs. Trilogy reports that its graduates work at more than 3,000 companies, including Google, Oracle, and Disney.
However, Trilogy does not publicly share its student outcome data, including graduation rates, employment rates, and starting salaries. Additionally, Trilogy is not a member of the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting, which provides transparent standards and audits member outcome data.
Frequently Asked Questions About UCLA Bootcamps
What is the UCLA Bootcamp?
UCLA Extension offers three career-focused immersive bootcamps in partnership with Trilogy Education Services that are designed to equip graduates with tech skills. These noncredit courses in coding, cybersecurity, and product management last 12 or 24 weeks.
Is the UCLA Bootcamp worth it?
The BLS projects 11% growth in employment in computer and information technology occupations between 2019 and 2029. The success of online businesses, the increasing popularity of mobile devices, and the development of the internet of things require more workers with skills in computer programming, cybersecurity, and product management. Attending one of UCLA's bootcamps may help you develop the skills you need to join these growing fields.
Is the UCLA Bootcamp free?
UCLA charges $11,495 for its part-time bootcamps and $12,495 for its full-time bootcamp. While applicants do not need a background in computer science or coding, bootcamps do offer pre-course tutorials to help prepare learners for their first class.