Major Universities with Online IT Programs (Often Including Cert Prep):
* Georgia Tech: Offers numerous online Master's degrees in computer science and related fields, many of which incorporate preparation for industry certifications.
* University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: Similar to Georgia Tech, they offer online Master's programs that often incorporate preparation for relevant certifications.
* University of Maryland Global Campus: Offers a range of online IT degrees and certificate programs, sometimes with alignment to specific certifications.
* Texas A&M University: Has online programs that may include certification preparation.
* Arizona State University: Offers many online programs in computing that might include prep for certifications, but check specific course descriptions.
* Pennsylvania State University World Campus: Offers online degrees and certificates, some focusing on IT and potentially including certification prep.
Important Considerations:
* Specific Certifications: You need to specify the *specific* IT certification you're aiming for (e.g., CompTIA A+, Security+, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, Cisco CCNA, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, etc.). Universities don't usually offer "general IT certification prep." Their courses target specific skills and often align with certain certifications, but not all.
* Course Structure: Check if the course is *specifically* designed for certification preparation or if it merely *helps* prepare you. Some universities might offer relevant courses, but you'll still need to independently study for the exam.
* Accreditation: Ensure the university and its online programs are accredited. This is crucial for the validity of any certificate or degree you earn.
* Cost: University courses can be expensive compared to other training options.
Recommendation:
1. Identify the specific IT certification: Determine the exact certification you want.
2. Search the university websites directly: Go to the websites of the universities listed above (and others you find through searching "online IT certifications") and search for courses related to your chosen certification. Look carefully at the course descriptions.
3. Check for vendor-specific training: Many certification vendors (like CompTIA, Microsoft, Cisco, AWS, etc.) offer their own official training and certification preparation courses, which might be more directly focused on the exam than a university course.
In short, while many universities *offer* relevant courses, it's crucial to be precise about the certification and to check the university's course descriptions meticulously to see if it directly supports your certification goals. Don't assume that just because a university has an online IT program, it automatically prepares you for every certification.