The Best Online Learning Platforms and Online Learning Courses in 2021

Learning from industry leaders in technology like Google and IBM is another way to expand your IT skill set and enhance your resume. Each of these Professional Certificates is self-paced and on the Coursera platform. The CompTIA Security+ certification will equip you with the skills to perform basic security functions.

  • They also offer courses in more niche creative subjects, from hand-lettering to bird photography.
  • Created by top universities and industry leaders, our courses cover critical aspects of data science, from exploratory data analysis and statistical modeling to machine learning and big data technologies.
  • Certifications are an excellent way to verify your IT knowledge and skills, and are usually recognized across industries.
  • Be sure to check what kind of certificate you’ll receive if you intend to use it professionally.
  • This section introduces the information technology degree levels to help future students find the best fit for their career goals.

Learners take online courses in computer programming, information systems, and computer networking. In online programs, self-motivated students who take a proactive approach to learning tend to thrive. The best online information technology degrees prioritize flexibility so learners can fit school into their busy schedules. Online colleges offer synchronous schedules for students who prefer live class meetings and asynchronous schedules with no set meeting times.

University of Missouri-Columbia

There are quizzes after each section to test your comprehension of the material, and you’ll get a certificate once you’ve completed the entire course. There are 32 lectures in all for a total of 2.5 hours, which you can complete at your own pace. The course is currently available on Udemy for $12.99 and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Some show proficiency in a particular software program, like AWS certification. The CompTIA A+ certification, for example, demonstrates entry-level experience with IT.

Online information technology degrees and courses can prime you to pursue an information technology degree. Undergraduate program areas of study such as information systems, computer science, software or computer engineering, or cybersecurity can be useful to those working toward jobs in information technology. Master’s degrees in areas of study such as information technology management or business administration may help professionals https://remotemode.net/ advance their IT careers and obtain roles in information technology management. This course contains 1.5 hours of content broken down into 32 lectures, making this the shortest course on our list. You’ll get an overview of jobs in the IT industry, including UX designers, system administrators, and project managers. Then, you’ll cover cloud and IoT technology, programming languages, and development methodologies.

How to get an IT certification

Some classes run synchronously, using web conferencing to replicate the classroom experience, while others are asynchronous, allowing students to peruse materials and complete assignments at their own pace. After you’ve exhausted your financial aid options that don’t require repayment, you can consider college loans. Keep in mind that you’ll need to pay back these loans with interest. As online degrees become more popular, there’s also been a positive shift in how they’re perceived. Our 2023 Online Education Trends Report found that 96% of students have seen or expect a positive ROI for their online degree. You can study fashion, photography, or music to launch your art career.

Evaluate how well each prospective program’s curriculum, faculty, internship offerings and school partnerships align with your desired career path. Prioritize programs that offer concentrations in your preferred field or lead to relevant certifications. Founded as the state’s second teacher’s college in 1869, Southern Illinois University (SIU) now enrolls more than 11,000 students across many disciplines. The school’s online BS in information technology focuses on finding business solutions through IT. As part of their coursework, IT majors must complete an internship, capstone project and virtual lab work.

Job and Salary Expectations for IT Degree Students

Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers. Institutional accreditation is particularly critical, as it can impact your financial aid eligibility and your ability to transfer credits. Along with core and concentration courses, best courses students may integrate a research project or an internship into the program, which IU encourages. Those 377,500 job openings in computer and information technology we mentioned earlier encompass some of the roles in the table below. Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

This five-course program helps students build job-ready skills for entry-level Sales Development Representative (SDR) positions. CareerFoundry is an online school for people looking to switch to a rewarding career in tech. Select a program, get paired with an expert mentor and tutor, and become a job-ready designer, developer, or analyst from scratch, or your money back.