IT skills are an important part of making business decisions, solving problems, and helping businesses run smoothly. The term dates back to 1958, when it was used in a Harvard Business Review article. IT skills are highly sought-after today, since computers have become an integral part of almost every type of business. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which collects and analyzes information about the economy, IT jobs have an average salary of about $100,000, which is much higher than average. The agency also predicts that future job growth will be much faster than average.
The 10 Best On-Demand IT Classes
- Flatiron School—Software Engineering Bootcamp
- General Assembly—Learn User Experience Design Online
- UCLA Extension—Cybersecurity Certificate
- UC San Diego Extended Studies—Database Management Program
- Udemy—The Complete Networking Fundamentals Course
- LinkedIn Learning—Python Essential Training
- Coursera—Information Technology (IT) and Cloud Fundamentals Specialization
- Global Knowledge—ITIL 4 Foundation
- ONLC Training Centers—Cisco Certified Network Associate
- CreativeLive—Fast and Effective UX Design: Learn the Process
#1: Flatiron School—Software Engineering Bootcamp
The Software Engineering Bootcamp at the Flatiron School includes a combination of lectures, lab work, and work on a portfolio. Students learn about front end development, including how to use AI chatbots, and how AI models can help with debugging. The course also covers front end web applications. In the back end part of the course, students learn Python, and all about back end APIs. Finally, they work on a cumulative project, where they build an application of their own. Instructors are software engineers with real-world experience.
Key Information
This class takes 40 weeks of full-time study to complete. Tuition is $17,900. Students can pay up front, or in 12 installments of $4,184. Flatiron also offers a number of loan options, including a cost-of-living loan. In order to take the class, students need to fill out an online application, and then participate in a 15-minute assessment with the admissions team. Prior to the start of class, they also need to complete Software Engineering Prep, which takes 60 to 80 hours. During prep, they will gain a basic understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, set up their computing environment, and get comfortable with the Canvas platform.This bootcamp is also available as a full-time option, however, it is in a live online or in-person format.
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The Flatiron School offers career coaching. Students are partnered with a career coach during their course, and receive up to six months of support after graduation. Career coaches can help with things like building a resume and LinkedIn profile, interview skills, salary negotiations, searching for a job, and creating a network.
A number of students have reviewed this course favorably. Jon Brundage, Jr. was particularly impressed with the quality of instruction. He says, “My favorite part of the program was my phase one instructor, who completely laid the foundation for my success in the program.” Brundage Jr. adds, “[He] explained this new world of Javascript in a way that was very accessible and had so much patience for all of my questions. He took this very big, intimidating process and gave me the tools to feel empowered from day one and I will be forever grateful for all his tutorage.” Tristam Jones says that for him, it was his fellow students who were a key factor in his success. He explains, “It made all the difference to be surrounded by other individuals as motivated, bright, and desperate as I was to make such a drastic career pivot.”
#2: General Assembly—Learn User Experience Design Online
General Assembly, a tech school based in New York City, offers a number of on-demand courses in addition to its in-person and live online offerings. Learn User Experience Design Online is an on-demand course that covers a range of UX skills. Students learn about user research, including competitive analysis, affinity mapping, and creating personas. They also learn about sketching and wireframing, which includes learning Sketch, Adobe XD, Figma, and Invision. The class also covers information architecture, prototyping and testing, and visual design principles such as color and typography. Students receive feedback and guidance through five one-on-one sessions with a mentor. They can also use these sessions to get portfolio feedback and insight into industry careers.
Key Information
Tuition is $950, which is due at the time of enrollment. There are 26 lessons in this course, and all are in a self-led format. Lessons include downloadable lesson guides, quizzes, and skills assessments. Students get 12 months of access to the course content.
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Upon completion of this course, students receive a letter of completion. They also get free access to the User Experience Design Level 1 assessment, which they can use to test their abilities against industry benchmarks.
General Assembly is favorably reviewed by former students. Many state that they found the tuition investment to be worth it, and that taking a course from this school has helped them in their careers. For instance, one student says, “Overall, I had a wonderful time participating in the online program. I got the chance to get to know a wide range of people who had like interests, and we developed enduring connections. I learned a lot throughout the program, and it considerably increased my skill set. I genuinely think the investment I made was justified.” Another student comments on the quality of support, saying, “I wasn't sure what to expect and if I would be able to keep up the pace but the instructor team were fantastic at supporting me and go above and beyond to keep me on track. The career team was also fantastic and provided some excellent resources for job hunting.”
#3: UCLA Extension—Cybersecurity Certificate
One of the oldest and largest continuing and professional studies providers in the United States, UCLA Extension offers a number of online IT courses including a Cybersecurity Certificate. There are four required courses in this program: Fundamentals of Cybersecurity, Information Systems Infrastructure Security Management, Cybersecurity Lab, and Network, Operating System and Database Security. Students learn about best practices for secure applications, and how to create security policies, risk assessments, disaster recovery plans, and post-attack protocols and procedures. They also get hands-on experience with OSI stack security, and learn about hacking methodology and mitigation, and defensive strategies. In addition, the course covers concepts that are needed in CompTIASecurity+ and other cybersecurity certifications.
Key Information
Tuition for this certificate program is $5,475. There is also a $200 application fee, and $700 estimated textbook fee. UCLA Extension accepts credit cards, cash, checks, and money orders. It also offers access to a number of different financial aid programs. Each of the required courses takes about 11 weeks to complete.
Online students use Canvas, which is UCLA Extension’s cloud-based learning management system, to access course material such as webinars, readings, and videos, and to connect with their instructor and classmates. There are no live meetings in this course, but students do receive new course content weekly, and must also complete assignments by specific due dates. Instructors provide office hours through Zoom.
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There are a number of program benefits that come with enrollment in this course. Students get access to career resources such as the UCLA Career Center’s online job board, and membership in the UCLA Alumni Association after graduation. They also get a printed certificate and can participate in the UCLA Extension Graduation Ceremony.
UCLA Extension classes have been well-reviewed by many former students. One writes, “UCLA provided great courses that I think is a great option for those looking into gaining skills and advancing their careers more quickly. UCLA has a great pool of in instructors and having the experience to work and collaborate with students from different countries was a wonderful experience!” Another comments, “Good teachers, Helpful career services, Positive environment, Good career preparation, Hands-on training.”
#4: UC San Diego Extended Studies—Database Management Program
The Database Management Program teaches students the skills needed for database management. Students choose three courses from: Introduction to SQL Programming, Intermediate SQL Programming, Advanced Database Management, and Cloud Computing Architecture Using Amazon Web Services. They also choose one elective. Students who take this program learn how to use SQL, how to design and implement database management systems, how to use EER modeling and data warehousing, and about transaction processing and distributed data management. They also develop expertise in cloud computing architecture through Amazon Web Services. UC San Diego Extended Studies offers educational programs that support lifelong learning.
Key Information
This course costs $3,000, which does not include textbooks or software. Tuition is due at the time of enrollment, and can be paid by credit card, check, or money order. Each course in the program takes about two months to complete. While there are no formal prerequisites, it is recommended that students have some experience in Business, IT, and/or CS.
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Former UC San Diego Extended Studies students have posted reviews online, and a number of students say that they found extension courses useful, and the professors knowledgeable. For example, one student says, “My class was taught by a highly accomplished professor. He knew exactly what he was talking about and all the books he authored backed that up. I felt confident that I received sound advice. Having an accomplished teacher is a big plus in my book. I feel so inspired and motivated.”
#5: Udemy—The Complete Networking Fundamentals Course
The Complete Networking Fundamentals Course covers networking fundamentals, and also helps students prepare for the Cisco CCNA certification. It is designed for those who want to obtain certification, as well as anyone who wants to learn more about networking. Students learn about LANs, IP addressing and subnetting, and hubs, switches and, routers. The course also covers OSI and TCP/IP models, name resolution with DNS, Access Control Lists, Wi-Fi 6, and address allocation with DHCP. In addition, students learn how to protect networks from attacks.
Key Information
This course costs $18.99. There are no prerequisites, but students should have a basic understanding of computers. There are 79.5 hours of video, 18 articles, and 121 downloadable resources.
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After finishing this course, students receive a certificate of completion. In addition, once a student purchases a course from Udemy, they have lifetime access to it. Students can also access their courses on a mobile device.
This course has been rated by thousands of people, and the majority of reviews are positive. A number of students say that the content was presented in a way that made it easy to understand. One says, “Detailed and clear explanation. Very practical and easy-to-understand examples. One of the best network courses I've ever had. Recommend to everyone who wants to learn and understand computer networking in a right way.” Another student says, “Overall very high quality content with descriptive and detailed explanations. Some videos were taken from older recordings, but they are still valid today. I learned a lot from his live demonstrations.”
#6: LinkedIn Learning—Python Essential Training
LinkedIn Learning has a large library of on-demand IT classes, including Python Essential Training, where students can learn this popular language. The instructor covers Python fundamentals including how to install Python, pip, and Jupyter Notebook, and how to write a program. Students also learn about variables and types, operators, classes, objects, functions, and basic data types and structures. In addition, they learn how to work with different types of files in Python, and how to create modules and packages.
Key Information
This course costs $29.99. It has 4 hours and 22 minutes of instruction, and includes 11 quizzes. There are no prerequisites.
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Students who finish this course receive a certificate of completion.
The LinkedIn website has hundreds of positive reviews of this course. Most people found it easy to understand, even for beginners. One reviewer writes, “Trying to learn Python on your own and being instructed by a knowledgeable professional are two incredibly different learning paths. . . . [The instructor] not only teaches you fundamentals of coding, but also gives you the understanding for why things are done the way that they are done. I struggled trying to learn Python on my own because I lacked that understanding.” Another says, “Instructor teaches very well. She makes the concept easier to understand and I like the way she teaches.”
#7: Coursera—Information Technology (IT) and Cloud Fundamentals Specialization
Information Technology (IT) and Cloud Fundamentals Specialization is designed to provide the fundamental skills needed in most IT careers. Students learn about hardware, operating systems, programming, databases, networking, storage, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. They also prepare for the CompTIA ITF+ certification exam. This specialization is made up of five courses. Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems takes 15 hours to complete, Introduction to Software, Programming, and Databases takes 17 hours, and Introduction to Cloud Computing is 12 hours long. After that, students take Introduction to Networking and Storage, which is also 12 hours long, and Introduction to Cybersecurity Essentials, which takes 14 hours to complete. Finally, students spend 2 hours on the practice exam for the CompTIA ITF+ Certification.
Key Information
This course takes a total of about 2 months to complete, with 10 hours of work required each week. There are no prerequisites. Students who want to take a course through Coursera can choose from three different payment options. Access for a single course is between $49 and $79 per month. Coursera also has a Plus Monthly plan, which is $59 per month, and gives students access to more than 7,000 different courses. The third option is the annual plan, which is $399, and includes access to courses for a year.
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Upon completion of this course, students receive a shareable certificate.
A number of students have posted positive reviews of the classes in this specialization, with many stating that they enjoyed the flexibility of the Coursera format. For instance, one writes, “I like being able to not only view the components of the computer while listening to the narrator but also read the materia, take notes, and revisit anything I may have missed in the lecture.” Another student says, “Course was very organized and I learned a lot. I did not experience a single technical issue unlike other self-paced courses. All content was up to date. Great course, highly recommend.”
#8: Global Knowledge—ITIL 4 Foundation
Founded in 1995, Global Knowledge offers IT training classes in a number of locations around the world, both live and on-demand. ITIL 4 Foundation is an on-demand class designed for IT professionals who want to learn about service management. It also prepares students for the ITIL Foundation Service Examination. Topics covered in this class include IT service management concepts, the dimensions of service management, the service value system, and the purpose of key ITIL practices. Students also learn about IT asset management, deployment management service continuity management, and release management.
Key Information
Tuition is $995 and is due at the time of registration. Students have 90 days to access the course material after purchase. It is recommended that students have some IT-related work experience, and are familiar with IT terminology.
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Global Knowledge has been positively reviewed by many former students. A number of them say that the content was presented in a way that was easy to understand. One student says, “Knowledgeable instructor with clear and organized material.” Another writes, “The on line training is well organized. Instructors are well versed and experienced. You also ha e the opportunity to network with other peers with in your line of work. Such a productive and enjoyable experience.”
#9: ONLC Training Centers—Cisco Certified Network Associate
ONLC Training Centers offers IT training in more than 200 locations across the United States. It also offers numerous on-demand classes such as Cisco Certified Network Associate. This class covers the fundamentals of networking, and it also prepares students to take the Cisco Certified Network Associate exam. The curriculum includes networking fundamentals, ethernet LAN design and implementation, wireless LANs, and designing, implementing, and troubleshooting IPv4. There is a combination of lectures, visuals, demonstrations, and labs. Students also take quizzes and exams.
Key Information
Tuition is $1,295, payable at the time of registration. Students have access to the course for 180 days after enrollment. There are 11 hours and 39 minutes of video content, and as a traditional course, the class would take 2 to 3 days to complete. There are no prerequisites.
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Students receive a printed study guide, in addition to an exam voucher, and access to an online practice exam.
Many former students have positive things to say about ONLC Training Centers. One comments, “I've been to 5-6 ONLC classes and each and every instructor has been amazing. I can't say enough good things about ONLC...for me it is the only way to learn. Thank you!"
#10: CreativeLive—Fast and Effective UX Design: Learn the Process
Fast and Effective UX Design: Learn the Process is focused on web design, software, and UX design. Students who take this class learn to create and interpret user profiles, assess business goals and requirements, sketch wireframes, and facilitate a UX design session. It is intended for both beginners and more experienced UX designers.
Key Information
The price of this class is $14. There are 17 video lessons, with 4 hours and 21 minutes of content. Students also get access to exclusive bonus content.
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Students who enroll in this class can stream content on desktop or mobile browsers. They can also download content and get offline access. CreativeLive offers lifetime access to purchased classes.
This class has been positively reviewed by numerous former students. Many mention that they found the content practical and easy to understand. One student says, “This is such a great and insightful class. . . . I have used this template and framework of thinking n number of times when I'm interacting with my clients and it has proved immensely useful in leading to actionable insights.” Another comments, “Great class that provides an easy to use framework for UX design.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an on-demand IT class worth it?
The decision about whether or not to take an on-demand IT class will in large part depend on your learning style. With an on-demand class, you work through the material at your own pace, and this can be an excellent option if you have a busy schedule and need flexibility. On-demand classes also tend to be cheaper than other types of classes, so they can be a good choice if you’re on a budget. However, while students often love the flexibility of on-demand learning, some find that learning a new skill is more difficult without live instruction and the ability to get immediate feedback. Some students also find that they don’t have the self-discipline and motivation that is required to stay on track in an on-demand class.
What will I need for an on-demand IT class?
If you want to take an online IT class, you’ll need a computer with an internet connection, so that you can access the class material. Some classes also have specific computer system requirements, which are usually listed in the course description. Depending on the class you’re taking, you might also need a specific software program, however, many companies allow free trials of their software. For example, you can get a free seven-day trial of the Adobe Creative Cloud apps. Another thing you might need for an on-demand IT class is some coding knowledge, such as HTML. However, many beginner IT classes include coding instruction. If you’re not sure exactly what you need in order to take an IT class, it's a good idea to thoroughly read the course description, in addition to any other information you receive from the school you plan to attend.
Can I learn IT on-demand for free?
It is possible to learn some IT skills for free. You’ll find numerous free resources–like YouTube tutorials–online. However, you’ll quickly find that these free resources are generally focused on only one or two skills, or are created to provide a general overview of the topic, or help users troubleshoot specific problems. If you’re serious about learning IT, you’ll probably want to enroll in a paid class. A paid class gives you a comprehensive education, and access to a knowledgeable instructor, and you’ll know that you’re getting reliable and up-to-date information.
Is it better to learn IT in a live or self-paced class?
Live and self-paced classes each come with pros and cons. For live classes, one of the biggest pros is that you get real-time instruction and have the ability to ask questions and get immediate feedback. It’s also easier to interact and network with fellow students in a live environment. If you prefer to stick to a specific schedule, live classes may also be the best option. However, if you’re looking for more flexibility, and don’t need live instruction, then a self-paced class may be a better choice. When you take a self-paced class, you can learn at your own pace, and can fit learning in as it suits your schedule. In addition, self-paced classes tend to be less expensive than live ones.