The following Baltimore/Washington resources try to address the needs of adult learners by providing a majority of classes and programs during evening and weekend hours or through online delivery. You needn't live in the area, however, to take advantage of courses offered entirely online.
IT Training @ UMBC
UMBC's Information Systems Department offers an online version of its Master's Degree in Information Systems.
For non-degree IT courses, DPET offers instruction in three main areas: Oracle Certified Professional, Web Systems Developer, and Information Security.
In conjunction with academic departments at UMBC, DPET also offers some degreed programs in information technology. These include an M.A. in Instructional Systems DevelopmentTraining Systems and post-baccalaureate certificates in Computer/Web-Based Instruction, Distance Education, and Instructional Systems Development.
Although CCTC recommends face-to-face courses, the organization recently added online courses through a partnership with Magellan University. CCTC notes that online courses are best for more experienced and motivated students, and while online courses offer tutor-support, students do not receive the benefits of the comprehensive package included in tuition for instructor-led courses. For more information on CCTC online courses, visit their site and follow the link to "Online Courses."
Additional IT Training (Mostly Online)
The Maryland Online website acts as a gateway to the member institutions. The advantage of Maryland Online is that you can search according to the type of degree or certificate you're pursuing and be directed to relevant programs at the 20 member institutions. Any degree or certificate earned will be awarded and administered through the specific institution offering the program.
Examples of certificate programs under the category "Computer & Technology" include E-Commerce for IT Professionals, Graphic Design with a Computer, Object-Oriented Design and Programming, and Web Programming.
You do not need to be a Maryland resident to enroll.
Most community colleges offer a variety of IT courses, often including some via distance education. Visit the institution's website for course offerings, schedules, and tuition.
Baltimore's Enoch Pratt Public Library offers a number of free classes: Introduction to Computers, Introduction to the Internet, Introduction to Windows, and introductions to Microsoft Word and Excel. Open Lab time is also available. Classes are offered at the Broadway Branch (410-545-0702), the Northwood Branch Library (410-396-6076), and the Pennsylvania Avenue Branch Library (410-396-0399). You must be registered to attend. Call for class schedules and more information.
This page on the Association of Women in Computing's Johns Hopkins Chapter site offers an annotated listing of local opportunities for IT education and certification, including some not mentioned here.
People living in Washington D.C. may find the USDA Graduate School (a somewhat misleading name, since what they offer is by and large not graduate-level education) a convenient source of IT courses, including day, evening, weekend, and online offerings. Though intended primarily for government and contractor employees, the courses are also open to interested private citizens.
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