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Enrolling in continuing education programs used to mean late nights in a poorly-lit classroom after a long workday. Luckily, that’s no longer the case.
Just as we’ve seen a rise in remote work, we’ve also seen remote online courses revolutionizing the world of continuing education. Thanks to these flexible options, it’s easier than ever to access high-quality education that will teach you new skills and impress future employers.
In fact, the best continuing education programs can even help you switch careers and ditch cubicle life once and for all.
8 best continuing education programs to learn new skills
We’ve pulled together eight of the best continuing education programs that offer a wide range of courses, prices, and locations. Whether you’re looking for inexpensive coding bootcamps or certification programs, these continuing education programs will have something for you.
1. Bloc
Location: Online
Topics:
- Web Development
- Design
Bloc offers personalized technical and career advancement programs that are 100% online and self-paced. Designed to launch your career within six months, Bloc is the first online bootcamp model that incorporates expert instruction, guidance, and accountability. Bloc also offers accessible payment plans to accommodate a range of budgets.
2. edX
Location: Online
Topics:
- Over 31 topics ranging from Business Management to Philosophy
Founded by Harvard and MIT, edX is on a mission to remove the barriers of cost, location, and access to education. edX offers both online courses and full degree programs that are top-ranked and affordable — plus you can complete them on your own schedule.
3. Flatiron School
Location: New York City or online
Topics:
- Software Engineering
- Data Science
- UX/UI Design
- Cybersecurity Analytics
Flatiron School is a tech-focused school that offers both on-campus and online courses aimed at preparing you for a career in tech. They are so confident in their program that if you don’t get a job after graduating, you get your tuition back. With a 97% employment rate, Flatiron School deserves the top rating its coding program gets.
4. General Assembly
Location: Online or in 27+ cities across the world
Topics:
- Business
- Career Development
- Coding
- Data
- Design
- Marketing
General Assembly offers a wide variety of class formats to accommodate all locations, budgets, and schedules. They also offer loans, payment installments, scholarships, and income-share agreements for their more expensive course options. And if you can’t afford a full-time course, check out their outstanding workshops that range from just $20 to $50.
5. Product School
Location: Online and 19+ cities across the world
Topics:
- Product Management
Product School provides part-time product management courses with hands-on experience that are sure to take your career to the next level. Its three courses are aimed at professionals with different levels of experience. Whether you’re a beginner or long-time product manager, Product School has a course for you.
6. Spring Academy
Location: Online
Topics:
- Data Science
- Design
- Analytics
Spring Academy combines online learning with one-on-one mentorship to get students job-ready in just six months. Students are given real-world projects that are evaluated by industry experts to ensure the highest quality of learning. Some of Spring Academy’s courses come with a job guarantee, and financing options are available to help you afford tuition.
7. The Tech Academy
Location: Online & 4 U.S. campuses
Topics:
- Data Science
- Coding
- Computer Programming
The Tech Academy offers on-campus and online computer programming bootcamps that are designed to take your career to the next level. This continuing education program stands out for its flexible scheduling, high job placement rates, hybrid training, and self-paced learning. They offer several financing options to accommodate your budget.
8. Udemy
Location: Online
Topics:
- Development
- Business
- Finance & Accounting
- IT & Software
- Office Productivity
- Personal Development
- Design
- Marketing
- Lifestyle
- Photography
- Health & Fitness
- Music
- Teaching & Academics
With over 130,000 courses, Udemy offers a variety of thorough and enjoyable courses that will build your skill set. Udemy has 100% online classes, so you can learn at your own pace. Make sure you subscribe to their emails, because they frequently have sales where you can score a $200+ course for just $10-$30.
The best continuing education programs help you advance your career — or start a new one
It’s never too late to learn new skills, especially since the professional landscape is constantly changing as new technology arrives on the scene. Taking continuing education courses can boost your resume, making you a better candidate for a job.
Plus, they can help you switch careers if you’re interested in trying something new or finding a job that lets you work remotely. By investing in your own education, you can reap the rewards of a fulfilling, flexible, and high-paying career for years to come.
