As an open-source coding language, it also possesses a large community of developers constantly adding to its many libraries and willing to offer support to new learners. JavaScript is considered one of the best coding languages to learn for beginners and the ideal first step for programmers who desire to learn more complex languages such as Python.
JavaScript is essential for adding interactivity to digital interfaces. JavaScript is widely used by developers to build applications for the web, desktop, and mobile. It’s also part of video game development. Programmers in any of these industries will need to know additional languages besides JavaScript. Web Developers, for instance, will need to know HTML and CSS, while a Software Engineer will likely need to know Python and C++.
While it may be possible in some cases to acquire an entry-level position with knowledge of JavaScript alone, it’s important to realize that any career in coding involves continuous learning. Technology is changing every day, and even an expert in a single programming language will be expected to learn new techniques and tools. It’s important you find this concept of continuously evolving your skills exciting before dedicating yourself to a coding career.
However, regardless of your career goals, an education in JavaScript can be an excellent resume boost. JavaScript’s versatility means it can apply to many everyday business needs such as programming emails, visualizing data, or writing software plug-ins. Investing in your own education can also showcase your initiative to employers.
The # Best Online JavaScript Classes
- General Assembly—JavaScript Course (Online)
- Certstaffix Training—JavaScript Programming Course (Online)
- Learning Tree International—HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript for Modern Web Development (Online)
- Digital Workshop Center—Front-end Web Development Certificate (On-Demand)
- Practical Programming—JavaScript Programming Bootcamp (Online)
- The Tech Academy—JavaScript Developer Bootcamp (On-Demand)
- NYC Careers—Web Design Certificate (Online)
- Noble Desktop—JavaScript Development Certificate (Online)
- Flatiron School—Software Engineering Bootcamp (Online)
- TLG Learning—Software Development Engineer Program (Online)
#1: General Assembly—JavaScript Course (Online)
General Assembly offers a JavaScript Course for intermediate learners. Students deep dive into the fundamentals of JavaScript. They learn the essentials of object-oriented programming as well as working with jQuery, APIs, browsers, back-end data. Throughout the course, students gain hands-on experience creating multiple web applications.
Key Information
This is a part-time 10-week course that was designed for full-time job workers in mind. Students can choose to attend class twice a week in the evenings or all day on Saturday. Homework should be expected each week but is meant to be manageable with a full-time career.
Registrants should already understand the basics of front-end web development. At the most basic level, students should be comfortable coding with HTML and CSS. Hobbyists and professional developers wanting to learn or improve their skills in JavaScript are encouraged to attend. Students who do not fit these requirements are encouraged to take General Assembly’s Front-End Web Development course. Students unsure about their qualifications can contact General Assembly’s admissions team.
Tuition costs $4,500. Students can apply for interest free loans with monthly payments as low as $250 a month. Payment plans are also available. Students can divide payments into as many as four installments, coming out to $1,125 a month. Students may also seek partial or full tuition reimbursement through their employer. General Assembly provides the sponsorship package with marketing materials to help convince your manager of the benefits of your training.
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Students gain access to self-paced prep lessons upon enrollment. These courses help them gain a headstart in learning and connect with classmates before the course officially starts. Should students miss a session or two of class, resources are available to catch back up to the class. Alumni from any of General Assembly’s courses gain access to networking events, career workshops, and discounts on future training courses.
General Assembly boasts elite instructors, and students seem to agree: “The instructor's breakdown is incredibly helpful and makes it easier to digest a lot of information. I've always struggled with JavaScript and have taken classes before to no avail. This is the first time I remotely feel comfortable with it.”
#2: Certaffix Training—JavaScript Programming Course (Online)
Certstaffix Training provides a JavaScript Programming Course that teaches the basics of JavaScript. The course is ideal for students new to JavaScript or looking to expand on existing skills. Students learn JavaScript syntax, variables, functions, and debugging as well as how to modify page elements, HTML, and CSS. The course features a live instructor and hands-on learning.
Key Information
The course lasts for three days and meets from 10 am to 5 pm. Sessions take place during the week and are not ideal for students with full-time jobs. The cost of the course is $1,740, and payment is due upon booking. Registrants for the course must already have a solid understanding of coding with HTML. Experience with CSS and general programming is recommended but not required to attend. Any software required for the course will be provided by the instructor, but students will need to have a high-speed internet connection.
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Students receive a certificate upon completion of the course as well as a digital badge on Credly. All classes can be retaken for free within six months. Organizations seeking group training can contact Certstaffix for a discounted quote.
Cerstaffix students seem to appreciate the school’s experienced instructor and comprehensive classes. One student wrote; "This was the best course that I have taken online. Very organized and professionally managed."
#3: Learning Tree International—HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript for Modern Web Development (Online)
Learning Tree International’s HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript for Modern Web Development class is a foundational course. Students will review the fundamentals of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript as well as modern best practices and frameworks. Students also receive instruction in SEO (Search Engine Optimization), JavaScript APIs and jQuery, browser storage and JSON, and SVG graphics, audio, and video, among other techniques. The course is designed for web developers looking to enhance the user experience on web applications.
Key Information
The course takes place over four weekdays and lasts from 9 am to 4:30 pm each day. Though not required, prior experience in programming and some experience with HTML and CSS is recommended. The course costs $2,990 due upfront.
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Upon completion of the course, students opt to schedule after-course instructor counseling (available up to 90 days after course completion). Students who attend the course in-person are eligible to receive 23 NASBA CPE Credits.
In reviews, students noted Learning Tree instructors were “knowledgeable in their field with many years of experience.” Businesses appreciated “Learning Tree providing such a large number of high-level training opportunities.” One student was impressed with how much they learned in only a few days, and several in-person students highlighted snacks being provided during class.
#4: Digital Workshop Center—Front-end Web Development Certificate (On-Demand)
Digital Workshop Center offers a Front-end Web Development Certificate that teaches students the skills necessary to begin a career in web design. Students learn how to build webpages with HTML, style them with CSS, and add interactivity with JavaScript. The course also covers frameworks such as AngularJS and Bootstrap. The class doesn’t stop with programming, however. The course also covers the use of Adobe Photoshop for creating wireframes, and Google Analytics and SEO for digital marketing. Students will learn these concepts and tools while creating a real-world hands-on website project.
Key Information
Unlike previous courses on this list, this course does not require previous training in HTML or CSS as both are taught during the program. However, interested students should note that JavaScript can apply to a variety of careers, and this course specifically focuses on front-end web development. This course also requires students to purchase Adobe Photoshop in addition to the course cost and install the program on their personal computers.
This program does not have a set schedule. Students can choose the pace at which they want to progress through the course material. This provides the benefits of an on-demand course while also allowing students to consistently work one-on-one with an instructor. The course is required to be completed within one year, but most students complete it on average between four and six months.
The cost of the certificate program is $5,952. Students who pay the full cost upfront receive a $200 discount. Digital Workshop Center also provides a variety of options for payment plans, financial aid, and scholarships:
- Payment plans include the option to defer tuition for up to 8 months, pay 0% at a flat rate per month, a lower payment 30-month plan, and a flex plan that starts with small payments and increases over time.
- Scholarships are available for those who are unemployed and looking to get into a career in tech, women pursuing or advancing a career in tech, and veterans pursuing a career in tech with no benefits remaining with the GI Bill or VRRAP.
- Financial aid is available through WIOA Grant Funding (for unemployed or displaced workers), DVR services (for workers with disabilities), and VET TEC education benefits (for veterans).
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Students may receive textbooks or reference packets from their class (depending on the instructor and class materials). Students also get one month of technical support to help with online setup and software installment. Courses come with a certificate of completion and free retake within one year.
Students participating in a certificate program gain access to career counseling services, including portfolio, resume, and job search workshops. They may also be able to take advantage of internships offered by Digital Workshop Center partners.
Students in general appreciated the real-world experience gained through certificate programs: “After being hired I have been applying my training almost every day to introduce features that make for a more dynamic website. I now have a better understanding of that world and can reference back to the valued experience I gained at the DWC.”
#5: Practical Programming—JavaScript Programming Bootcamp (Online)
Practical Programming offers a JavaScript Programming Bootcamp that deep dives into techniques used to build JavaScript-based web applications. Through hands-on projects, students learn the fundamentals of JavaScript, including variables, arrays, objects, functions, and loops, among many others.
Key Information
Students who attend this course must be at least 15 or older. The program lasts for around one month for 20 sessions. Students meet four days a week between the hours of 10 am and 5 pm. The program costs $2,495, due before the start of the first class. Individual students who are not being sponsored by their employer can receive a $100 discount.
This course requires students to have experience coding with HTML and CSS.
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At the end of the program, students receive a certificate of completion. Alumni of any program are eligible to receive a 10% discount off additional courses from Practical Programming. Alumni also have the option to retake any course for up to one year after completion.
Class sessions are recorded, so students may review the material up to one month after it is presented. Students who miss any sessions are also able to review these recordings to catch up on the material.
Students seem to appreciate the comprehensive learning offered by Practical Programming: “I had such a great experience with Practical Programming School. I took one class and signed up for two more. It is great for coding as they explain step by step.”
#6: the Tech Academy—JavaScript Developer Boot Camp (On-Demand)
The Tech Academy teaches a JavaScript Developer Boot Camp that covers full-stack development (including both the user and server-side) for both software applications and the web. Students start with the fundamentals and work their way up to advanced JavaScript skills. The course introduces and teaches basic skills in various JavaScript frameworks, including jQuery, AJAX, JSON, Node.js, React, and many more. Students also learn the project management processes involved in software development. By the end of the course, students will have the skills to apply to entry-level Software Developer positions.
Key Information
The program is available at full and part-time schedules. The full-time course lasts for 17 weeks and costs $15,300, while the part-time course lasts 32 weeks and costs $18,560. Potentially significant discounts are available if paying for tuition in full upfront. A monthly payment option is also available at $299 a month for all courses until the full price of tuition is paid. Finally, The Tech Academy offers Income Share Agreements where students pay zero tuition upfront in exchange for making payments from their income after becoming employed.
The JavaScript Developer Boot Camp is self-paced, allowing students to learn on their own schedule. The full-time course requires around 40 hours a week of study, while the part-time course can be completed at an average of 20 hours a week. Options are available for students to purchase extensions if they sign up for one schedule or another but do not complete the course in the allotted time.
The JavaScript Developer Boot Camp teaches HTML and CSS as part of its curriculum, so students do not need to know these coding languages before attending class.
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Every boot camp course provided by The Tech Academy concludes with a Job Placement Course that covers interview preparation, resume writing, networking, and how to search for jobs. Boot camps also include job placement assistance. In addition to course material, the JavaScript Developer bootcamp is instructor supported, providing students with mentors to turn to for questions, assistance, and assignment evaluation.
Students who review The Tech Academy praise the comprehensive curriculum and the excellent guidance by instructors: “Being completely new to the world of programming, I had no idea where to start. The Tech Academy was absolutely the right choice for me. The format of the curriculum and the excellent assistance from the entire staff gave me the skills and confidence I needed to join the tech world.”
#7: NYC Careers—Web Design Certificate (Online)
NYC Careers offers a Web Design Certificate for students looking to start a career in web design. Students learn to code in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in addition to principles of user interface design. The course covers tools like Flexbox and Bootstrap for layout design and how to build websites with WordPress. Students also receive instruction on how to use HTML for coding email messages. The course is ideal for pure beginners and any professionals wishing to learn how to code their own websites and emails.
Key Information
The certificate may be completed within five weeks on a full-time schedule with weekday classes or five months part-time with evening classes. There are no prerequisites beyond basic computer comprehension.
The certificate costs $4,995, with the option to pay in installments or through 0% financing. The installment plan requires a down payment of $499.50 with the remainder of tuition spread out over 5 monthly payments. The finance option requires a down payment of $500.00 with payments of $374.58 spread out over 12 months. Employees looking to receive tuition reimbursement from their employer should contact NYC Careers to receive a corporate invoice.
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Students who complete any program receive a certificate of completion. NYC Careers allows students to retake any course or program for free within 1 year of completion. Students can also use this free retake to make up any sessions missed during class. All sessions are also recorded. Students can alternatively make up missed sessions by viewing these recordings.
In reviews, students seem to enjoy the comprehensive learning provided by the teachers and course structure: “The teachers covered the key features well. I like that you can do a free retake if needed. So much is covered that it acts to further reinforce the learning.”
#8: Noble Desktop—JavaScript Development Certificate (Online)
Noble Desktop offers a JavaScript Development Certificate that is ideal for anyone looking to start a career in application development. Students will learn both user and server-side coding, which prepares them for full-stack development. The program teaches the ins and outs of JavaScript, from the fundamentals to advanced concepts. Students learn variables, arrays, objects, and loops and advance to higher level functions, string methods, APIs, and JSON, among others. Once JavaScript coding is mastered, students move on to JavaScript libraries, including Node.js and Express.js as well as the database program MongoDB. Students also learn React for coding faster and smoother running applications.
Key Information
The JavaScript Development Certificate costs $5,995, with the option to pay through installments or financing. Both installment and finance options have no interest or finance fees. However, they both require an initial down payment of $599.50. The installment plan divides the remainder of the tuition into two separate payments due by the end of the course. The financing plan divides tuition into monthly payments of $299.75 spread out over 18 months.
The program is also eligible for benefits through the VA and corporate tuition reimbursement. Students looking to take advantage of either of these options should contact Noble Desktop for more information.
The program lasts 14 weeks if attending full-time during weekdays, or 7 months if attending class part-time in the evenings. Before attending this course, students need to know how to code with HTML & CSS as these skills are not taught as part of the program. Students may attend Noble Desktop’s Web Development course to gain these skills.
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Students receive a certificate upon completing the program. They also have the option to retake the course for free for up to one year, which allows them to refresh the materials.
A section of the JavaScript Development Certificate program includes a portfolio workshop, interview mockups, and a review of industry-specific job search practices.
Students attending the program may sign up for Noble Desktop’s SQL Bootcamp course as a free bonus.
Students of Noble Desktop appreciate the thoroughness of instruction they receive: “I enjoyed the fact that we were challenged to write code on our own instead of following step-by-step from a book. It forced me to find out what I knew and (more importantly) what I didn't know. [The instructor] was great in helping me understand concepts that I did not understand right away.”
#9: the Flatiron School—Software Engineering Bootcamp (Online)
The Flatiron School provides a Software Engineering Bootcamp. The course is designed for pure beginners to learn the skills necessary to start a new career under the wide umbrella of software development. Students learn to build both web and mobile applications from all sides of development, including front (user end), back (server end), and full-stack (both sides). The course covers coding languages and libraries such as React, Python, Flask, APIs, AI tools, JSON, and more. By the end of the course, students can choose to pursue careers as Full Stack Developers, Web Developers, Front-end Developers, or Software Engineers. Students get to showcase their skills and interests by completing a solo capstone project at the end of the course.
Key Information
The program can be completed in as little as 15 weeks full-time. Class sessions last eight hours a day, five days a week. The part-time schedule is designed to be self-paced and completable within 40 weeks or sooner. The part-time program includes pre-recorded lessons with optional live lectures and office hours. The full-time course includes live classes with instructors and peers as well as labs.
The program costs $17,900, regardless of full or part-time schedule, and requires a $99 deposit when registering. Students have the option of applying for a 36 or 42-month loan through one of Flatiron School’s finance partners. Interest free options are available if applying for 12-month loans. Lastly, scholarships are available through Flatiron for exceptional students, students from underrepresented communities, and women.
Students who register for the program are required to complete a 60-80 hours Software Engineering Prep course before the start of class. In this course, students will gain a basic understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which will prepare them for the learning ahead.
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Upon course completion, students can apply to Flatiron’s career services to be paired with a career coach. Students receive courses on how to launch their new career as well as additional resources such as actionable career game plans and networking opportunities. This service is available to students for up to 180 days.
Students have positive things to say about their learning experience: “Flatiron School was a once in a lifetime experience that changed my life. I challenged myself everyday and met a ton of ambitious and intelligent individuals (instructors, mentors and classmates) who I now call friends and most importantly, I walked away with a profoundly valuable skill.”
#10: TLG Learning—Software Development Engineer Program (Online)
TLG Learning provides a Software Development Engineer program designed to prepare students to enter the workplace as a mid-tier Software Developer or Software Engineer. The program is customized to student interests in MPC Programming or Java. Students begin the program learning the fundamentals of coding before advancing to intermediate skills. The course teaches programming languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Java, C#, and Python as well as web development and cloud computing. Students complete the course with a capstone project and a certification exam.
Key Information
TLG doesn’t list the cost of their Software Development Engineer program on their website nor any prerequisites. Interested students may request more information. The program lasts for 630 hours and is designed to be completed in 18 weeks. Classes take place on weekdays from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm.
TLG offers several funding options. Veterans may have their tuition covered through the GI Bill, Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC), or Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) service. Non-veterans may be able to receive funding through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), designed to aid job seekers develop in-demand skills, and the TAA Program, which aids adversely affected workers. Financing options are also available. Contact TLG for form information.
The cost of the certification exam at the end of the program is not included in the cost of tuition. The cost of the exam may vary, but students can expect to pay around $250. Veterans may apply to the Department of Veterans Affairs to be reimbursed for the cost of the exam.
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Upon completing the Software Development Engineer program, students can choose to pursue certificates in MCP: Programming in C# or Java SE 8 Programmer I. Students need to pass exams to receive these certificates.
All TLG programs include weekly group career development sessions designed to improve your job search. Weekly topics might include social media optimization, resume and cover letter writing tools, interview methods, and more.
Upon course completion, graduates receive weekly career planning and coaching until finding a position. Graduates also have networking opportunities with TLG’s partner employers and possible consideration for upcoming apprenticeships.
Students have praised TLG’s supportive structure: “Not only do they provide you with training, they go above and beyond to ensure you are succeeding. It has been nearly a year since I finished their pre-apprentice program and they still reach out to me to see how I am doing. These guys care!”
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Different Types of Online JavaScript Classes?
Online JavaScript classes can primarily be divided into two categories: live online and on-demand. Live online courses involve a live instructor who can interact with students and take questions in real time. These courses are conducted over video conferencing programs such as Zoom, requiring students to have a reliable internet connection. Live classes replicate the interactivity found in physical classrooms without requiring students to leave their homes.
On-demand classes usually don’t include an instructor, classmates, or schedules. Instead, students have access to recorded lessons, online videos, PDFs, and other resources that they work through at their own pace. Students get to decide what time of day they set aside to learn, how many days a week they devote to “class, ” how much time they spend on each lesson, and sometimes even the order in which they learn the material. Students can skip over material they already know or review material that they struggle with as many times as needed. On-demand classes put students almost entirely in control of their own learning.
In addition to live online and on-demand learning programs, introductory classes and free or low-priced seminars exist. The courses are much shorter than long-term programs, usually only lasting a few days at most. If you aren’t sure if live online or on-demand learning is best for you, you can try out an introductory course to gauge your preferred learning style and personal interest in JavaScript.
What Will I Need for an Online JavaScript Class?
For any online class, students will need a reliable internet connection. They will need some kind of video conferencing program installed on their computer such as Zoom (the program you sign up for will designate what program you need). These conferencing programs are used to communicate with the instructor and classmates as well as to view course content. While it’s possible to communicate with these programs via text, some courses may require students to have a video camera or microphone to improve interactions. Many learning institutions offer assistance with virtual setups for students who are uncertain if their computer or internet connection meets requirements or otherwise need help installing software.
Many JavaScript courses (though not all) require students to have previous experience with HTML and CSS. Some courses only recommend these skills. In general, it is expected that students without this knowledge will struggle to learn JavaScript, at least at first. If you don’t know HTML and CSS, some training institutions that provide JavaScript programs also offer short introductory courses in web coding to catch newcomers up to speed. Other JavaScript programs include instruction in HTML and CSS as part of their curriculum. If you don’t have experience in these coding languages, it’s important to carefully consider the options provided by various JavaScript programs.
For most JavaScript certificates and bootcamps, any software covered in the course is covered within the cost of tuition and provided to students to download. Software students may need to download varies greatly from course to course and depends on the curriculum taught. However, some JavaScript programs require students to purchase software on their own. Be sure to review any additional fees a JavaScript course might have.
Can I Learn JavaScript Online for Free?
It’s possible to learn at least the basic concepts of JavaScript online for free. There are many online tutorials and videos to help beginners. As an open source code, beginners will find a robust community of JavaScript developers willing to assist newbies in their learning journey. However, advanced learning and industry-necessary skills will be much more difficult to obtain through free resources.
In general, free resources can be great for students who want to learn on their own or who are uncertain of their interest in a topic. Learning through free resources can be great preparation and give students a head start when signing up for professional classes. However, free resources won’t be robust enough to teach the skills needed to start a new career. Industry skills and the most up-to-date instruction are best obtained through career-based programs.
Is It Better to Learn JavaScript in a Live or Self-paced Class?
There are advantages and disadvantages to each method. Live online classes provide a set learning schedule. This is ideal for students who wouldn't trust themselves to study without external motivation. Students also have access to instructors for receiving guidance and assistance with any struggles they may have. Live online classes also provide students with classmates or a peer group to turn to for support.
However, some long-term JavaScript programs are only available full-time. Even with a part-time option, some students have busy work and home lives that prevent them from committing to a dedicated course schedule. Some online courses may take place during time zones that don’t work for all students. Other students may simply prefer taking control of their learning schedule and choosing when they are ready to advance to the next lesson.
On-demand classes allow students to take control of their learning. These courses provide all the materials students need to learn, but there are no set learning schedules. While some on-demand courses provide ways to get in contact with an instructor or mentor, many don’t, which leaves students with no one to turn to with questions. Students must rely on their own motivation to advance through the course. For some students, this lack of structure or assistance is a great detriment to their learning capability.
Which type of class students choose to attend depends largely on their schedules and personal learning goals. However, students generally learn faster and understand the material better when working with a professional instructor.