IT courses can help you learn programming languages like Python and Java, database management, networking fundamentals, and cybersecurity principles. You can build skills in troubleshooting, system administration, and software development methodologies. Many courses introduce tools such as Git for version control, SQL for database queries, and cloud platforms like AWS or Azure, showing how these skills are applied in real-world IT environments.

Skills you'll gain: Operating System Administration, IT Service Management, Cloud Computing, Governance Risk Management and Compliance, Information Technology Infrastructure Library, Malware Protection, Identity and Access Management, Linux Commands, Incident Response, Networking Hardware, TCP/IP, Cybersecurity, Linux Administration, Network Security, Network Protocols, Linux Servers, Cloud Security, Operating Systems, Responsible AI, Cyber Attacks
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Johns Hopkins University
Skills you'll gain: Medical Privacy, Health Insurance Portability And Accountability Act (HIPAA) Compliance, Electronic Medical Record, Telehealth, Patient Safety, Health Technology, Health Information Management, Clinical Informatics, Security Awareness, Personally Identifiable Information, Encryption, Help Desk Support, Medical Equipment, Desktop Support, System Support, End User Training and Support, Health Care, Patient Communication, Technical Support, Customer Support
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Logical Operations
Skills you'll gain: Information Technology Infrastructure Library, Problem Management, IT Service Management, Service Management, IT Management, Change Control, Information Technology Operations, Information Technology, Service Level, Operations Management, Technical Support and Services, Incident Management, Governance, Technical Management, Help Desk Support, Asset Management, Operations, Automation
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Cyber Threat Intelligence, Malware Protection, Peripheral Devices, Personally Identifiable Information, Remote Access Systems, Hardware Troubleshooting, Threat Detection, Desktop Support, Threat Management, Help Desk Support, Network Support, Cloud Services, Cybersecurity, Mac OS, Computer Hardware, Microsoft Windows, Technical Support and Services, Electrical Safety, IT Management, Cloud Security
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Hardware Troubleshooting, Computer Networking, Network Protocols, Web Applications, Computer Security Awareness Training, Network Routers, Wireless Networks, Technical Support and Services, Encryption, Security Awareness, Computer Literacy, System Configuration, Microsoft Office, Authentications, Microsoft Windows, Peripheral Devices, Patch Management, Technical Support, Mac OS, Database Management
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Operating Systems, Network Security, Hardware Troubleshooting, Desktop Support, Network Troubleshooting, Microsoft Windows, Network Support, Computer Hardware, Command-Line Interface, Networking Hardware, Systems Administration, System Support, Unix, Mac OS, System Configuration, Unix Commands, Operating System Administration, Network Infrastructure, Data Storage, Active Directory
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Cloud Computing Architecture, Cloud Services, Cloud Deployment, Generative AI, Cloud Security, Cloud Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, Cloud Platforms, Cloud Computing, Data Storage, Peripheral Devices, Computer Hardware, Cyber Attacks, System Configuration, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Storage, OSI Models, General Networking, Data Security, Test Planning
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Pearson
Skills you'll gain: Database Design, Relational Databases, SQL, Database Management, Query Languages, Database Development, Database Systems, Data Management, Databases, Data Integrity, Oracle Databases, Data Modeling, Data Analysis, Data Manipulation, Data Structures, User Accounts
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of California San Diego
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Graph Theory, Algorithms, Program Development, Bioinformatics, Data Storage, Development Testing, Theoretical Computer Science, Computational Thinking, Network Analysis, Test Case, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Python Programming, C and C++, Java, Rust (Programming Language), Javascript, Software Testing, Debugging
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Linux, Linux Administration, Linux Commands, Linux Servers, Shell Script, Unix, Unix Shell, Systems Administration, Unix Commands, Command-Line Interface, Patch Management, Scripting Languages, Package and Software Management, Virtualization and Virtual Machines, File Systems, File Management, Data Storage, Security Controls, User Accounts, Authorization (Computing)
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Large Language Modeling, Generative AI, AI Security, Gemini, AI Enablement, Google Workspace, Productivity Software, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), LLM Application, Model Evaluation, AI Workflows, Workplace inclusivity, Social Impact, Operational Efficiency, Human Factors, Critical Thinking, Analysis, Data Security, Natural Language Processing
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Multiple educators
Skills you'll gain: Unsupervised Learning, Supervised Learning, Transfer Learning, Machine Learning, Jupyter, Applied Machine Learning, Data Ethics, Decision Tree Learning, Model Evaluation, Tensorflow, Scikit Learn (Machine Learning Library), NumPy, Predictive Modeling, Deep Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Classification Algorithms, Reinforcement Learning, Random Forest Algorithm, Feature Engineering, Data Preprocessing
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Information Technology (IT) encompasses a broad range of technologies and practices used to manage and process information. It is crucial in today's digital world as it supports business operations, enhances communication, and drives innovation. IT professionals ensure that systems run smoothly, data is secure, and technology is leveraged to meet organizational goals. As businesses increasingly rely on technology, the importance of IT continues to grow, making it a vital field for career opportunities.‎
A career in IT can lead to various roles, including IT support specialist, systems administrator, network engineer, software developer, and project manager. These positions are essential in maintaining and improving technology systems within organizations. Additionally, specialized roles such as cybersecurity analyst and cloud solutions architect are becoming increasingly popular as businesses prioritize data security and cloud computing.‎
To succeed in IT, you should develop a mix of technical and soft skills. Technical skills include proficiency in programming languages, understanding of networking concepts, and familiarity with operating systems. Soft skills such as problem-solving, communication, and teamwork are equally important, as IT professionals often collaborate with various departments and need to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.‎
Some of the best online IT courses include the Google IT Support Professional Certificate and the IBM IT Project Manager Professional Certificate. These programs provide comprehensive training and are designed to equip you with the skills needed for a successful IT career. Additionally, the Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate offers valuable insights into automating tasks using Python.‎
Yes. You can start learning it on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in IT, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎
To learn IT effectively, start by identifying your interests within the field. Explore foundational courses to build your knowledge, then gradually move to more specialized topics. Engage with hands-on projects and practical exercises to reinforce your learning. Joining online communities and forums can also provide support and networking opportunities as you progress in your studies.‎
IT courses typically cover a variety of topics, including networking fundamentals, cybersecurity principles, programming basics, cloud computing, and IT project management. You may also encounter specialized subjects like data analysis, software development, and IT service management, depending on the course focus.‎
For training and upskilling employees, courses like the Microsoft IT Support Specialist Professional Certificate and the IBM IT Support Professional Certificate are excellent choices. These programs are designed to enhance practical skills and knowledge, making them suitable for workforce development in IT.‎