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The Software Guild offers apprentice-level, full-stack .NET/C# or Java bootcamps, as well as a beginner-level cyber security track: IT Expert Specializing in Python and Basic Cyber Security. For more advanced students, training programs in Android development, as well as our other two cyber security tracks, are also available.
Once you apply to The Software Guild, an enrollment counselor will contact you within one business day to walk you through the next steps.
When you graduate from The Software Guild in Java or .NET/C#, the curriculum of the course you did not take will become available for FREE. In this way, you have access to both development tracks for the cost of one. While there is no direct instructor feedback, support is available on The Software Guild Slack channel. This curriculum is provided online.
In addition, The Software Guild offers training courses for advanced programmers. Our Android development course helps you use your Java skills to develop Android apps. Our cyber security courses can help you become a cyber security professional, and help manage cyberthreats for companies.
You can change your track from Java to .NET/C#, or vice-versa, freely through the end of week 1; after this point, you’ll have to defer. Our track-changing policy also applies to our three cyber security tracks, between the start of the cohort and the end of week 1.
Note that Java and .NET/C# are very similar to each other, and once you complete one track, the other track becomes available for free.
After 12 weeks in person or 10 months online, you will be proficient in Java or .NET/C# and be ready to apply your skills at the job you want.
The online Android training course teaches fundamentals from Android Studio to app distribution via the Google Play Store in just 16 weeks. In addition, we have three cyber security tracks. One is designed to teach you how to be an IT professional using Python, while the others emphasize penetration testing and risk management.
In addition to the technical tools and techniques you’ll learn, we focus on the importance of foundational learning. With broad knowledge of underlying principles in development, you’ll be prepared to expand your skills to learn new languages and frameworks once you graduate from our program.
Once you have picked a start date, you can defer prior to day 1 up to two times, after which you’ll have to reapply to the Guild. However, when you enroll, you can choose any future start date listed for your enrollment.
Our in-person .NET/C# and Java apprentice programs cost $13,750. Online .NET/C# or Java tuition is $12,000. Online Mobile-Android tuition is $7,500. The IT Expert Specializing in Python and Basic Cyber Security track’s tuition is $13,000, while the tuition for both the Professional Penetration Tester and Cyber Security Risk Management and Assessment tracks is $18,000. All three of these tracks are in person.
The enrollment team will discuss payment structure during the interview portion of the application process.
No. You’ll have to pay a $125 enrollment fee before day 1, whether you choose online or on ground. For on ground, half your tuition is due on day 1, and the second half is due on the first day of week 7. For online, the first half is due on day 1, and the second half is due when you start the second session (this date can vary). For the Android track, all tuition is due on day 1. For our cyber security tracks, $1,000 is due before you start; 75 percent of it is refundable if you complete the sorting period but don’t continue the program. The rest of the tuition is broken into two installments.
Yes, you should bring your own laptop computer that meets the following specifications:
- Core i5 processor
- 8 GB of RAM
- 256 GB hard drive (either 7200 RPM or solid state)
- Screen resolution of 1920 x 1080 or better recommended
Yes. We realize that coming up with $7,500-$18,000 may be difficult, so we have established relationships with multiple lenders to help you finance your program, including:
- Skills Fund – Tuition and Housing
- Climb – Tuition
To view more options, please check out Course Report’s Ultimate Guide to Coding Bootcamp Loans & Financing.
In-person apprentice bootcamps are 12 weeks long, and cohort time is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. You should plan to work a minimum of 20 hours each week as well.
The online .NET/C# or Java bootcamp is has an ideal completion time of 10 months, but you can take up to 14 months to master the competencies required for graduation (up to seven months per session) and should expect to commit a minimum of 20 hours a week.
The online Mobile-Android training course is completed in 16-24 weeks. Students committing 12 hours per week should expect to finish in 24 weeks, while students committing 18 hours per week should expect to finish in 16 weeks.
All three of our cyber security tracks have a 40-hour sorting period. After this period, the IT Professional with Python track is completed during a 4-month period of in-person classes. The Professional Penetration Tester and Risk Management tracks are offered as 8-month, part-time training programs.
Our apprentices and students are driven and love what they do. Most will also work on projects on their own during evenings and weekends in order to better develop their portfolio.
You can drop out or defer either of our Java or .NET/C# tracks within the first week without any penalty. You can also defer after the first week as long as you’re in good standing, but you’ll be required to complete the Object Oriented Programming module before you do, so we can assess your ability to be successful in the future.
Our full refund policy varies by state. The following policy applies to Ohio, Kentucky and online students:
- A student who, in writing to the school, cancels an enrollment agreement within five calendar days after the date of signing shall be refunded all tuition and fees paid pursuant to the enrollment agreement.
- A student who withdraws before the first session and after the five-day cancellation period shall be obligated for the registration fee, but reimbursed completely for all tuition paid.
- A student who starts a session and withdraws before the session is 15 percent completed will be obligated for 25 percent of the session tuition plus the registration fee.
- A student who starts a session and withdraws after the session is 15 percent but before the session is 25 percent completed will be obligated for 50 percent of the session tuition plus the registration fee.
- A student who starts a session and withdraws after the session is 25 percent complete but before the session is 40 percent completed will be obligated for 75 percent of the session tuition plus the registration fee.
- A student who starts a session and withdraws after the session is 40 percent completed will not be entitled to a refund of the tuition or registration fee.
For Minnesota students, the following policy applies:
- Each student shall be notified of acceptance/rejection in writing. If a student is rejected, all tuition, fees and other charges shall be refunded.
- Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, if a student gives written notice of cancellation within five business days of the execution of the contract, then a complete refund is given regardless of whether the program has started.
- If a student gives written notice of cancellation after five business days of the execution of the contract, but before the start of the program, the student is assessed 15 percent of tuition, fees and other charges (15 percent not to exceed $50).
- If a student gives written notice of cancellation after the start of the program but before completion of 75 percent of the period of instruction, the student is assessed pro rata portion of tuition, fees and all other charges based on the number of days in the term plus 25 percent of the total program (25 percent not to exceed $100).
Employers are invited to connect with our .NET/C# and Java apprentices before the end of the cohort. In a speed interview format, apprentices and employers get the opportunity to connect about current career opportunities. In addition, employer network managers meet with you multiple times during your cohort and assist with resumes, interview prep and job search. Our masters and mentors are also there to assist you in your job search.
For employment questions, please contact Employer Network Managers:
- Matt LoPiccolo (Akron),
mlopiccolo@thesoftwareguild.com - Kipp Graham (Minneapolis),
kgraham@thesoftwareguild.com - Jacob Knight (Louisville),
jsknight@thesoftwareguild.com
Then you’re like most of our Java and .NET/C# apprentices! The most important thing is that you remain committed to learning and becoming the best developer that you can be. If you bring an open mind, motivation and a passion for technology, our experts will teach you what you need to know to become proficient in .NET/C# or Java or to become an IT professional.
You must be proficient in Java or another language to be successful in the Mobile course. Prerequisites for Professional Penetration Tester include basic programming skills. Prior knowledge in IT Basics is required for Cyber Security Risk Management and Assessment.
If you are a complete beginner, perhaps consider one of these tracks after you have completed Java, NET/C# or IT Expert Specializing in Python and Basic Cyber Security.
Not a problem. We have plenty of apprentices who have had exposure to programming enroll in our program. We do a deep dive into the latest techniques to make sure your skills are up to date.
In addition, our online Mobile development for Android course and our cyber security courses are designed for developers with previous experience in Java or another related language.
The chief difference is one of scope and depth. In a traditional computer science degree, you’ll learn the basics of many different programming languages, as well as the history and theory of computer science, over the course of multiple years.
At The Software Guild, you’ll dive deep into a single language or concept for a short period of time, and come away with a thorough, comprehensive understanding of it. A computer science degree provides you with a broad foundation of knowledge; a Software Guild education provides you with specific skills you need to pursue a career in tech.
Simply complete our online application and you will be contacted within 24 hours to schedule an interview, which will take about an hour. The interview mimics a typical question and answer format, followed by an aptitude test. You will be tested on logic and reasoning, pattern matching and basic algebra. Our main goal is to determine whether you can succeed in our fast-paced learning environment. Whether or not you pass the aptitude test, all incoming apprentices are required to complete the free Introduction to Web Development course.
Absolutely! We encourage you to get in touch with our enrollment team to get your questions answered. If you fill out this form, a member of The Software Guild will reach out to you within 24 hours.
We certainly think so! While a common misconception associated with coding is that it is dry, repetitive work, programmers are artists in their own way. The problem solving and design that goes into software development make it an engaging, interesting process.
Check out this page to learn more about what makes software development a creative career path.
If you want to find out if programming’s for you, check out our free Introduction to Web Development course.
Future programmers should note that salaries vary widely based on geographic location and skill level. For example, average salaries are different for our locations in Ohio, Minnesota and Kentucky.
Read more about salary expectations here.
To view other career outcomes, view our Career Outlook page.
By programming! If you are interesting in a software development career, get as much experience as possible with in-demand coding languages. You can also take our free Introduction to Web Development course to find out if programming is right for you.
Read more about learning to code here.
Learn more about the Introduction to Web Development course.
Because their names are so similar, it’s easy to confuse the various members of the “C” language family. Programmers use both C and C# for various tasks to meet programming needs.
When it comes to comparing C# to C++, it’s important to remember that each is a language useful in its own regard, and each has strengths over the other depending on the needs of the programmer.
The only thing they have in common is the word “Java.” They are written, assembled and executed differently, and they have different capabilities.
Learn more about Java and JavaScript here.
Just like any job interview, be prepared to summarize your skills and experience. As a Software Guild graduate, you will be qualified for junior-level positions as a Java developer.
It is a free, self-paced course designed to help prepare you to attend The Software Guild. It consists of written materials, videos of our instructors writing code, interactive practice exercises and some project work, all of which takes about 60 hours of total time.
The course is designed to be beginner-friendly, so you don’t need any prior coding knowledge to try it out. You will need to do some external research to complete it, though.
This course is required for all apprentice-level candidates. The Introduction to Web Development course provides foundational knowledge that you’ll need in our bootcamps, and there’s a portion of our Java and .NET/C# bootcamps that assumes you’ve taken it.
Apprentice-level candidates start by filling out our application form. Once you’ve done that, an enrollment counselor will schedule an interview with you, so we can get a sense for what you’re looking for and what kind of student you’ll be. After that, you’ll take our aptitude test, which is designed to assess your attention to detail and your ability to think like a programmer.
From there, there are two ways your admissions process can go. If you do very well on the aptitude test, you’ll be admitted to The Software Guild. If not, you’ll be given the opportunity to take The Software Guild audition to see if you’re a good candidate. In either case, we require apprentice-level candidates to take our free Introduction to Web Development course.
The admissions process for our more advanced courses is a little different. There’s no aptitude test or audition for the Android development track, but we do require students to already have a strong familiarity with Java before applying. Our cyber security tracks use a 40-hour sorting period, when we assess which of the three tracks is the best fit for you and your skill set.
The aptitude test is a 29-question test, which you’ll have 60 minutes to complete. The focus of this test is not to assess your programming skills, but your predisposition toward a programming career and the likelihood of your ability to succeed at learning a programming language.
There are two main approaches to interview questions for programming positions: practical and personal. Practical questions may include the prospective employee solving a problem during the interview. This method can convey the ways the programmer approaches communication and solving problems in a stressful situation.
The other method of interviewing is more traditional. Instead of testing prospective programmers outright, the interviewer asks them to explain their methods or to tell a story about a time when they were faced with a similar issue or task.
For more information, check out these examples of common interview questions.
The cyber security sorting period consists of the first 40-hour module of the course you’re taking. Upon completion of the module, you’ll be required to pass a test on that material, as well as to engage in an oral evaluation with the instructor. The purpose of the test and evaluation are to assess your ability to be successful in the course, as well as to determine whether or not you’re socially capable of becoming a cyber security expert.
A passing score for the cyber security sorting test is 70. If you pass, then you continue with the rest of the course. If not, you’ll be refunded $750 of the $1,000 sorting fee, provided you’ve participated adequately, and you’ll be asked to leave the class.
Should the admissions team determine you need an audition, the process is straightforward. The audition takes place over a video call. During the audition, you’ll share your screen with an instructor who will give you a problem to solve and five or 10 minutes to plan out your solution. Once you start working on the problem in earnest, you’ll pair with an instructor who will answer questions for you and give you hints if you get stuck.
You don’t need to ace the audition. What we’re looking for is your understanding of basic concepts and your ability to learn new things. Listen to your instructor and keep making progress.
The Software Guild offers two $2,000 scholarships: the Women in Tech Award and the Veterans Who Code Award. Both are subject to eligibility and are available for The Software Guild’s fully online coding bootcamps.
Contact an enrollment counselor for more information.
The Software Guild has partnered with HackerUSA to provide cutting-edge cyber security training. For more than 20 years, HackerUSA has been providing professional cyber security services and training to leading corporate, government and military organizations worldwide. The courses we offer with HackerUSA are designed to offer practical and hands-on experience, addressing the current high-tech industry market needs across the board.
Experience. HackerUSA is a subsidiary of HackerU, Israel’s No. 1 cyber security training institute and a key player in making Israel’s cyber industry among the world’s most resilient. For more than 20 years, HackerU has trained cyber security professionals, transitioning them into the international government, military, police and corporate workforces.
The sorting period is a kind of screening process that is an integral part of the application process prior to starting a cyber security program track. Our approach is first to identify your potential to cope with real-life, case-specific challenges requiring problem-solving skills and out-of-the-box thinking. Only after a review by an official committee that carefully considers the instructor’s observations and your performance in class and on exams can you proceed to the extended course, benefiting from a holistic curriculum that truly prepares you for a smooth transition into the cyber industry’s demanding workforce.
The cyber security sorting period consists of the first 40-hour module of the course you’re taking. Upon completion of the module, you’ll be required to pass a test on that material, as well as to engage in an oral evaluation with the instructor. The purpose of the test and evaluation are to assess your ability to be successful in the course, as well as to determine whether or not you’re socially capable of becoming a cyber security expert.
A passing score for the cyber security sorting test is 70. If you pass, then you continue with the rest of the course. If not, you’ll be refunded $750 of the $1,000 sorting fee, provided you’ve participated adequately, and you’ll be asked to leave the class.