IT Certifications Online

Certification Programs and Resources for IT Professionals

Advancements in information technology are coming so fast that it can be tough to keep up with new developments. That's why it is more important than ever for working professionals to pursue certificate programs that allow them to stay up-to-date on the most important aspects of their work. In addition, IT certifications online can help those who aren't yet IT professionals but who hope to take their tech-savvy to the next level. Read on to learn more about these programs that can open doors to an ever-changing career.

Find IT Certifications Online

With so many IT certifications online, it can be tough to figure out which one might be the most advantageous. Our search tool can help make a tough job easier by allowing aspiring students to narrow down the options based on price, institution and length of program.

Types of Online IT Certifications

There are numerous reasons to choose IT certifications online. Many students opt for a certificate to enhance their already budding career, while others are looking for a new career path. Still others simply want to learn more about pertinent issues. Here's why doing that through online means is a great idea.

• Remain Up-to-Date on Industry Developments

  The industry changes on an almost daily basis, with new versions of computer languages, networks and technologies appearing regularly. Some of these changes demand that the IT expert learn even more in order to stay competitive; for instance, a new programming language is a must-learn for someone who is creating apps or computer programs. Certificates that are focused on that particular language can ensure that the IT worker is up-to-date and ready to code with their colleagues.

• Advance in the IT Field

  Those who are working in the IT field must stay on top of the latest trends and tech. This need to constantly learn in order to stay competitive in the field can be fulfilled through online IT programs. Students can work at their own pace, which allows them to continue working in their current job while they explore new and exciting courses and gain the knowledge that might lead to better job opportunities in the future.

• Gain Knowledge to Help with Personal Endeavors

  Those who choose to earn IT certifications online don't have to be actively working in the IT field. Those who are simply curious about information technology can enjoy the courses, and those who work in other fields might want to become the ‘go-to' person in their office to help with simple IT issues. Knowing a bit about how IT works might actually help when promotion time rolls around.

• Significantly Broaden the Knowledge Base

  Sometimes the IT professional needs to branch out into other areas of the industry that can help them make the most of their current role. For instance, someone who knows a great deal about computer languages might need to know more about cyber security to better encrypt and protect the products they create; therefore, a certificate in IT security can be the best way to broaden that base of knowledge without having to go back to school full-time.

• Continue Working While Pursuing an Education

  This is true for anyone who chooses to attend school online rather than in a traditional classroom. Those who are interested in IT can find online flexibility very useful, as it doesn't take away from the time necessary to work and make a living. Those who are working in a different
  field can look to IT certifications online in order to open new
  career doors without sacrificing their work in the current field.

Spotlight: 16 Online IT Certification Programs

For individuals in the information technology sector, there are thousands of certifications available from a wide variety of providers. Many of these institutions are traditional schools with information technology certificate programs offered online, while others are online-only schools. A few of the standouts are listed here to give potential students an idea of what to expect when they begin researching program options.

Certificate in Data Mining - New Jersey Institute of Technology

• Cost: Approximately $10,576 (in state) and $14,996 (out of state)
• Length: 12 credits
• Format: Fully Online
• Outcome: Certificate in Data Mining 
• Overview: This program, designed for data analysis professionals, will teach them how to most effectively utilize their organization's data through data mining techniques. Specifically, students will use large databases to glean useful information and most effectively apply that information to improve the competitive advantage of organization.

Information Systems Security Certificate - Villanova University

• Cost: $5,595
• Length: Three courses
• Format: Fully online
• Outcome: Information Systems Security Certificate 
• Overview: This certificate program provides detailed instruction on the latest security risks and defense strategies to deal with them. IT professionals who complete this program will be better prepared to secure their organization's data from cyber threats. The curriculum also prepares students for CompTIA certification.

Information Technology Graduate Certificate - Dakota State University

• Cost: $442.05 per credit hour
• Length: Nine credits
• Format: Fully online
• Outcome: Information Technology Graduate Certificate 
• Overview: This program has been specially developed for both IT professionals as well as those who do not work in the industry. Besides covering the fundamental concepts underlying most information technology subjects, more advanced topics such as wireless networks, smartphone applications and web applications are also addressed.

Certificate Programs in Software Development and Programming - UC Berkley Extension

• Cost: Approximately $3,600
• Length: Four to eight courses
• Format: Hybrid
• Outcome: Software Development and Programming Certificate
• Overview: This program begins by teaching coding concepts and skills, then moves on to software development areas, including databases, network administration and data communications. The program offers a balance between information technology theory and practical skills in an aim to provide the broadest professional outlook possible.

Project Management and Information Technology - NYU

• Cost: $33,820
• Length: 18 credits
• Format: Fully online
• Outcome: Graduate Certificate in Information Technologies 
• Overview: Designed around training future information technology professionals in working databases, this program will prepare students to understand how databases gather, process, store, and share information. Technical skills and knowledge will be provided in conjunction with management training so that graduates will be prepared for any of the potential roles that await them in the information technology industry.

Undergraduate Certificate in Information Science and Technology - Penn State

• Cost: $535 or $579 per credit
• Length: 12 credits
• Format: Fully online
• Outcome: Certificate in Information Science and Technology 
• Overview: Penn State's program will prepare students for a wide variety of potential information technology roles, including web development, technical support or data center support. Students also have the option to using credits earned toward a later associate or bachelor's degree if they choose.

Information Technology Graduate Certificate - Boston University

• Cost: $14,240
• Length: 16 credits
• Format: Fully online
• Outcome: Graduate Certificate in Information Technology 
• Overview: This program is unique in that it provides hands-on experiences, fully preparing graduates to contribute to software design and implementation. Big picture theory is also taught, so students will be able to provide strategic contributions to their organization.

Information Technology Certificate - University of Massachusetts, Boston

• Cost: $9,855
• Length: 45 weeks
• Format: Fully online
• Outcome: Information Technology Certificate
• Overview: Intended to serve as an introductory program to non-information technology professionals, this certificate program will address foundational information technology theories. Specifically, students will learn the modern operations and uses for IT systems so that they may begin to contribute that knowledge to their organization.

Information Technology Certificate - University of Virginia

• Cost: $6,840 (in state) and $15,876 (out of state)
• Length: 18 credits
• Format: Fully online
• Outcome: Information Technology Certificate 
• Overview: UVA's certificate prepares recent high school graduates for entry-level careers in the IT field. As a result, prospective students who do not have an information technology background are encouraged to enroll and work toward any of the wide range of information technology jobs available.

Business Information Systems Certificate - Southern New Hampshire University

• Cost: $960 per course
• Length: Four courses
• Format: Fully Online
• Outcome: Business Information Systems Certificate 
• Overview: This program is unique in that it combines information technology and business elements. Students will gain IT systems knowledge and skills, then learn how to apply those concepts to the business world in order to improve the performance of an organization.

Certificate in Date Mining - New Jersey Institute of Technology

• Cost: Approximately $10,576 (in state) and $14,996 (out of state)
• Length: 12 credits
• Format: Fully Online
• Outcome: Certificate in Data Mining 
• Overview: This program, designed for data analysis professionals, will teach them how to most effectively utilize their organization's data through data mining techniques. Specifically, students will use large databases to glean useful information and most effectively apply that information to improve the competitive advantage of organization.

Information Systems Security Certificate - Villanova University

• Cost: $5,595
• Length: Three courses
• Format: Fully online
• Outcome: Information Systems Security Certificate 
• Overview: This certificate program provides detailed instruction on the latest security risks and defense strategies to deal with them. IT professionals who complete this program will be better prepared to secure their organization's data from cyber threats. The curriculum also prepares students for CompTIA certification.

Information Technology Graduate Certificate - Dakota State University

• Cost: $442.05 per credit hour
• Length: Nine credits
• Format: Fully online
• Outcome: Information Technology Graduate Certificate This program has been specially developed for both IT professionals as well as those who do not work in the industry. Besides covering the fundamental concepts underlying most information technology subjects, more advanced topics such as wireless networks, smartphone applications and web applications are also addressed.

Certificate Programs in Software Development and Programming - UC Berkeley Extension

• Cost: Approximately $3,600
• Length: Four to eight courses
• Format: Hybrid
• Outcome: Software Development and Programming Certificate 
• Overview: This program begins by teaching coding concepts and skills, then moves on to software development areas, including databases, network administration and data communications. The program offers a balance between information technology theory and practical skills in an aim to provide the broadest professional outlook possible.

Project Management and Information Technology - NYU

• Cost: $33,820
• Length: 18 credits
• Format: Fully online
• Outcome: Graduate Certificate in Information Technologies 
• Overview: Designed around training future information technology professionals in working databases, this program will prepare students to understand how databases gather, process, store, and share information. Technical skills and knowledge will be provided in conjunction with management training so that graduates will be prepared for any of the potential roles that await them in the information technology industry.

Undergraduate Certificate in Information Science and Technology - Penn State

• Cost: $535 or $579 per credit
• Length: 12 credits
• Format: Fully online
• Outcome: Certificate in Information Science and Technology 
• Overview: Penn State's program will prepare students for a wide variety of potential information technology roles, including web development, technical support or data center support. Students also have the option to using credits earned toward a later associate or bachelor's degree if they choose.

Certification Courses and MOOCS in IT

Not all knowledge concerning information technology needs to be obtained from a formal program or for a fee. There are many free, open-course offerings from various schools and companies online that cover a wide variety of IT topics, including introductory courses and advanced professional development classes. Here's a sampling of what's available.