MCCC To Launch Full-Time Software Developer Academy In January

Blue Bell, PA —Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) invites students to unleash their digital creativity by enrolling in its new Software Developer Academy (SDA), set to launch in January.

Modeled after coding boot camps that are springing up in major cities across the country, MCCC’s SDA will immerse students in a 12-week, full-time program designed to kick-start their careers in software development while engaging them in the local tech community.

The SDA will offer a four-tract program in iOS mobile application development that will prepare students to become entry-level mobile developers capable of creating applications for Apple devices like the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch.

The course is taught at MCCC’s Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell, and runs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., starting Jan. 25 and continuing through April 22. Students are required to attend full-time. To learn more, visit http://www.mc3.edu/sda.

According to the online boot camp directory Course Report, the average cost of attending a coding boot camp in the United States is close to $10,000. The cost for MCCC’s pilot SDA is $6,500—and that’s before factoring in scholarships and other forms of aid that may be available.

“We’re almost half the cost of other coding programs in the area,” explained Assistant Professor of Computer Science Jason Wertz, who is coordinating MCCC’s SDA. “Plus students benefit from being part of a campus community at an accredited college. It’s a great learning environment for this type of work.”

To help defray the cost of attending, scholarships are available through MCCC’s Foundation, and the program has been approved for Pennsylvania Career Link funding for individuals who qualify. Group pricing for employers may also be available.

In a recent study of 48 boot camps across the country, Course Report found that three-quarters of graduates were employed, with raises averaging 44 percent from their pre-boot camp pay.

“Our goal is for students to learn the programming languages and tools necessary to work as a professional iOS developer. But, just as important, they’ll also learn how to be a positive and contributing member of the technical community, which is critical for their career development,” said Wertz. “We’ll help students identify ways to keep themselves on track within their chosen career paths and develop an online presence that helps them present their expertise to others.”

To be considered for admission, applicants should have one year, or equivalent, of programming experience in a modern object-oriented programming language like C# or Java. This prerequisite can be met through work experience or coursework. Prior knowledge of iOS is not required. Prospective students must complete an online application, available at http://www.mc3.edu/sda, as well as an in-person or video chat interview. Admission decisions will be made within a week of the interview.

To learn more, visit http://www.mc3.edu/sda or contact Jason Wertz at jwertz@mc3.edu.