What Are the Best IT Courses?

If you’re looking to break into a career in technology, you’re probably wondering how to find a reputable course that’ll fit your needs. You’re probably also wondering what the best IT courses are for a job that’s in demand. The good news is, information technology is in high demand throughout the United States—no matter where you’re located. In fact, careers in IT are expected to grow by 11% by 2029, so you can be sure your skills will be needed now and in the future. 

Whether you’re just starting out and are looking for the best IT courses for beginners or you have some tech know-how, there are a range of options available and many different providers to choose from. Let’s take a look at how to identify the best IT courses in demand for 2021, including what they cover and what kinds of skills or certifications high-value programs will offer.

What are the IT Courses that are in demand?

There are many different IT paths that are popular and in high-demand, including fields like IT support and cybersecurity—and many different ways to access learning materials. But with many quality paths to choose from, rather than asking “which course is in demand in the IT field,” the better thing to ask is “which course fits your skills, interests and goals?” Let’s explore the best IT courses in demand, available via free introductory options and bootcamps…both of which can help get you where you want to be quickly.

Free Introductory Courses

If you’re not very knowledgeable about tech, you’re just starting out and want to give it a no-risk try, or you have a specific topic you want to learn more about, there are many free courses to choose from. A quick Google search of “free IT courses” will return a lengthy list of options. Popular websites that offer free courses include Coursera, Khan Academy, and Udemy. 

So what are these free courses like? Many offer a relatively short curriculum with guided readings, online quizzes and potentially some practice modules too. When choosing a free course for beginners, it’s best to look for courses that have good reviews, that provide a solid framework, that have updated curriculum (since innovation in tech is so prevalent), and that provide practice modules or a way for you to apply what you’re learning. For more experienced learners, it’s best to look for a course that really targets the information you want to learn about. You should also see if the course references any certifications you may be trying to earn.

Eleven Fifty Academy also offers free, introductory courses in coding, cybersecurity and UX/UI design for learners looking to expand their knowledge base in these fields.

Bootcamps

A step up from free courses are bootcamps, which are short-term, intensive training programs that can often be completed between 12 and 24 weeks. Bootcamps can be full-time or part-time, and may be offered online or in person. Bootcamps do typically cost money (with the average being around $13,500), but they come with savvy instructors, up-to-date curriculum, and career services to help you land a good job quickly. In essence, they provide much more individualized support than free courses. Two IT courses that are offered by many bootcamps are IT professional and cybersecurity.

IT Professional

This is a great option if you’re looking for information technology courses for beginners. IT Pro courses are designed to provide foundational knowledge and skills that are needed to land an entry-level job in tech. IT Pro courses prepare students for jobs such as technical support, help desk, or network administration. 

Not all IT pro courses are created the same. The best IT Pro courses prepare students to earn industry-recognized certifications like CompTIA A+ and Network+. These are valued by all major employers and can give applicants a leg up when applying to jobs. Good courses should also provide a mix of classroom learning in addition to hands-on or lab work so students can apply concepts to real-world experience.

Cybersecurity

If you already have some baseline tech knowledge or have already completed an IT Pro course, cybersecurity is often viewed as the next step along the pathway. Cybersecurity is a good fit for those who are interested in cyberattacks, online security, or preventing digital fraud. Cybersecurity professionals protect programs, systems, and networks from any form of digital attack, such as hacking, extortion, phishing, accessing personal information, damaging systems, and more.

When researching cybersecurity programs, it is important to find a program that prepares students to take the CompTIA Network+ + and CompTIA Security+ exams. These industry-recognized credentials let employers know you’re knowledgeable about current best practices surrounding security. Top-tier cybersecurity programs should also offer immersive, hands-on learning about how to identify and stop cyberattacks in their tracks.

Eleven Fifty Academy Offers the Best IT Courses In Demand Today

If you’re ready to start a new career or build upon your existing tech knowledge to take your career to the next level, Eleven Fifty Academy is here to help. Our part-time and full-time programs are designed to get students the skills, knowledge, and certifications they need to get into a high-demand job quickly. We meet regularly with top tech employers to ensure our curriculum stays relevant and up-to-date with their needs. And, our courses offer a combination of classroom knowledge and hands-on experience to prepare students for the realities of working in IT. Transform your career—and your life—with Eleven Fifty Academy.