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Coding bootcamps can offer learners a fast path to tech skills. For aspiring developers, .NET bootcamps build practical knowledge to help boost your competitiveness in the field.
These bootcamps deliver targeted instruction in the open-source .NET developer platform. Developers use the platform to create applications for web-based desktop, mobile, and internet-connected systems. Strong .NET skills are an asset in practically any professional development role.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an employment growth of 22% for software developers from 2020-2030, nearly three times the national average. Explore our roundup of the top .NET bootcamps for 2022.
What Is a .NET Bootcamp?
Students in .NET bootcamps build hands-on skills in the .NET platform. They create scalable computer apps with programming languages in the .NET platform. C# is the most common language in the .NET framework — .Net developers often prefer it.
Computer science bootcamps vary in length. The average duration of a full-time program is 13 weeks. Part-time programs run for an average of 24 weeks. Bootcamps may offer both classroom-based and online instruction. Some even allow learners to blend the two in a hybrid format.
Bootcamp providers are either independent or university-affiliated. Independent bootcamps include both for-profit and nonprofit programs not aligned with any outside educational institution. University-affiliated bootcamps operate on college campuses to deliver courses.
.NET bootcamps offer short completion timelines, focusing on a narrow set of topics to build highly targeted tech skills.
Top Online Programs
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
Skills Learned in .NET Bootcamps
Each bootcamp provider creates its own curriculum. Students should expect some variation in .NET bootcamps. However, most .NET programs cover similar skills. These include:
Coding: .NET bootcamps for newcomers often begin with foundational skills. These include supported programming languages (especially C#), console applications, and coding fundamentals such as data types, loops, and conditionals. Students also learn the basics of logging and debugging. Bootcamps that require some background experience may not cover this material.
.NET framework: Bootcamps often begin by getting students used to the .NET environment. From there, learners use their skills and explore. Many bootcamps take a project-based approach by having students complete .NET task-oriented assignments.
Development: .NET bootcamps include detailed coursework in development environments and life cycles. Learners use standard best practices for setting up their dev environments. They also explore the lifecycle structures associated with both web and software development. These components may precede or complement technical instruction in the .NET platform.
Full-Stack: Some bootcamps focus on full-stack .NET developer skills after students have a strong understanding of the platform. Platform strengths include front-end (client side) and back-end (server side) skills, plus proficiencies with APIs, databases, servers, and version control. Bootcamps that develop full-stack skills usually require incoming students to have basic programming abilities.
What Will a .NET Bootcamp Cost?
Bootcamp educators set tuition rates internally and costs can vary considerably. A 2019 RTI Press cited the median cost of approximately $10,500 for a U.S. computer science bootcamp. Full-time programs usually feature higher tuition rates, while part-time programs cost less.
Learners may incur costs beyond tuition. These costs include lab fees, software and materials, and application fees. Students might need to upgrade their computer equipment.
Some bootcamps require prerequisites or prep courses. Students needing foundational training prior to the bootcamp may do so at their own expense.
Many bootcamp providers offer flexible payment options. Learners who pay in full upfront may qualify for discounts. Deferred tuition and monthly payment plans are also options.
Some bootcamps may offer income-sharing agreements (ISAs) to students. ISAs stipulate that students receive loans in exchange for a percentage of their future salary after graduation. Some bootcamps might also offer job guarantees. Bootcamp students should carefully review the fine print of any payment agreements or guarantees before accepting.
What Jobs Can I Get After a .NET Bootcamp?
Computer science bootcamps may help prepare graduates for entry-level tech roles. Graduates of .NET bootcamps have skills in programming, web development, and software development.
Computer Programmer
Programmers work in many different industries and economic sectors. They test and write code that allow systems and applications to perform specific functions. Some programmers also work with designers, developers, and engineers.
Software Developer
.NET bootcamps specifically develop the skills to create software applications for desktop, mobile, and the web. Over time, some professionals move into senior developer roles as they gain experience and build additional skills.
Web Developer
Web developers specialize in making websites operate. Students develop front-end skills that cover the site's look and layout, along with technical back-end coding skills. Web developers also update, maintain, and troubleshoot the sites they create.
Software Engineer
Like software developers, software engineers build, test, and refine computer applications. Developers focus on the coding required for a particular functional specification. Engineers go deeper: They write code, but their roles also include determining which functional specifications are necessary to begin with.
Web Designer
Web designers combine creativity with coding skills. They conceive of website designs and layouts, refining their details to reflect user needs. Some web designers double as web developers, offering a complete suite of creative and technical services.
Other Computer Science Education Options
.NET bootcamps teach targeted tech skills on tight timelines. This can make boot camps a good match for students seeking quick tech training options.
However, bootcamps are not for everyone. Students with little background knowledge may prefer other educational options like degrees that cover computer science topics in greater detail. Learners should weigh the merits of al educational opportunities, including:
Associate Degree in Computer Science: Associate computer science degrees usually take two academic years of full-time study. They deliver foundational knowledge students can use to pursue entry-level jobs or higher-level degrees.
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science: Bachelor's degrees typically follow four-year structures. They focus on foundational concepts and include a combination of theory and skills development. Experts widely consider them the minimum education level required for an entry-level tech job with advancement potential.
Master's Degree in Computer Science: Master's programs offer learners the opportunity to earn an advanced degree in a specialized area. These credentials build authority and can unlock doors to well-paid careers with high levels of responsibility.
Ph.D. in Computer Science: Students pursuing computer science doctorates usually have specific research interests or seek to establish themselves as subject-matter experts. Doctorates typically lead to research and postsecondary teaching positions. However, some professionals earn them to differentiate themselves in competitive hiring situations.
Explore Other Coding Bootcamps
Bootcamp educators offer intensive workshops in many computer science fields beyond the .NET developer platform. Examples include full-stack coding, web development, software development, and cybersecurity.
2022's Bootcamps for .NET
Learning the Microsoft .NET framework can expand your coding knowledge to provide marketable and in-demand skills. The following list outlines the 13 most popular U.S. bootcamps in 2022 covering .NET.
While some focus primarily on the .NET framework and C# coding language, others encompass general full-stack development with .NET topics included. Each bootcamp provides an intensive curriculum lasting between 12 weeks and one year.
Explore the following .NET bootcamps, listed alphabetically, to help jumpstart your tech career.
Bright Star Institute combines practical lab exercises with a task-oriented curriculum to provide students with in-demand programming skills.
Microsoft .NET Developer Certificate (C#):Bright Star Institute's self-paced .NET bootcamp combines lectures and lab exercises. While students do not participate in any live instruction, they can access recorded videos and contact personal faculty members for assistance.
The first three courses cover foundational programming concepts and the C# language. Enrollees then use CSS, HTML5, and Bootstrap to build websites.
Advanced classes include ASP.NET web form programming and ASP.NET MVC programming.
The final courses cover test-driven development and SQL programming.
Cost: $6,000
Format: 100% online (self-paced)
Length: 196 hours
CIRR Member: No
Other Courses Offered by Bright Star InstitutePython Programmer
Java Developer
SQL Server Business Intelligence Developer
Bright Star helps enrollees create resumes and find job opportunities. Students who are unable to land a tech job 120 days after graduation can take a free course to further develop their skills.
Common Questions About .NET
Is .NET a programming language?.NET is a developer platform for creating computer applications. It is not a programming language. .NET developers often use the C# or Visual Basic languages when working on the platform.
What is .NET used for?The .NET developer platform is free and open-source. It supports multiple programming languages, libraries, and editor tools. These features make it a popular option for creating web, mobile, desktop, gaming, and internet-of-things applications.
Which programming languages does .NET support?C# is the most common programming language used on the .NET developer platform. The platform also supports the F# and Visual Basic languages. Other Common Language Infrastructure programming languages are compatible with .NET. However, these are only supported unofficially.
Is .NET easy to learn?Some experts say .NET is as easy to learn as Java. The .NET framework is intuitive and generally considered a good option for beginners. However, like all skills, it takes time and practice to learn .NET well.
