Yale, Flatiron School create web development bootcamp for summer session

“CPSC S115 Intro to Full-Stack Web Development” will offer students computer science and coding fundamentals, and carry two Yale College credits.
A student typing code into a laptop computer.

Photo credit: Lauren Kallen for Flatiron in 2018

Yale Summer Session is collaborating with Flatiron School to offer a Web Development Bootcamp for Summer 2019, which will carry two Yale College credits, Dean Marvin Chun and Dean of Summer Session Jeanne Follansbee announced today.

The Yale-Flatiron School program is based on Flatiron School’s software engineering bootcamp that has helped students around the world learn to code. At Yale Summer Session 2019, students will have the chance to take a tailored version of this bootcamp that will immerse them in computer science fundamentals and help them develop the knowledge to build programs like computer engineers. Financial assistance will be available for Yale College students on financial aid.

Chun, who asked Summer Session to develop a summer coding program, said, “The Yale-Flatiron School course will augment Yale’s Computer Science curriculum by providing instruction in the fundamentals of computer science and coding, knowledge that will benefit students, whether they go into industry or to graduate school.”  

The Yale-Flatiron School course — titled “CPSC S115 Intro to Full-Stack Web Development” — will run for 10 weeks during Summer Session 2019. The course will give students a deep dive into programming languages such as JavaScript and Ruby, with experience in both back-end and front-end programming, among other project-based learning experiences. No prior coding experience is required; however, students admitted to the course will need to complete 75-100 hours of online pre-work to ensure everyone is beginning at the same level. Students from computer science and liberal arts majors alike are encouraged to apply.

We chose to partner with Flatiron School because of its track record in training students from diverse backgrounds: You can succeed in the program even if you don’t have experience with computer science,” said Follansbee.

The Yale-Flatiron School bootcamp will serve students already studying computer science as well as those looking to boost their studies and professional training with code. This is an important offering for Summer Session 2019 students, as demand for high-quality software engineers continues to rise, said the deans. According to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of software developers is projected to grow 24% from 2016 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. At the same time, more companies are looking for people with knowledge of coding to apply across tech and non-tech jobs alike: Roughly two-thirds of the highest-paying and fastest-growing jobs in fields like design and marketing now demand knowledge of computer science, according to a report from labor market analytics firm Burning Glass Technologies and Oracle Academy.

Adam Enbar, Flatiron School CEO, said, “People often categorize technology only in the context of the tech industry. But coding has transformed every industry and profession — from transportation, to food, to healthcare, to marketing, and beyond. Our education system and society as a whole will benefit as more people learn how to code and how to apply this knowledge in new ways.”

Founded in 2012, Flatiron School is a global institution offering courses and career support in software engineering, data science, and UX/UI design. Of the Yale partnership, Flatiron School’s Vice President of Strategic Initiatives Yashih Wu said, “We’re proud to partner with forward-thinking institutions like Yale to increase the reach of our programs to students from different backgrounds and areas of study. Digital fluency is increasingly important across all industries, and our work with Yale will help us demystify coding and expand access to computer science education to more students.”

Interested students are encouraged to attend the upcoming information session with Flatiron School on Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018 at 4 p.m. in Rm. 116 of William L. Harkness Hall, 100 Wall St.

FAQ

Why are Yale and Flatiron School working together on this program?

Dean Marvin Chun asked Yale Summer Session to research a summer computer coding program that would augment the curriculum in Yale College’s computer science department. The Flatiron School curriculum, by combining computer science fundamentals and coding, offered an approach that balanced the liberal arts commitment to knowledge-acquisition with project-based learning. Yale Summer Session will partner with the Flatiron School on a custom 10-week version of their signature immersive Software Engineering Bootcamp. The Yale- Flatiron School bootcamp will benefit students whether they go into industry or graduate school.

Why did Yale Summer Session choose Flatiron over other bootcamps?

Flatiron School was recommended to Yale Summer Session by our faculty and others who have participated in coding bootcamps. Flatiron School was commended for the depth and breadth of the curriculum and for its success in educating students from diverse backgrounds.

How much does the program cost?

Tuition is $8,200. There is also a $75 application fee.

Yale College students who receive financial aid during the regular academic year will receive financial assistance to attend Yale x Flatiron School. Financial assistance covers 50% of the tuition.

Who is teaching the course?

Flatiron School instructors will be on campus to teach the 10-week course.

Who wrote the curriculum?

This new Yale-Flatiron School bootcamp, which will carry two Yale College credits, is based on Flatiron School’s software engineering bootcamp that has already helped students around the world learn to code. At Yale Summer Session, students will have the chance to take a special version of this course that will immerse them in computer science fundamentals and help them develop the knowledge to build programs like computer engineers. Financial assistance will be available for Yale College students on financial aid.

Who is handling admission? What are the admission criteria?

Admissions for the program will be conducted by Yale, although Flatiron School will support the team by providing training based on its admissions model. Since it is expected there will be significant demand for limited spots in this program, admissions criteria will require students to submit an application explaining why they wish to take this course; complete a technical submission; and be interviewed by the Yale admissions team in order to be admitted. Enrolled students will also be required to complete a series of pre-work prior to the start of the course in May 2019.

How has the Flatiron School curriculum been adapted for Yale students?

The 10-week version of Flatiron School’s 15-week Software Engineering immersive for Yale students will include the pre-work as well as modules A, B, and C, and a two-week final project. 

The course has been approved for two Yale College credits. Teachers will provide letter grades and project rubrics to assign grades to those who complete the program. 

What was the process for determining that Flatiron curriculum meets Yale’s credit standards? Who was involved in that decision?

Marvin Chun, the dean of Yale College, worked with Yale Summer Session and with CPSC to help determine if the program should receive Yale College credit. Yale’s Director of Undergraduate Studies in CPSC, Y. Richard Yang, spoke with Joe Burgess, the director of education at Flatiron School, to learn about the curriculum. After consulting with the teaching and curriculum committee in CPSC, Yang, on behalf of the department, recommended that the course be awarded two Yale College credits. The recommendation was approved by the Yale College faculty in December 2018. 

How will you measure the success of the program?

Following the culmination of the program, Yale and Flatiron School will assess the course, looking at both completion and student outcomes. Based on these data, Yale and Flatiron School will determine plans for 2020.

Share this with Facebook Share this with X Share this with LinkedIn Share this with Email Print this

Media Contact

Karen N. Peart: karen.peart@yale.edu, 203-980-2222