To take for-credit courses, students may need to enroll in an academic program. Colleges and universities offer for-credit and noncredit courses in cybersecurity.
Questions About Free Classes in Cybersecurity The main drawback is that most free online courses do not provide the hands-on experience of an in-person classroom.Ĭonsider these other pros and cons of cybersecurity MOOCs:
Because MOOCs are usually free, students can use them to explore topics relevant to degrees in cybersecurity or related fields without incurring high tuition bills. The main benefit of free online cybersecurity training is cost. Pros and Cons of Free Online Courses in Cybersecurity Usually, the course's promotional material describes the target student, course requirements, and topics covered. MOOCs can accommodate beginning, intermediate, or experienced students. For an additional fee, some classes offer a graded version of the course. Prerecorded lectures usually cover foundational topics like cryptography and cyberattacks, but may also include more specialized information about areas such as mobile security and cloud computing. MOOCs typically require less time than a conventional class and can be accessed on demand. Some free online cybersecurity courses incorporate discussion boards, quizzes, and projects. Students in MOOCs typically rely on video-based lessons rather than textbooks or other supplemental materials. What to Expect From Free Online Cybersecurity Courses This guide explores the top free online cybersecurity courses and who should take them. While many MOOCs do not offer college credit and are not geared toward postgraduate study, they can be useful tools for anyone interested in learning more about cybersecurity.
Most MOOCs require students to interact with other participants through message boards or forums. These free classes cover many topics relevant to cybersecurity professionals, including networking, operating systems, database management, and security. Some of the top colleges and universities in the world offer massive open online courses (MOOCs).