Free Online Classes for Working Professionals

Working professionals often need to learn new skills for professional and personal development, but it can be hard to complete a degree program around a full work schedule. Fortunately, there are low-cost and free online classes and courses available to students with busy schedules.

Many top learning platforms and universities offer free online courses through programs called massive open online courses (MOOCs). These programs are usually free to enroll, but there may be costs for a certificate of completion. Learners in these courses can develop new skills by completing fundamental courses for beginners or taking more advanced courses for a deeper understanding.

These training courses can help you upskill to continue your career path or even start a new career. These high-demand skills can benefit your career, with or without a certificate. Self-paced online learning provides opportunities that traditional in-person learning doesn't.

10 Free and Low-Cost Online Courses for Working Professionals

Free online courses can cover just about any professional skill you can think of. These courses provide specialization opportunities and skill expansion for new careers. Many courses are available in technology-based fields, but learners can pursue several other business skills.

1. Udacity Kotlin Bootcamp for Programmers

Kotlin is an advanced programming language used frequently with Java and JavaScript. This six-lesson course is a fundamental introduction to Kotlin. Udacity offers additional courses on Kotlin for learners to continue their studies.

2. Udacity Intro to Deep Learning With PyTorch

PyTorch is a learning library that creates networks that enable machine learning and artificial intelligence. This course involves hands-on experience with PyTorch and Torch script with video lessons from Soumith Chintala, the creator of PyTorch.

3. Udacity Intro to Machine Learning

Machine learning is the term for the algorithms and data sets that enable artificial intelligence programs. This course involves 16 interactive lessons where learners practice their newfound computer science skills while working toward a final capstone project. This course provides a fundamental understanding of machine learning that can be used to take more advanced courses and certificate programs.

4. Udacity Intro to Python Programming

Python is one of the most commonly used programming languages in the world. This course teaches beginner programmers how to use Python and access libraries, like Pandas and NumPy. These libraries allow programmers to use pre-written code to speed up large projects.

5. HarvardX Introduction to Cybersecurity

HarvardX is the partnership of Harvard University and edX granting access to Harvard's quality education initiatives without having to enroll at the university. This course teaches the fundamental skills associated with cybersecurity and its growing role in modern society.

The interactive modules in this course can be completed for free, but students can pay for access to their online certificate. Learners can also use this course to transfer as college credit to Harvard if they want to complete a full degree program.

6. HarvardX Introduction to Data Science With Python

This course teaches learners how the emerging field of data science uses the Python programming language. Data science is used in everything from digital marketing to machine learning.

This eight-week course requires an understanding of Python as a language before enrollment, such as HarvardX's Introduction to Programming with Python.

7. HarvardX Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies

Learners will study global emerging markets and how social structures can impact entrepreneurs in these environments. Harvard business professor Tarun Khanna teaches this course, and learners can expect the same quality education he brings to his formal Harvard courses.

This program can be audited for free or as a paid certification course.

8. Coursera Introduction to Data Analysis Using Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Excel is one of the most widely used spreadsheet programs in the world. Learners will practice in Excel and develop skills around sorting and reviewing data; they'll also learn how to use Excel's tools to improve visualization.

Coursera teamed with Rice University to design this program. Learners can earn a certificate to easily share on LinkedIn after completing this 24-hour course.

9. Coursera Launch Your Online Business

Learners looking to start their own business will benefit from learning skills like how to name a business, how to pitch to investors, and the basics of digital and social media marketing to reach target audiences.

This course won't help you decide on a business to start, but it can help you guide your idea from concept to formal online business.

10. Coursera HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for Web Developers

HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are commonly used programming languages in web development. This course uses a lesson plan crafted by John Hopkins University instructors.

Learners will work with industry leaders in web development to develop skills through lessons and quizzes. This course will primarily work with HTML5, the most current version of the HTML language.

Benefits of Free Online Courses for Working Professionals

Free online courses have many benefits for working professionals. Career advancement often comes down to upskilling and these courses allow working professionals to develop new skills without having to commit to a full bachelor's degree program or even a professional certification course.

Time Management

Time is one of the most valuable resources in business. Time management skills are in demand for any project management role, regardless of industry. Learners who take free online courses will develop their time management skills, both inside and outside of their courses.

Balancing these online courses and their work schedule will demonstrate to employers an understanding of time management, while also showing a commitment to self-improvement.

Career Advancement

New skills and certifications are important factors for career advancement. Not all free online courses include certification, but upskilling still provides a reward. Learning relevant skills can help you specialize if you're hoping to change your path.

Flexibility

Nearly all free online courses are self-paced. This flexibility allows learners to develop new skills on their own time. Formal degree programs, even online programs, involve deadlines that can create schedule conflicts. Online courses give learners control of their education, including the flexibility to rewatch lessons to ensure they fully understand the material before moving forward.

Are Free Online Courses Actually Free?

Yes, many free online courses are actually free. In addition to learning platforms like Udacity, Coursera, and edX, there are other free lesson providers. Learners can find free programs through Alison, Udemy, and more. Some platforms have free courses with paid certificates, while some offer free certification upon completion.

Are Harvard Free Online Courses Legit?

Harvard's free online courses, called HarvardX, are legitimate. Harvard's professors teach and design these courses using similar lesson plans to those in their formal courses. The main difference between these courses and official Harvard programs is that HarvardX courses won't provide certification unless you pay an additional fee.

These programs offer a legitimate education but won't include a tangible outcome unless you pay.