Columbia Engineering Boot Camps

I am part of the first cohort and my experience with the program is overwhelmingly positive. All the staffs are amazing and they tried their best to help me understanding CS even though at times I was just nip-picking on the tiniest details. There are a few things I did not like about the curriculum, like how fast we had to speed through certain topics and how on our second project we were expected to create something to present with the amalgation of knowledge up to that point while still learing new things during class (when we were suppose to be working on the project) and having half the time of our first, argubly easier, project. At the end of the day, I put in about 3 hours daily and sometimes as much as 8 hours trying to learn all I can in CS. The program is amazing but it is not the end point of someone who is trying to start a career in the tech industry, you have to continue to learn on your own even though you might not be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

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As someone of Haitian descent, I’ve always been deeply connected to my roots and passionate about problem-solving for communities like Haiti and the broader Caribbean. Our region is rich in culture, history, and resilience, but we’ve also faced systemic challenges that have slowed our growth. I firmly believe that AI can be a game-changer in accelerating progress, modernizing infrastructure, and creating sustainable solutions. That’s why I chose to pursue Columbia Engineering’s AI Boot Camp—I wanted to gain the technical skills needed to be part of that transformation.This program was more than just an academic experience; it was a journey of collaboration and discovery. I had the privilege of learning alongside an incredibly diverse group of classmates, each bringing their unique perspectives, experiences, and ambitions to the table. The questions they asked during discussions pushed me to think critically, and working on projects with smart, kind, and driven teammates reinforced how powerful teamwork can be. We weren’t just coding—we were learning from one another, sharing ideas, and expanding our understanding of AI’s potential in different industries and communities.The instructional team was outstanding. The professor and TAs were always there to provide guidance, ensuring that we truly understood the concepts, not just memorized them. Their support made a challenging program feel achievable, and I deeply appreciate their dedication to our growth.To anyone considering this boot camp, my advice is simple: do it. The world is moving fast, and AI is shaping the future in ways we can’t ignore. If you have a vision for change—whether in business, healthcare, education, or social impact—AI can help bring it to life. For me, it’s about using machine learning to help propel Haiti and the Caribbean forward, giving our people access to the tools and technology that can create real, lasting progress. Our culture is one of strength, resilience, and innovation, and I want to be part of the movement that ensures we thrive in the 21st century.This program has given me the foundation to contribute to that mission, and I’m excited for what comes next. Read less

My overall experience from start to finish was very exciting. The bootcamp is challenging, and it will push you, but you’ll never look back and regret it. The first couple weeks for me were the hardest, mostly due to the learning curve (I had zero professional experience in tech), but I really feel that the beginning was the most uncertain and uncomfortable time for me. Yes, the bootcamp was difficult till the end, but at that point I knew I could do it, it was just a matter of persevering and problem solving. I talked with many colleagues and fellow students going through the bootcamp alongside me, and the overall thoughts were that the bootcamp is very fast, they push you hard, harder than some people like to be pushed and, they/we wished we had more of a heads up on how much they expect right off the bat (we had two weeks to get a solid grasp of python and then moved on to implementing it in code with other programs and learning libraries - which can also be challenging to learn), along with the thoughts that we weren’t warned how much time we’d need to dedicate to studying and learning everything. Lots of people had full time jobs and families, which I heard and can imagine was very difficult to balance. Even students not currently employed or raising children had a hard time keeping up with everything new being thrown at us (keep in mind this is the “part time” 6 month bootcamp). I strongly would recommend learning python online or through other resources before the bootcamp. A solid month or two (even a week or so would be helpful) would make a huge difference and allow to you to start off a little smoother. If you’ve got time learning the math behind some algorithms would be beneficial to wrap your head around the overall picture, though not necessary. If you are looking to brush up on some math or learn some, linear algebra is probably the most useful/applicable one, as well as statistics and lastly, calculus.
Learning statistical terms and definitions would also be a huge help, even if you don’t get into the exact math. When it comes to resources, I would look ahead of time for good resources so you have some ideas of where to look once bootcamp starts for extra help and/or additional ways that the information you’re learning can be explained and simplified or expanded on. I would utilize all the wonderful TAs with any questions, concerns, curiosity, or issues of any kind. I think some of the TAs could have been more helpful in certain modules, but there will always be someone to help if one person isn’t exactly sure how to answer your questions or help you out. That’s where it comes in handy to get to know each TA and their strengths and weaknesses. The slack is a great way to connect with peers, make new connections, and help each other out. The tutoring sessions included with the bootcamp can be a good resource, but I was honestly pretty disappointed with the lack of knowledge the tutors had. Plus, most of them were in a completely different time zone (ex. Africa), leaving the only quick option of having tutoring at 3am to get help with something. In the beginning I tried a session with most of the tutors, if not all to see who I trusted the most to steer me in the right direction, and stuck with them most of the bootcamp. I also had a couple backup tutors in case one wasn’t available, as well as contact information for quick questions.
Another approach would be to have an outside tutor, not related to the school setup ahead of time to ensure you have someone that can help. Even starting some sessions before the bootcamp to get some of the basics down would be fantastic.

I will openly say, there were some faults with the bootcamp, and it’s arguable whether the amount of time given or not should be kept as is, or lengthened. That depends on personal preference, capacity, and the amount of time you can devote. You can always keep reviewing after the bootcamp ends, you have all materials for a year after graduation, but keep in mind you still need to understand enough of the information currently being taught to keep up.

Aside from the things that maybe aren’t so ideal for some people, I overall loved the bootcamp, the instructor, TAs, and support staff. They’re all very supportive, want to see you succeed, and will help as much as possible. It is truly a great experience, one that is also far different from traditional education, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested. If you’ve read this far about the bootcamp, you’ve done your research, and I can tell you already you’ll do a fantastic job (even though you may not always feel it). Take the chance! Best of luck, and I hope to hear all about your experiences in the slack alumni channel after you graduate!!!
With care,
Josephine R. Read less

Coming from a hospitality background with zero tech experience, I took a big leap into cybersecurity because I wanted a career that’s both challenging and in high demand. After looking at various options, I chose the Columbia Engineering Cybersecurity Boot Camp because of its reputation and in-depth curriculum.
The program is no joke—it’s intense! But it’s also super rewarding. The instructors broke down complex topics in ways even a non-techie like me could grasp. The best part? Meeting a bunch of like-minded people who are all hustling to better themselves. Plus, you get to learn some seriously cool stuff—hacking, defense strategies, all the fun cyber tools—and it makes the hard work enjoyable.
If you’re thinking about joining, here’s my tip: prep ahead of time. Getting familiar with the material before class really takes the edge off and keeps you from feeling overwhelmed. Stay organized, connect with your classmates, and dive into the content—you’ll come out the other side with new skills, a solid network, and the confidence to kickstart your cybersecurity career.

Get ready to learn, connect, and have a blast while leveling up your career—trust me, you won’t regret it! Read less

I recently graduated from the full time full stack coding boot camp at Columbia university. Going into it I had 0 experience of computer science, anxious about the future if I end up wasting my money. I’m glad I took it because it’s the right career path for me! I enjoy coding and am looking forward to working in this field, the bootcamp went at a great pace with our instructors helping a lot. Read less

I'm glad I decided to invest in my education with Columbia Engineering and the Bootcamp for Full Stack Web Development.  The course, while fast-paced, covers all of the topics necessary to introduce you to the coding world and prepare you with the skills to continue your education and secure jobs post-completion.  The teaching and support staff were all super responsive and very helpful.  I definitely recommend this course to anyone interested in diving into coding in well organised setting. Read less

I recently graduated from the Columbia Engineering Data Bootcamp, and it's been life-changing. Before joining, I had zero coding experience and low expectations, but now I'm confident in coding and excited about my career path as a data analyst.


The instructor was a standout – patient and skilled at explaining complex concepts to beginners like me. Hands-on projects and homework boosted my confidence and practical skills. I'm now certain about pursuing a data analyst career.


While my experience was great, more networking opportunities could enhance the program. Overall, if you're hesitant about coding, Columbia's Bootcamp is a game-changer. It's transformed me, and I'm ready for an exciting career in data analysis, all thanks to this incredible program. Read less

My journey with Columbia Engineering Bootcamp started in 2021 when I decided to make a career change and started looking into programs that would offer a well written curriculum, reasonable tuition fee and a certification of completion - those were my main criteria. 
I got in touch with their admission office and got all the information and then it took me almost another year to prepare both mentally and financially to sign the contract and be ready to spend most of my time studying. I liked that the admission officer wasn't pushy and patiently provided every single detail I requested without setting the deadlines or any "last chance" manipulations. At the same time they've been checking on me from time to time to see if I needed more information. I'd say that was one the reasons I chose them over other bootcamps.
Once I signed the papers and completed the payment (they also offer payment plans), I started receiving step by step instructions on how to setup my computer to install all the necessary software and create a GitHub account and that alone was pretty exciting already! I was contacted by one of the assistants that answered all my questions and helped with any technical difficulties I had. By the time the course started I was fully ready and prepared to dive in!
The program was pretty intense from the very beginning so I was glad I went working part-time so I could focus on learning and make my time and money worth it. My instructor was great, has a lot of experience as a dev and instructor, TAs were very responsive as well, I appreciate how they were trying to help by guiding you towards the solution rather than giving you a straight answer, that's a very important skill for a teacher and a valuable part of learning process for a student. Whenever I was working on my weekly assessment if I needed immediate help at midnight, student support chat was available to provide resources or a few hints on how to approach my problem.
There were a few times when we have substitute instructors and I loved it because I got to talk to other devs with decades of experience and ask for some tips and advice. And it's also very inspiring to be taught by people who chose to do programming for years and have a lot to teach you. 
Career center also was helpful by organizing workshops, seminars and events to learn about hiring process in tech industry, how to prepare for interviews, tailor your resume for specific companies and what to expect once you're out there. So that's a great way to prepare yourself for job hunting as well. 
Overall, I had a great learning experience, our manager always made sure no questions or concerns go unanswered which was very encouraging and motivating, and I definitely was able to build a solid foundation to keep honing my programming skills! 
I did have to remind myself that this is a bootcamp not a degree program so there's only so much you can learn in a span of 6 months but since you really enjoy programming, it is only natural to take the continuation course and be ready to apply for a job. Once you have your foundation it becomes more challenging but also much more fun to learn more and be able to build something that people might want to use, and that feels very rewarding and motivating!

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The Columbia Engineering sponsored Coding Bootcamp was a great experience. The curriculum was very up-to-date with the latest technologies available to Full Stack Coders. It was actually pretty surprising that the instructors were so proficient and knowledgeable about stuff that was so new. The support staff was also excellent. Read less

I chose to enroll in the program after finishing my AS in computer science, and graduated with a plethora of in-depth knowledge about industry standards and legacy technologies. The teaching, support and the career staffs are phenomenal and has helped me kick start my career as a professional software developer. Highly recommend to anyone thinking of taking the plunge, as the program provides long term post-graduation support and benefits as well.  Read less

I am a automation test engineer and had some knowledge in c# and JavaScript. But I wanted to move towards developer engineering. So I was glad that I found the right spot to expend my knowledge. Even though it was a really as a Fast-paced, I was able to learn Node.js, data structure, React, HTML, CSS and many more with the latest tool.  Read less

The instruction staff was all very helpful and friendly. They took the time to meet with you during office hours and help fix any lingering issues you might have head. They were all encouraging during lectures for what was truly a demanding course. The course was fast paced but I learned a ton that I think will be helpful in my career Read less

I will definitely recommend the Bootcamp to anybody that is willing to sacrifice their weekends and weeknights in order to learn Data Analytics. The time invested is definitely worth it.

If you have some previous experience with Python, SQL, JavaScript and Pandas, you will definitely love the Bootcamp. It teaches you so many things, that you will hope it never ends.
But, if you don't have any previous coding experience, you will still learn a lot of things, but make sure to force yourself to 'REST'. Your brain will receive so much information that you will feel overwhelm, so as long as you practice some kind of breathing techniques or rest or meditation (or perhaps all of them), you should be good. Is only 6 months.

I definitely wish everyone has access to such a High Quality education as this Bootcamp. The professor, the teaching assistances, the coach, everyone is there to help you succeed.

Worth the money, worth the time. Read less

This is a tremendous opportunity; however, it’s unbelievably difficult to learn at the scheduled pace unless you’re willing to dedicate 15-20+ hours/week studying. The staff is very knowledgeable and always willing to help, but each language gets 1-3 weeks before moving onto the next. (Meaning you may spend 2 classes on a programming language, then immediately move on to a new language.)

If you’re working full time, make sure you can allocate 15-20+ hours/week to study, otherwise you’ll struggle to learn the material. A multitude of languages are covered, but the pace is very fast and can seem overwhelming. 

If you have the time & the discipline, this is a great opportunity to learn the first steps of multiple coding languages, but you will not develop an in-depth understanding of any language without putting extra time and effort in. 

An interesting bonus is job assistance post graduation. Initially, you’ll meet with a career coach to help you prepare your resume, LinkedIn, GitHub, etc. to be ‘employer ready’ or ‘employer competitive.’ In the final month of the bootcamp, you’ll meet with the next career coach who will guide you through job searching. Also, there are multiple informational sessions throughout the bootcamp normally in the afternoon or evening. 

Again, if you’re willing to dedicate 15-20+ hours a week on top of classes and office hours, this is a good opportunity. If you’re not, you will not learn as much as you should, and you’ll likely fall behind on school work.  Read less

If you're someone looking to switch career fields like I was, this bootcamp course is an excellent choice. You learn several disciplines of data analytics, from the basics to the advanced. The instructors were great and knowledgeable both on and out of class. What sold me on the program was the career services they offer. Having someone guide me in my resume, linkedin , and github profile rebuilding and walking me through the interview process as well as access to job fairs was definitely a big plus.  Read less

I primarily enrolled in this bootcamp to learn more about what my clients' day-to-day looks like from a platform/tech perspective (my clients are digital marketers). The bootcamp staff and instructors do a great job of letting you know up front how much work this bootcamp is but I don't think it I really fully grasped that concept until a few weeks in. If you are not prepared to attend class, fully tune in, and dedicate hours every week to completing assignments, do not take this class. But if you are ready to invest that amount of time in yourself, it is worth it. I'm walking away with a solid understanding of how marketers think, make decisions, what tools they use, and how they progress in their careers. The instructors were incredibly engaging, knowledgable, friendly,  and I wouldn't have been able to learn as much on my own. I also enjoyed getting to know my classmates who came from a diverse set of professional backgrounds. Would recommend if you're looking to strengthen your foundational knowledge in digital marketing. Read less

I'm extremely happy that I took the full-stack coding bootcamp at Columbia University. The program was intense and packed with activities, homework, and projects, but it feels like a well-spent couple of months. After the grind is over, I feel accomplished and much more confident with modern technologies. I just graduated recently, but I will update this review in the future once I find a job. In addition, the teaching staff was great, helpful, and understanding. I met a lot of wonderful people in this program and I hope to stay in touch with them. Read less

Great course! I couldn't have asked for better teachers in Adam and Julia. The TAs were top-notch and made themselves available to answer questions outside of class at any time. Along with weekly homework assignments, we completed 3 group projects over the course of the bootcamp, which gives you the opportunity to have some serious finished products to be proud of. This course is ideal for someone who comes from a finance background and wants to learn some really useful data analytics skills, with a particular focus on Python, along with an introduction to SQL. The weeks we spent on machine-learning were especially interesting to me and incredibly useful in a wide variety of fields. The section on blockchain provides a great overview of this emerging technology as well. About halfway through the course, we entered nationwide lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the administrators and professors did an excellent job transitioning seamlessly to a virtual format. I genuinely believe that it had little effect on the quality of the bootcamp. I highly recommend this course and instructors.  Read less

I came from the army, so the bootcamp was life changing for me. Everyone involved in the bootcamp was the best from the start until the end. The support, the Student Success Managers, the Instructor, TAs, the whole environment is amazing for someone who never did any coding before. The experience was unbelievable! I changed my job for this and I worked hard every night, and it really is a life changing course. I never thought that it would be this good when I started. I really appreciate the staff. I worked with the TA, Justin, and he always put in extra hours to help me learn. It's amazing. I also have to thank David Sison for helping me during the bootcamp. Any time I had questions, you answered them. Any request that I had, you helped me. This is something that I am really thankful for. This bootcamp is not like courses or programs in other places, so I just want to say thank you! Read less

As I stand at the end of this six month program, I have to say, this program is well planned, flawlessly executed and tightly packed. Even a pandemic could not deter us from a well-marked course. The program gave me a plan made by experts, executed by the brightest minds and supported by a team of mentors and online tutors. When I needed help I found it. 
Each unit is planned with activities that grow in complexity. With each activity we get a good sense of the scope of the new topic and it’s many key features. The more a student practices and prepares the more they stand to gain from the program. The assignments are creative, challenging but also familiar from activities in class. The teaching team is not only engaging with the curriculum they point out the data science in the real world in real-time. They teach you how to learn. 
In my case, we started the program in February, 2020. A small group of students, some with Mac’s some with PC’s, but each with a curious eye.  Within a few weeks we could no longer meet at the campus. The program transitioned to remote learning without missing a beat. Each student got the attention and help they needed to overcome the new obstacles and to work in the new environment. There was constant dialogue that alerted us to the upcoming lesson and upgrades.  
In just over a month I was aware of the datasets that could be studied and analysed. In fact I chose to study the Covid Crisis in South Korea. I was looking at the data files that the evening news was composed of. The group projects enlighten you to different ways of approaching and solving problems. They also create a positive work environment.  Some of my best teachers were my classmates for I have often improved in their company. This program inspired me to be present, attentive and research elegant algorithms and modules. I am now confident of my capabilities. I may not have all the answers but the ones I do not have I know how to  find them. 

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