Flatiron School Online: 2 New Ways to Learn

Table of Contents

• 3 Major Changes to Flatiron School Online Programs: Top Takeaways
• 2 New Ways to Learn: Bootcamp Options For Your Lifestyle
• Live (Full-Time)
• Flex (Choose Your Own Pace)
• FAQs with David of Flatiron School

Flatiron School introduced two new learning structures that provide expanded learning options to students. Students can now choose between Live (full-time) and Flex (choose your pace) learning for Software Engineering, Data Science, and Cybersecurity Analytics. Students can still rely on the same immersive experience, professional instructors, and dedicated career-coaching benefits they came to love.

So what is the difference between Live and Flex? We sat down with David Jordan, Flatiron School’s Senior Director, Flex Program, to find out how prospective students can select the option that is right for them and apply for the program.

3 Major Changes to Flatiron School Online Programs: Top Takeaways

1. Previously, Flatiron School offered three options: part-time, full-time, and self-paced courses. Now, Live courses and Flex courses will replace these options.
2. Live students primarily learn synchronously on a full-time schedule, placed in either an East/Central or Mountain/Pacific cohort. This is a great option for students who value structure, accountability, and a fast-paced program.
3. Flex students primarily learn asynchronously and at their own pace. This is a great option for students who need flexibility and the ability to choose how frequently and when they learn. 

2 New Ways to Learn: Bootcamp Options For Your Lifestyle

There are now two ways that students can choose to learn online with Flatiron School:

Live (Full-Time)

• Teaching Style: Live students will primarily learn in a live lecture format and work on both solo and group projects. A dedicated instructor will provide 1:1s and lab support.
• Time Commitment: Students should be available for 9 hours a day (including lunch and breaks) Monday-Friday. With Live courses, the entire program can be completed in as little as 15 weeks (12 weeks for Cybersecurity Analytics).
• Perks: Live students will learn new skills on a fast-tracked schedule, as this is the quickest option to get through the entire course. This immersive learning experience creates a structured environment, with accountability and a fast-paced schedule each day. Students will thrive in this environment if they enjoy live lectures, a structured environment, and  learning in community with other students. 
• Includes campus access and online access.
• Price: Tuition for Software Engineering, Data Science, and Cybersecurity Analytics is $16,900. For Cybersecurity Engineering the tuition is $18,900. A deposit of $500 is required for all programs.

Flex (Choose Your Own Pace)

• Teaching Style: Flex students will primarily learn on their own schedule and will complete solo labs and projects. These students will have the option of attending a live lecture if available, but can expect to complete the majority of their coursework at times most convenient to them. Students will have an instructor or cohort lead that conducts 1:1s and they can sign up for additional study groups and lab time. 
• Time Commitment: With Flex, students can pick the pace for their course: 20, 40, or 60 weeks. You can even change your pace at any time during the program.
• Perks: This new Flex structure is designed to help learners successfully make it through the program at the pacing that best suits them and their lifestyle, and can accommodate their current career. Students will have one instructor from start to finish and work independently, setting their schedule. They won’t need to quit their job to dedicate their entire lives to the program and can fit class into their already busy schedule. Flexibility also helps learners schedule class around family obligations or parental responsibilities.
• Includes campus access and online access.
• Price: Tuition for Software Engineering, Data Science, and Cybersecurity Analytics is $16,900, regardless of pace (20, 40, or 60 weeks). A deposit of $500 is required for all programs. The Flex option is not available for Cybersecurity Engineering.

FAQs with David of Flatiron School

Why all of these changes to Flatiron School’s Online program?

David: The year 2020 ended with many learnings for both individuals and businesses. We emerged from the unexpected with a greater appreciation of online collaboration and as a society, we truly learned that adaptability is vital for success. 

Our students are remarkable. From balancing families to juggling multiple jobs, they continue to conquer the seemingly impossible, all while changing their careers in pursuit of a better life. They are the learners of the future. 

As an educational institution, it is our responsibility to remain focused on the future as well. We will never stop evolving to fit the needs of our students. As Flatiron School continues to grow, we will continue to push ourselves to provide the best possible experience for our students. These new options will allow students to learn in a way that's right for them, their current life, and their future career goals. 

What should students’ expectations be for outcomes from these programs? Will any of these paths get students jobs?

David: All of Flatiron School’s programs are focused on getting students ready for jobs when they graduate. Every program has the tools and resources for students to succeed; it just depends on what pace that you want to learn. In addition to our rigorous curriculum, we have an amazing Career Services team that works closely with each graduate as they enter the workforce with their new skills.

Need proof of the strength of our program? Our Jobs Report (examined by an independent third party) showcases how recent graduates have done in the job market. 

What is the ideal type of student for each of these options?

David: The beauty of having these programs is that they can appeal to a variety of different students from different lifestyles. Whether you have childcare responsibilities or work full-time, we created Live and Flex to allow students to build the educational experience that works for them.

Live students primarily want:

• The fastest track to learn the skills to launch a new career
• A sense of community with fellow students
• Accountability at the forefront of their studies
• A structured program

Flex students primarily want:

• Ability to learn at their own pace
• Flexibility when creating their schedule
• Learn during the day or at night

I’d like to note that people often think you have to choose between a structured learning environment or having flexible options. Make no mistake, these are not mutually exclusive. From Live to Flex, we have created a spectrum of options allowing students to craft a balanced experience… just for them. 

Having options is especially important as we strive to expand access to tech careers. Flatiron School has a variety of programs that aim to serve populations historically underrepresented in tech. From the woman in tech that just happens to also be a mom, to the young student who grew up in a low-income household, Flatiron School celebrates inclusion. From our diversity scholarship and fellowship initiatives to the creation of these new learning options, I feel proud to know that we will reach even more talented students nationwide.

What’s the next step for any prospective students who read this article and want to learn more?

David: Our admissions team cannot wait to welcome more people into the Flatiron family. You probably have a lot of questions after reading this article, and they have answers. Schedule a 10-minute chat with our team to get started.

Find out more and read Flatiron School reviews on Course Report. This article was produced by the Course Report team in partnership with Flatiron School.