Software Engineering Immersive Programs

JavaScript is the language of the modern web. It has enabled many of the revolutionary experiences created over the past 5 years, from Google Maps to Spotify. However, historically, it has needed to be paired with something else like Python to build out full applications.

The emergence of server-side JavaScript means developers can now create rich, lightning-fast applications in pure JavaScript from end-to-end.

Focusing primarily on a single language to learn CS concepts, front-end development, and back-end development is a crucial part of what makes the extraordinary rate of learning during the program possible.

This is one of our most frequently asked questions amongst students considering a bootcamp over a Computer Science or technical degree! 

Bootcamps can provide students with better opportunities to break into the industry, and oftentimes see a better ROI as compared to traditional four-year schools. A software engineering immersive may be ideal for those who have little to no prior experience in the software engineering space, and want that starting point to launch their career within the industry.

Hear from Juan E, a Codesmith graduate, as he shares his insights on going through our Los Angeles Software Engineering Immersive Program as a Computer Science graduate.

Codesmith uses several platforms to facilitate your online classroom experience. You’ll receive access and instructions before the course begins on what you’ll need to have installed. The classroom environment allows you to ask questions during the lecture, collaborate with other learners, and personalize your own learning experience through annotation and note taking capabilities.

The admissions process consists of an application, an Initial Interview with the Admissions team and up to three Technical Interviews with Codesmith engineers.

The application includes essay questions and an optional coding challenge. The essay questions give you space to let the Admissions team know about your software engineering aspirations and why you are interested in Codesmith’s Immersive program..

The Initial Interview is an opportunity for the Admissions team to learn more about your background and goals for after the Immersive program. This is a non-technical interview that will assess how your aspirations and values are aligned with the Immersive program.

The Technical Interview gauges your readiness and fit for the fast-paced, intense Immersive program. You will be evaluated on your JavaScript and programming knowledge, analytical problem-solving skills, and both your technical and non-technical communication. If you are invited to a Technical Interview, you will have up to three attempts to pass. Within about a week of your interview date, a Codesmith team member will schedule time with you to review your personalized feedback and next steps in the admissions process.

At each stage of the interview process, the Admissions team will evaluate your fit for the Immersive program holistically. Attend an upcoming How to Prepare for the Codesmith Technical Interview workshop to learn more about recommended preparation for the Immersive admissions process.

Codesmith’s Software Engineering Immersive program is designed for driven individuals who are ready to build a career in software engineering. The Codesmith admissions process ensures that each cohort is full of a diverse group of empathetic engineers, creating a supportive and dedicated culture. We look for candidates with strong technical potential beyond their ability to write code, including honed communication, the ability to persist through rigorous challenges, and analytical problem-solving skills.

In order to apply to our Software Engineering Immersive Programs, you must be at least 18 years of age.

The admissions process for the  Immersive program is challenging—individual preparation plans and timelines can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors, including your prior programming experience, career background, participation in Codesmith's community and workshops, and ability to grow as an engineer from personalized feedback. 

Our cohorts receive a high number of applications, so they often fill up ahead of deadlines. A majority of applicants do not pass their first technical interview, so we recommend applying at least 3-4 months in advance of your ideal start date. 

Due to limited availability, we also recommend having 1-2 backup start dates in mind and not making any major life plans dependent upon cohort start dates unless you've been officially accepted to the program. 

Once you've submitted an Immersive program application, your Admissions Coordinator will be able to advise as you build an individual preparation plan and can give guidance on an ideal timeline based on your background and availability.

All Software Engineering Immersive applicants are expected to complete CSX (Codesmith’s free online learning platform), regularly attend JavaScript the Hard Parts workshops and Pair Programming Sessions, and review Codesmith’s Guide to Technical Communication. 

If you prefer more structure in your preparation, we recommend checking out our Prep Programs, JavaScript for Beginners and CS Prep.

Review our recommended prep plan for more information on how to prepare for the Codesmith admissions process.

Due to the limited space in our cohorts and the rigor of the Immersive program, we are not able to move every applicant forward at every stage, including many talented and capable engineers. Those who are not admitted to the Immersive program are encouraged to continue utilizing our community, CSX Slack workspace and workshops. If you have additional questions about next steps, please reach out to your Admissions Coordinator.

The tuition for all Codesmith’s Software Engineering Immersive cohorts beginning in 2023 is $20,925. We provide a range of options to help you finance your education, including payment plans, loan partners and scholarships.

Financing is typically the last step of the admissions process, so if you are accepted to the Immersive program, the Admissions team will work with you to confirm a financing plan that works the best for you.

The Software Engineering Immersive program tuition typically increases up to 5% annually on January 1st of each year. The tuition for all open cohorts can be found in the Tuition & Scholarships section on our site.