General Assembly (GA) is a global education company that offers full-time and part-time bootcamps to start a career in tech or advance your current tech career with their flexible short courses. The GA bootcamps are designed to provide you with the skills you need to start a career in software engineering, data analytics, data science, or UX design in three months. The GA bootcamps include intensive live instruction, hands-on experience, and job-seeking support.
As of April 2023, all of General Assembly’s classes are online, but the bootcamp provider might return to in-person courses and community meetups. Worldwide, it currently has more than 70,000 graduates since its launch in 2011. General Assembly also works with more than 19,000 hiring partners, with graduates going on to work at companies including Microsoft, IBM, and Walmart.
General Assembly Courses
General Assembly offers four bootcamps that are beginner friendly and designed for anyone to work in a tech role in almost any industry, including data science, software engineering, and user experience design.
It also offers 10 part-time short courses with a flexible schedule, including JavaScript development and Python programming. These courses are intended to help those already in the industry either learn new skills or brush up on old concepts. General Assembly offers data analytics, data science, and user experience design as both full immersive programs and shorter part-time classes. If you are interested in any of these courses, check which version is right for you. The time commitment, cost, and depth of material covered differ between the two options.
Data Analytics Immersive
- Cost: $16,450
- Learning Format: In-Person, Online
- Time Commitment: Full-Time
- Length: 12 weeks
The data analytics immersive program focuses on collecting, cleaning, interpreting, and visualizing data using SQL, Python, PowerBI, and Tableau. The program is beginner friendly and ends with a capstone project where you can display your skills for future employers. General Assembly also offers a condensed data analytics program, but it is only recommended for those already in the industry who want to improve their skill set.
Data Science Immersive
- Cost: $16,450
- Learning Format: In-Person, Online
- Time Commitment: Full-Time
- Length: 12 weeks
This program aims to teach you the ins and outs of data science, with a deep dive into programming in Python, data analysis, and statistical modeling. You’ll also study machine learning, natural language processing, and neural networks.
You will complete five projects throughout the course, including one capstone project in which you’ll use machine learning models to address real-world challenges. General Assembly also offers a condensed data science program, but it is only recommended for those already in the industry who want to improve their skill set.
Digital Marketing
- Cost: $4,500
- Learning Format: In-Person, Online
- Time Commitment: Part-Time
- Length: 10 weeks
This course helps you identify and create effective marketing campaigns and strategies. Throughout the course, you will learn conversion optimization, Google Analytics, social media, and search strategy. By the end of the course, you will complete and present a multichannel campaign and presentation.
Front-End Web Development
- Cost: $4,500
- Learning Format: In-Person, Online
- Time Commitment: Part-Time
- Length: 10 weeks
Learn how to build interactive and responsive websites using JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. This course is offered during the evenings and teaches you everything you need for front-end development. This course is great for students who are not interested in learning additional back-end skills and want to focus purely on front-end development.
JavaScript Development
- Cost: $4,500
- Learning Format: In-Person, Online
- Time Commitment: Part-Time
- Length: 10 weeks
JavaScript is one of the most popular and powerful front-end development tools. In this course, you will learn how to build single-page applications with JavaScript and jQuery. Then, you’ll learn how to consume data from third-party APIs.To enroll, you should have a basic knowledge of HTML and CSS.
Product Management
- Cost: $4,500
- Learning Format: In-Person, Online
- Time Commitment: Part-Time
- Length: 10 weeks
The product management course focuses on Agile best practices, stakeholder management, and navigating the product life cycle. You will work on small projects to gain real-world skills that you will use in your final presentation, which can be used as a case study for future employers.
Python Programming
- Cost: $4,500
- Learning Format: In-Person, Online
- Time Commitment: Part Time
- Length: 10 weeks
Designed for students with various backgrounds and experience levels, this course teaches Python and object-oriented programming basics. In the final unit, you will learn how to apply your knowledge in both data science and web development.
React Development
- Cost: $4,500
- Learning Format: In-Person, Online
- Time Commitment: Part Time
- Length: 10 weeks
If you are already comfortable using JavaScript, learning the React Library is one of the ways you can boost your custom web applications. In this course, you will learn the essentials of React, including components, JSX, props, and how to build multi-page apps. You should already have a working knowledge of JavaScript, HTML, and Document Object Model.
Software Engineering Immersive
- Cost: $16,450
- Learning Format: In-Person, Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time
- Length: 12 weeks (Full Time), 24 weeks (Part Time)
The software engineering program focuses primarily on front-end skills. But it also includes some units on full-stack development, so students can enter the job market with diversified skills. The course primarily focuses on using Python, JavaScript, Django, and React. Using these languages, you will apply object-oriented programming concepts, learn how to use libraries, and explore how to bring a project from conception to completion.
User Experience Design Immersive
- Cost: $16,450
- Learning Format: In-Person, Online
- Time Commitment: Full Time, Part Time
- Length: 12 weeks
Learn how to apply tactics such as wireframing, prototyping, and user research in this immersive course. You will also learn the foundations of UX and UI and work individually and with others on presentations and critiques. General Assembly also offers a condensed user experience design program, but it is only recommended for those already in the industry who want to improve their skill set.
Visual Design
- Cost: $3,500
- Learning Format: In-Person, Online
- Time Commitment: Part Time
- Length: 8 weeks
Anything you make, be it a product or a website, will need to have a good design and visually communicate well. In this course, you will learn how to use typography, color, and layout to produce the right reaction from viewers and potential clients. By incorporating responsive design, UX, and Gestalt, you will create a production-ready mockup of a responsive webpage to add to your portfolio.
What Is Dash General Assembly?
Dash is a free online course that teaches you web development basics using JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. The course uses step-by-step instructions to help you create a personal and professional website with no previous experience required. You can also do all of the projects through your browser, making it simple to learn.
General Assembly Admissions Process
Before enrolling, you must meet with a General Assembly Admissions Advisor to explore if a GA bootcamp is a match for your career goals. Next, you’ll move on to the application process, which includes:
- An Application Form: This will typically include basic personal and educational information, as well as questions about your background, experience, and goals.
- Interview: Next, you’ll interview with the admissions team. During the interview, you can discuss your background, experience, and goals and ask any questions about the bootcamp.
- Technical Assessment: Depending on the bootcamp you are applying for, you may also need to complete a technical assessment. This could involve a beginner coding challenge, an intro to tech quiz, or a sample project.
- Acceptance: After completing all the above steps, General Assembly will inform you if you are accepted into the bootcamp.
- Enroll: Choose the start date that best fits your schedule and the financing option that best suits your needs.
The admissions process may vary depending on the location and the bootcamp type. Some courses also require students to complete assignments before the first class to ensure everyone starts with the same vocabulary and basic understanding.
General Assembly Payment Options
Upfront: If you pay tuition upfront, you can receive a $450 discount if you’re in an immersive course or a $250 discount for part-time options.
0% Interest Financing with Fully Deferred Grace Period: Start paying 12 months after your loan is funded (over 36 months) with $500 down payment.
Deferred Payment Plan: Pay $500 upfront. Then split the remaining balance over 24 installments that start once you’re earning over $40,000 per year.
36-Month 0% Interest Installment Plan: Pay $250 upfront – Then split the remaining balance over 36 installments from the start of class.
GI Bill: Veterans and their families can apply to use their GI Bill to help pay for their course. This option is only available for the immersive courses.
Installments: You can split your payments into two, three, or four payments.
Loans: Approved applicants can receive zero-interest loans for up to 18 or 24 months, depending on the program. This is available for part-time and immersive programs.
Scholarships: General Assembly’s Social Impact plan works with various supporters to help make its student body and the tech industry as a whole more diverse. It offers scholarships targeted at different groups, including women, people of color, LGBTQ+ people, and veterans.
General Assembly Pros vs. Cons
Pros of General Assembly
Intensive Instruction: You’ll receive a lot of hands-on experience and individualized attention.- Career Support: Finding a new job can be hard, but GA can help you craft your resume and find a job.
- Networking: The GA alumni and instructor network can help you build your professional network.
Cons of General Assembly
Schedule: Many courses are not self-paced, so you have to adapt to GA’s schedule.- Intensity: GA courses are known for being intense and fast-paced.
- Cost: Many students may need some kind of financial support, loan, or payment plan.
General Assembly vs. Flatiron School
| General Assembly | Flatiron School | |
|---|---|---|
| Program Offerings | Wide array of bootcamp offerings | Focuses on web development, data science, and cybersecurity |
| Duration | 12-week immersive programs; shorter, 40-60 hour part-time courses | 15-week immersive programs; has part-time immersive programs |
| Cost | Immersive programs cost $16,450; more payment options | Immersive programs cost $17,900; only offers loans or paying in installments |
Frequently Asked Questions About General Assembly Coding Bootcamp
What is General Assembly?
General Assembly is a coding bootcamp provider that specializes in training beginners and professionals in today’s most in-demand tech skills. It focuses on collaboration and networking with other industry professionals while building skills and developing a portfolio.
A team of industry professionals ensures the coursework is relevant and teaches job-ready skills. You can enroll in full-time, part-time, or immersive courses, but options vary by course.
For example, the software engineering course is available as a 12-week full-time bootcamp or a 24-week flex immersive bootcamp. General Assembly also partners with companies to provide customized staff training and hosts free skills workshops.
Is General Assembly worth it?
General Assembly is worth it for many students because of the cost and the time they need to invest in completing a course. Graduates are prepared for various tech jobs in diverse industries.
General Assembly offers many courses at prices ranging from $0-$16,450. You’ll gain hands-on experience, develop in-demand skills, and build a solid portfolio.
In addition, you can learn basic coding through Dash, General Assembly’s free online course that teaches web development basics. This self-paced, free course walks you through projects in your browser.
Is General Assembly hard to get into?
General Assembly can be challenging to get into, as the application process includes admissions review and skills assessments. It may take more time to get into General Assembly if you’re a beginner.
It’s vital that you are ready for the rigorous curricula. Once accepted, you must complete prep work before the first day of class so all classmates share a common vocabulary.
Is General Assembly free?
No, most of General Assembly’s offerings are not free. Its bootcamps and other courses are paid programs, and the cost can vary depending on the location, type of program, and format. The cost of its program can range from $3,500-$16,450.
General Assembly provides various funding options to make the courses accessible for qualified students. It offers course and bootcamp scholarships for low-income and underrepresented populations, as well as no-interest loans and installment plans.
Overview
Location
New York City, Online
Disciplines Offered
Data Analytics, Data Science, Digital Marketing, Front-End Web Development, JavaScript Development, Product Management, Python Programming, React Development, Software Engineering, User Experience Design, Visual Design
Payment Options
Employer Sponsorship, GI Bill®, Income Share Agreement, Installments, Loans, Scholarships, Upfront