This means that there are several avenues into programming, and anyone willing to gain a little basic programming knowledge can end up in one of several careers in tech or an adjacent field if they continue to build upon that knowledge. In and around Miami, there are plenty of available options for programming training, including full-fledged certificate programs and introductory courses to help prepare for certification exams. For anyone interested in pursuing a career in video game development, software engineering, data science, web development, or any number of similar positions, a certificate program or certification offers a logical course of action in the pursuit of such a goal.
Noble Desktop: Software Engineering Certificate
Key Information: Noble Desktop’s live online certificate program totals 510 course hours. This full-time, 20-week course will have students learning several front end development skills, as well as development using both JavaScript and Python. Tuition totals $10,995 if applying early, and this amount can be paid upfront or via a handful of interest-free financing options. One additional benefit of this program is that the entire course (or any individual module) can be retaken for free within one year. No prior programming knowledge is required to enroll, either. Participants only need basic computer know-how.
This certificate program combines several of Noble Desktop’s other courses, including bootcamps, to present a comprehensive and structured overview of software engineering. The program begins with a focus on front end development skills, which include HTML, CSS, Flexbox, Grid, and Bootstrap, among others. The second unit focuses on learning to develop using JavaScript and some of its related tools, such as React, Node, MongoDB, and Express. Finally, participants will become familiar with programming with Python and Django to further increase their skill sets and help prepare them for entry-level programming positions.
Because this program is conducted live online, anyone in the Miami area is eligible to enroll. Students in this program will have the opportunity to work with expert instructors who have valuable work experience, and students also get the benefit of being able to interact directly with these instructors and get help with challenging concepts or questions when needed. All students get access to twelve 1-on-1 mentoring sessions as well, which can be used to review portfolio work with an expert, get feedback on resumes or LinkedIn profiles, get advice for job applications and interviews, and go over challenging concepts as needed.
For students who may need to miss an occasional class session, or for those who could benefit from a refresher on a session’s material, recordings of each class session can be accessed within one business day. Thereafter, that session’s recording is available to view for up to one month. For those who hope to gain skills in both front end and back end development as well as gain employment in a programming-related field, this certificate program is a great option.
NextGenBootcamp: Computer Science Summer Certificate Program
Key Information: This computer science certificate program from NextGen Bootcamp is open to high school students, operates in a live online format, and totals 95 course hours. The program covers programming with Python, Java, and several of the associated tools and apps that work with these programming languages. If students are enrolled in or planning to enroll in AP Computer Science, this certificate program provides an excellent way to get a headstart in preparing for the AP exam. With an early bird discount, tuition totals $3,695. There are no prerequisites to enroll save for basic computer knowledge.
Students in this program will learn to code using Java and Python, which are industry-standard programming languages. Students will also become familiar with some of the associated tools and applications used when working with Java and Python, including Pandas and Matplotlib. This certificate program aims to ensure students can easily write and use industry-standard algorithms, write and execute programs and apps, write codes and functions, and gain several other skills necessary for thinking and working like a programmer.
Two major units comprise this six-week program. The first unit totals 50 course hours and focuses on learning to program with Java. The second unit totals 45 hours and emphasizes both Python data science and machine learning. In both units, students receive live, hands-on instruction and work on several projects as they strive to master course concepts. Given that class sizes are small and presented in a live format, students will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions as they arise and quickly receive help from instructors when encountering challenging roadblocks or needing clarifications on certain concepts.
Upon completion of the course, all students receive a certificate demonstrative of their newfound mastery of course concepts and material. A digital copy of the certificate can also be downloaded and posted to a student’s LinkedIn profile. For students who may occasionally miss a class session along the way to completion, the live recording of any given session can be downloaded within one business day and accessed for viewing up to a month thereafter. This program is a great option for high school students who have at least some level of interest in programming and computer science and perhaps envision themselves in a programming-related career.
4Geeks Academy: Full Stack Developer Course
Key Information: This 18-week full stack development course from 4Geeks Academy is offered in both English and Spanish, and can be delivered in online, hybrid, or, for those in Miami, in-person formats. The course will cover programming and development using Python, Javascript, HTML, CSS, and several other programs and apps. Tuition varies based on a few factors; a full, up-front payment of $8,999 is available, but for those who are underemployed or unemployed with a valid US Work permit, a scholarship is available that reduces the cost to $5,999, which can be paid upfront or in three installments. Residents of Miami are also eligible for a deferred payment option and can start the program for $0. No advanced mathematics or prior programming knowledge is required for enrollment.
Over 18 weeks, participants will work on and complete several hands-on projects, including simple games, web pages, and other apps. Students will learn to work with Python JavaScript, HTML, CSS, React, APIs, Databases, SQL, and much more to give a comprehensive knowledge base for their next job. With a 1:7 professor-to-student ratio, students are sure to get plenty of individualized attention and feedback when working through challenging concepts or problems. Students also get access to lifelong mentoring, where 4Geeks mentors will help to polish up resumes and LinkedIn profiles and provide other support as students apply for jobs.
A certificate of completion is awarded to all students upon graduating. Under certain conditions, students can also request a job guarantee wherein they are eligible for a full refund if they do not land a job within 180 days of graduation. Graduates do get access to 4Geeks network of over 5,000 hiring partners, however, which should heighten anyone’s chances of finding work. For those who are more interested in the data science and machine learning side of programming, 4Geeks also offers a certificate program in these areas.
The Code Academy: Python Programming – Basics
Key Information: This three-day introductory course from The Code Academy aims to impart foundational knowledge of Python to those with little or no prior programming experience. This course is available in person in Miami but is also offered in live online and asynchronous, self-paced formats. The cost of the course is $1,195, and a price of $1,493 is available to students wishing to learn privately. Previous programming experience is not required, though basic computer navigation skills are a prerequisite to enrollment.
Among the skills participants will learn in the course are fixing syntax and runtime errors, compiling and running programs, using loops, debugging, and understanding relational database organization. Students will also use SQL and SQLite to connect and interact with databases and retrieve and manipulate data. Learning in the course is divided into distinct modules, each covering different subject areas: Essential Concepts and Skills, Object-oriented Programming, and Database & GUI Programming.
Several benefits are included with the price of tuition, including examination vouchers and onsite certification testing. Students also get to work closely with experienced subject matter experts and instructors, get practice on real servers, and have access to extended lab support when working through difficult problems.
University of Miami: Coding Boot Camp
Key Information: This part-time, live online bootcamp is offered through the University of Miami and is open to those who are unaffiliated with the university. To enroll, participants need to complete a short interview, application form, and multiple choice critical thinking and problem-solving assessment. Acceptance means beginning a 24-week course and dedicating nine hours per week to in-class time and roughly 20 hours per week working on out-of-class projects. Graduating from the course means receiving a certificate of completion from the University of Miami.
With a focus on full stack work, students in this bootcamp will gain knowledge in several areas, ranging from computer science, server side development, API interaction, browser-based technologies, and databases. This means students will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with languages like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, with chances to work in Python, C#, Java, and AWS if desired.
Alongside a tight-knit cohort, students will have access to extensive, real-time support in the form of instructors, teaching assistants, and student success and career services team members. This includes a dedicated career director and material advisor who will help students prepare for job searches after successful completion of the bootcamp.
FAQ for Programming Certificates
What is the Difference Between a Certificate and a Certification?
Generally, certificates are awarded to students who have completed a multi-week training course and are awarded by the school or program in which the student is enrolled. The certificate can be a physical object or come in the form of a digital badge that can be displayed on a LinkedIn profile. Sometimes both options are available.
Certifications are awarded to students who pass an exam. Certifications in programming tend to focus on specific programming languages or tools, such as C# and JavaScript. Programmers will generally aim to have some combination of certifications rather than just one to present themselves as more capable and well-rounded when being considered for certain positions. Examples of certification exams include the PCAP for Python and the OCJP for Java.
It’s important to note that certificate programs will rarely, if ever, provide in-house certification exams. Certification exams are almost always offered through a third party. Many organizations or programs offer introductory courses or even certification prep courses that aim to provide the necessary knowledge for passing associated certification exams. However, students will be responsible for scheduling and paying for exams on their own time. Occasionally, schools will offer to cover exam fees as part of their tuition costs, and employers may be willing to cover such fees as well.
Should I Pursue a Certificate or a Certification?
Both are strong options; it just depends on what your professional goals are and what your current schedule and circumstances allow for. Certificate programs are great options for both those with no prior programming experience or early-to-mid-career professionals who want a more comprehensive overview of a new and in-demand skill set related to their current work. Certificates are certainly encouraging when pursuing entry-level positions, as they demonstrate to employers a fairly encompassing knowledge of programming that ensures candidates can get off to a good start if hired.
Certifications similarly demonstrate to employers that job candidates have at least some level of training as programmers, and the good news is that because certification exams tend to be standardized, the accompanying certifications will be recognized across the industry. Because certification prep is usually a much shorter overall time commitment than a full-fledged certificate program, it can be more appealing for job seekers who are new to programming and shooting for an entry-level position. However, unlike certificate programs, focused classes or prep courses are less likely to cater to part-time schedules, which can make it harder to fit in for those who already have full-time work or other obligations. Many current working professionals choose to acquire more certifications to work their way up in the industry or enter a position that requires additional skills to those they already possess.
Do I Need to Become Certified to Find a Job?
Some companies do require certification before considering you for certain roles, but this isn’t always the case. It’s comforting for many employers though; a certification offers something of an immediate guarantee that you can work with the programs and tools that will be integral to your job duties. And again, because exams are standardized, it helps companies know right away whether or not you’re fit for one position or another.
Those who are already employed in a programming position may find that their company is willing to provide them with the necessary training to pass an exam without needing to go to an outside program or prep course. The company may even be willing to cover exam costs upon completing said training. Regardless of whether you’re looking for your first programming job or want to move to a higher position, a certification or certificate program is likely to offer exactly what’s needed to help you achieve your goals.
What Certificate Program is Right for Me?
There are a handful of things you must consider when trying to answer this question, including what your learning style or preferred learning format is. You should also think about how much time you’re able to dedicate each week (or even each day) to learning, a program’s cost, commute requirements, whether or not you prefer a traditional classroom environment, whether you’re comfortable learning in a self-paced manner, and ultimately what your professional goals are.
Which is Better: In-Person or Online Classes
In-person classes equal a traditional classroom experience: a cohort of peers to collaborate and learn with, scheduled class meetings, and expert instructors who are available to answer questions and assist you as you go along. In-person also equals a commute, however, meaning that in addition to scheduling out time for class, students will need to block out additional time for travel. Despite this, many students consider this a negligible inconvenience measured against the benefits of being able to network in person with peers and instructors.
Just like in-person classes, online coursework is taught by expert instructors, but online classes tend to offer more flexibility in terms of their delivery formats and schedules. For example, many online classes simply give students an overall time frame, such as six months, and then allow students to complete coursework at their own pace within that frame. Other online classes are delivered in a live online format, which essentially mirrors in-person, traditional classroom instruction, albeit eliminating the need for commuting. Despite this, any online format will likely provide less opportunity for networking and socialization compared to an in-person program.
In-person classes are usually best suited to those who prefer learning in a traditional classroom setting, value socialization, and are willing to commute to a classroom location. Online classes may be better for those who can’t commute, enjoy learning at their own pace, or are more comfortable learning in online settings, whether live or asynchronous.
Which is Better: Live Online or Asynchronous Classes
Live online classes aim to simulate the experience of learning in a traditional classroom setting as much as possible. Classes are led in real-time by expert instructors and have scheduled meeting times that students must attend. In such an environment, students get the benefit of real-time interaction, so they can ask questions as they arise and get fairly immediate help from instructors when engaging with challenging concepts or other coursework requirements.
In an asynchronous class, all work is completed in a self-paced manner. Materials are provided ahead of time, and students work through as they are able. Generally, a specified overall time frame is provided to give some structure to students, so rather than being able to work indefinitely, students must complete coursework within six months or a similar length. Students may or may not have access to mentors or instructors in this course, but even if they do, feedback will likely be much delayed in comparison to a live environment.
Ultimately, deciding between live online and asynchronous formats should come down to your schedule and whether you think you’d benefit significantly from a more rigid course structure and additional formal instruction when learning. If you can spare the time and can easily fit in scheduled class meetings, live online may be the way to go. But for those who have especially unpredictable daily schedules, the freedom and flexibility of the asynchronous format may be more appealing.