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2021 Guide to Online IT Certificates and Courses
Do you want to learn about machine learning, artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, cryptocurrency or IT management? If so, there’s an online IT certificate or course for you. This guide details the most common online IT certificates and their benefits, from convenience to cost-savings.
Topics in Systems and IT Online Courses
You can attend online courses and earn certificates in dozens of technology-related disciplines including management, machine learning, cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, programming languages and artificial intelligence, to name a few. Classes are generally self-paced and only require a few hours of studying per week, which make them ideal for adult learners who are in the workforce.
These programs allow working adults the opportunity to expand and extend their degrees with courses designed to solve a particular need or problem. For example, if your company wants to explore blockchain technology, there are plenty of courses available that cover that topic and give you the flexibility to learn after business hours.
Online short courses can also be more business-oriented and practical than standard university courses and they are taught by those who have business experience in a particular field.
Online Systems and Information Technology Certificates and Courses
There are many types of high-quality online systems and IT courses and certificates you can pursue. Well-known universities have developed online programs that can lead to certifications and degrees.
Here’s a breakdown of various online IT courses and certificates and what you can expect to learn from each.
Online Machine Learning Certificates and Courses
Machine learning is a facet of artificial intelligence. It involves creating computer systems that have the ability to automatically learn and improve without being explicitly programmed. Online machine learning certificates and courses focus on the principles and coding concepts necessary for developing and managing computer programs that can access data and use it to learn for themselves.
Online Artificial Intelligence Certificates and Courses
Some online artificial intelligence certificates and courses are created for those whose goal is to dive into coding their own artificial neural networks and gain foundational technical skills. Other AI courses focus on broad applications on artificial intelligence that don’t require a lot of technical expertise.
Online Blockchain Certificates and Courses
Blockchain was designed to keep financial records for Bitcoin and other digital currencies. The blockchain technology used today is part of a larger digital world that doesn’t just cater to finance and insurance industries, but is useful across many industries.
Online blockchain certificates and courses can teach you how different industries such as manufacturing, healthcare and even advertising use blockchain applications for processing transactions. Tracking of order shipments and recording of health insurance claims can all be done with blockchain technology.
Online Cryptocurrency Certificates and Courses
According to a report from Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company, approximately a third of small and mid-sized U.S. businesses accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment. You can find a number of online cryptocurrency certificates and courses that are generally made up of online weekly modules that cover topics such as the basics of cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, cryptocurrency laws, types of cryptocurrency and data mining.
Online IT Management Certificates and Courses
Online IT management courses or certificates can help you learn the fundamentals of security, data storage, hardware, software, networking and IT management. Additionally, students may learn skills for managing teams, projects and processes in a business IT environment.
An online IT management course can vary depending on the types of technology you wish to work with and security methodologies you want to learn. If your career goals include an IT management career, a certification may be a beneficial addition to your resume.
Online Systems Analysis Certificates and Courses
Online systems analysis certificates and courses may offer a deeper look into business analysis and give you tools and techniques for a career with a systems analysis focus. Through a course, you may learn about the parts of a business system, how to perform analysis and how to engage stakeholders at your organization. Curriculum for systems analysis may cover topics such as business systems concepts, modeling techniques, product scope and impact analysis.
Is an IT Course or Certificate Worth It?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer and information research scientists earned a median salary of $122,840 in 2019. Employment for this occupation is expected to grow 16% from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster than average. The BLS notes that a master’s degree in a related field is typically required for these jobs.
If everyone in a group of applicants has a master’s degree, advanced study and certificates might help set you apart. An online IT certificate or course could help you advance your career, as they show you’ve maintained a competitive knowledge base in the industry. Companies may even be willing to pay for training to get a competitive edge.
Learn more about IT careers and salaries.
IT Certificate vs. Master's in Information Technology
Instead of thinking of it as certificates vs. degrees, consider viewing them as complementary to one another.
Online IT certificates are a way to gain technical knowledge and specialized skills that may be valuable for current or aspiring IT professionals. A master's in information technology, on the other hand, provides general skills and knowledge that can help you kick off a career. When considering a degree or certificate, you should take into account your level of experience, what area of IT you’d like to specialize in and your career goals. People who complete an IT certificate might go on to earn a degree in IT.
Many employers actually prefer applicants to have both a certificate and an IT degree. For example, the BLS reports that a certification/degree combo may be preferred for many IT positions, including network systems administrators, information security analysts and computer network architects.
IT Management Certificate vs. MBA
Much like a master’s in information technology, a master’s in business administration may offer more general business knowledge. An IT management certification, on the other hand, may offer specialized knowledge tailored to the information technology industry. Both an MBA degree and an IT management certificate are valuable in different ways.
A certificate may showcase your ability to manage an IT environment, enhancing your resume compared to applicants with a more general business understanding. You should also keep in mind that the relative program cost, time commitment and specialty will vary greatly between certificate and MBA programs.
Certificate programs tend to have fewer prerequisites and admission requirements than MBA programs. Certifications also may appeal more to working professionals looking to enhance their current skills, while an MBA program could be helpful for those looking to start a new career.
3 Benefits of an Online IT Certificate or Short Course Program
Vendors, universities and third-party training centers offer an array of online courses that cover many aspects of business and professional growth. You have multiple format options for online classes; some are instructor-led, fully recorded and self-paced, or a hybrid of the two. Regardless of the program format you choose, there are three primary benefits to an online IT certificate or short course program: cost, convenience and time.
1. Cost of Certificate
The general cost of on-campus learning can be more expensive because it may room and board, transportation, parking, and tuition expenses. Online classes only require tuition, books and ancillary fees.
2. Convenience
Many online classes are self-paced, which means you can be a student in addition to a full-time employee. When you have on-demand access to course material and flexibility to complete assignments at your convenience, it may be easier to balance your studies and work. Since you don’t have to go to class on campus, you also can study from anywhere there’s internet connectivity.
3. Time Saved
Online and short courses are concentrated learning, which means that rather than spending 16 to 18 weeks in a single on-campus class, you can complete a program in only one to 10 weeks. The smaller time commitment makes online IT certificates and short courses a great option for working adults.
Online IT Courses to Consider
Below you’ll find online IT courses offered by a variety of schools, with the length of study, cost, learning level and course description.
School Name | Type of Program | Topic |
---|---|---|
Sponsored University of Cape Town |
Online Short Course |
Business Systems Analysis Level: Beginner / Intermediate Length: 10 weeks Cost: ~$950 Mode: Part time. Online. Description: This course covers topics such as software development life cycle, stakeholder definition and recognition, and analyzing and creating business requirements for a project. It provides an overview of quality assurance, change facilitation and user experience design. |
Sponsored University of Cape Town |
Online Short Course |
Information Systems Management Level: Beginner / Intermediate Length: Eight weeks Cost: ~$850 Mode: Part time. Online. Description: This course introduces you to information systems management. The focus is on applied computer systems knowledge and communication, interpersonal skills, and IT management skills. The course will help you broaden your skill set to assume a role in IT management. |
Sponsored MIT |
Online Short Course |
Cryptocurrency Level: Beginner Length: Six weeks Cost: $2,600 Mode: Part time. Online. Description: The course provides you with a broad view of cryptocurrency technology, its applications, and its viability for other projects. The course is for those who want to understand current cryptocurrency developments, financial aspects of the technology, and its future. There are also discussions of money, payment systems and details of the cryptocurrency market. |
Sponsored London School of Economics and Political Science |
Online Short Course |
Cryptocurrency and Disruption Level: Beginner Length: Eight weeks Cost: ~$2,800 Mode: Part time. Online. Description: You’ll learn about theoretical frameworks, cryptocurrency technologies and regulations affecting the industry. You’ll also gain an understanding of cryptocurrency terminology, crypto asset classes and cryptocurrency markets. Other topics include bitcoin, risk and current innovations. |
Sponsored UC Berkeley |
Online Short Course |
Artificial Intelligence: Business Strategies and Applications Level: Beginner / Intermediate Length: Two months Cost: $2,800 Mode: Part time. Online. Description: This program offers an introduction to the basic applications of artificial intelligence in business. It covers artificial intelligence applications, capabilities, and the potential of the technology. You’ll also learn to manage and organize artificial intelligence projects. |
Sponsored MIT |
Online Short Course |
Blockchain Technologies: Business Innovation and Application Level: Intermediate Length: Six weeks Cost: $3,500 Mode: Part time. Online. Description: This class highlights the use of blockchain technology within other technologies to verify transactions. The class looks to the future of blockchain technology and applications involving artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. You’ll have the opportunity to leave class with a blockchain-based solution to a problem in your company. |
Udemy | Online Short Course |
Python for Data Science and Machine Learning Bootcamp Level: Beginner Length: Self-paced study Cost: $13.99 Mode: Online Description: An introduction to data science and machine learning using Python’s most popular data science libraries. The class begins with a crash course in Python programming. The class continues by introducing the various Python libraries and each section has its own exercises and exercise walkthroughs. |
Sponsored London School of Economics and Political Science |
Online Short Course |
Machine Learning: Practical Applications Level: Intermediate / Advanced Length: Eight weeks Cost: ~$2,800 Mode: Part time. Online. Description: This course explores “practical applications of machine learning in modern business analytics.” Machine learning is important for enhanced customer experience applications, too. Search engines, recommendation systems, trading, predicting customer behavior, compliance and risk are all part of how machine learning affects our online lives. |
Last Updated August 2020
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