To keep up with the rapid changes in business and technology, companies increasingly rely on information systems and tools to manage financial and organizational data. This data needs complex systems to store information, facilitate decisions, and launch new products and services. Online information systems courses can provide foundational concepts and advanced topics to improve your career credentials.
One of the best ways to launch a career in this field is by enrolling in an online course. Most of these programs take a short time to complete and cost less than university degree tuition rates. To help you find an appropriate pathway for you, this article highlights the best online information systems classes, courses, and training programs.
What Are Information Systems?
Information systems are defined as integrated operating systems that collect, analyze and store data that is readily available for a company to make informed decisions. Examples include transaction processing systems, management information systems, office automation systems, and customer relation systems.
Online courses or an online degree in systems analysis can prepare you for a career as a database administrator, network technician, systems administrator, systems analyst, or a wide range of other roles. Systems professionals have a strong understanding of network architectures, network engineering, and database design, and often earn high average salaries.
Why Online Information Systems Courses Are Important for Professional Development
As more businesses seek cost effective solutions to improve their competitiveness, demand for professionals able to operate information technology-based tools is also on the rise. Fortunately, there are many online information systems courses available if you wish to enter or advance your career in this growing field.
Online courses can act as an alternative to an information systems degree. While you may not earn college credit, you can gain essential skills that will open up entry-level careers. After gaining a few years of experience, you can apply for more advanced leadership roles.
Should You Attend a Coding Bootcamp to Learn about Information Systems?
Yes, you should attend a coding bootcamp to learn about information systems and gather hands-on experience. Information systems are made up of multiple IT-related areas like database management, cloud computing, data structures, telecommunications, computer hardware, and computer software.
A good bootcamp will arm you with industry standard technical skills in just a few weeks or months. Bootcamps also come with a more affordable tuition rate and more flexible payment plans than most information systems degree programs.
Overview: The Best Online Information Systems Courses, Classes, or Training
A good way to launch your career in information systems is by successfully completing an online course or training program. In a good online information systems course, you can pick up in-demand technical skills quickly and without disrupting your professional life. Here are some of the best online information system courses, classes, and training programs available.
| Provider | Course | Price | Length | Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CodeOp | Full Stack Development | €5300 ($6,149) with some free coding classes | Full time (11 weeks) | Part-time (26 weeks) | N/A |
| Flatiron School | Data Science | $16,900 | 15 weeks (full time) | Not Specified |
| Full Stack Academy | Live Online Coding (Software development) | $15,910 |
17 to 28 weeks | N/A |
| General Assembly | Software Engineering Immersive Online | $14,950 (full-time tuition fees) | 3 months (full time ) | Yes |
| Hack Reactor | Software Engineering Coding Bootcamp | $17,980 | 12 weeks | N/A |
| Indiana University through edX | Information Systems | $1,497 | 9 months | Yes |
| Coursera (University of Hong Kong) | Information Systems Auditing, Controls and Assurance | Membership Fees ($49-$79 per course, $399 per year) | 9 learning hours | Yes |
| Coursera (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) | Accounting Analysis I: The Role of Accounting as an Information System | Membership Fees ($49-$79 per course, $399 per year) | 26 learning hours | Yes |
| Udemy | Certificate Program In Management Information Systems | $49.99 | 33 lectures- 7h 35m total length | Yes |
| Udemy | ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management System – ISMS | $89.99 | 26 lectures -1h 50m total length | Yes |
| University Carlos III of Madrid | Getafe Campus through edX | Introduction to Management Information Systems (MIS): A Survival Guide | Free | Self-Paced | Yes (for $99) |
| Coursera (University of London) | Information Security: Context and Introduction | Membership Fees ($49-$79 per course, $399 per year) | 24 learning hours | Yes |
| Coursera (University of Michigan) | Python Data Structures | Membership Fees ($49-$79 per course, $399 per year) | Approximately 19 learning hours | Yes |
| Coursera (University of Minnesota) | InformationSystems Specialization | Membership Fees ($49-$79 per course, $399 per year) | 5 months | Yes |
| University of Washington | Network and System Administration | $1,029 | 10 weeks | Yes |
In Detail: The Best Online Information Systems Classes, Courses, or Training
Full Stack Development | CodeOp
- Learning Format: A bootcamp program with hands-on training
- Level: Beginner, Intermediate
- Subjects Covered: Introduction to JavaScript, Git basics, HTML, CSS, Command Line
This is an online program suited both for students and professionals looking to transition into tech. The coursework is designed to help you launch a career in information systems as a software developer. By the end of this course, you’ll be able to solve problems using a structural and engineering approach.
As a student, you’ll learn a variety of subjects including modern technologies in web development like React, MySQL, Heroku, Vue, Git, and Express. You’ll also have a good understanding of the core concepts of front end and backend web development, and the foundations and functionalities of each framework.
Key Takeaway: Code Op’s online full stack web development program will give you an opportunity to learn about the fundamental tools, techniques, and technologies to help you start your career as a software developer.
Data Science | Flatiron School
- Learning Format: A full time course with hands-on application
- Level: Beginner, Intermediate
- Subjects Covered: Data Analysis, Data Engineering, Machine Learning, Scientific Computing and Quantitative Methods
The Flatiron School offers full-time and flexible programs in data science for students to land jobs and promising careers in this growing field. Graduates from the certificate program usually go on to work for some of the largest global software companies like Google, Apple, Spotify, Slack and Facebook.
As a student, you’ll learn about the key aspects of data science including data structure, data cleaning, SQL, Github, statistical distribution, linear regression, and machine learning. As part of the coursework, you’ll complete an entire project that involves creating a sustainable large-scale data science and machine learning solution.
Key Takeaway: You’ll receive good exposure to the data science field and work on real-world projects to gain hands-on experience. This Flatiron School program also provides individual career coaching, resume training, and interview preparation.
Live Online Coding (Software Development) | Full Stack Academy
- Learning Format: A bootcamp program
- Level: Beginner, Intermediate
- Subjects Covered: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, APIs, and SQL
If you’re seeking a career in information systems as a software engineer, you should consider this program from Full Stack Academy. The entire course is online and can be accessed anywhere from multiple devices. In 17 to 28 weeks, you’ll have the necessary skills to work as an entry-level software engineer.
As a student, you’ll learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript, web development environment, databases, and Node.js. You’ll work on group projects, individual projects, as well as capstone projects as part of the curriculum. On completion, you will have built a portfolio of apps, a solid resume, and an attractive social media presence on LinkedIn.
Key Takeaway: Full Stack Academy offers a comprehensive program for aspiring software engineers. You’ll learn about the important tools and technologies with experienced teachers and a hands-on project. It is ideal for beginners as there are few admission requirements.
Software Engineering Immersive Online | General Assembly
- Learning Format: An online bootcamp program with hands-on training
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Github, Python, Django, APIs, JavaScript, Computer Science Fundamentals, Collaboration Tools
General Assembly is now widely recognised as a top coding school with online and on-campus programs. Its many graduates are now working in large software companies like IBM, Deloitte, Samsung, Apple, Nike, Snapchat, and Facebook. This particular course is ideal for beginner students as it features prep courses with few admission requirements.
The General Assembly delivers this three-month class both on-campus and online. It starts off with software engineering fundamentals and progresses students towards front end development, front end frameworks, APIs, and full stack development.
Key Takeaway: General Assembly is a world class school whose graduates often go on to work in top software companies such as Google and Facebook. This is a beginner-friendly course that gives students an early step to careers into software engineering.
Software Engineering Coding Bootcamp | Hack Reactor
- Learning Format: A full-time course that includes hands-on training
- Level: Beginner, Intermediate
- Subjects Covered: JavaScript, React, HTML, CSS, and more
Since 2012, more than 70,000 students have graduated from Hack Reactor’s coding programs. Many have gone on to work for reputable companies like Amazon, LinkedIn and Microsoft in software-related positions.
With this school’s software engineering coding bootcamp, you can become a software engineer in about 12 weeks. This program starts with 90-120 hours of pre-course curriculum work, followed by lessons in JavaScript and application design and development. Current students are provided with career support services including mock interviews and resume-building to help them get hired.
Key Takeaway: Hack Reactor’s software engineering coding bootcamp uses real engineering work and hands-on project work to prepare you for success in your career. You’ll learn more about software tools and technologies including React and full stack JavaScript.
Information Systems | Indiana University through edX
- Learning Format: A full-time course
- Level: Advanced
- Subjects Covered: Enterprise Data Management, Digital Technology and Innovation, Digital Ecosystem Infrastructure
During the nine months it takes to complete this program, you’ll receive training from industry experts in structured transactional data, cloud computing, cyber security, and information assurance. By the end of the program, you’ll be competent in structuring and leveraging data systems to support organizational goals.
Key Takeaway: This course is designed for professionals looking to improve their job performance as it infuses confidence and fluency when communicating with stakeholders and colleagues.
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
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Information Systems Auditing, Controls and Assurance | The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology through Coursera
- Learning Format: A full-time course that includes hands-on training
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Introduction to Information System Auditing, Tools and Techniques in IS Auditing, Business Application Development and the Roles of IS Auditors, Information Systems Maintenance and Control.
As an online student, you’ll explore the risks in information security and how to mitigate them by using the right information system controls. By the end of this program, you’ll have gained industry standard skills in information security, risk management, change management, information technology management, and auditing.
Key Takeaway: This course offers an ideal platform for prospective students looking to pursue further studies in information systems auditing.
Accounting Analysis I: The Role of Accounting as an Information System | The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign through Coursera
- Learning Format: A full-time course that includes hands-on training.
- Level: Intermediate
- Subjects Covered: Financial Accounting, Income Statement and Accounting, Revenue and Ratio Analysis
The University of Illinois is ranked highly among the nation’s top accounting schools. It provides an ideal stepping stone for undergraduates looking to further their studies in a master’s degree program. By the end of this course, you’ll have gained skills in accounting and profit analysis and the important role they play in information systems.
Key Takeaway: The University of Illinois offers this program for undergraduate students looking to further their studies in financial reporting and its role in information systems.
Certificate Program In Management Information Systems | Udemy
- Learning Format: A full-time course
- Level: Beginners, Intermediate
- Subjects Covered: Introduction to Management Information Systems (MIS), Strategic MIS, Planning and Development of MIS, Management and Organization of MIS, Business Process Re-Engineering, Database Management Systems
More than 1,800 students have taken this online course to learn about the importance of management information systems (MIS) and their role in today’s business operations.
This program takes about seven learning hours, during which you’ll learn basic concepts in MIS, strategic information systems, database management systems, CRM and SCM systems, and enterprise business systems.
Key Takeaway: This course gives a good overview of MIS. This is a great stepping stone for students of IT wishing to continue onto systems engineering, network and systems administration, and database administration.
ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management System – ISMS | Udemy
- Learning Format: A full-time course.
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Information Security Management, Clause-by-Clause Guidance for ISO 27001:2013, Preparation of Documentation, Implementation, Verification
No prior knowledge or admission requirements are required for this course as it is an introductory course providing a robust introduction to ISO 27001:2013 taking about two hours. Lectures are delivered by faculty from the Standard Academy who are known to have excellent reputations for international standards in consultancy and business processes.
Key Takeaway: This is an awareness course designed for business owners, systems managers, quality managers, and risk managers designed to introduce participants to the key aspects of information security.
Introduction to Management Information Systems (MIS): A Survival Guide | University Carlos III of Madrid | Getafe Campus through edX
- Learning Format: A full-time course
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Data, Databases, MIS in Decision Making, Integrated Information Systems (ERP), Integrated Business Processes.
This six week course is ideal for professionals looking to improve job performance and career opportunities. It is an introductory course to sensitize students to the role of MIS in today’s business world. By the end of this program, you’ll have learned about big data, cloud services, outsourcing, ERPs, and how these concepts affect business information systems, business operations, and decision making.
Key Takeaway: This short course provides an ideal stepping stone into an academic program. It introduces students to management of information systems.
Information Security: Context and Introduction | Coursera and the University of London
- Learning Format: A full-time 5 week online course
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Cryptography, security management and network and computer security
This certificate course from the University of London introduces aspiring information security analysts to cyber security, computer security, cryptography, information risk, and security management. The course is designed as a pathway into a business degree focusing on cryptography, cyber security, information assurance, and security management skills.
Key Takeaway: This certificate program will introduce you to cyber threat, security management, cyber security, and confidentiality. It offers an excellent stepping stone to a business degree program.
Python Data Structures | Coursera and The University of Michigan
- Learning Format: A full-time course that includes hands-on training
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Strings, Data Structures, Python, Lists
Coursera and the University of Michigan offer a certificate program that introduces students to data structures in Python programming language. This course has been positively rated by more than 80,000 students.
By the end of this program you’ll have gained skills in Python, Syntax, data structure and Tuple and you’ll be able to create programs that can read and write from several files. According to the TIOBE Index, Python is currently the most popular programming language, so you can be confident these skills will be useful in the workplace.
Key Takeaway: This is a comprehensive introductory course that covers Python data structures. By the end of the program, you’ll have the skills to launch a career into data science, business analytics, business intelligence, or data analytics.
Information Systems Specialization | Coursera and the University of Minnesota
- Learning Format: A full-time course that includes hands-on training
- Level: Advanced
- Subjects Covered: IS/IT Governance, Analysis for Business Systems, Enterprise Systems, IT Infrastructure Accounting, Finance, Emerging Trends
The University of Minnesota, through Coursera, offers a specialization certificate program that gives a solid foundation and introduction to information systems management. By the end of the program, you’ll have gained skills in project management, critical thinking, finance, accounting, business analysis, and information technology skills.
As a student, you’ll learn problem-solving solutions as you work on real-life projects. This specialization uses a hands-on training approach to give students real-world situations and solutions.
Key Takeaway: The hands-on specialization program from the University of Minnesota features four courses, namely IS/IT Governance, Analysis for Business Systems, Enterprise Systems, and IT Infrastructure and Emerging Trends.
Network and System Administration | University of Washington
- Learning Format: A full-time course that includes hands-on training
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Protocols, Cloud Services, Python, Git, Kubernetes, Scripting
This 10 week online certificate program introduces students to the roles of networks and system administrators. Online lessons to this program are delivered during the evenings and there are real-time interactions between teachers and students and between students.
During this program, you’ll learn scripting techniques, protocols such as DNS and HTTP, Kubernetes, Git, cloud services such as AWS, Python and networking techniques. It also has hands-on training sessions in Linux systems and Linux-based containers, Ansible playbooks, and APIs.
Key Takeaway: The University of Washington has an introductory course designed for working professionals looking to transition to information systems through network and system administration.
Online Information Systems Classes, Training, or Courses: Which Is the Right Option?
Information systems cover a wide scope of topics and disciplines. If you are a beginner with little to no knowledge, online courses and bootcamp programs are good ways to acquire the skills necessary for a successful career in information systems. Conversely, if you are a professional already working in this field, training programs and workshops are great ways to stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies.
How to Choose the Right Online Information Systems Course, Class, or Training Program
Consider the Topics Covered in the Course
There are many disciplines and components pointing to several career paths in information systems. For this reason, it is wise to carefully consider online courses that cover the topics you need to lead you to your career goals.
Consider Programs that Offer Value for Money
Although there are many flexible courses available, you will need to weigh up whether they offer you value for money. You will need to assess the features and services each course offers against your own personal needs.
Whether you are a student on a budget or a professional looking for a career adjustment, you need to consider the specific features covered by the tuition costs. Features may include career support services, interview training, job placement services or perhaps hands-on experience to give you the necessary career skills to succeed.
Choose Courses that Offer Peer to Peer Interactions
How lessons are delivered in each course can be a determinant as peer to peer interaction tends to create an engaging learning experience. Exam study groups and group projects, for example, allow interactions that are essential in developing meaningful relationships and networks that mirror real world business situations.
Information Systems Course Certificates vs Certifications
Certificate programs and certifications can vary enormously and have different implications on your career. A certificate, for instance, is proof that you’ve only completed a course of training. A certification is verified proof of your skills, competencies and expertise on passing a required exam. It is essential you seek industry certification that will maximize your options and give you the edge in what is becoming a very competitive market.
Why You Should Take Online Information Systems Courses or Classes
An online information systems course will give you the skills necessary to launch a successful career in the field of online information systems. According to the BLS, the median annual salary of a computer and information technology professional is $97,430 which is over double the median annual wage for all occupations.
Besides the potential to earn a good salary, online courses in information systems offer an exciting alternative to university and college. Not only are they cheaper and quicker to complete, they can open up a direct pathway into a four-year degree and a decent career beyond.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
