Update as of August 22, 2024
Responding to Market Trends: Java Program Paused
At Merit America, our mission is to propel learners directly from coursework to the workforce through innovative training and job support. As we look ahead to 2025, we’ve observed a decline in entry-level market demand for Java, evidenced by a decrease in job openings and feedback from industry recruiters.
In response, we’ve made the strategic decision to pause our Java Development program until at least the second half of 2025.
This decision underscores our commitment to providing Career Tracks that align with strong job prospects, ensuring we stay true to our mission of delivering valuable, market-relevant training and job support. As we celebrate the success of our Java program—with countless alumni success stories and over $8.7 million in total wage gains—we remain focused on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. We invite you to explore our current Career Tracks and stay tuned for new programs coming in 2025!
Why Java Development
Considering a career change into tech? Java Development offers an exciting entry into the most widely used and popular programming language, present in everything from game consoles and mobile applications to websites and supercomputers. Java’s widespread usage and high demand translate into excellent career growth opportunities, allowing you to contribute to design, implement applications, and test and debug code. If you enjoy building new things and have the patience and grit to work through challenges, Java development could be the career for you.
Competitive Compensation: Java Development careers are in high demand across all industries, with median entry-level salaries at $83,000+.
In-Demand Careers: With technical and professional skills training from our best-in-class coaches, you’re setting yourself up for continuous career advancement, equipping yourself with skills that almost 70% of companies use daily.
Fulfilling Work: Java is one of the most versatile skills in tech, opening doors to roles that offer flexible schedules, higher salaries, and a healthier work-life balance.Our alumni land roles such as Application Developer, Business Intelligence Analyst, Cloud Specialist, Junior Application Developer, Junior Operations Associate, Junior Java Developer, Software Developer, Software Engineer, and System Analyst.
Our alums work for the world’s top tech companies
Pay $0 upfront
Build a career based on your potential, not your bank account. We invest in your success upfront.
- Learn in-demand skills
- Land a new job
- Pay only after you’re hired
- Support the next class
Work Life Balance
Your third-party coursework and Merit America career coaching services are online. Live meetings are only 3-5 hours per week. You can complete the coursework in-between work shifts, on weekends – whatever works for your life.
My Calendar
Monday, January 10
Merit America Program
- At Work 8am – 3pm
- Online Coursework 3pm – 5pm
- Daycare pick-up 5:15pm
- Family Dinner 6pm
- 1:1 Career Coaching 8pm
Work with a team dedicated to your success
Meet regularly with a career coach and squad of your peers to keep you on track. After you finish, you’ll join a network of hundreds of Merit America alumni.
Chat
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Michael, Career Coach
How’s your coursework going this week?
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Cora
I’m really struggling with my resume…
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Michael, Career Coach
You’ve got this! Let me connect you with our job success specialist, Teresa.
Also, something to look forward to: we will be sharing openings in our employer network at our Squad meeting this week.
How does Merit America Compare?
| Merit America | Tech Bootcamp | Community College | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course Length | 22 weeks | 20-24 weeks | 50-100 weeks |
| In person/Remote | Remote | Remote | In-person/Remote |
| Part-time? |  30 hours |  Varies | Varies |
| Maximum Payment/Tuition | $8,400 | $16,000-$19,000 | $5,000-$10,000 |
| Organization Type | Non-profit (Merit America collaborates with for-profits) | For-profit | For-profit or Non-profit |
| Coaching and Job Search Support | Yes | Yes | Varies |
| Downside Protection | Yes | Varies |  No |
Hundreds of learners have changed their lives without a four year degree
Attending Merit, has not only equipped me with more tools in the tech field, but it has also brought me a network of support.
Rachel
Technology Software Engineer
I have always wanted to learn Java and had looked at options available at the community colleges. It was going to cost me more in finances and longer to finish had I pursued Java at a community college.
Elizabeth
Software Engineer
Merit America has greatly improved my coding abilities, and my job prospects. My professional skills are much better, including searching for jobs!
Bruce
Engineering Apprentice
Get the Java skills employers are looking for
Programming Fundamentals
Learn the Java skills needed to become a back-end software engineer. You’ll learn Algorithms, Data Structures, SQL, REST APIs, and Design Patterns to build a strong foundation in programming fundamentals.
Java Specialization
You’ll go deep into Java during your program – one of the most in-demand languages for software development positions. Java is widely used to create mobile and web applications, and work with data.
Acing The Technical Interview
Building a career as a software developer goes far beyond technical skills. Stand out in the interview process by developing a portfolio project with a small team, and learn the best way to answer common technical interview questions as you seek out Java programming jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Resources
