Expand your knowledge
Whether you’re aiming to learn some new marketable skills or just want to explore a topic for fun, online learning platforms are a great and easily accessible resource for learning on your own schedule. As an alternative to online colleges, these platforms tend to be a little more flexible and may even offer more specific or unusual classes you wouldn’t find at a traditional college, but it’s important that prospective students compare their options to find what’s best for them.
From Masterclass to Coursera, here are just a few of our recommendations for the best online learning platforms, so that you can sign up today.
The 7 Best Online Learning Platforms of 2022
- Best Overall:Udemy
- Best for Creative Fields:Skillshare
- Best for Celebrity Lessons:MasterClass
- Best for College Classes:Coursera
- Best Pedigree:EdX
- Best for Tech:Udacity
- Best for Data Learning:Pluralsight
BEST OVERALL
Udemy
![top online courses for 2021 – CollegeLearners.com (1) top online courses for 2021 – CollegeLearners.com (1)](https://i0.wp.com/www.verywellfamily.com/thmb/mW4MX783HNv51pRAvsXkGzVFNs8=/1500x510/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Udemy_Logo_TM_Pos_RGB_Lcopy-5e77f26dd6714418853c5f2d15dd22a5.jpg)
If you want to learn something, it’s probably on Udemy. The site is less of a unified “platform” and more of a portal or repository where students can access well over 100,000 courses on every topic imaginable.
Language, arts, music, and fitness courses can be found alongside lessons on programming and IT, business skills, teaching, productivity, and much more. There are even categories for personal development and lifestyle, which cover life skills and other techniques that aren’t necessarily the kind of thing you’d get in an academic setting.
There’s not one standard format for a Udemy course—the platform allows instructors to design multimedia lectures with audio, video, and text elements, plus readings, quizzes, and other activities. Udemy allows students to preview classes they’re interested in and does offer a 30-day refund if you’re dissatisfied.
Because each class is created and taught individually, they’re also priced separately: Lifetime access to a single course can range from inexpensive (about $11 to $15) to pricey (roughly $200 or more).
BEST FOR CREATIVE FIELDS
Skillshare
![top online courses for 2021 – CollegeLearners.com (2) top online courses for 2021 – CollegeLearners.com (2)](https://i0.wp.com/www.verywellfamily.com/thmb/XRTF5I-6I1B50t7jgKiVr5LDCe8=/2113x320/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/skillshare-76fc2827678e451ebd1641bededc1ae3.png)
While many online platforms basically provide college-style classes, Skillshare is less formal and aimed more at improving creative skills.
There are business and marketing classes on the platform, but the majority are courses in creative fields, taught by practicing experts in those fields: photography, film, animation, visual arts, writing, interior design, and more. The focus is on teaching practical skills that students can then use to create their own projects. Most courses involve a series of video lessons, combined with assignments for students to practice their skills.
Skillshare has a subscription model, rather than a per-course payment plan, so students who sign up can take as many or as few courses as they want while they’re subscribed. The current pricing is $32 per month, or if you pay for one year upfront, the cost is $168 (which works out to around $14 per month).
That being said, the platform does offer a set of free classes as well, from short, 20-minute videos to longer tutorials of an hour or more.They’re not as in-depth, but they’re a good way to try out potentially interesting topics.
BEST FOR CELEBRITY LESSONS
MasterClass
![top online courses for 2021 – CollegeLearners.com (3) top online courses for 2021 – CollegeLearners.com (3)](https://i0.wp.com/www.verywellfamily.com/thmb/BTGQyd2xnQnNj6o2U_EshK5vNc0=/640x489/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/masterclass-596d512ed87140189671f5d1c82ebfd8.png)
Although MasterClass offers more than just creative courses, its marquee offerings are the ones that put A-list actors, writers, artists, musicians, and more in the teacher’s seat.
And, these aren’t just one-off “talk” style classes: Most courses have around 20 lessons, just like a traditional one, so you get to really dive deep into your topic of choice. If you want to learn about these often-opaque professions, there’s no better way than to hear about it straight from the people who have been successful already.
These courses are video-based, with practical advice and demonstrations mixed in with straightforward lectures, workbooks, and class discussions. You can get TV writing advice from Shonda Rhimes, learn to cook from Gordon Ramsay, take a film class from Martin Scorsese, or explore creative leadership with Anna Wintour.
Since MasterClass is a subscription-based platform, you can take as many sessions as you want within a monthly subscription. The price is about $15 per month for unlimited access, but students have to sign up for one year at a time.
BEST FOR COLLEGE CLASSES
Coursera
![top online courses for 2021 – CollegeLearners.com (4) top online courses for 2021 – CollegeLearners.com (4)](https://i0.wp.com/www.verywellfamily.com/thmb/NkAFNOaWH-TJo56U7xoDKpkLCg8=/2223x320/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/coursera-fd7f47e718ee4fd4a61faac0a65d1373.png)
Coursera isn’t just a place to take classes that are like college courses—it actually offers real academic courses from real professors and universities at a fraction of the cost of getting an online degree.
The platform partners with over 200 universities and companies to provide real learning experiences that can connect to real-world benefits. In some cases, you can even earn certifications or degrees entirely through Coursera, which can then potentially lead to professional benefits like raises, promotions, and more. Even if you’re not looking for professional development reasons, Coursera offers challenging and interesting classes on plenty of topics, so you can explore interests you might not have had before.
The platform allows for multimedia courses, so professors can construct classes, upload videos, assign and grade quizzes and homework assignments, and other elements that would be present in a “real” online college class.
Each course is individually priced (the cheapest start around $30 to $40 and increase from there), although there are some instances where you can purchase a bundle of courses at once (and sometimes at a discount) as a “track” or certification/degree program. You can also get unlimited access to over 3,000 courses with Coursera Plus for $399 a year. It’s pretty much the closest you’ll get to the online college experience without enrolling in college.
BEST PEDIGREE
EdX
![top online courses for 2021 – CollegeLearners.com (5) top online courses for 2021 – CollegeLearners.com (5)](https://i0.wp.com/www.verywellfamily.com/thmb/pmmo6UjYErdAH52MEhaFH3b4eHQ=/640x335/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/EdX-0b9cf7b3d0c344f99c354d850968e734.png)
EdX has a high-end pedigree—it was founded by Harvard and MIT—but an accessible system.
Real college courses, created and taught by real college instructors, are available in a huge array of fields and topics. They do lean slightly toward STEM fields, but there are plenty of languages, humanities, and arts topics, too. Partnering with several universities, EdX offers professional degree certificates, plus “micro” degree programs at the bachelor’s and master’s levels, largely as a tool for professional development.
Through a partnership with Arizona State University, they also offer a “Global Freshman Academy” to earn transferrable undergrad credits for select lessons. Classes are similar to “real” online courses: Lectures, reading material, assignments, discussions, and quizzes are just some of the elements you may encounter.
The big selling point for EdX is that the majority of their courses are free—but there’s a catch. If you’re just taking the class for your own learning experience, the free version will probably work, but if you want to have formal verification for professional reasons, the “verified certificate” option costs about $49 per class.
Each course does have an official “start date,” cycling over and over again, but once the session begins, students can proceed at their own pace.
BEST FOR TECH
Udacity
![top online courses for 2021 – CollegeLearners.com (6) top online courses for 2021 – CollegeLearners.com (6)](https://i0.wp.com/www.verywellfamily.com/thmb/mEiL7M9dVGe2rjuNCrDlE2iU5lc=/1878x320/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Udacity-f16e65ec2ff6441abcc8af47c9dd9ec5.png)
Tech skills are among the most marketable classes you can take on your own time, and Udacity has courses in all of the most in-demand fields.
The platform is designed as a variation on the “coding bootcamp” style of learning, with programs focused on web development, programming, cloud computing, and data science. Whether you’re a total newbie trying to develop a new skill set, or you’re looking to expand your knowledge of a certain topic, there’s probably a course at the right level for you.
Each program includes hands-on practice, real-world applications and examples, individual code reviews, and real instructors and career coaches who can address your individual needs.
Udacity’s platform is a little different than some of the others on the market. Rather than focusing on individual classes, their primary offering is a “nanodegree”—a bootcamp-esque programs which includes multiple lessons, projects, personalized reviews, class discussions, and one-on-one technical mentoring by experts. Most programs require one to five months of part-time study, depending on the subject.
All these features do come with a price tag, though: It’s about $399 monthly, or roughly $597 for students who buy the full four months at once.
BEST FOR DATA LEARNING
Pluralsight
![top online courses for 2021 – CollegeLearners.com (7) top online courses for 2021 – CollegeLearners.com (7)](https://i0.wp.com/www.verywellfamily.com/thmb/rPU5NvvGbjn1a6tCx6owrpiLHmM=/1508x320/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/pluralsight-fff1e37234404a7a8922da5dad709501.png)
Designed with working professionals in mind, Pluralsight offers courses in subjects like software development, data science, information and cybersecurity, and more.
Students can take individual courses, but Pluralsight strongly encourages you to take one of its “paths.” These programs are like mini-degrees: a series of connected courses in a specific area of expertise, such as individual programming languages, security certifications, creative skills in particular software, and so on. These preset paths take the guesswork out of learning—plus, you can do a quick pretest to set your skill level, which adds more customization.
The course library includes more than 7,500 individual classes across hundreds of paths, and even if you’re not ready to tackle a full-length pack, you can dip your toe in with individual courses that are only a couple hours long.
Regardless of how few or how many classes (or paths) you want to pursue, the price is the same about $29 per month for a personal plan (or roughly $299 for a complete year at a slight discount). There’s a premium option, too, for around $449 per year, which includes all the regular features and courses, plus additional interactive courses and industry-standard practice exams for several professional certifications.
FAQs
What Is an Online Learning Platform?
An online learning platform is a website and/or app that allows students to study some topics of interest wholly online and remotely. They’re typically geared at adult professionals who have already finished their traditional schooling, and while some will offer full certificate or even degree programs, most focus on teaching individual courses.
How Much Do Online Learning Platforms Cost?
Online learning platforms come with a pretty big range of prices, but in general, the one thing they all have in common is that they’re usually cheaper than similar courses at traditional colleges and universities.
There are two main types of platforms: per-course platforms, where you pay by the class or course package, or subscription platforms, where you pay a flat rate (usually monthly or annually) to access an unlimited number of individual courses within the given time.
What Kind of Features Do Online Learning Platforms Have?
Like any other type of class, every online learning platform will structure its courses a little differently, but there are a few things they’ll usually have in common.
Online platforms are usually video-based in some way, with audio and video lectures forming the backbone of the classes. For classes teaching hands-on topics, such as creative courses or computer science, the top platforms will usually have a built-in way for students to practice their new skills and get instructor feedback.
Other features you might find are discussion boards, supplemental readings, and even quizzes or exams. Most classes on these platforms are self-paced, either in part or in full, so there won’t be as much simultaneous work with other students as you’d have in a typical class, and you probably won’t have to tune in to live lectures or meetings—although, a few platforms do offer one-on-one tutoring or coaching for some courses. The key is finding a platform whose style works for you in terms of how independent of a student you tend to be and what you’re hoping to get out of a given class.
How We Chose the Best Online Learning Platforms
There are more online learning platforms than ever before, so it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. We’ve selected the categories that we think will be the most useful to adult, professional learners, as opposed to children or teenagers (college students may find these selections useful, but they may already have access to similar resources through their schools).
This means that the platforms here are particularly aimed at adults looking to either explore a personal interest or gain measurable skills for professional advancement—that’s why we’ve focused on creative and tech platforms as the “specialties” featured here among the platforms with broader offerings.
Udemy earned our title of best overall for its variety of options, while Masterclass was our top pick for best celebrity lessons since there are lessons available from a range of directors, writers, and actors.
Since learning online is typically a very personal experience, we’ve featured several platforms that allow for self-paced learning, interactivity, and/or learning tailored to a particular skill level. We’ve mixed in some informal options along with more traditional academic-style courses, but all of the platforms recommended here have top-notch instructors who are experts in their fields, regardless of the structure of the courses themselves.
Online education is no longer just an option for many students – it has become the norm. Out of necessity, virtual learning has grown in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even as institutions plan to resume on-campus instruction, experts say colleges are poised to offer more online degree programs and develop new ones to boost enrollment. Advancements in technology, course design, high-speed internet availability and more are moving online learning forward.
One reason students enroll in online degree programs is for the flexibility to study from anywhere. Students with family responsibilities or full-time jobs may also be able to work around their own schedules. Online students need to have good time management skills and be able to overcome distractions in their environment.
Though online formats still present students with unique challenges, accredited institutions usually offer tailored support for students to adjust to online courses and plan their academic futures however they learn.
Online Degree Programs
Earning a bachelor’s degree – in person or online – can open doors to employment opportunities. According to theNational Center for Education Statistics, the employment rate among 25- to 34-year-olds in the U.S. with a bachelor’s degree or higher was at 86% in 2020. Compare that with the 69% employment rate for those with only a high school diploma.In 2018, about 6.9 million undergraduate students were enrolled in distance education courses at degree-granting postsecondary institutions, and 3.3 million were enrolled exclusively in online classes, according to theNational Center for Education Statistics. Students in online programs usually earn the same degree as on-campus students. The curriculum for an online bachelor’s degree typically matches the on-campus curriculum at the same school, and the diploma usually doesn’t state whether that specific degree was earned online or in person. This can help ease fears that employers won’t accept applicants with online undergraduate degrees.Many online bachelor’s programs require students to complete general education requirements in the arts, humanities and sciences if they haven’t already done so at another college or university. Prospective students will likely need to decide between a liberal arts major and one that is more career-focused, with the latter being the route many take to change career fields or advance professionally. Still, experts say it may make sense for some online students to major in a liberal arts discipline if it’s a subject they are truly passionate about. Academic advisers can offer guidance on which route is best for you.
Pros and Cons of Online Degrees
Pros
- Students can take classes virtually, allowing them to learn anywhere.
- Students can pursue the best program for their field of study, even if the school is far from home.
- Students can plan around busy schedules to complete their coursework.
Cons
- Students need greater self-motivation, time management skills and discipline to complete coursework.
- There’s no face-to-face interaction with an instructor.
- Networking with classmates may be difficult.
An online bachelor’s degree can be a great choice for students who want to continue their education and have either an associate degree or no postsecondary education.A variety of online bachelor’s programs exist, so prospective students should explore all options before enrolling. Those who want to earn their online degree as quickly as possible may wish to pursue a competency-based program or one with an accelerated schedule. The majority of incoming online undergraduates have previously earned some college credits. Individuals in this group should check early in the process whether the prospective online program will accept those credits.Students with an undergraduate degree also can earn a master’s degree completely online. This path is a great choice for working professionals who want to advance in their career or change fields completely. You can find out more through U.S. News’best online master’s degreesrankings and resources.
How to Choose the Best Online College for You
The best online college is the one that fits your needs. As you’re evaluating programs, consider how each school’s research, resources and reputation line up with your career interests and goals. An online program’s accreditation, tuition and flexibility are other factors that come into play. A good place to start your research is the U.S. News rankings ofaccredited online programs.Once you narrow down what colleges you’re interested in, make sure the programs are in your ideal format – whether that’s fully online or a hybrid model. Review admission requirements and application fees and compare the availability of financial aid. Look into the school’s costs beyond tuition, including book, course material and online delivery fees, and research its student services and faculty.
Check the Accreditation Status of the School or Program
When choosing an online degree program, prospective students shouldensure the school is accredited byan organization recognized by either the U.S. Department of Education or the nonprofit Council for Higher Education Accreditation. These organizations monitor programs and schools and renew their accreditation every few years.TheDatabase of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programscontains information from recognized accrediting agencies and state approval agencies that reported to the U.S. Department of Education. Information regarding whether an online degree program is accredited is often available on a school’s website.Accreditation is a process that an outside authority conducts to ensure a school or degree program – either on campus, online or a combination of both – meets certain standards of quality and rigor. Accreditation is a voluntary process, though it has several benefits and essentially validates a program to employers and other institutions.There are a fewtypes of accreditation, but the main two are regional and national. Designated regional agencies determine whether a school is regionally accredited. This is a widely recognized type of accreditation. Credits transfer easily between regionally accredited schools. National accreditation is usually less rigorous and awarded to schools of a similar type, like vocational or technical institutions. For-profit online programs are more likely to have national accreditation. Credits from a nationally accredited college are not transferable to a regionally accredited college. Students can speak with their academic adviser to learn more about what types of accreditation are expected from employers in a given career field.Employers may verify that a job candidate’s degree comes from an accredited program, especially if the school name is unfamiliar to them. Should a student decide to change programs, a transfer-friendly school is more likely to accept course credits that come from an accredited institution.
Choose a College Major
Choosing an undergraduate major can seem daunting. As you research options, think about what subjects you enjoy and what majors might prepare you for careers you’d want to pursue. Make sure you understand how salary may vary by field over the course of a career. The right major can set you up for success in college and beyond.The six most common bachelor’s degrees earned in 2018-19, according to theNational Center for Education Statistics, were business, health professions and related programs, social sciences and history, engineering, biological and biomedical sciences, and psychology.Students who receive bachelor’s degrees in certain engineering fields have some of the highest starting salaries. According to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data on students who received federal financial aid, computer engineering, petroleum engineering and industrial engineering majors make a median starting salary of more than $65,000 per year.Students shouldn’t pick an area of study solely because it is popular or high earning. The same goes for online graduate students – they should weigh the professional benefits of an advanced degree. Those with job experience should consider their professional goals when deciding what to study.
Determine Which Online Learning Option Works for You
The structure of online degree programs varies. That’s why prospective students must research a program thoroughly to ensure it meets their needs. In general, however, online courses require students to regularly log in to a learning management system, or LMS. This is a virtual portal that serves as a classroom, where students can access relevant course materials and monitor their progress on lessons.Different formats require different levels of communication with fellow students. Online students may interact with each other through a variety of channels, including discussion forums, social media, videoconferencing, by phone and through email.Students should not expect an online class to be easier than an on-campus one just because of the format. Programs may require students to attend what are often referred to as synchronous class sessions. These sessions are held in real time through videoconferencing, which can help students interact and build relationships with their classmates and the instructor. This type of program’s activities adhere to a preset schedule of classes, lectures, conversations and assignments.
Most online courses have an asynchronous, or self-paced, component. Students complete readings, listen to lectures and participate in discussions with classmates whenever they wish but must follow weekly deadlines.Open-schedule courses give students the freedom to begin courses whenever they want and complete assignments based on their start date. Students don’t adhere to regular semester dates. In this format, communication with other students can be sparse. Students working full time might find the convenience and flexibility of open-schedule courses the most desirable.Then there’s fixed-time courses where students attend all classes virtually, with no in-person meetings required, but must log on to attend class at specific times. This format is the best for those who want the structure of a set schedule but need the class to be entirely online.Lastly, hybrid online courses allow students to do coursework remotely but require a few in-person meetings.
top 25 new free online classes
- Foundations: Data, Data, Everywherefrom Google via Coursera: This course introduces “the world of data analytics through hands-on curriculum developed by Google.”
- Foundations of Project Managementfrom Google via Coursera. The first of a series of six, this course is designed “to equip you with the skills you need to apply to introductory-level roles in project management.”
- Foundations of User Experience (UX) Designfrom Google via Coursera. The first of a series of seven courses, it “will equip you with the skills needed to apply to entry-level jobs in user experience design.”
- Ask Questions to Make Data-Driven Decisionsfrom Google via Coursera. This one “will help you learn how to ask effective questions to make data-driven decisions.”
- Prepare Data for Explorationfrom Google via Coursera. In this class “you’ll learn how to use tools like spreadsheets and SQL to extract and make use of the right data for your objectives and how to organize and protect your data.”
- Project Initiation: Starting a Successful Projectfrom Google via Coursera. “This course will show you how to set a project up for success in the first phase of the project life cycle: the project initiation phase.”
- Process Data From Dirty to Cleanfrom Google via Coursera. “In this course, you’ll continue to build your understanding of data analytics and the concepts and tools that data analysts use in their work.”
- Start the UX Design Process: Empathize, Define, and Ideatefrom Google via Coursera. “In this course, you’ll complete the first phases of the design process for a project that you’ll be able to include in your portfolio.”
- Psychological First Aid: Supporting Children and Young Peoplefrom Public Health England via FutureLearn. No extra credit for guessing why this one was popular in the time of Covid. It teaches adults “to support children and young people’s mental health during emergencies and crisis situations.”
- Analyze Data to Answer Questionsfrom Google via Coursera. In this one you move along to “explore the ‘analyze’ phase of the data analysis process.”
- Excel for Everyone: Core Foundationsfrom the University of British Columbia via edX. “Learn Excel fundamentals including data wrangling, spreadsheet management, and basic data analysis.”
- Data Analysis With R Programmingfrom Google via Coursera. “You’ll discover how R lets you clean, organize, analyze, visualize, and report data in new and more powerful ways.”
- Introduction to Statisticsfrom Stanford University via Coursera. This course is designed to help you“gain the foundational skills that prepare you to pursue more advanced topics in statistical thinking and machine learning.”
- Share Data Through the Art of Visualizationfrom Google via Coursera. “This course will show you how data visualizations, such as visual dashboards, can help bring your data to life. You’ll also explore Tableau, a data visualization platform.”
- Agile Project Managementfrom Google via Coursera. “This course will explore the history, approach, and philosophy of Agile project management, including the Scrum framework.”
- Project Planning: Putting It All Togetherfrom Google via Coursera. “This course will explore how to map out a project in the second phase of the project life cycle: the project planning phase.”
- Google Data Analytics Capstone: Complete a Case Studyfrom Google via Coursera. The eighth course in the Google Data Analytics Certificate. “You’ll have the opportunity to complete an optional case study, which will help prepare you for the data analytics job hunt.”
- Nature-based Solutions for Disaster and Climate Resiliencefrom SDG Academy via edX. Another course on the list that speaks to the anxieties of our time. It aims to answer:“What are ‘nature-based solutions,’or NbS? How can they help build resilience to disasters and climate-change impacts? Why is NbS relevant? How can I apply NbS in my work and everyday life?”
- Build Wireframes and Low-Fidelity Prototypesfrom Google via Coursera. “In this course, you’ll continue to design a mobile app for your professional UX portfolio.”
- AWS Cloud Technical Essentialsfrom Amazon Web Services via Coursera. A course for those in a technical role who want to learn the fundamentals of AWS.
- Project Execution: Running the Projectfrom Google via Coursera. “This course will delve into the execution and closing phases of the project life cycle.”
- Python Project for Data Sciencefrom IBM via Coursera. “This mini-course is intended for you to demonstrate foundational Python skills for working with data. The completion of this course involves working on a hands-on project.”
- Conduct UX Research and Test Early Conceptsfrom Google via Coursera. “In this course, you will learn how to plan and conduct a usability study to gather feedback about designs.”
- AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentialsfrom Amazon Web Services via Coursera. This course provides an understanding of “fundamental AWS Cloud concepts to help you gain confidence to contribute to your organization’s cloud initiatives.”
- Introduction to Google Workspace Administrationfrom Google Cloud via Coursera. In this course “you will be introduced to your Cloud Directory and will learn how to split your organization into organizational units to simplify user and service management.”
Best online cybersecurity courses of 2022: free and paid certification programs, degrees and masters
The best online cybersecurity courses make it simple and easy to train up in cybersecurity skills and discover more about computer science.
How about taking one of the best free cybersecurity courses online and get yourself a new qualification while the whole notion of “new normal” sinks in as the effects of the great pandemic impact the global workforce.
These brilliant courses prove that it doesn’t need to be expensive to become qualified in cybersecurity.
While you will ideally need to take a degree or other accredited course in computer science, in which you can choose networking and security topics to suit your career path, there are other options available that you can try in order to test the waters and see whether the industry really is for you.
One of the best ways to do this is by signing up for a free online taster course, which introduce some of the basics. These are a great way of seeing if this is the sort of career you’d like – but if you want to become an industry professional, then you’ll need to sign up for more advanced courses.
Even still, some of the free providers do also provide paid courses which are often cheaper than undergraduate study, and may allow not just for suitable training but also industry connections to help on your path.
Therefore if you really are interested in exploring cybersecurity, try some of these featured courses to get an idea of whether you might suit the industry, and vice versa, but do be aware that any free training will generally be quite limited.
The best paid-for cybersecurity courses
1. Udemy
Typically, courses onUdemycost money, but we’ve found a few worth checking out that won’t put a dent in your bank account.
TheCyber Security Course for Beginners – Level 01could also be advantageous to take, not only for cybersecurity enthusiasts but for anyone who want to learn more about the subject.
However, Udemy’s real selling point is that not only does it offer some very in-depth courses, many of these courses are extremely cost-effective.
Paid courses worth looking for for includeCyber Security Crash Course for Beginners:Learn From Scratchbut there are also others to consider such asThe Data Science Course 2020: Complete Data Science Bootcampwhich will help provide an insight into the intricacies of computer science.
It’s worth underlining just how comprehensive and intensive the paid courses can be, and while they may not carry any traditional educational accreditation they could be excellent options if you wanted to consider working as a freelancer to build up some experience, and in a very cost-effective way, too.
2. Future Learn
Future Learnoffers a wide range of short and free online sources, with the opportunity to pay for certificates of participation either at the course level or else access all content for a set fee. The courses themselves are well-presented in short and easy to work sections that make learning simple and interesting.
TheIntroduction to Cyber Securityoffers a free taster to the subject, and is accredited by UK Government intelligence organization GCHQ, global accreditation and examination institute APMG International, and The Institute of Information Security Professionals. However, there are also a small number of accredited degrees available inIT and computer sciencewhich includes a masters degree in cybersecurity.
Overall, while Future Learn is more focused on general introductory short courses, there are paid-for and accredited learning opportunities available through the platform.
3. Coursera
Like Future Learn, Coursera offers a range of short courses for distance learning, including a number of cybersecurity ones such asCybersecurity Specializationwhich was created by the University of Maryland to bring the underlying concepts of the construction of secure systems directly to your web browser.
It consists of five courses in total, each of which can take several weeks to complete. These range from Usable Security to a Cybersecurity Capstone Project, so it’s safe to say that they’ll require you to already have some intermediate cybersecurity know-how under your belt.
There are additional cybersecurity courses available, though, covering everything from the basics to more advanced specializations.
There are also online degrees available in eithercomputing and ITordata science, although none are focused specifically on cybersecurity, you can be assured that cybersecurity will be a significant part of the curriculum.
Overall, Coursera isn’t so well-presented as Future Learn, but there are potentially more accredited options for study through it.
4. NexGenT
NexGenTwas created by two US Air Force veterans with extensive experience teaching and training network engineering and cybersecurity.
The cybersecurity track features two courses: Basic Training, which serves as a prerequisite, and Cyber Security Specialization. Experienced candidates, however, can skip Basic Training by taking a series of tests to prove their skills.
Basic Training prepares you for both Full-Stack Network Associate (FSNA) and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certificates. No prior experience is necessary, and the course is self-paced, so you can start and finish at any time.
TheCyber Security Specializationtraining takes place over 22 weeks, covers everything you need to know to protect businesses from cyberthreats, and includes access toNexGenT’sCareer Services, which helps students enter the workforce upon completion.
The base tuition for the Cyber Security Specialization Program is costly up front, or you can choose zero-fee tuition and pay 10% of your salary only once you have a job with a $40,000 salary. After seven years, all remaining debt is forgiven, even if you haven’t paid a cent. That’s how confidentNexGenTis that you’ll find a job and earn a living.
That confidence is backed up with some impressive figures: more than 50,000 enrolled students, 460,000 classes taught, and a number of success stories attesting to the effectiveness of their training.
If you’re looking for a solid and structured way to enter the professional world of cybersecurity, this may be the right course for you.
5. Open University
The UK’s Open University (OU) is a leader when it comes to distance learning, having spent decades developing its courses, and it serves an international range of students. The online portal for students is excellent with information clearly laid-out, with different modules having clear timetables to work to.
Even better is that the courses are tailored toward people of all abilities, and do a fantastic job of easing the inexperienced and unqualified into what can be quite deep and advanced topics, while actively trying to prevent students from feeling overwhelmed.
The OU offers a dedicatedonline degree in cybersecurity, as part of its wide range of flexibleComputing and IThonors degree courses, where you can choose to focus in different areas, all of which will show a concern for security issues. The OU also offers a dedicated degree inData Science.
The big advantage of the OU is that it can deliver an accredited degree in computing and IT that aims to embrace all learners while allowing them to define their own learning path. Additionally, you can take up to 16 years to qualify for your degree through part-time learning.