Learning new skills is critical to advancing one's career.
According to one study, 74% of hiring decision-makers agree that a skills gap persists in the current U.S. labor and hiring economy.
Luckily, there are a number of online learning resources that are designed to teach you the latest skills. And while most programs don’t deliver a degree, most do offer a completion certificate. Perhaps more importantly, the knowledge you gain can make you more attractive to employers, while also helping you perform more effectively on the job.
To help you sift through the thousands of options out there, we’ve rounded up 25 of the best online learning platforms and resources. Keep reading to find the best resources for you!
1. LinkedIn Learning
Overview: Formally known as Lynda.com, LinkedIn Learning is an education platform that helps you learn business, creative, and technology skills.
The platform is available for a monthly fee and has a content library with over 16,000 video classes in seven languages. Online classes are taught by industry experts with real-world experience. Here are just a few example classes:
- Leading without Formal Authority
- Writing Emails People Want to Read
- Content Marketing for Social Media
You can also prepare for various certifications like Adobe and Salesforce through LinkedIn Learning programs.
Depending on the information on your LinkedIn profile, you’ll receive personalized course recommendations. See if the platform is right for you by signing up for a one-month free trial.
Best for: Business Professionals & Companies
Pricing: Monthly: $29.99, Annually: $239.88 (plus tax)
2. Udemy
Overview: If you’ve ever researched online education platforms, you’ve likely seen Udemy. This popular marketplace provides a massive amount of content – 155,000 courses, in fact – to more than 35 million students.
From marketing and development to design and IT, Udemy is an excellent way to learn a variety of skills on your schedule as courses are self-paced. Check out these course options:
- The Complete 2021 Web Development Bootcamp
- The Business Intelligence Analyst Course 2021
- Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (+ Excel Application)
The platform has over 57,000 instructors who are experts in their fields. Search for classes that you’re interested in and check course reviews to find the right option for you.
Best for: Professionals & Students
Pricing: Depends on the course
3. Udacity
Overview: Udacity is a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC)-providing platform with online courses that are geared toward technology learning such as data science, artificial intelligence, and digital marketing.
Udacity is known for content quality and partners with leading technology companies to determine the most important skills they want in their workforce.
Class lengths vary by course, but learning programs are flexible and can be tailored to fit your busy schedule. Real-world projects are also part of the courses and you’ll receive timely feedback from industry experts.
A unique feature about Udacity? The platform offers free courses, but also something they call Udacity Nanodegrees where you pay a monthly fee to study a particular subject for around 6-12 months and receive a degree.
Best for: Professionals and Students
Pricing: 200 free courses. Nanodegree courses cost $200 per month.
4. edX
Overview: edX has over 3,000 online courses, 15,000 instructors, and 35 million users. Their goal? To make higher education opportunities available to more people.
Courses are offered from more than 160 top universities like Harvard and Berkeley. Here are just a few of the course options:
- Analyzing Data with Excel (IBM)
- Financial Accounting (MITx)
- Machine Learning Fundamentals (UCSanDiegoX)
You can also complete programs and degrees on the platform including a MicroBachelors Program and online Master’s degree.
Best for: Students
Pricing: Free to $300+
5. ALISON
Overview: Alison is a learning marketplace with an assortment of free online courses from the world’s leading experts. Topics range from marketing and finance to technology and health sciences.
You can choose a certificate, diploma, and learning path courses.
You can also search for courses based on specific jobs. For example, maybe you want a career as a Marketing Manager. Alison has over 100 courses related to this position and shows the top three skills you need to succeed.
A few of the most popular courses include
- Food Safety and Hygiene in the Catering Industry
- Quality Management Systems (SMS)
- Diploma in Customer Service
Courses can take one hour to seven months to complete. While courses and proof of course completion are free, you do have to purchase certifications and official diplomas.
Best for: Professionals.
Pricing: Under $10 – $2,500
6. Skillshare
Overview: Want to learn how to create a vibrant Instagram community for your company? Or how to give honest feedback at work? Skillshare offers classes within four categories: Creative, Business, Technology, and Lifestyle.
Here are a few examples of classes under each category:
- Creative: The Beginner's Guide to After Effects
- Business: Organic Instagram Growth: Create Shareable Content
- Technology: The Complete JIRA Agile Project Management Course
- Lifestyle: American Sign Language Level 1
The platform has over 30,000 premium classes and 2,000 free classes. The premium membership includes benefits like offline access, no ads, scholarships, and potential discounts.
You can also sign up for Skillshare’s 7-day free trial to test the platform.
Best for: Professionals & Students
Pricing: Premium Monthly – $15, Premium Annual – $99
7. CreativeLive
Overview: Take creative classes to hone your skills from the best on-demand instructors with CreativeLive. CreativeLive has a huge library of 1900+ classes on-demand all year.
Learn about Art & Design, Music & Audio, Photo & Video, and more. Some classes include:
- Shooting and Editing for Mobile Photography
- Color Fundamentals
- Advanced Typography: Fine Tuning and Finessing
Daymond John, Tim Ferris, and Mel Robbins are just a few of CreativeLive’s instructors.
Another cool aspect of the platform is that on-air classes are available for free. Just RSVP for on-air events and learn different skills in real-time.
Best for: Beginner to Advanced
Pricing: Free to $200 for courses. Or you can purchase the Creator Pass for $39 per month to access the entire library of courses.
8. WP101
Overview: Want to learn how to better use WordPress? WP101 offers easy WordPress tutorial videos for beginners. No tech jargon involved.
These videos have helped over three million people learn how to build their own website or blog.
Courses are always up-to-date with the latest version of WordPress. The videos are designed for beginners, but once you master WordPress fundamentals, you can also sign up for other courses like WooCommerce and Jetpack.
Receive unlimited access to 200 video tutorials and seven courses with the All-Access Pass. Site members can also access a member-only forum where you can get your top WP questions answered by experts.
Best for: Beginners
Pricing: $19 for Monthly Access
9. Babbel
Overview: Babbel is the #1 selling language learning app with lessons designed by over 100 linguists. Lessons typically only last 10-15 minutes so it can be a great option for on-the-go professionals.
The platform helps you learn 13 different languages including German, Norwegian, and Turkish. Each lesson builds upon the previous one and immerses you in real-life dialogues to help you start speaking right away.
Babbel offers two subscription plans: The Babbel App Subscription and the Babbel Live Subscription. The Babbel App Subscription gives you unlimited access to all of Babbel’s lessons.
The Babbel Live Subscription includes virtual live language classes taught by experts for all different levels. You also have access to all lessons.
Best for: Beginners
Pricing: Prices for the Babbel App Subscription vary by month, but six months costs $8.45 per month. View prices for Babbel Live here.
10. MasterClass
Overview: Ever wanted to learn skills from a celebrity? MasterClass makes that possible. The streaming platform offers video lessons taught by celebrity greats like Steve Martin, Gordon Ramsey, and Natalie Portman.
Select from over 100 classes across nine categories. Categories range from business, writing, music, photography, and more! You can also access video lessons anytime, anywhere on various devices.
Each class normally includes 20 video lessons which are 10 minutes long and a workbook. Sign up for a monthly MasterClass membership to access any class you like.
Best for: Beginner to Advanced
Pricing: $15 per month, billed annually.
11. Coursera
Overview: Coursera was founded in 2012 by Stanford University computer science professors. It’s a unique online education platform, with classes provided through top universities such as Duke, Penn, Stanford, Princeton, and Northwestern, among others.
The platform offers both free courses and paid degree courses. These courses include learning elements like on-demand videos, homework assignments, and discussion forums.
You can receive a Course Certificate, Professional Certificate, MasterTrack® Certificate, or diploma with your network. Here are a few course examples:
- Excel Fundamentals for Data Analysis
- Google Ads for Beginners
- Successful Negotiation: Essential Strategies and Skills
According to a Coursera survey, 87% of people learning for professional development report career benefits like getting a promotion, a raise, or starting a new career.
Best for: Beginner to Advanced
Pricing: Varies
12. HarvardExtension
Overview: HarvardExtension is the online extension school of Harvard University. Offering over 900 open-enrollment courses, the school allows you to study part-time in the evening and online courses (70% of courses are online).
Sign up for various programs including graduate certificates, graduate degrees, premed studies, and more. Sample courses include
- Introduction to Programming with Python
- Advanced Public Speaking and Professional Presenting
- The Art of the Pitch
According to the website, HarvardExtension is “A division of Harvard University dedicated to bringing rigorous programs and innovative online teaching capabilities to distance learners, working professionals, high school students, and those seeking higher learning in retirement.”
Best for: Students & Professionals
Pricing: Courses are free to take, but HarvardExtension charges tuition to receive a degree or certificate.
13. StanfordOnline
Overview: Similar to HarvardExtension, StanfordOnline is a digital extension of Stanford University. Courses are taught in real-time and there are different options available each semester.
Browse courses based on what you want to learn. Here are a few potential classes:
- Accounting for Managers and Entrepreneurs
- Programming Methodology
- Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
StanfordOnline also offers free educational online webinars to help you hone different skills such as “Lead from Home…Like a Boss.”
Best for: Students
Pricing: Audit classes for free or pay tuition to receive credit.
14. CodeAcademy
Overview: Learn to code for FREE with CodeAcademy. This online interactive platform offers free coding classes for 12 different programming languages including
- Python
- JavaScript
- Go
- Swift
- Sass
- Java
- Ruby
- SQL
- C++.
- C#
- HTML
- CSS
To get started, select what programming you want to learn. Start writing real-life code immediately and get instant feedback. Apply your learning to real-world projects and check what you’ve learned with tailor-made quizzes.
CodeAcademy has taught over 50 million people. The technical skills learned are designed to help you secure a job in technology (hint: coding skills are in high demand!).
Best for: Anyone interested in a technical career
Pricing: Free (although a Pro Plan offers additional support and resources)
15. Treehouse
Overview: If you want to learn programming, design, and more, Treehouse offers expert-led video courses on the topics.
Explore regular courses and Courses Plus to access the Treehouse catalog library, interactive quizzes, and coding challenges. Treehouse provides 300+ courses, over 250 workshops, and 23 topics.
The company also provides an online coding boot camp where you can receive a Techdegree and launch your dream career in tech. Treehouse graduates work at big-name companies like Mailchimp, Nike, and Airbnb.
Best for: Beginners, intermediate, and advanced learners
Pricing: Free 7-day trial, then $25 per month (Techdegree is $199 per month)
16. General Assembly
Overview: Since 2011, General Assembly has offered training in tech, data, design, business, and more. Learn career skills through award-winning curriculum and expert instructors, on-campus and online.
Choose to be a full-time or part-time student. The full-time program is designed to help you start a new career in 12 weeks. Part-time programs allow you to work full-time while learning new skills.
Courses include
- Data Science
- Python Programming
- JavaScript Development
- Front-End Web Development
- Data Analytics
When you sign up for a course, you get access to a dedicated career coach, job-search prep, real-world learning, and partner and networking opportunities.
Best for: Professionals
Pricing: Courses range from $1,250 for online on-demand courses to $14,950 for full-time on-campus courses.
17. MiJingo
Overview: If you’re looking for on-demand tech courses that you can stream or download, MiJingo is an excellent option.
The platform offers video courses for three main tracks: Development, Design, and Content Management Systems. Examples of specific courses include
- OS X Shell Tricks
- Python for PHP Developers
- CMS Learning System
MiJingo also provides in-person team training such as two-day Craft CMS classes and a one-day Git Fundamentals & Workflows class.
Best for: Beginner to Advanced
Pricing: No monthly fee, but you do need to purchase some of the courses.
18. Pluralsight
Overview: Pluralsight provides video training courses that revolve around tech workforce development. C#, Python, JavaScript are all popular courses on the platform.
Courses are taught by industry experts and are also designed to match different skill levels (from Beginner to Advanced).
In addition to courses, Pluralsight offers skill assessments, labs, certification prep, and more. Pluralsight isn’t free, but you can sign up for a free trial to see how you like it.
Best for: Software developers, IT administrators, and creative professionals
Pricing: Standard Plan – $29 per month, Premium Plan – $49 per month
19. CareerFoundry
Overview: Interested in learning UX or UI design skills? CareerFoundry is an online boot camp that allows you to learn through several months of videos and projects. Programs include:
- UX Design
- UI Design
- Web Development
- Data Analytics
- Voice User Interface Design
Each program is designed to help you kickstart your career-change journey. Whether you want to be a developer, designer, or analyst, CareerFoundry helps you get there and provides a six-month job guarantee.
Programs are 100% online and asynchronous. You’ll also have access to a career specialist, mentor, student advisor, and tutor. The curriculum is developed by industry experts and you’ll create real-life projects that you can use for your portfolio.
Best for: Beginner to Advanced
Pricing: $690-$6,900
20. Canva Design School
Overview: Canva has made it possible to design beautiful graphics without Photoshop or other graphic design tools. Canva Design School helps you learn how to optimize Canva through courses, tutorials, and events.
Check out some of the courses:
- Graphic Design Basics
- Branding your business
- Social media mastery
- Presentations to impress from the experts
The best part? All courses are free. However, a Pro Canva subscription is required to truly make the most of the platform (and access more elements), but the free plan is still perfect for basic graphic design needs.
Best for: Beginners
Pricing: Free
21. Instructional Solutions
Overview: Strong business writing is a skill that requires practice, no matter your occupation. Instructional Solutions offers various writing courses to help you learn how to write professional emails, reports, proposals, and more.
A few of the courses include:
- Effective Business Writing
- Sales Writing
- Technical Report Writing
- Customer Service Writing
- Email Writing for Business
Write down your writing goals and challenges when you start the course. You then learn through a combination of articles, videos, and critiqued writing exercises from a professional writing instructor.
Courses are available for individuals and teams.
The site also provides free educational blog articles about business writing and answers common grammar questions (hint: only one space is needed after a period instead of two).
Best for: Professionals
Pricing: Varies. For example, the Effective Business Writing course costs $695 for individual enrollment while the Technical Report Writing costs $895.
22. Google Digital Garage
Overview: Learn online marketing for free with Google Digital Garage. The courses are designed to be completed at your own pace and are approved by industry experts. Here are the course categories:
- Data and Tech
- Digital Marketing
- Career Development
The platform offers a good mix of online courses, certifications, live training, and more. Most of the courses are free and approved by industry experts.
Once you’ve completed a course, you’ll receive an accredited certification to include on your LinkedIn or resume.
Best for: Students & Professionals
Pricing: Free
23. SEMRUSH Academy
Overview: SEMRUSH Academy is a free digital marketing platform with comprehensive courses and exams. Learn skills like
- SEO
- Content Marketing
- Competitive Research
- PPC
- SMM
Lessons can typically be completed in 30 minutes to one hour. Certification exams allow you to earn a certificate to show potential or current employers.
Best for: Beginners
Pricing: Free, but the SEMRUSH tool costs a monthly fee.
24. Yoast Academy
Overview: SEO skills are in high demand. Yoast Academy can help you develop these skills through online SEO training and courses.
Yoast covers all SEO topics, from beginner to advanced. These classes are created by SEO developers and experts. The platform also provides ready-to-use templates for your SEO strategy.
The basic Yoast Academy is free, but the premium version offers even more training such as SEO copywriting, site structure, and keyword research.
Best for: Beginner to Advanced
Pricing: Free to $89 per year for Premium.
25. Memrise
Overview: Learning a new language is an excellent career asset, especially if you work in customer service or any customer-facing job. You can learn up to 22 languages online with Memrise including:
- French
- Italian
- Spanish
- Korean
- Russian
The platform uses spaced repetition of flashcards to help you learn a new language faster. There are 50,000+ video clips with native speakers to help you prepare for real-life situations.
Best for: Beginners
Pricing: Free or purchase the Premium monthly subscription plan
Continuing your education can help you stand out
While the U.S. job market will always oscillate between a candidate-driven market (more jobs than workers) and an employer-driven one (fewer jobs), the competition for top jobs is always going to be fierce.
By continuing to develop your skills and demonstrating that you’re committed to continued learning, you can increase your chances of standing out in any job market.
Are you ready for career help from the experts?
The resume writers and career consultants at ResumeSpice can help you stand out in your job search. Your consultant will serve as your expert guide through the process, so you find the best opportunity for your career. If you’re ready to learn more, call 832.930.7378 or contact us online.
