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.

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

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

Skills you'll gain: Email Security, Cloud Infrastructure, Cloud Platforms, Cloud Computing, Generative AI, Cloud Computing Architecture, Generative AI Agents, Cloud Services, Cloud Development, Cybersecurity, Hardening, Data Storage, Peripheral Devices, Virtualization, Computer Hardware, OSI Models, General Networking, Database Administration, Programming Principles, Computer Programming
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 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, Technical Support and Services, Help Desk Support, Cloud Services, Active Directory, Cybersecurity, Mac OS, Computer Hardware, Microsoft Windows, Technical Support, IT Management, Cloud Security
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Database Software, Hardware Troubleshooting, Networking Hardware, Database Theory, Database Management Systems, Computer Networking, Network Support, Network Protocols, Web Applications, Security Software, Encryption, Security Awareness, Computer Literacy, Computing Platforms, Computer Programming, Endpoint Security, System Software, Authentications, Application Design, Database Management
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

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

Duke University
Skills you'll gain: Deductive Reasoning, Critical Thinking, Logical Reasoning, Computational Logic, Analysis, Probability, Diagram Design, Sampling (Statistics), Persuasive Communication, Verification And Validation, Probability & Statistics, Statistical Inference, Correlation Analysis, Communication, Decision Intelligence, Appeals, Business Communication
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Process Modeling, Prompt Patterns, Generative AI, Business Workflow Analysis, Systems Analysis, AI Workflows, AI literacy, Process Optimization, Miro AI, Process Mapping, Systems Architecture, Solution Architecture, Software Architecture, Systems Thinking, Responsible AI, Machine Learning, Project Documentation, Stakeholder Communications, Technical Consulting
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 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

University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: Unified Modeling Language, JSON, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), File I/O, Software Design, Debugging, Object Oriented Design, Data Processing, Unit Testing, Programming Principles, Program Development, Python Programming, Data Import/Export, Data Wrangling, Restful API, Image Analysis, Software Documentation, Data Manipulation, Jupyter, Computer Programming
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Network Security, Computer Hardware, Generative AI, Data Storage Technologies, Data Storage, Operating Systems, Microsoft 365, Hybrid Cloud Computing, Generative Model Architectures, Authorization (Computing), Data Security, Computer Science, OSI Models, Data Store, TCP/IP, Data Integrity, Cloud Computing, Data Processing, Network Protocols, Software Development
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, Incident Response, Information Technology, Change Requests, Service Level, Operations Management, Incident Management, Governance, Technical Management, Help Desk Support, Asset Management, Operations, Automation
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
IT, or information technology, is the use of computers, networks, software, and systems to store, manage, secure, and support digital information. In practice, IT can include troubleshooting user issues, setting up devices, managing infrastructure, supporting cloud and network services, and helping organizations keep technology running reliably. Courses such as Information Technology (IT) Fundamentals for Everyone from IBM and Technical Support Fundamentals from Google introduce core IT concepts in an accessible way. On Coursera, you can explore IT courses that build foundational knowledge and help you decide which area to study next.‎
IT skills are used in roles such as IT support specialist, help desk technician, system administrator, technical support analyst, infrastructure support specialist, and healthcare IT support specialist. These roles often involve solving technical problems, supporting users, maintaining systems, documenting issues, and working with networks, operating systems, or security basics. Courses on this page, including Microsoft IT Support Specialist, Google IT Support, IBM IT Support, and Healthcare IT Support from Johns Hopkins University, reflect several practical paths within IT. Coursera can help you compare beginner-friendly programs based on the type of support or systems work you want to learn.‎
Before studying IT, it helps to have basic computer literacy, comfort using the internet, and a willingness to troubleshoot problems step by step. You do not usually need advanced technical experience to begin with introductory IT courses, but familiarity with files, browsers, email, and common software can make the learning experience smoother. Courses like Information Technology (IT) Fundamentals for Everyone from IBM and Technical Support Fundamentals from Google are designed to introduce core concepts before more specialized topics. If you are new to the field, starting with foundational courses on Coursera can help you build confidence gradually.‎
Skills that complement IT include problem solving, customer communication, networking fundamentals, operating systems, cybersecurity basics, cloud computing, scripting, and documentation. For learners interested in automation, Google IT Automation with Python connects IT tasks with programming skills that can help streamline repetitive work. For learners focused on infrastructure, System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services from Google introduces concepts related to managing systems and services. Coursera offers courses that pair IT fundamentals with adjacent skills, so you can shape your learning around support, administration, automation, or specialized environments like healthcare.‎
A good way to start learning IT is to begin with foundational concepts, then move into hands-on support, systems, networking, or automation topics. Introductory courses can help you understand how computers, operating systems, networks, and troubleshooting processes fit together before you choose a more specific direction. Options on this page include IBM’s Information Technology (IT) Fundamentals for Everyone, Google’s Technical Support Fundamentals, and broader professional programs like Google IT Support or Microsoft IT Support Specialist. On Coursera, you can start with a beginner course and continue into more applied IT training as your goals become clearer.‎
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.‎
Some strong beginner options for IT include Information Technology (IT) Fundamentals for Everyone from IBM, Technical Support Fundamentals from Google, Google IT Support, Microsoft IT Support Specialist, and IBM IT Support. These courses and programs introduce practical topics such as troubleshooting, computer hardware and software, operating systems, networking basics, customer support, and system administration. If you are interested in a specific setting, Healthcare IT Support from Johns Hopkins University can connect IT support skills to healthcare environments. Coursera’s IT course selection makes it easier to start broadly, then choose a path aligned with your interests.‎
IT courses typically cover computer hardware, software, operating systems, networking, troubleshooting, technical support, system administration, infrastructure services, security basics, and sometimes automation. For example, Google’s System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services focuses on managing systems and services, while Google IT Automation with Python introduces scripting for IT tasks. IT support programs from Google, Microsoft, and IBM often emphasize practical support workflows, user communication, and problem diagnosis. On Coursera, you can use course titles, syllabi, and listed skills to choose courses that match the IT topics you want to build next.‎