Become A Software Engineer Faster
In only 4-12 months, code intensively, practice technical interviews, and build a strong technical portfolio to become a back-end software engineer in a thriving industry.
Challenge Your Coding Abilities & Do More Than LeetCode Exercises.
Having a Bachelor's degree doesn't mean getting a job as a software engineer will be easy.
Most internships or entry-level have 200+ or even 1000+ applications for a single position.
Applying endlessly to jobs is exhausting, and you may not know why you aren't getting considered.
Our software engineering program is a coding-intensive, interview-intensive training designed to help you get into a software engineering job faster. We also have a suite of hiring partners looking for back-end engineers!
Plus, you'll join a great community of learners and fellow students who just love coding.
What to Expect in our Software Engineering Program
A 4 to 12-month remote training program
Gain experience building and developing software. By the time students complete the program they will earn an industry-standard certification in Software Engineering from Qwasar.
No tests, only projects
Each focus of this program will involve completing projects in teams as well individually to ensure students are learning and applying their knowledge.
Build apps and sites with groups and on your own
Complete end-to-end software projects that cover both front-end and back-end development. Build software applications and websites in common content management systems. Work in groups and complete individual portfolio projects.
15-40 hours a week time commitment
Students will need to devote 15 hours a week minimum in order to fully learn the content necessary to pass the course and become a software engineer.
Showcase projects to recruiters
Students will showcase approximately five to 20 projects representing thousands of lines of code for employers and interviews.
Technical Interview Preparation Program
As part of this program, students will complete technical interviews to prepare for job applications. Students will be guided on how to navigate challenging technical interviews including whiteboard coding.
Write ~30K lines of code across 20 projects
On average, students will write about 30,000 lines of code as they complete exercises, software projects, and coding challenges throughout the program. This high-quantity coding means students develop confidence in their code and applied software architecture design and implementation experience.
Program Cost
Our program costs a total of:
$2,400
Program payments are broken down into monthly payments of either $100/mo if part-time or $200/mo if full-time. Payments are made until you gain a paid internships or employment at which point you either pay off the remainder of your balance or continue to make monthly payments until the balance is paid.
Attend an informational session for more information!
Software Engineering Program Curriculum
The Software Engineering program is split into two semesters. You’ll cover the following skills and competencies:
Pre-Season
Basic software engineering principles, variables, functions, loop statements, if statements, basic algorithms and data structures.
Javascript, navigating using the terminal, using Git, using an IDE
Timeframe: 3 days
Season 1 Arc 1 and Arc 2
Cover fundamental computer programming concepts and learn the basics of C. Build a solid foundation in back-end programming including pointers, arrays, strings, algorithms, hash data structures, software architecture, blockchain basics and more.
C, Assembly, memory allocation and management
Timeframe: 2 months
Season 2 Software Engineering
Learners advance to more in-depth C programming such as Shell, then move on to cover intermediate data structures and algorithms. Learners recode the Redis database and cover LibASM before moving on to sockets, diving into client-server relationships.
C, shell, databases, software architecture, advanced algorithms
Timeframe: 2 months
Season 3 Software Engineering
Perhaps one of the most challenging tracks, learners dig into object-oriented programming (OOP), C++, Elixir, network programming,
real-world software projects, and move into advanced algorithms, AI, and advanced data structures.
C++, OOP, OOD, virtual machines, network programming
Timeframe: 3 months
Sample Project:
Skype Video Conferencing Application
As one of their final projects in the program, learners have to build a video conferencing system similar to Skype. This requires network programming, memory management, optimization, software architecture, and strong debugging skills. We include a simple architecture of what they have to build: a basic client-server diagram
Skills You Will Learn
The Software Engineering Program will be an access pathway for job seekers to gain careers in the tech industry. Qwasar has established partnerships with employers who are committed to this program, having seen the success of these training programs for themselves.
Fundamentals
- Back-end programming
- Databases
- Algorithms
- Loop statements
- If statements
- Variables and Functions
- Git, IDEs, and terminal
- Software architecture
Technical Skills
- Pointers, arrays, and string algorithms
- Hash data structures
- Blockchain basics
- C/C++
- Shell Virtual Machines
- Sockets
- OOP (Object-oriented programming)
- Elixir
- Network programming
- AI
- Advanced data structures
- Javascript
Soft Skills
- Giving and receiving peer code reviews
- Structured problem solving and debugging
- Communication skills
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Resourcefulness
- Flexibility
- Ability to handle complexity and complex problems
- Creativity and innovation
- Critical thinking
Software Engineering Program Logistics
Learn more information on what student and technology requirements are needed, tips on how to be successful and frequently asked questions.
How Can I Be Successful?
Learners who are most successful in this program are ones who spend a lot of time coding. This program requires at least 15 hours per week of focused, uninterrupted work - time spent coding and completing projects and exercises.
Learners who cannot or do not commit or set aside 15 hours per week will not be successful in the program. The course load requires consistent time to work on software projects, and is different from traditional learning models with lectures followed by homework.
Learners who put in the time and effort are the ones who will get the most out of this program and its courses.
Requirements
Student Requirements
- Be fluent in conversational English
- Must be familiar with computer systems
- Must have a working computer, internet access, and basic calculator
- Previous coding experience is required: Java, C++, C, or similar languages or coursework as part of a CS degree
Technical Requirements
- Computer with compatible web browser (Google, Chrome, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge)
- Stable Internet connection (video interaction is not available offline)
- Speakers/headphones, microphone, and web-camera to hear audio from a computer
(videos have subtitles as an alternative) - Lessons can be completed on any desktop computer, smart phone, or tablet
- No software download or purchase is required
- You do not need a “powerful” computer; a Chromebook will suffice
What To Expect
- You will do a lot of coding, there will be more projects and homework with less class hours
- You are going to be challenged
- You are going to be highly engaged
- You will use industry standard tools
- Your code will have to work, accuracy is essential
- You will keep pushing until you are successful
Why This Software Engineering Program
1. Build a strong technical portfolio of recruiter-ready projects
3. Gain software development experience - what every recruiter is looking for
4. Practice lots of technical interviews in a professional settings
5. Improve your chance of being hired through our employer partners
Entry Level Jobs and Salaries in the Industry
What jobs can you apply for after the program? Take a look at potential jobs in the technology industry and see what you can expect of their responsibilities and salaries.
Software Engineer
Salary: $76,000 - $130,000
A software engineer will be involved in the full software development lifecycle at an organization. They will be responsible for developing software solutions, create documentation through charts and diagrams, and utilize system specifications and programming for improving operations.
Junior Software Developer
Salary: $67,000 - $120,000
Junior software developers assist the entire software team with system design and coding solutions. The primary focus of this entry level role is to understand the codebase, fix bugs within code, and other design-related responsibilities. This role will involve equal parts technical and soft skills.
Software Engineer Intern
Salary: $55,000 - $96,000
Employer Partners
Student Brochure
Download our student brochure for more information about our programs, policies, and logistics.
How To Apply
Step 1: Submit your application online.
Step 2: We review your application.
Step 3: You will be invited to schedule a virtual interview.
Step 4: Following the interview, if accepted, you will be invited to enroll.
Step 5: You will receive an email with a link to the enrollment form.
Step 6: You complete the enrollment form.
Following a successful application and enrollment, you will be expected to attend orientation, virtually of course!
FAQs
What is the time commitment for this program?
For part-time programs, the commitment is roughly 20 hours per week. For full-time programs, expect about 40 hours of time dedicated to learning. Each of our programs also has a minimum commitment of 3 months when you sign up. You will be expected to attend virtual meetings each day including daily standups, live coding sessions, coding collaboration sessions, and tech start up of the week.
Are there scholarships? How do I apply?
As part of our mission to train millions and to make education accessible, we are launching scholarships, starting March 1, 2021. These are limited opportunities for learners in the United States. We hope to expand our scholarship opportunities in the coming years.
While we actively make an effort already to make education affordable, we also want to extend opportunities for those who cannot afford our programs and who are serious and passionate about software engineering! Please visit https://qwasar.io/tech-talent-programs/scholarships/ to learn more.
Is this program for veterans?
This is a great program for Veterans! Veterans are very familiar with a learning-by-doing or experiential learning model, as it’s what is widely used in the military. This active style of learning is what is used in this program. Previous Veterans who have participated in or completed this program enjoy the hands-on nature of the program, as well as the community aspect.
What if I work full-time? Can I still do this program?
Maybe. If you work full-time, you should enroll in one of our part-time programs. If you work Monday to Friday, we do not recommend enrolling in our weekday part-time program unless you are able to commit to all program meetings on a consistent and ongoing basis. Our Saturday part-time program is a great option for those who work full-time during the week.
We do not recommend enrolling in this program, working full time, and enrolling in additional classes. This program demands 25-30 hours of concentrated work time each week, meaning that with a full time job of 40 hours per week, you won’t have much time for other classes as well as normal life activities.
Do I have to buy textbooks or software?
No. All materials for this program and its courses are included in the tuition.
Are there any additional expenses for the program?
No - all materials for this program and its courses are included in the tuition. Three are no other additional expenses such as textbooks for this program.
When are the class meeting times?
This program hosts mandatory check-in meetings, live coding sessions, coding collaboration workshops, and Tech Startup of the Week presentations.
Morning Standup: 9:15 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. PST
Afternoon Standup: 4:00 p.m. PST
Live Coding Session: Tuesdays 11:45 a.m. PST
Coding Collaboration Session: Thursdays 9:45 a.m. PST
Tech Startup of the Week: Thursdays 4:00 p.m. PST
What is your attendance policy?
Attendance at program meetings is required and considered part of the program. Meetings are very much about learning from others, engaging in projects in group settings, and working with others. Learners who consistently miss meetings will be subject to academic interventions, up to expulsion from the program. Learners who need to pause their enrollment for unexpected life circumstances can do so by speaking with and working with their program manager.
Is there assistance to apply and enroll in the program?
Yes! We would be delighted to help you apply and enroll in this program. Please sign up for one of our enrollment sessions where a Skyline College team member will assist you with the enrollment process.
What kind of computer do I need to do this program? What if I don't have a computer?
This program uses software that will work on a Chromebook. You do not need to purchase a powerful computer in order to complete this program. You will need stable internet access and a good connection, however, in order to participate and learn in this program.
Do I need previous coding experience?
YES! This is a condensed program and previous coding experience is imperative. You will be expected to code a lot and to deliver code quickly compared to learners who have never coded before. For context, newbies will take a month to do our Pre-season; you have 3 days. It's easy stuff and some folks have done it in 2 days.
You will be surrounded by others who have previous coding experience as well, and you'll be expected to keep up with the pace of the program depending on whether you're part-time or full-time.
Interested? Join an Information Session!
Join us for a conversation with your team for support for this dynamic program! We look forward to serving you and excited for you to join the program!
On-Demand
Questions?
We are here to help! Contact us for assistance or more questions about the program.