Capstone 2026 Updates: Adapting to a Changing Market

Capstone 2026 Updates: Adapting to a Changing Market

Author: Launch School August 18, 2025 Duration: 1:02:47

Launch School has been investing in students and AI while adapting to the evolving software engineering landscape. In this episode, we sit down with Chris to discuss what Capstone students can expect in 2026.

Tune in for a discussion on:

  • Moving from three Capstone cohorts per year to two
  • New open source initiatives and internship opportunities to help grads build experience
  • Strategies and logistics for managing a longer job hunt
  • How the core curriculum has been evolving alongside Capstone over the years
  • Chris’s perspective on the future of software engineering

In a rapidly changing market shaped by AI, we’re committed to transparency and to investing in students’ success and preparation for today’s industry. The future is full of opportunity. 🚀


For anyone curious about the deliberate, patient path to becoming a true software craftsman, the Launch School Podcast offers a grounded and insightful companion. This isn't about quick hacks or trending frameworks; it's a deep, ongoing conversation about the fundamentals of mastery itself. Each episode connects through the shared experiences of learning to code, drawing on voices from within the Launch School community and beyond. You'll hear from students navigating the curriculum, employers discussing what they truly value in developers, and seasoned engineers reflecting on the principles of long-term career growth. Discussions naturally explore effective study habits, the philosophy of mastery-based learning, and the practical realities of transitioning into a professional role. By focusing on the underlying process of expertise, this podcast provides a unique and thoughtful resource for anyone committed to a meaningful education in technology. Tune in for honest conversations that reframe the journey of learning to code as one of continuous, intentional growth.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Launch School Podcast
Podcast Episodes
S3E7: Bytes — Life Stages [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:47
In today's episode, Callie chats with three Launch School students in three very different life stages. They share how they came to Launch School, what seemed to come easy to them, and what was harder. Without hearing on…
S3E6: Getting to Know Srdjan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:37
In today's episode, Callie chats with Launch School TA Srdjan as he shares his journey to and through Launch School. He generously shares about a wide range of experiences, from how his cats lovingly torture him to what…
S3E5: Women Who Code (WWCode) at Launch School [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:32
In today's episode, students from Women Who Code share what the group is, what the meet-ups are like, and how they've found a sense of belonging and community. These students talk about the importance of having a support…
S3E3: Bytes — Why Did You Choose Launch School? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:55
Today's episode is the first of a new series called Bytes: a collection of sound-bites from the Launch School community that answer a focused question. A question we've all asked at some point or another is why should I…
S2E11: Q&A Capstone, Assessments, DPP, & 2020 Salaries with Chris [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:06
In this episode, Staacy and I held a Zoom Q & A. I was happily surprised by the wide-range of topics that we got to dive into. Questions ranged from knowing if you’re on track for Capstone, when and how to get a job, how…
S2E9: Student Panel Discussion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:18
Welcome to another episode of the Launch School podcast. This is a slightly different episode in that it’s a recording of a webinar we did a few weeks ago about our Deferred Payment Program. Now why would we include a we…