7 Online IT Courses With Certificates 2025

Whether you're already working in information technology or looking to make a career change, taking online courses leading to certification can be an essential step to take. With this in mind, you may be curious about which schools offer the best online courses with certificates in IT.

Keep reading as we explore some top options to consider. We'll also answer some questions you may have about completing the best online IT courses and the career opportunities available to you.

Best Online Information Technology Certification Courses

You could enroll in one of the many free online IT courses offered on learning websites; however, some of the best paid online IT certificates come from top colleges and universities. Let's take a closer look at these programs for current or aspiring IT professionals.

1. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati is a large public school providing various online and on-campus degrees and certifications. Online learners at the school can earn both undergraduate and graduate certificates in information technology.

Students can study at a pace that works for them while completing a series of courses that lead to certification. All coursework is completed online and covers topics like database management with SQL, data analysis, and the use of operating systems. Even though these are not free online IT certificates, both programs provide coursework that transfers into information technology degree programs.

2. University of Virginia

The University of Virginia offers various online programs through its School of Continuing and Professional Studies. One of these is an undergraduate certificate in information technology.

The interactive program comprises six courses and can be completed within 18 months. Courses cover fundamentals of IT, and students can choose from electives in data analytics, cloud computing, Agile project management, and more.

3. Pennsylvania State University

The Penn State World Campus, the online division of Pennsylvania State University, is known for providing world-class degrees and certificates for online students. This public school offers an undergraduate certificate in information sciences and technology.

This program requires successful completion of four courses. The courses are self-paced, allowing you to study on your own time and earn your certificate in a timeframe that works for you.

4. Boston University

Boston University is a private school in Massachusetts providing various online programs. Students at this school who already hold a bachelor's degree can earn graduate certificates in information technology and advanced information technology.

Each program consists of four courses covering topics like cybersecurity, IT strategy and management, and database design. Students earning both certificates will have completed the necessary coursework to earn a Master of Science in computer information systems.

5. University of North Carolina Charlotte

The University of North Carolina Charlotte is one of the fastest-growing schools in the University of North Carolina System. It provides an online graduate certificate in management of information technology.

The program requires five in-depth, graduate-level courses that students complete on their own time. The courses are project-based, helping students gain real-world experience as they work through the courses. Students can complete the program in as little as a semester or as many as five years, depending on their schedule.

6. University of Massachusetts Lowell

The University of Massachusetts Lowell is a public school offering a range of online and in-person academic programs. Students can earn a flexible undergraduate certificate in information technology online.

This highly flexible program has just two required courses; students can make up the remaining course requirements by choosing from a variety of electives, helping them tailor their program to their interests. Course offerings cover topics like the Linux/UNIX operating systems, conducting security assessments, and more.

7. San Juan College

San Juan College is a public school in New Mexico. It offers three online undergraduate certificates in information technology:

• information technology support
• cybersecurity support
• network support

Students in these programs learn a variety of fundamental IT concepts as they prepare for entry-level careers or advanced studies. Students in these programs receive certification exam vouchers so they can earn industry certifications for free. The school is a CompTIA partner, so the programs prepare students to complete certifications like CompTIA A+ Hardware, CompTIA Network+, and CompTIA IT fundamentals.

Our Selection Criteria

We strive to choose only the highest-quality academic programs for our rank lists; for that reason, no free online IT certificates were included in this list. The following criteria were used when selecting the academic programs above:

• Accreditation: Each school is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting body.
• Reputation: The schools offering the above programs all have strong reputations as respected schools for both online and in-person learning.
• Accessibility: Each program is highly accessible, allowing students to study full-time, part-time, or at their own pace. Many also offer affordable tuition rates and multiple yearly start dates for added flexibility.

Benefits of Online Courses and Professional Certificates in IT

There are numerous benefits of completing online IT courses. Many of the certificates you can get online can help you take your skills to the next level, improving your credibility as an IT professional and increasing your job opportunities.

If you are new to IT, taking online courses can put you on the fast track to many new career possibilities. Regardless of whether you are just starting out or have been working in IT for years, taking online courses and earning new certifications can help you stay up to date on changes within the field, ensuring your knowledge remains relevant.

FAQs About IT Courses for Technology Professionals

If you still have questions about studying information technology online, keep reading. Below, we'll provide answers for some frequently asked questions you may be curious about.

Is an IT Certificate Worth It?

IT courses and certificates often serve as a fast track to entry-level career paths or a stepping-stone to associate, bachelor's, or master's degrees in the field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, many IT-related jobs require at least a bachelor's degree; however, if you already have a degree in another field or are looking to get your foot in the door quickly and affordably, an IT certificate may be well worth the time and money to you.

Which Career Paths Can Benefit With an Online IT Course Certificate?

Earning an IT certificate by completing online courses can help you develop in-demand skills for career paths in computer science, digital marketing, project management, and more. Common job titles include:

• database administrator
• data analyst
• software developer
• computer support specialist
• web developer

What Are the Best Free Online IT Courses?

Various online platforms offer free online courses in information technology. While these courses don't necessarily lead to certification, they can teach many of the fundamentals of IT through video tutorials and reading assignments.

Some of the best free courses are offered by companies like IBM, Amazon, Microsoft, and Google through platforms like Coursera and edX. Some colleges and universities also offer free courses through these platforms.

Find Online Certificate Programs and Start Learning Today

If you're ready to earn your certificate or bachelor's degree in information technology, explore the programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools to find out more about their programs and discover which one is right for you.