Although it was developed in 1995, Java has remained one of the most widely used computer programming languages across the world. Billions of devices run on Java, and dozens of companies on the Fortune 500 list use it to manage their data and keep their websites operational. An extremely versatile language, Java is used in areas like game development, web development, and Android applications. Learning to code with Java in college can lead to an exciting range of careers and better prepare you to enter a workforce that is increasingly demanding of tech skills.
Here, you’ll find examples of the types of programs that teach college students to program with Java over the summer. Let’s jump in!
Why Learn Java During the Summer?
Spending a summer learning Java can potentially lead to coveted internship opportunities. For instance, Google and Facebook offer programs for college students to explore areas like IT and software engineering. There are plenty of other coding internships available since these are pretty competitive. Some students can also freelance with their coding skills to earn extra money on a more flexible schedule as they continue their education.
Java programmers are also highly in-demand in several fields, and these professionals can potentially earn a six-figure salary once they reach a certain level of experience. A career in Java programming also provides plenty of job security since the language has maintained a prolific reach for over thirty years and can be applied to a tremendous range of industries.
Types of Java Summer Programs for College Students
A few different types of classes are available depending on your scheduling preferences and ideal learning environment. Many courses are available in a live online format. This means that you attend classes from your home, but you can still chat with your classmates and get immediate feedback from an instructor if you’ve got a question. In-person classes are also available for those who feel they learn best in a more traditional classroom setting.
Programs also range in the skill level they cater to. Some are suitable for beginners who possess nothing more than basic computer skills, while others require a foundational knowledge of Java and teach more advanced coding concepts. They also range in the amount of time they require, meaning students with jobs or other commitments can more easily balance their workload.
Below, you’ll find several examples of different Java programs available to college students over the summer.
#1: Noble Desktop– Java Bootcamp
What is Taught in This Program?
Noble Desktop offers a Java Bootcamp over the summer. In this program, students will learn to code with Java while gaining an understanding of how the code works to interpret programs. Understanding how Java works will help students program more efficiently. This course is also designed to provide students with the skills to pass the Java SE 11 Programmer 1 Exam.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
Beginners are welcome to join this course as long as they possess basic knowledge of computer skills.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
Noble Desktop’s classes can be taken in person at their Manhattan campus or live online. Students can engage with their instructor via Zoom in the remote version and get their questions answered in real-time.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This program provides students with 72 hours of hands-on instruction.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
Noble Desktop accepts students who are 18 and older.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
This program costs $2,995 per student and includes a certificate of completion and the opportunity to retake the class within a year at no additional cost. Financial aid is not available because this class is one of Noble Desktop’s shorter courses.
#2: NextGen Bootcamp—Java Summer Program NYC
What is Taught in This Program?
There is a partner program of Noble Desktop called NextGen Bootcamp, which teaches some of today’s most in-demand tech skills to high school and college students. One class available here is a Java Summer Program that covers foundational Java programming skills. Students will also be exposed to advanced coding topics like object-oriented programming and recursive functions. The course ends with students creating a final project that they’ll add to their portfolio and show off at future job interviews.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
This course is suitable for beginner students; prior coding experience is not required.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
This program is available in person at NextGen’s campus in New York City or live online. Students who participate remotely use Zoom to engage with their peers and instructor in real-time.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This course takes three weeks to complete. Classes are held Monday through Friday for three hours each day. Remote students should be aware that all times are in Eastern Standard Time.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
NextGen programs are designed for those in high school or college.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
This course costs $1,999 per student. In addition to dozens of hours of live instruction, participants are given supplemental learning materials to take with them and a certificate of completion. Payment plans and other financial aid services are not available for this course. If you’re hoping to save money, you may want to look into NextGen’s Computer Science Summer Certificate Program instead. This class combines the Java course with a Python and data science course, amounting to 25% in savings.
#3: NextGen Bootcamp—Computer Science Summer Program
What is Taught in This Program?
NextGen Bootcamp’s Computer Science Summer Program teaches students to code with both Python and Java. The Java curriculum discusses object-oriented programming and Java syntax, while the Python section covers data science concepts like visualizing data and machine learning algorithms.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
Beginners are encouraged to enroll in this class. The only requirement for students is to have basic computer skills.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
This course is available in person or live online. NextGen’s campus is located in Manhattan, so commuting is an option for students who live in nearby areas. Virtual students can participate from their homes via Zoom.
How Long Does This Program Last?
The length of the course depends on which version you take. The in-person class is four weeks long, while the live online class is six weeks long.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
Like other NextGen courses, enrollment is limited to students in high school or college.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
This program costs $3,990 for the in-person version and $3,695 for the live online version. Students will be given a certificate of completion at the end of the class, as well as robust course materials that they can refer back to as they continue their education. This class combines NextGen’s Python and Java summer programs, so no additional financial support is available.
#4: ONLC Training Centers– Java Programming Level 1
What is Taught in This Program?
ONLC Training Centers offers an introductory course called Java Programming Level 1: Introduction for Non-Programmers. This program teaches students Java syntax, building simple apps and programs with Java, and how Java compares to other languages when completing specific coding tasks. Keep in mind that this program cannot prepare students for a new career; additional training will be needed.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
This course does not have any prerequisites and is geared toward beginners.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
Courses at ONLC Training Centers are taught via remote instructors in over 300 computer labs across the country. Many students also choose to participate remotely from their homes.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This course is four days long. Classes take place Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 am to 4:45 pm EST.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
Students are required to be 18 or older to enroll.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
This course costs $1,595 per person. Registration closes a few days before classes begin, so you’ll want to pay attention to these deadlines to ensure you can enroll for the session that works with your schedule. Financial aid is not mentioned on the course website. However, ONLC offers students the opportunity to retake some of their classes for free within one year, provided the software versions are the same. Since Java is frequently updated, students are encouraged to discuss retakes with a staff member.
#5: Code Fellows– Programming with Java
What is Taught in This Program?
A Programming with Java course is available through Code Fellows during the summer. Here, students are taught about storing data, Lambda expressions, and how to design simple applications with Java. The many features of Application Programming Interfaces (API) and how to best use them are discussed as well.
What Level of Difficulty is This Program?
This program is geared toward more advanced students who have already learned about object-oriented programming.
Where Does This Program Take Place?
This class is taught exclusively online.
How Long Does This Program Last?
This course takes three weeks to complete on a part-time schedule. Sessions take place in the evenings and on weekends.
What is the Recommended Age Range?
Students must be 18 or older to attend a Code Fellows class.
How Much Does This Program Cost?
The price of this class is $2,499 per student. Happily, Code Fellows offers students a range of diversity and need-based scholarships. You can learn more about the qualifications for the various scholarships by speaking with an admissions counselor.
Which Java Summer Program is Right for Me?
Now that you’ve seen some examples of the types of programs available, it’s time to narrow your list and make a choice. But how do you start? There are multiple factors that are important to consider before enrolling in a Java class, and reflecting on your individual needs is crucial to ensure you’ve selected the right course.
Understandably, college students might worry about finances above all else. Paying additional money over the summer can feel overwhelming if you’re already paying your college tuition. While many of these programs offer financial aid and other benefits like free retakes and certifications, it’s equally important to consider the cost per hour of instruction to get a complete picture of how your money is being spent.
For example, Noble Desktop’s Java Bootcamp is $2,195, and the introductory course at ONLC Training Centers is $1,595. The ONLC course might seem more appealing because of the lower price. However, breaking things down into an hourly rate shows that the Noble course is $52 per hour while ONLC is $59 per hour. While the overall investment is a little higher, the Java Bootcamp is a better value.
It’s also necessary to consider your current comfort level with Java. Many of the above classes are geared towards beginners, but if you already have some experience under your belt, you’ll want to look at course requirements to make sure you won’t be wasting your time learning concepts you already know. Being conscious of what environment you learn best in is also essential. Virtual learning is definitely convenient, but it’s not for everyone. If in-person learning is your preference, you can focus your search on courses that have locations in your area.
Enrolling in a summer Java course requires time, money, and discipline, but it can significantly benefit your professional development. Making sure you select a program that meets your needs as best as possible will ensure that these precious resources don’t go to waste.