Self-Paced Courses: Start Your Best Online Courses Anytime

self paced courses

Self-paced courses are a type of learning program where students can study at their own pace without the constraints of a traditional classroom setting. In a self-paced course, students have the flexibility to choose when and where to study, and progress through the material at their own speed.

Self-paced courses are usually delivered online and can cover a wide range of subjects. These courses typically consist of pre-recorded lectures, reading materials, quizzes, and assignments that students can access at any time. Some self-paced courses also include interactive elements such as discussion forums or live chat sessions with instructors.

One of the benefits of self-paced courses is the flexibility they offer, which can be particularly appealing for students with busy schedules or those who prefer to learn independently. However, self-paced courses may require a higher level of self-discipline and motivation compared to traditional classroom settings, as students are responsible for managing their own learning and staying on track with the course material.




In this article, we go over a collection of popular online self-paced courses from top institutes via reputable providers. These are self-paced courses and you can start anytime. You can also achieve a certificate after completion of a course. Some courses are free but certificates are paid. Some courses are paid but Financial Aid is available. Explore the subjects below to find a course that’s right for you. You can find online self-paced courses on some popular websites like Coursera, Edx, Future Learn, Udemy, Saylor, and Alison.

What are self-paced courses?

Self-paced courses are a type of online learning where students have the freedom to set their own schedule and progress through the material at their own pace. This means that there are no set class times or deadlines for assignments, and students can work on the course material whenever they have the time and inclination to do so.

What are the benefits of self-paced learning?

Self-paced learning allows students to work on the course material at their own pace and on their own schedule. Self-paced learning can provide a flexible, personalized, and cost-effective alternative to traditional classroom-based education.

Why is self-paced learning better?

With self-paced learning, students learn at their own pace, students can take the time they need to fully understand and master the material. Self-paced learning allows students to learn in a more private and controlled environment, which can help reduce anxiety.

50+ popular self-paced courses

We have listed some of the most popular self-paced online courses and MOOCs below. Explore the subjects below to find a course in an area of study that interests you.

1. Advocacy

In this free course, you will learn successful advocacy tactics and strategies from the experts. Learners who complete this course are eligible to receive a Certificate of Achievement through the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley.
Philanthropy University | Certificate of Achievement | Self-Paced | 2-3 hours per week

2. Business Communications

In this course, you will learn how to plan, produce, and perform acts of communication that satisfy your customers. Topics include: understanding communication, knowing your customers, listening to your customers, providing information for customers, speaking to customers, and creating a visual impression.
On Saylor | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 42 Hours

3. Business Law

In this course, you’ll learn the laws that business managers must follow to protect their consumers, employees, and overall operations. Topics include: nature and sources of law, litigation vs. alternative dispute resolution, torts, contracts, property law, intellectual property, employment law, criminal law and business, business organizations, and business regulation.
Saylor | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 49 Hours

4. Business Statistics

This course will introduce you to the application of statistics in the workplace. The course begins with data distributions, probability analysis, sampling, hypothesis testing, and more.
On Saylor | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 53 Hours

5. Cartography

In this course, you will learn from experts how to make beautiful maps using ArcGIS Pro. Upon successful completion of this course you’ll become a smarter mapmaker. Course syllabus: an overview of map making, maths for map makers, the language of graphics, labels and composition, going 3d, and mapping movement and change.
Esri Academy | Certificate of Completion | Self-Paced | 6 Weeks (2-3 hours per week)

6. Computer Communications and Networks

Learn the basic hardware, software, and architectural components for computer communications in local area networks. In this course, you will learn the basics of computer networks, switching, routing, protocols and security.
On Saylor | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 60 Hours

7. Content Marketing

In this course, you’ll learn what content marketing is and how to become an effective content marketer. Completing this course will help you become a stronger, leaner, and more strategic content marketer.
Hubspot Academy | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 6:06 hours

8. Corporate Communication

Learn about different models of the communication process, as well as the most widely-recognized elements of those processes, and recognizing the role you play as communicator.
On Saylor | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 42 Hours

9. Creating a Theory of Change

The course Theory of Change is for leaders who want to improve their organization’s strategy by helping to facilitate a Theory of Change process. This course will help your team make better decisions, communication, and measure the impact that you are creating.
Philanthropy University | Certificate of Achievement | Self-Paced | 1-2 hours per week

10. Crisis Communication

This course will introduce you to the practical applications of crisis communication principles which are used to defend an organization or business facing a challenge that threatens to harm its brand or reputation.
On Saylor | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 18 Hours

11. Customer Service

In this course, students will learn about the professional world of customer service. They will learn about customer service workplace, customer service skillsets, and career advancement tactics.
On Saylor | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 40 Hours

12. Decision-Making

This course is a comprehensive introduction to decision-making process focusing on basic decision types, tools, methods, and insights. Through these, students will learn how decision-making involves both logic and emotion.
On Saylor | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 4 Hours

13. Developing an Operating Budget

Learn the fundamental skills to prepare an operating budget for a nonprofit organization or social enterprise. The course includes types of budget, budgeting methods, budgeting processes, and more.
Philanthropy University | Certificate of Achievement | Self-Paced | 1-2 hours per week

14. Digital Supply Chain – From Design to Operate

In this course, you’ll learn how important the intelligent digital supply chain is to ensure a streamlined supply chain. Course include: SAP digital supply chain – connect digitally to perfect reality, design with SAP R&D/engineering solutions, plan with SAP supply chain planning solutions, manufacture with SAP manufacturing solutions, and more.
OpenSAP | Certificate of Achievement | Self-Paced | 4 Weeks

15. Email Marketing

You’ll learn how to build an email marketing strategy that builds trust with your contacts, and that grows your business, and your career. Completing this course will help you to invest in yourself and your career. This course will introduce you to the most in-demand skills in digital marketing.
Hubspot Academy | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 3:17 hours

16. From Data Collection to Data Use

In this Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) course, you will learn the building blocks of M&E, data collection, data storage and management, data analysis, data use, presenting data to stakeholders, and more.
Philanthropy University | Certificate of Achievement | Self-Paced | 1-2 hours per week

17. Fundamentals of Digital Marketing

In this free course, you’ll learn the fundamentals of digital marketing. The course accredited by Interactive Advertising Bureau Europe and The Open University, and the modules are created by Google trainers. Complete all 26 modules, take the final exam, and get certified in the Fundamentals of Digital Marketing.
Google | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 40 hours

18. Fundamentals of Project Management

In this course, you’ll learn practical and field-tested skills for project management. You’ll acquire valuable project management tools through this free online project management course. This course will introduce you to the art of project management for mission-driven organizations.
Philanthropy University | Certificate of Achievement | Self-Paced | 2 hours per week

19. Getting Started with Data Science

This course will introduce you to the fundamentals of data science, data preparation, deployment & maintenance, modeling, and evaluation. If you’re interested in learning about data science, this course is for you.
OpenSAP | Certificate of Achievement | Self-Paced | 6 weeks

20. Global Social Entrepreneurship

In this course, you’ll learn how to apply the principles of entrepreneurship to create solutions, how your venture will achieve its goals, and create a mission-driven organization. Through this course, you will also get advice from successful social entrepreneurs in the world.
Philanthropy University | Certificate of Achievement | Self-Paced | 2 hours per week

21. Human Capital Strategy

This course begins with the basics of developing a human capital strategy. Through this human capital management course, you’ll learn how to develop organizational values and culture intentionally, recruit and hire the right people, developing your organizational structure, and building effective teams.
Philanthropy University | Certificate of Achievement | Self-Paced | 3-4 hours per week

22. Human Resource Management

Learn how organizations strategically allocate their employees where they will be the most productive. You’ll learn how to identify right people, selection process, and proper recruitment.
On Saylor | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 88 Hours

23. Inbound Marketing

In this course, you’ll learn about inbound marketing techniques. Completing this course will help you develop understanding of core tactics of inbound marketing, and advance your skills as an inbound marketer.
Hubspot Academy | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 3:57 hours

24. Inbound Sales

This course will introduce you to the basics of an inbound approach to sales. You’ll learn how to identify the best contacts to reach out to, connect with them, explore their needs, and advise them on a path forward.
Hubspot Academy | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 2:11 hours

25. Information Security Management in a Nutshell

In this course, you’ll learn how to set up an information security program for your organization. This course will show you why Information Security Management is important, what exactly needs to be protected, and the processes to implement an Information Security Management System.
OpenSAP | Certificate of Achievement | Self-Paced | 4 Weeks

26. Interpersonal Communication

Learn about interpersonal communication and how to apply its basic elements to your daily life. Topics includes: interpersonal communication, listening in human communication, practicing interpersonal communication skills, interpersonal communication applications in context, and interpersonal communication theories.
On Saylor | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 14 Hours

27. Introduction to Modern Database Systems

This course will introduce you to modern database systems. You will learn about database history, database architecture, entity relationship model, relational database model, relational algebra, Structured Query Language (SQL), and components of database management systems.
On Saylor | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 42 Hours

28. Management Information Systems

Learn the components of management information systems — technologies, people, and processes that manage the information and communication resources of an organization.
On Saylor | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 57 Hours

29. Management Leadership

Learn effective management and leadership techniques, with topics including decision making, change management, leadership theory, and the distinction between leadership and management.
On Saylor | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 96 Hours

30. Maps and 3D Made Easy with SAPUI5

This course will help the application developers and designers build maps and 3D with minimal effort using standard SAPUI5 controls. Course content: visualize geospatial data, connect your data to 3d content, beyond the basics, and final exam.
OpenSAP | Certificate of Achievement | Self-Paced | 3 Weeks

31. Negotiations and Conflict Management

This course includes the negotiation strategies and biases, processes and phases of negotiation, international and cross cultural negotiation, managing different types of business negotiations, and conflict resolution.
On Saylor | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 82 Hours

32. Operating Systems

In this course, you will learn about modern operating systems focuses on UNIX-based operating systems as well as alternative operating systems, including Windows. Topics include: introduction to operating systems, processes and threads, synchronization, CPU scheduling, deadlock, memory management, file system, security, and networking.
On Saylor | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 120 Hours

33. Operations Management

You will learn the fundamentals of operations management. The course includes operation strategy, product design and process selection, supply chain management, and more.
On Saylor | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 54 Hours

34. Organizational Behavior

In this course, students will learn how individuals and groups behave and interact in the workplace. They will also learn the key factors that affect organizational behavior. Topics include: managing individuals and groups, leveraging power, conflict management and negotiations, and how to initiate change.
Saylor | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 83 Hours

35. People Analytics and Evidence-Based Management

In this course, you’ll learn how people analytics and evidence-based management can help drive better decision-making in your organization. Course content: introduction to people analytics, people analytics use cases, getting started with people analytics, and final exam.
OpenSAP | Certificate of Achievement | Self-Paced | 3 Weeks

36. Planning for Monitoring and Evaluation

In this course, you’ll learn the basics of monitoring and evaluation (M&E). Topics include: introduction to monitoring and evaluation, linking M&E to project design, identifying indicators & targets, data collection, and roles & responsibilities.
Philanthropy University | Certificate of Achievement | Self-Paced | 1-2 hours per week

37. Principles Of Human Communication

This course will introduce you to common communication practices, communication principles, and a selection of theories to better understand the communication transactions.
On Saylor | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 56 Hours

38. Principles of Management

Learn the characteristics of proper management, what successful managers do and how they do it. This course will show you the fundamentals of management as they are practiced today.
On Saylor | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 89 Hours

39. Professional Etiquette

In this course, you’ll learn about the professional manners and common courtesy in workplace. You’ll also learn how to communicate effectively and courteously via common workplace communication modes. Topics include: workplace courtesy, workplace communication, and diversity in the workplace.
Saylor | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 4 Hours

40. Professional Writing

In this course you’ll learn the basic skills you need to write effective documents in the workplace. You’ll learn how to write effective business documents, such as emails, memos, proposals, and presentations. Topics include: know your audience and purpose, the art of persuasion, and polishing your writing.
Saylor | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 4 Hours

41. Project Management

In this course, you will learn the project life cycle, organizational design, project initiation and planning, project execution, project implementation & closure, and many more.
On Saylor | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 62 Hours

42. Public Relations

The course includes foundations of public relations, public relations components and planning, key target audiences, media relations, writing for public relations, social projects and public relations, crisis communications, ethical issues in public relations, careers in public relations, and professional development.
On Saylor | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 43 Hours

43. Small Business Management

In this course, you’ll learn how to plan and operate a small business as a manager or entrepreneur. Topics include: elements of entrepreneurship, building the right team, the business plan, marketing strategy, and financing the new venture.
Saylor | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 98 Hours

44. Social Media

Social media is the ultimate way to do inbound marketing. In this course, you’ll learn how to build an effective social media strategy for your business’ growth and your career. Completing this course will help you develop an engaging and effective social media strategy for your business.
Hubspot Academy | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 4:39 hours

45. Software Engineering

In this course, you will learn the application of engineering approach to computer software design and development. Topics include: software development life cycle models, software modeling, software requirements, software design, implementation, software testing, and more.
On Saylor | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 45 Hours

46. Spreadsheets

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to spreadsheets through Microsoft Excel. The topics of this course include: and overview of spreadsheets, the composition of a spreadsheet, spreadsheet design and implementation.
On Saylor | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 3 Hours

47. Stakeholder Engagement Strategy

This course will help you create a cohesive stakeholder engagement strategy by providing the tools, frameworks, and best practices. You will learn how to best engage with each stakeholder in order to achieve your goals.
Philanthropy University | Certificate of Achievement | Self-Paced | 1-2 hours per week

48. Strategic Information Technology

Learn to determine when new information technology initiatives are necessary, how to deploy them, and how to allocate IT resources across your business.
On Saylor | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 83 Hours

49. Strategic Management

In this course, you will learn that strategy in business is similar to strategy in sports, war, or politics. Modules cover the strategic planning, creating competitive advantage, corporate strategy, 21st century strategy etc.
On Saylor | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 62 Hours

50. Time and Stress Management

This course will introduce you to time and stress management, identifying key stressors and distracters, and how to apply strategies to reduce the stress you regularly feel in your work and life. Topics include: introduction to time and stress management, identifying stressors and distracters, and overcoming stressors and distracters.
On Saylor | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 12 Hours

51. Word Processing Using Microsoft Word

This course is for beginners who have little or no word processing experience. You’ll learn word processing skills through Topics include: an introduction to word processing, learning to create a basic business letter and a business memo.
On Saylor | Free Certificate | Self-Paced | 4 Hours

If you’re interested in a list of online courses by subjects, visit Online Courses by Subjects. For a list of online courses by providers, visit Online Courses by Providers.

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