codesmith
About
About
Codesmith offers full-time (12-week) and part-time (38-week) immersive software engineering bootcamps in Los Angeles, New York City, and online. Codesmith is a selective, need-blind program focusing largely on computer science and full-stack JavaScript, with an emphasis on technologies like React, Redux, Node, build tools, Dev Ops and machine learning. This program enables Codesmith students (known as Residents) to build open-source projects, with the aim of moving into positions as skilled software engineers. Codesmith Residents become engineers, not technicians, through a deep understanding of advanced JavaScript practices, fundamental computer science concepts (such as algorithms and data structures), and object-oriented and functional programming. Codesmith helps residents develop strong problem-solving abilities and technical communication skills – valued capacities in a software engineer.
The Codesmith admissions process involves a written application with optional coding questions, a nontechnical interview, and a technical interview. Codesmith offers a number of free resources for preparing for the admissions process including in-person and online coding workshops, a 2-week online prep course (CS Prep), and an online JavaScript learning platform (CSX).
Codesmith offers an extensive hiring support program that guides Residents through whiteboarding, advanced technical interview practice, resume and profile development, and interview and networking strategies. Support continues upon graduation with bi-weekly check-ins and, after offers, negotiation support. Overall, 25% of graduates receive offers for Senior Engineer positions and above, and about 70% receive offers for Mid-level Engineer roles.
Recent Codesmith Reviews: Rating 4.9
Recent Codesmith News
- 4 Codesmith Grads Share Their Unique Career Paths
- June 2021 Coding Bootcamp News
- Choosing Between Codesmith Part-time or Full-time Immersive with Two Alumni
Courses
Courses
CS Prep
ApplyStart Date September 27, 2021 Cost $875 Class size N/A Location Online CS Prep is a structured program that teaches core JavaScript concepts and engineering best practices. CS Prep will help you develop a deep, yet intuitive understanding of JavaScript and prepare you for your Codesmith technical interview or for interviews for other software engineering roles. CS Prep is a 2-week remote course that includes live online instruction, daily problem-solving workshops, office hours with engineering mentors, and extensive technical interview practice.Financing
Deposit No deposit Financing We offer tuition payment plans and many scholarships for the course. The tuition you pay for CS Prep will roll over to the Software Engineering Immersive tuition.Tuition Plans We offer case by case payment plans, please reach out to csprep@codesmith.io with questions! Refund / Guarantee If you pass the CS Prep assessment you are guaranteed a technical interview with our full time Codesmith Program. Refunds for the course are available and distributed on a case by case basis. Scholarship We offer multiple scholarships to CS Prep, with many students paying no tuition at all. You can apply for the women in software engineering scholarship, Dean's scholarship, or minorities in tech scholarship. Getting in
Minimum Skill Level Suitable for beginners who are ready to level up to intermediate and advanced material. Prep Work We recommend some familiarity with the content in the Precourse Unit on CSX - our free online learning platform - https://csx.codesmith.io/. Placement Test No Interview Yes More Start Dates
September 27, 2021 - Online Apply by September 17, 2021October 11, 2021 - Online Apply by October 01, 2021October 25, 2021 - Online Apply by October 15, 2021
Full-time Remote Software Engineering Immersive - Conducted in Central Time
ApplySQL, Scrum, React.js, Python, Node.js, MySQL, MongoDB, Mobile Security, Machine Learning, Linux, jQuery, JavaScript, HTML, Front End, Express.js, DevOps, Data Structures, CSS, AngularJS, Algorithms
OnlineFull Time60 Hours/week12 WeeksStart Date None scheduled Cost $19,350 Class size N/A Location Online Full-time Remote Software Engineering Immersive brings Codesmith's first-rate curriculum to a completely remote setting allowing for the driven engineers not located in Los Angeles or New York City to advance their careers in three months. Conducted in Central Tim, the program teaches fullstack JavaScript and computer science to prepare you for mid and senior-level software engineering roles. The expertly designed curriculum and supportive community immerses you in modern web technologies, such as React and Node.js, and encourages you to tackle unique and unfamiliar problems to prepare you for the ever-changing tech landscape. Codesmith offers an extensive hiring support program that guides students through the hiring process, including interview strategies, portfolio development, and post-graduation check-ins. By the end of the 12-week program, you will be an autonomous engineer, ready to make an impact on innovative tech companies worldwide.Financing
Deposit $2400 Financing Codesmith has a range of options to help you finance your education, including scholarships, payment plans, and loan partnerships. Please email hello@codesmith.io with questions.Tuition Plans Codesmith offers a payment plan that breaks down tuition into monthly payments. A deposit is required to secure your spot once you’ve been accepted, a down payment before the 1st day of the cohort and then three equal monthly payments for the remainder. Refund / Guarantee Refunds are distributed on a case by case basis but are available. Scholarship Codesmith offers 4 types of scholarships -those to students underrepresented in the technology community, women in software engineering scholarship, Dean's scholarships, as well as scholarships to prior bootcamp grads. Getting in
Minimum Skill Level Prior computer science and programming skills necessary - many applicants are self-taught through our free weekly JS workshops/online prep course. Prep Work 4 weeks Placement Test No Interview Yes
JavaScript for Beginners
ApplyStart Date October 16, 2021 Cost $325 Class size N/A Location Online JavaScript for Beginners is a 12-hour, remote program consisting of two consecutive Saturday sessions. The program is designed for those with no previous coding experience and will teach JavaScript fundamentals and how coding works. The program offers students a launching point to continue their JavaScript studies, prepare for our more advanced programs, and build a future in software engineering.Financing
Deposit No Deposit Financing This course has scholarships available, and the tuition you pay for JavaScript for Beginners rolls over and can be applied towards the tuition of our more advanced programs.Tuition Plans We offer case-by-case payment plans, please reach out to jsforbeginners@codesmith.io with questions! Refund / Guarantee Refunds for the course are available and distributed on a case-by-case basis. Scholarship We offer multiple scholarships to JavaScript for Beginners, with many students paying no tuition at all. You can apply for the women in software engineering scholarship, Dean's scholarship, or minorities in tech scholarship. Getting in
Minimum Skill Level This course is designed for those with no coding experience! Prep Work We recommend completing Part 1 of the Precourse on CSX, our free online learning platform, before you start the course: https://csx.codesmith.io/units/precourse Placement Test No Interview No More Start Dates
October 16, 2021 - Online Apply by October 14, 2021
Part-time Remote Software Engineering Immersive
ApplyAlgorithms, AngularJS, CSS, Data Structures, DevOps, Express.js, Front End, Git, HTML, JavaScript, jQuery, Linux, Machine Learning, Mobile Security, MongoDB, MySQL, Node.js, Python, React.js, Scrum, SQL, GitHub
OnlinePart Time18 Hours/week38 WeeksStart Date December 04, 2021 Cost $19,350 Class size N/A Location Online The Part-Time Remote Software Engineering Immersive Program teaches fullstack JavaScript and computer science to prepare students for mid and senior level software engineering roles. The expertly designed curriculum and supportive community immerses students in modern web technologies, such as React and Node.js, and encourages them to tackle unique and unfamiliar problems to prepare them for the ever-changing tech landscape. Codesmith offers an extensive hiring support program that guides students through the hiring process, including interview strategies, portfolio development, and post-graduation check-ins. By the end of the program, students become autonomous engineers, ready to make an impact at innovative tech companies worldwide. Please email hello@codesmith.io with questions.Financing
Deposit $2400 Financing Codesmith has a range of options to help you finance your education, including scholarships, payment plans, loan partnerships, and full tuition available from SkillsFund. Please email hello@codesmith.io with questions.Tuition Plans Codesmith offers a payment plan that breaks down tuition into monthly payments. A deposit is required to secure your spot once you’ve been accepted, a down payment before the 1st day of the cohort and then three equal monthly payments for the remainder. Refund / Guarantee Refunds are distributed on a case by case basis but are available. Scholarship Codesmith offers 4 types of scholarships -those to students underrepresented in the technology community, women in software engineering scholarship, Dean's scholarships, as well as scholarships to prior bootcamp grads. Getting in
Minimum Skill Level Prior computer science and programming skills necessary - many applicants are self-taught through our free weekly JS workshops/online prep course. Prep Work 4 weeks Placement Test No Interview Yes More Start Dates
December 04, 2021 - Online Apply by October 22, 2021March 12, 2022 - Online Apply by January 26, 2022
Software Engineering Immersive Program
ApplyAngularJS, CSS, Express.js, Front End, HTML, JavaScript, jQuery, Machine Learning, MySQL, Node.js, React.js, SQL, Algorithms, Data Structures, Git, Linux, Mobile Security, MongoDB, Python, DevOps, Scrum, GitHub
In PersonFull Time60 Hours/week12 WeeksStart Date October 04, 2021 Cost $19,350 Class size N/A Location Online, Los Angeles, New York City Due to COVID-19, Los Angeles cohorts (conducted in Pacific Time) and New York cohorts (conducted in Eastern Time) are currently remote (online) for the entirety of the program. The Codesmith program teaches computer science, full-stack JavaScript (notably React and Node), software architecture, Dev Ops, and machine learning, preparing graduates for mid to senior engineering positions. The course also features preparatory material, extensive hiring preparation, and ongoing support with students’ job searches.Financing
Deposit $2400 Financing Codesmith has a range of options to help you finance your education, including scholarships, payment plans, loan partnerships, and full tuition available from SkillsFund. Please email hello@codesmith.io with questions.Tuition Plans Codesmith offers a payment plan that breaks down tuition into monthly payments. A deposit is required to secure your spot once you’ve been accepted, a down payment before the 1st day of the cohort and then three equal monthly payments for the remainder. Refund / Guarantee Refunds are distributed on a case by case basis but are available. Scholarship Codesmith offers 4 types of scholarships -those to students underrepresented in the technology community, women in software engineering scholarship, Dean's scholarships, as well as scholarships to prior bootcamp grads. Getting in
Minimum Skill Level Prior computer science and programming skills necessary - many applicants are self taught through our free weekly JS workshops/online prep course. Prep Work 4 weeks Placement Test No Interview Yes More Start Dates
October 04, 2021 - New York City Apply by September 21, 2021November 22, 2021 - New York City Apply by October 08, 2021January 10, 2022 - New York City Apply by November 26, 2021November 01, 2021 - Los Angeles Apply by September 17, 2021December 06, 2021 - Online Apply by October 22, 2021January 24, 2022 - Online Apply by December 10, 2021December 27, 2021 - Los Angeles Apply by November 12, 2021February 14, 2022 - Los Angeles Apply by December 31, 2021
Reviews
Codesmith Reviews
- Best bootcamp out there- 8/4/2020Anonymous • Student • Course: Software Engineering Immersive Program • Campus: Los AngelesPROS- The tech stack. All of the technologies the program focuses on are the major ones you'll encounter in the job search.- Your cohort mates. Everyone goes through the same interview process to get in, so there's a bar that's already established when you start. Definitely different skill levels, but I was very satisfied with the skill level of my mates.- The learning style. At CS we didn't just watch tutorials and build small apps. You were always working on a level were things felt just slightly too hard for where you were at, and that was a perfect spot to be in.- Amazing hiring program. It's really hard to make someone interview ready for jobs that pay six figures after a 3 month program, but CS really takes it as far as they can. They check in with you as you're applying, helping you tweak anything that needs to change and you'll know what you need to focus on in order to get a great job.- The overall vibe. Very hardworking community and awesome environment. I was nervous when I started the program, thinking I wasn't sure if I'd be able to pull those crazy hours for such a long time. But it was great, and not as exhausting as I thought it would be, because the energy and the community was so great.CONS- A lot of time is spent being taught by fellows (people who attended the program recently). Some of them are amazing but unfortunately some of them are not as great, and it can really affect what you get out of the program. I wish CS was a bit more upfront about this.
- Worth it- 7/31/2020Anonymous • Graduate • Course: Software Engineering Immersive Program • Campus: New York CityI wasn't too sure what to expect when it came to attending a coding bootcamp. However after coming through the program, Codesmith was well worth it. You can talk about the constantly kept up to date curriculum or the high quality of instructors, but the main strength of Codesmith isn't captured in the numerical value of a review. They teach what it means to be a better engineer, which hinges largely on learning how to work well with others ( because at the end of the day, no one wants to work with someone they don't like ). A majority of the time at Codesmith is spent practicing pair-programming in which you work with another engineer as you face unfamiliar challenges. It's an intense experience, but an important lesson to learn. The focus on block driven development helps you learn how to learn to solve problems. As a software engineer, it is your job to solve problems, and Codesmith makes sure that you are prepared to do so.
- Thank you for helping me get into Google- 7/23/2020Anonymous • Graduate • Course: Software Engineering Immersive Program • Campus: New York CityCodesmith was an amazing place to learn and grow as an software engineer. Everyone was as hopeful as they could be. The real learning though happens when you search for the job. The best part of the program is the friends and connections you make within the program.
Response From: Phillip Troutman of Codesmith
Title: Director of Instruction and CurriculumThursday, Aug 13 2020Hey! So glad to read this review and to hear about your positive experience transitioning into software engineering especially from a structural engineering background. As you said, the job search requires a lot of work and learning, so congrats again on landing your new role at Google a few weeks back! Feel free to Slack me back if you think there’s anything we can do to better help students successfully land software engineering roles as you did.
-Phil
- Pair programming workshops- 7/23/2020Anonymous • Applicant • Course: Free Remote Pair Programming Session • Campus: OnlineBased on my own experience with the pair programming workshops that are offered to the public:
Issues:
-Mis-pairing (i.e. two programmers may be looking for help with different topics, yet be assigned together, and, on top of that, be assigned to a topic that neither of them knows how to approach).
-How we are assigned to topics to practice
Background: To determine how we are paired, we are shown a list of tech skills, and then each programmer is supposed to give himself/herself a point for each skill that he/she is comfortable with. Afterward, each programmer would add up his/her own points to get his/her total point. Our total points would then determine who we are paired with and with what topic.
From what I recalled: There are skills listed that may not have bearing on a programmer's understanding with JS. For instance, one of the skills listed was HTML and CSS, but do HTML and CSS have bearing on how skilled a programmer is with JS? Or, if a programmer is comfortable with callbacks, does that mean that the programmer is comfortable with for-loops and would not benefit from doing the Intro to JS's challenge questions?
-Lack of guidance on HOW to technically communicate (i.e. how the navigator should read the question out loud first, how to communicate line by line (i.e. not assuming that the driver knows what you want to do next), how to verbally declare a variable, etc.)
Suggestion: Ask each participant ahead of time which topic he/she wants to practice. We have to rsvp to the event, so, why not send out a survey link a day or two before the event, asking each participant which topic he/she wants to practice, so pairings could be decided BEFORE the event. You can find out how many participants want to study a certain topic and have an idea of which topic would have extra or no participants. If a particular pair programming workshop does not have enough programmers wanting to practice a particular topic, a participant looking to practice that particular topic could know ahead and decide whether to still participate in that workshop or rsvp for another workshop.In the case of no-shows, last-minute participants, or participants changing their minds - we should be told who we are paired with when we at the workshops, just when we are about to split into pairs (i.e. so the hosts would have enough time to rearrange the pairings if needed).Using this suggestion would allow the time that would have been spent on calculating points to instead be spent on demonstrating HOW to effectively communicate a code.
- Expensive but successful- 7/22/2020Anonymous • Software Engineer • Graduate • Course: Software Engineering Immersive Program • Campus: New York CityAttending Codesmith helped me successfully transition my career in software engineering within two months of graduation. However, the bootcamp emphasizes a "teach yourself" approach, where the 1st half of the program contains very high level lectures on PRN and MRN tech stack and hands-on units that are meant to help you learn the tech stack. However, there is very little guidance on how to actually implement the different technologies and framework and many of us ended up resorting to additional tutorials. When I was interviewing at companies, I felt I was truly lacking in terms of my foundational understanding of various coding concepts and therefore, had to largely teach myself upon graduation. The valuable thing this bootcamp offers is the networking opportunity with other aspiring engineers, opportunity to build your own projects with your classmates which are essential for your resume, and a structure to help you successfully transition into a new career path.
- Amazing program and hiring support!- 6/24/2020Anonymous • Lead Developer • Graduate • Course: Software Engineering Immersive Program • Campus: New York CityMy time at Codesmith gave me a great skill set with relevant and exciting technology, but most importantly helped me develop a process to continue learning while on the job, which in my opinion is one of the most important skills to have as a software engineer. Because of the rigor and method of learning at Codesmith, I have been able to accelerate my career development and become a valued member of my team.
The hiring support is an absolutely amazing part of the program. They were able to help me negotiate great terms for my first position after the program, as well as give great advice during negotiations for a raise over a year after my graduation.
Special shout out to Uncle Eric!
- Software Engineering Immersive- 6/6/2020Anonymous • Software Engineer • Graduate • Course: Software Engineering Immersive Program • Campus: New York CityIf you are looking for a coding program this is by far the best choice you can make -- I landed the job I wanted within a month after graduation. Obviously Codesmith is a great technical program, but I was especially impressed by how well Codesmith focused on non-obvious things that actually make a huge difference:
- The program deliberately schedules catch-ups & sessions to help you overcome mental blocks in job search (for me this is 90% of the fight). I've done job searches before, and this by far was the most efficient/least-stressful job search period I went through and I believe it's because of the hiring program.
- Codesmith actually has a successful serial entrepreneur as an advisor who's hired engineers himself & advises you on how to talk to potential employers. For anyone looking for a career transition you can't get a more qualified advisor than this. He held various workshops on narratives & job negotiations (even one on how to start a startup, which he didn't have to but did for residents/alums anyway). Honestly everything I learned from him was probably worth the entire tuition.
- The entire curriculum is focused on technical communication & pair programming, sometimes even more so than learning the technology. I was honestly skeptical but in the real engineering world this is what sets apart engineers people want to work with & able to be productive in team settings from those that are not. After 3 months of continually "talking-while-coding", I felt very comfortable doing live coding interviews and I wouldn't have gotten there w/o Codesmith.
- The curriculum does not hand hold at all - they teach you fundamentals but you are left to figure out the rest with your partners. This can be frustrating at times but after a while I realized that I now somehow know how to teach myself new technologies with little to no guidance. Honestly this is the core competency of an adaptable/versatile engineer and they teach you this even without you knowing.
- The amount of decent/kind people in the cohort, alumni & staff is off the charts here and this is one of the best communities I've been in. Alums are not only extremely knowledgeable but also very generous with their time and always willing to give back. My cohort was awesome and I made some lifelong friends here.
I can't speak to other programs, but based on my experience I don't think an engineering program can get much better than this. Before this I considered getting a Master's in CS but I am so happy I didn't because Codesmith was exactly what I needed.
- Satisified- 5/2/2020Anonymous • Graduate • Course: Software Engineering Immersive Program • Campus: New York CityGoing to Codesmith has definitely paid off - it's second to none when it comes to the success rate (nearly 80% of my cohort are employed as SWEs after 5 months, NOT counting those who went on to become fellows). I'm not going to talk too much about the actually education quality as everyone seems to have already touched on it - all I will say is, you are not going to learn any less than you would in any other program. However, the difference imo really all comes down to the hiring formula that their staff has curated - this alone has definitely helped me and my cohortmates seen way more success during the job hunt.
To whoever is reading this, I was in your shoes exactly a year ago - do your research thoroughly and good luck!
- Anonymous • Student • Course: JavaScript for Beginners • Campus: OnlineI came upon Codesmith during my months-long search for the most suitable bootcamp in NYC. What impressed me about CS, right off the bat at their open house, was the detail and clarity of their curriculum. While they also have the numbers to show for it, their presentation alone really painted a solidly structured picture of how students will learn during their 12-week intensive. I decided to take the JS for Beginners online course partially because I wanted a solid foundation to JavaScript, and learn better by interaction, but also because I wanted to get a sense of how Codesmith teaches: its language, its approach, etc.
I had a tremendously rewarding learning experience with JS for Beginners. Our instructor, Michelle, was patient, communicative, and receptive to our questions. The best part, in my opinion, was the amount of technical communication the short prep course taught me. It gave me a morsel of confidence to speak my code, literally, and feel comfortable with the syntax. This is a fantastic opportunity for those wanting to begin their coding journey. I cannot recommend JS For Beginners enough.
- Truly unique and rewarding experience- 1/3/2020Anonymous • Software Engineer • Graduate • Course: Software Engineering Immersive Program • Campus: Los Angeles
Switching careers (or starting one) is scary. Switching into tech? Even scarier. The reality is that anyone can do it with enough determination and grit; however, most people lack the resources, fundamentals and community support to build the confidence needed to take the right step to changing their life. Codesmith is able to provide all of these things, but it does come at a cost. You will be challenged a lot and pushed to your limits, both mentally and emotionally. For three months, you'll find yourself sprinting head first into massive walls, but somehow still find yourself coming out on the other side (with bumps and bruises). This might seem a little crazy, but there's a method to this madness, and the method works. I know because I experienced it first hand and had the privilege of watching so many people struggle, grow and eventually turn their distant dreams into tangible realities, including myself.
Go to Codesmith. Endure the suck and trust the process. You won't regret it.
- Changed my entire life!- 12/11/2019Anonymous • Senior Software Engineer • Graduate • Course: Software Engineering Immersive Program • Campus: New York City
I wrote my first line of code in March 2019. I was offered a role as a Senior Software Engineer at a leading FinTech company in October 2019.
Some may say BS but it's hard to explain this to someone that hasn't gone through Codesmith's Immersive Software Engineering Program. To sum up the how the program works in a real life example, quoted by Phillip Troutman (executive instructor at NYC), "Here's a car, go build a carburetor."
How is that possible? That's where you become a mature engineer.
The amazing community and culture is just the cherry on top. If you want to change your life, try to get into Codesmith...if you can!
- The best decision I've ever made!- 12/10/2019Anonymous • Graduate • Course: Software Engineering Immersive Program • Campus: New York City
I attended Codesmith's software engineering immersive from July to October. I began to teach myself how to code over a year ago, and decided I needed to be surrounded by like-minded individuals who are eager to plan and build applications and tools.
I had been accepted to Flatiron, Fullstack Academy and Codesmith - it was an easy decision to go with Codesmith, as I got to meet so many prospective students and staff before the program even started, and felt like I could grow as an engineer. And there was a sense of community, whereas the other two lacked such structure.
This isn't for those looking to make a quick way into software engineering - the units are intense, you'll be learning a new technology every other day. Coming from a non-technical background, I had to work harder to make sure I wasn't falling behind on units. I would spend 9am till 9pm on campus and when I'd get home at around 10pm, I'd either review the units, read documentation, build test apps until 1am. This cycle continued on for three months, and yes it's definitely challenging!
More importantly, I got to meet so many wonderful people from diverse backgrounds, which contributed to forever-learning environment at Codesmith. The staff members are also super supportive, and when I was going through difficult periods while job searching, they were always there for me, pushing me to do better.
Codesmith's program definitely works, that it has shaped my mind in a way that I can read any docs, tackle problems on my own, and collaborate to provide optimal results.
The grind doesn't stop after graduating from the three-month program. With its excellent hiring support, I was constantly receiving feedback as well as mock interview rounds to prep me for real interviews. I came from no computer science degree, nor worked in tech (I did marketing prior) and still ended up with a six-figure salary offer within a month of graduating.
Each outcome varies, but it shows that if you put all your effort into the process and make the most of it, anything is possible.
Outcomes
Codesmith Outcomes
91%
On-Time Graduation Rate
On-Time Graduation Rate
79%
In-Field Employed
In-Field Employed
$120,000
Median Salary
Median Salary
96% of students intended to seek in-field employment within 180 days of graduating. 4% of students did not intend to seek in-field employment.Below is the 180 Day Employment Breakdown for 71 graduates included in report:
180 Day Employment Breakdown:
Employed in-field
78.6%
Full-time employee
72.9%
Full-time apprenticeship, internship or contract position
1.4%
Short-term contract, part-time, or freelance
4.3%
Started a new company or venture after graduation
0.0%
Not seeking in-field employment
1.4%
Employed out-of-field
1.4%
Continuing to higher education
%
Not seeking a job for health, family, or personal reasons
%
Still seeking job in-field
18.6%
Could not contact
1.4%
Salary Breakdown:
90% of job obtainers reported salaries. 3% of job obtainers were hired by the school itself.
Notes & Caveats:
Read the full CIRR report here.
