If you need to take part-time IT courses, you should begin your hunt by first narrowing down the courses that you need to take, finding schools that offer part-time learning options, and then evaluating each school. You should also carefully consider your scheduling needs, choosing part-time IT courses that take place during times that allow you to maintain your work and other responsibilities. Other considerations include the affordability of the courses that you take and whether you can get financial assistance.
In situations where you or your employer believe that it is in your best interest to improve your IT skills and knowledge by taking formal coursework, you may find that it is easier to take part-time IT courses rather than returning to school on a full-time schedule. This is particularly true if you need to take a handful of courses to improve your skills rather than completing an entire degree program. You may wish to begin your search for a school that offers part-time IT courses online, although your employer or colleagues may also be able to recommend good programs to you.
Many schools are willing to accept students on a part-time basis, though it is a good idea to find out what a school's policy is before applying to take courses. In some cases, you will be able to take part-time IT courses without enrolling in a degree program. Ask the school about its scheduling options. Some schools schedule courses to meet three days per week, while others may schedule courses to meet only once or twice during this time. If you need to be in your office or at home most of the week, you may wish to opt for a school that offers you the option of being on campus only one day each week. You should also ask about online course options that don’t require you to make regular trips to be on campus.
Once you've determined that a school’s offerings meet your scheduling needs, you should make sure that the school itself is accredited and licensed to offer education programs in your area. Ask other IT professionals for their opinion about the school before investing time and money in its classes. Keep in mind that your ability to receive financial aid may in part be compromised by choosing to only take courses part-time. If this is a concern, ask the school how many course hours you need to take to be eligible for financial assistance.
