10 Best Self-Paced Online Courses & Certificates 2025

Self-paced online colleges and courses offer flexible, affordable options for busy learners who want to earn a certificate or degree on their own schedule. Whether you're starting a new career or advancing in your current one, self-paced online courses let you learn at your own pace, anytime and anywhere.

Below, you'll discover top programs, pricing details, and enrollment tips. Keep reading to discover a self-paced opportunity that's right for you.

What Is Self-Paced Online Learning?

Self-paced online learning allows students to complete coursework on their own schedule rather than following a fixed timeline. This flexible format is ideal for busy professionals or independent learners who need to balance education with other commitments.

Whether you're earning a degree or exploring self-paced online certificate programs, you can study when and where it works best for you. This approach gives learners greater control over their education, helping them to quickly progress through familiar material or spend extra time on more challenging topics.

Self-Paced Online Courses and Certificates

If you're looking to learn on your own time, self-paced courses offer the flexibility to grow your skills without the pressure of deadlines. Below are ten standout options across various fields, each designed to let you study at your own speed.

1. Harvard University

Harvard's self-paced online offerings are available through its Professional and Lifelong Learning portal. These courses span a wide array of subjects, including business, computer and data science, healthcare and medicine, education, humanities, social sciences, programming, art design, and more.

These courses and certificate programs are designed for asynchronous study, allowing learners to explore topics on their own schedules.

Cost: Free to $33,000

2. Keystone College

Keystone College's self-paced offerings span four FAFSA-approved certificate programs online:

• specialized human resources
• leadership, management, and nonprofit
• professional skills and special topics
• project management, operations, and IT

The prices range excessively. For example, the ''HR Hot Topic: Marijuana and the Workplace'' course costs $39, while the ''Project Management Professionals'' course bundle is $999.

Cost: $39 to $999

3. National University

National University's Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) program offers an array of self-paced, online certificate programs designed to enhance professional development. These programs cater to fields such as education, law enforcement, marketing and social media, project management, information technology, psychology, construction, business, and human resources.

Certificate costs vary by program. For example, the bundled digital marketing certificate is $549, while the law enforcement course is $49.

Cost: $49 to $549

4. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota offers both online courses and degrees. Its three fully self-paced, ''Enroll Anytime'' bachelor's degrees include:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA) in communication
• BA in social science
• Bachelor of General Studies

The university also offers various online courses with certificates. The online applied behavior analysis graduate certificate is just under $11,000, while a career booster like ''Explore a Career in Cybersecurity'' is just $129. Each degree, typically around 120 credits, costs approximately $46,186 total.

Cost: $129 to $46,186

5. edX

The learning platform edX offers self-paced learning through professional certificates, their XSeries programs, and individual courses.

The ''Django for Everybody'' certificate by the University of Michigan's XSeries Program costs $212.40, offering an affordable path to web development skills. For a more comprehensive program, the ''Business Principles and Entrepreneurial Thought'' XSeries from Babson College is priced at $1,344.60, providing in-depth business education.

Cost: $212 to $1,345

6. UMass Global

UMass Global's MyPath self-paced online format offers competency-based learning with no deadlines, flat-rate tuition per term, and flexible completion of bachelor's and master's degrees. Supported by academic coaches, students advance by demonstrating mastery in areas like business administration, data analytics, IT management, and leadership.

Cost: $369 to $695

7. University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin's self-paced online courses, offered through University Extension, span a wide range of academic areas such as business, humanities, social sciences, languages, math, natural sciences, health and wellness, and creative arts. Learners can enroll anytime, progress independently, and complete courses within a five-month window.

Cost: $895

8. Texas State University

Texas State University offers a flexible, self-paced online course catalog. These courses, each offering three to four credit hours, can be started anytime and completed independently � typically over a six to nine month term. They include general education subjects like:

• art
• biology
• English
• history
• mathematics
• music
• philosophy
• political science
• psychology
• sociology
• Spanish
• theater

Cost: $1,218 to 1,624

9. MIT

MIT delivers 38 self-paced courses focusing on practical executive education. This includes areas like digital business and IT, strategy and innovation, operations, leadership, negotiation and communication, artificial intelligence, business analytics, and systems thinking.

These asynchronous courses span six to 10 weeks, with weekly modules, making them ideal for professionals balancing work and learning.

Cost: Approximately $3,500

10. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University offers over 20 self-paced certificate programs, including 6-month certificate programs that pay well. They cover diverse fields such as finance, human resources, project management, cybersecurity, criminal justice, creative writing, leadership, among others.

These certificates are structured around credit-based modules, which are designed for flexible completion and skill advancement tailored to professional goals.

Cost: $3,960 to $11,466

FAQs About Self-Paced Online Learning Programs

This section provides clear answers to common frequently asked questions about self-paced online learning programs, including flexibility, enrollment, and credentials.

How Much Do Self-Paced Online Courses Cost?

Self-paced online courses vary widely in cost, ranging from free options, like Harvard's introductory programming course, to full degree programs, such as the University of North Dakota's online bachelor's degrees, which cost approximately $46,186. Most certificates and individual courses fall between $300 and $7,500, depending on subject and institution.

How Do You Enroll in Self-Paced Courses?

To enroll in self-paced courses, visit the institution's official website, choose your program, and complete the online application or registration form. Some courses require payment upfront, while others may need transcripts or prerequisites. Once registered, you'll receive access to course materials and can begin learning immediately or on a set date.

Are Certificates from Self-Paced Online Courses Recognized by Employers?

Self-paced online course certificates are increasingly respected by employers, especially when aligned with recognized industry or government-endorsed programs. There are many easy courses that pay well, depending on the industry and your current skillset.

The Google IT Support Professional Certificate is an example of such courses as it promotes equity and career pathways. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are gaining credibility, with some employers even recommending them for workforce development.

Can You Get an Online Degree at Your Own Pace?

Yes, several accredited universities offer self-paced online degrees. These programs allow students to complete coursework on flexible schedules, progressing at a pace that suits them, whether quickly or slowly. Options include bachelor's degrees in fields like communication or general studies, with support from academic advisors and no set class times. Availability varies by institution and program.

Enroll in Self-Paced Courses

Explore the flexible programs featured on Learn.org and connect directly with a school that fits your goals to start your self-paced learning journey today.