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Contents:
Qualification Level: Course dependent
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free or small cost, course dependent
Skills Developed: Subject-specific theoretical knowledge
Learning Environment: Online, flexible
In today’s world, almost anything can be done online, and gaining a STEM education is no exception.
Online STEM courses offer an accessible and flexible path to obtaining STEM certifications. These certifications serve as evidence for your STEM skills and can either form an alternative, or addition, to studying STEM at university. This alternative route may be ideal for those seeking specialist knowledge from leading universities and organisations but unable to commit to learning at a fixed time and place.
Although some online certification courses are offered by universities, they are not the same as studying a full university degree online. Instead, these courses are shorter and focused on teaching individual skills. This comprehensive guide will help you find and navigate the best online certification courses in STEM.
Best STEM certification courses
As technology advances, these courses are becoming increasingly popular, with the availability of STEM online certification courses seeing a 900% growth rate since 2000. As a result, there are a wide variety of options that cater to different interests and STEM career goals. But with so many choices, how do you know which certification courses are the best fit for you?
Choosing an online certification course: Key factors to consider
- Relevance: The best online certification course for you depends on your individual goals. Look for courses that will provide practical skills to advance your career and enhance your CV. Remember, you can include online courses on your CV, whether you paid for the certificate or not. Read our article on applying to STEM careers to make sure you present the course in a way that aligns with your job application.
- Level: Online courses vary in difficulty and target different skill sets. Some are aimed at beginners, offering an introduction to a new area, while others are highly specialised, aimed at professionals in specific fields. Be sure to read the ‘Who this course is for’ section or enquire directly to ensure the course matches your current expertise and goals.
- Structure: Duration, engagement level, flexibility, and teaching style can vary significantly between courses. Some courses may require exams, participation in discussions or live meetings, or adherence to set learning hours with deadlines. Teaching methods could span from videos and reading to interactive tasks. Choose a course structure that fits your learning style and schedule.
- Certification: Consider what type of certification you need or want upon completing the course. Some online courses will not offer any certification, others provide a generic certificate, and some will detail your performance, personal strengths and achievements.
Below, we highlight some of the best online courses available across various STEM fields. If you are unsure about your STEM career goals, we have advice on using your skills and interests to identify the best field for you.
Online science courses
Online science courses span a range of subjects, offering opportunities for both general skills development and specialised exploration in niche areas. These courses can be particularly useful for those with a science bachelor’s degree, as university programmes often provide broad overviews. Online certification courses allow you to focus your knowledge to suit a specific STEM job.
Examples of science online certification courses include:
- Food Science and Nutrition: From the Farm to You by FutureLearn
- Introduction to Genetics and Evolution by Duke University on Coursera
- Tackling environmental challenges by the University of York on FutureLearn
- Atmospheric chemistry: Plants and life beyond earth by FutureLearn
Online technology courses
For those interested in technology, online computer science and programming courses can equip you with core knowledge that forms the foundation of any role in the field. Completing these courses can help your application stand out to employers, demonstrating that you already possess key skills and require less training for an entry-level position.
Examples of technology online certification courses include:
- Python for Everybody by Coursera
- Introduction to Computer Science by Harvard University on edX
- Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals by Coursera
- Artificial Intelligence by Illinois Institute of Technology on Coursera
Online engineering courses
Online engineering courses cover a wide array of subjects, including civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering. These can be particularly beneficial for those with a general engineering qualification who are looking to specialise, or for those with a more vocational background, such as those who have completed an engineering degree apprenticeship and wish to deepen their theoretical knowledge.
The best engineering online certification courses include:
- Electric Power Systems by Coursera
- Civil Engineering by edX
- Chemical engineering: Shaping a sustainable future by the University of Leeds
Online mathematics courses
Mathematics underpins all STEM disciplines, making online mathematics courses beneficial regardless of your specific field of interest. Skills in statistics and data analytics are particularly in demand across many STEM careers, but these areas are not covered in depth in many STEM degree programmes. As a result, online certification courses have become a key avenue for acquiring these crucial skills.
The best mathematics and data analytics online certification courses include:
- Introduction to Mathematical Thinking by Stanford University
- Statistical Inference by Coursera
- Introduction to Calculus by the University of Sydney on edX
- Applied Data Science with Python by the University of Michigan on Coursera
- Introduction to Data Analytics by FutureLearn
Online medicine courses
Medicine careers involve a lifelong commitment to learning, which makes online certification courses particularly valuable. These courses are relevant at every stage of your medical career, whether applying to study medicine, currently studying, or an established professional. Given the fast-paced nature of medical education, it’s impossible to cover everything. Online certification courses provide an opportunity to revisit certain areas in more detail, stay up to date with the latest knowledge, and gain insights into other disciplines relevant to your work environment.
The best medicine online certification courses include:
- Exploring Cancer Medicines by FutureLearn
- Discover Dentistry by The University of Sheffield on FutureLearn
- Fundamentals of Biomedical Imaging by edX
- Vital signs: Understanding what the body is telling us by Coursera
Best online learning platforms for STEM certifications
As mentioned above, online certification courses are offered by various companies and institutions through different learning platforms. Selecting the right learning platform is as important as selecting the right course.
With the rise in popularity of online certification courses, numerous learning platforms have emerged. While many offer high-quality STEM certification courses, others may fall short in quality. So, how can you know which learning platforms are the best?
Choosing a learning platform: Key things to learn
- Recognition: The value of your certification can greatly depend on the reputation of the awarding body and the learning platform. Courses offered by well-known universities or reputable companies often carry more weight, especially if you are considering applying to those institutions.
- Legitimacy: Since many online courses require a fee, it’s important to ensure that the learning platform is legitimate and provides value. To verify the reliability of providers, look for student reviews on sites like TrustPilot, check for accreditation, and consult accreditation bodies like ODLQC, which assess courses to ensure they meet specific standards. Government-funded universities are also generally trustworthy as their courses are government-approved. If you’re still uncertain, seek advice from teachers or career advisors
BEWARE: Fake Credentials!
Just because a course displays an awarding body’s logo or name doesn’t guarantee an official affiliation. It might just indicate a loose connection, or there could be no actual link at all. Some scam courses even create their own accrediting agencies or national bodies to falsely suggest their courses meet certain standards. Research the learning platform, the awarding body, and their accrediting agency, checking they are well-established and have a good reputation.
We have compiled a list of reliable and well-recognised learning platforms to help you choose from some of the best options available:
For technology courses specifically:
- Udacity: Specialises in technology-focused online certification courses
- LinkedIn Learning: A subscription section of the platform offering video courses in technology, some of which provide online certificates. These can be easily shared to your LinkedIn profile.
- Codecademy
How do online certification courses work?
STEM online courses fall into two categories based on their structure. Some courses provide immediate access to all content upon enrolment, allowing you to progress at your own pace. Others release content in stages, unlocking new material only after a set time period or completion of specific activities. This gradual-release format can help structure your time better and may be ideal if you find self-motivation and time management challenging.
These courses are often taught through pre-recorded videos (often supported by written transcripts for note-taking), and articles. Some may also host live Q&A sessions or lectures, which, while less flexible, enhance engagement and provide opportunities to ask questions.
Assessment in STEM online courses usually involves end-of-section quizzes that are automatically graded. Smaller, more interactive courses might include written, oral, or practical tasks reviewed by a course leader.
Completion of a STEM online course is typically recognised with a confirmation of participation or a certificate reflecting your achievement.
For those seeking more formal qualifications, accredited qualifications such as diplomas or even university degrees are available online. Unlike short certification courses, these programmes are more intensive, requiring a thorough application process, longer-term commitment, and extensive use of the online platform.
7 top tips for online STEM courses
- Check for compulsory elements: Look for any mandatory components, such as time limits and required tasks, to ensure you meet all course requirements.
- Create a study plan: Even with the flexibility of online courses, having a rough plan for allocating time can help prevent the course from becoming a lower priority.
- Supplement your learning: Enhance your understanding by researching and reading additional materials on topics that interest you or that you find challenging.
- Apply your learning: After each section, reflect on how the material applies to your job or area of interest, and make a note of this for your CV.
- Make your own notes: Since course content may not be accessible after completion, take detailed notes as you go for future reference.
- Engage with the community: Participate in forums and social media groups provided by the learning platform to connect with other students and discuss the course.
- Share your progress: In addition to adding the course to your CV, consider sharing your progress on LinkedIn to demonstrate your enthusiasm to potential employers.
Are online certification courses free?
Many online STEM courses are available for free, but earning a certificate typically requires a fee. Platforms such as Coursera and edX offer financial aid to help cover the cost of certification. Alternatively, you can take a screenshot of your completion screen as proof of course completion.
Some courses may have participation fees, especially if they cover niche topics not widely available. While this cost might be necessary in some cases, most subject areas have free options. Generally, the quality of free courses is comparable to paid ones, with the key factor for quality being the course’s accreditation rather than its cost.
Top tip
Look out for courses that have a free trial or “cooling off period”. You don’t have to commit to a purchase unless you’re sure!
Are STEM online certifications worth it?
STEM online certifications offer flexible opportunities for career advancement, skill validation, and networking, helping you stay current in the evolving job market. However, it’s crucial to evaluate whether a particular certification is a worthwhile investment for you. Consider the following steps:
- Reach out to prospective employers: Enquire if they recognise the certification and if it will add value to your application
- Consult with professionals in your field: Ask if the certification could benefit your specific role or career path
- Read reviews: Look for feedback from previous students to determine if they found the course beneficial
- Assess career impact: Consider how the certification will enhance your career prospects and align with your goals
- Weigh the pros and cons: Use the comparison table below to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the certification in relation to your personal situation
| Pros of online courses | Cons of online courses |
|---|---|
| Learn at your own pace and on your own schedule | Without a structured environment, staying motivated can be challenging |
| Available to anyone with an internet connection, allowing for global participation | Reliance on technology can lead to issues such as platform glitches or connectivity problems |
| Wide range of subjects and specialisations to choose from | Course quality can vary widely, and not all courses are equally rigorous |
| Many courses are free or less expensive than traditional education | Earning a certificate often requires a fee, which can be a barrier for some |
| Ability to revisit and review material as needed | Less face-to-face interaction with instructors and peers compared to traditional classes |
| Courses often reflect the latest industry trends and technologies | Lack of formal structure can make it harder to follow a set curriculum and deadlines |
| Access to forums and peer discussions can offer networking potential | Need to be able to motivate and discipline yourself |
| Includes videos, articles, quizzes, and sometimes live sessions | Lack of immediate feedback or supervision can impact learning effectiveness |
| Some courses are accredited and can provide recognised qualifications | Some certifications may not be widely recognised or valued by employers |
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