Gain skills and college credits in just 8 weeks
- $990 course cost ($330/credit)
- Upskill and earn college credits
- 100% online, no set class times
- Course only 8 weeks long
- No application fee
- No SAT/ACT scores required
Online IT Class Overview
If you're considering an information technology degree or want to upskill for your current career, Southern New Hampshire University's IT-200 Fundamentals of Information Technology could be a great starting point. The course offers the primary knowledge and skills our ever-evolving world of information technology requires.
This course is included in our Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) IT programs. So while it can be taken as a standalone course, its credits can also be applied toward the full degree if you choose to continue.
Skills you'll learn:
- Problem-solving abilities using basic tech and software
- Varied roles and responsibilities within the industry
- System-thinking approaches to solving IT challenges
- Applications of IT concepts for business advice
Admission Requirements
Expanding access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your education. That’s why we make signing up for individual courses simple.
- Get started by talking to an admission counselor
- Take up to 10 courses without enrolling in a degree program
- High school diploma or GED required*
*If you are currently a high school student who hasn't graduated yet, you can still take individual courses at SNHU. Please reach out to an admission counselor for documents and forms that may be required.
If you choose to enroll in a degree program in the future, we’re here to help with additional forms, transcripts and other materials that may be necessary. For degree programs, acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms.
Curriculum
IT-200 Fundamentals of Information Technology is an 8-week course broken into distinct modules, including human-computer interaction and IT security. These lessons can help you develop several career-oriented skills, like how to accurately use IT terminology to boost your communication and professional capabilities.
IT skills to prepare you for success
"You will learn how to setup and configure a new computer, troubleshoot an existing computer and upgrade its hardware and software to current specifications."
- Arana Fireheart, Associate Dean, IT Foundations
Where Can a Single Course Take You?
There are lots of advantages to taking a single course. Whether you want to grow in your current career, prepare yourself for a new one, or get one step closer to a college degree, an individual course is a great way to get started.
Upskill for Your Career
SNHU courses focus on real-world, career-focused skills that you can use immediately in the workplace, or to help prepare you to advance in the field.
Earn College Credits
Course credits may be transferred to a degree program at SNHU or another university, depending on each university’s transfer policy.
Finish in Just 8 Weeks
Not only is a single course low-commitment, but it’s a fast way to gain skills, college credits, and explore what it’s like to take courses at SNHU.
What SNHU students are saying
"The instructors have given me information on how the real-world IT field works and insight into the importance of certain practices."
- Rick McQueen '19 '21
Minimum Hardware Requirements
| Component Type | PC (Windows OS) | Apple (Mac OS) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. | Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher | 8GB or higher |
| Hard Drive | 100GB or higher | 100GB or higher |
| Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
| SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Dell | Visit Apple |
| Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Notes:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Some courses may require software purchase or subscription:
- Adobe Dreamweaver (12 month subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud Student Edition)
- Adobe Photoshop (12 month subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud Student Edition)
- GameMaker (purchase required)
- ArcGIS (purchase of student license required)
- Cypherpath (purchase required)
Microsoft® Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are enrolled at SNHU. Upon graduation, you will need to convert to a paid subscription. Terms are subject to change at Microsoft’s discretion.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition rates for SNHU's online courses are among the lowest in the nation.
| Non-Degree Seeking Coursework Only | Course Cost | Credits Earned |
|---|---|---|
| Online Undergraduate |
$990 ($330/credit) |
3 |
Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
Please note: Books and materials are not included in the above costs. Federal Financial Aid is not available, but you can use employer tuition benefits or tuition reimbursement if available to you. Contact your employer benefits manager to see if you have funds available, or talk to our admission team to learn about payment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take IT courses online?
Yes, you can take IT courses online.
At Southern New Hampshire University, our online programs are designed for maximum flexibility. This means you can study at your own pace, from anywhere, while still benefiting from the full support of our experienced faculty and online resources.
Whether you're pursuing a degree or looking to enhance your skills with specific IT courses, SNHU’s online options make it easy to balance your studies with other commitments.
Which is the best IT course for beginners?
The best IT course for beginners can vary depending on your specific goals and field of study.
IT-200 Fundamentals of Information Technology is a great option if you're just starting out, because you'll learn the primary knowledge and skills the IT field requires. You'll also explore varied roles, functions and responsibilities within the industry, while engaging with basic technologies, hardware and software to build problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios.
How long is an IT program?
The length of an IT program can vary depending on the specific degree, certificate or class you're pursuing.
Southern New Hampshire University's IT-200 Fundamentals of Information Technology is a quick 8-week course. We also offer short, focused certificate programs that can be completed in as little as a few months.
If you'd like to earn a degree while studying full time, our bachelor's programs typically take about 4 years to complete, while master's often take about 2.
However, SNHU's flexible online format allows you to progress at your own pace, so you can fit your studies around your personal and professional commitments.
Are online IT degrees worth it?
While this depends on your own specific goals, many do find online IT degrees to be very valuable.
An IT degree can open up a lot of career opportunities, since tech skills are in high demand. Plus, IT jobs often come with good salaries and strong job security. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $104,420 in May 2023.1 The BLS also reports overall employment for this group is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032.1
Worried you don't have the time to earn an IT degree? Southern New Hampshire University's online programs are designed to fit your life, which is great if you're balancing work or other commitments. Even better? As a nonprofit university, we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.
Do employers recognize online courses?
While we can't speak for all employers, online courses from accredited institutions like Southern New Hampshire University are widely recognized and respected.
Our online programs meet the same high standards as our on-campus ones. Many employers value the flexibility, dedication and time-management skills you'll develop through online courses, recognizing these strengths as great assets in the workplace.
Plus, SNHU works closely with subject matter experts to ensure our courses are up to date and match what employers are looking for, making our online degrees and certificates even more valuable.
References
Sources & Citations
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm (viewed July 26, 2024). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.