No matter where you’re at in your career, learning something new can only help you.
Looking for a new job? A unique skill could easily set you apart from the hundreds of other applicants. Worked in the same position for a long time? Expertise in a new field could be the factor that gets you the promotion. And, even if you’re a senior-level manager who’s totally content, getting experience in an unfamiliar area shows your team how much you value growing your job skill set.
Like most other things, though, learning a new skill is easier said than done. Unless, of course, all the resources are handed to you.
Today, we’re doing exactly that. To make sure that you don’t spend hours searching for what to learn and where to learn it, we curated a list of 45 online classes from awesome resources across the web.
Whether you’re interested in programming, graphic design, speech writing, or conflict resolution, there’s bound to be a class for you.
P.S. All of these classes are free.
P.P.S. None of them take more than 10 weeks to complete, so be ready to add new skills to your resume before the end of the year!
Programming
1. An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python (Part 1), Coursera
Anyone with a knowledge of high school mathematics is welcome to take this class, taught at Rice University. To make learning Python easy, instructors of this course built a new browser-based programming environment. You’ll learn to build simple, interactive games like Pong, Blackjack, and Asteroids.
Note: free with trial
Duration: 7-10 hours a week/ 5 weeks
2. JavaScript, Codecademy
Join more than five million students in learning JavaScript—the programming language of the web. You’ll develop everything from a simple “Rock, Paper, Scissors” game to a magic eight ball.
Duration: 8 weeks/ 5 lessons
3. Java Tutorial for Complete Beginners, Udemy
Just like the courses title says, this class is designed for anyone with no prior programming knowledge. As long as you have a desire to learn to code, you’re fit to take the class. And don’t get intimidated by the large number of lessons. Although 75 lectures are taught, most of them are under 20 minutes long, and the time commitment is perfectly manageable if distributed well across a few weeks.
Duration: 16 hours/ 75 lessons
4. Intro to Java Programming, Udacity
Java is the core language used in developing Android apps and is commonly used in back-end web development. If you’ve never programmed before but are interested in entering either of these fields, then this course is a perfect spot for you to start.
Duration: 6 weeks/ 5 lessons
5. Make a Website, Codecademy
Take this short, three-hour course to learn how to build a website from scratch using HTML and CSS. You’ll also learn the fundamentals of web development in the process.
Duration: 4 projects, 4 quizzes
6. Diploma in C Programming, ALISON
One of the most popular and widely used programming languages, C is commonly used to program operating systems such as Unix. Upon completing this course, you’ll learn everything from functions, methods, and routines to variables, arrays, and pointers.
Duration: 10-15 hours
7. Build Complete Web and Hybrid Mobile Solutions, Coursera
Taught by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, this course teaches you the essential elements of mobile development. Although no previous experience in HTML, CSS, and Javascript is necessary, the instructors note that it would be helpful to have some type of prior programming knowledge.
Note: free with trial
Duration: 5 courses
8. HTML5 Coding Essentials and Best Practices, edX
Anyone with a basic knowledge of HTML and familiarity with CSS is encouraged to take this course taught by the World Wide Web Consortium (also known as W3C). You’ll learn to use the new simplified HTML5 tags, animate fun web graphics, and practice coding techniques through multiple interactive exercises.
Duration: 6 weeks/ 6-8 hours a week
Design
9. Beginner’s Guide to Image Editing in Photoshop, Pluralsight
This series of step-by-step videos will teach you Photoshop terms and definitions and get you started with using basic tools and techniques. You’ll start off by resizing and resampling images, then move on to correcting the colors of an image and removing unwanted information. You’d be surprised by how much you can learn in 90 minutes!
Note: free with trial
Duration: 1 hour, 31 minutes
10. Learn Adobe Photoshop From Scratch, Udemy
Udemy’s introduction course covers the basics so you can get started using Photoshop as soon as possible. Want to learn to use the marquee tool in detail, feather a selection, or refine edge command? You’ve come to the right place.
Duration: 8 hours/ 36 lectures
11. Adobe After Effects, Lynda
Adobe After Effects is a popular software program used to create motion effects and visual graphics for video. In Lynda’s tutorial videos, you’ll be introduced to the After Effects GUI and workspace and learn everything from importing and organizing files to understanding composition and video standards.
Note: free with trial
Duration: varies
12. Professional Logo Design in Adobe Illustrator, Udemy
Build a killer company brand by making a logo that stands out. Here’s how to use Illustrator to do it.
Duration: 7 hours, 22 minutes/ 45 lectures
13. Beginner’s Guide to Concept Sketching, Pluralsight
Concept sketching takes a number of different forms—from logos and layouts to characters and environment design. In this course, you’ll learn the fundamentals of each of these forms using Adobe Photoshop. These step-by-step videos move at an easy-to-follow pace to make sure that you understand the basic tools and techniques.
Note: free with trial
Duration: 1 hour, 31 minutes
14. Adobe InDesign Made Easy: A Beginners Guide to InDesign, Udemy
We know that 105 lessons seem like a lot—but the majority of these lessons are under 10 minutes. Designed by Infinite Skills, this course is a resource for anyone wanting to learn the powerful, often-intimidating page layout and design program. By the end of the class, you’ll be well versed in creating print and digital-ready documents in InDesign.
Duration: 11 hours/ 105 lectures
Online Marketing
15. Online Advertising, OPEN2STUDY
Want to find out more about major digital platforms, social and mobile search, and how online ads are priced and delivered? If so, then OPEN2STUDY’s Online Advertising course is perfect for you. Be prepared to learn how to set realistic and measurable campaign objectives, identify the steps involved in digital campaign planning, and understand the process of selling an online ad program.
