See our list of the top free online continuing education courses for business professionals. Learn what classes are available and what topics they cover to find the course that's right for you.

Online Business Continuing Education Courses for Credit

Free online business courses consist mostly of lecture notes and readings, and they typically don't issue credit. Students who would like to brush up on business basics or prepare to continue their education in a degree program might want to opt for online resources that can lead to academic credit.

Study.com's online business courses, for example, are taught by experienced educators and prepare students to earn an alternative form of college credit at participating schools. For less than the cost of a traditional class, registered members can access course content in the form of short, illustrated video lessons and test their knowledge with the corresponding self-assessment quizzes. Business courses include:

• Business 101: Principles of Management - This course focuses on the four functions of management: planning, organizing, leading and controlling. Learners study topics such as communication and motivation in the workplace, management versus leadership, group development and organizational change.
• Business 102: Principles of Marketing - Learn the four P's of marketing (product, place, promotion and price) as well as how to use advertising effectively. Videos are also available on product advertising, consumer behavior, social factors in marketing and international marketing.
• Business 107: Organizational Behavior - Explore the relationship between employee performance and workplace values and get tips for managing conflict. Lessons also address leadership and decision-making styles, organizational culture and organizational design.
• Business 110: Business Math - Review linear and quadratic equations, graphing, probability and statistics. Students can also learn how to calculate depreciation values and interest or conduct a financial analysis.
• Economics 102: Macroeconomics - In addition to measuring the cost of living and inflation, students learn about measuring the unemployment rate, calculating opportunity cost, adjusting wages for inflation and examining the difference between a recession and a depression.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• Cross-Cultural Leadership was designed to help business managers work effectively with employees both domestically and abroad. The course addresses the challenges of working outside one's home country, including working within the norms and customs of other cultures. Lecture notes, assignments and a final paper are provided.
• Global Strategy and Organization can benefit business executives who make strategic business decisions with global implications. The assets and liabilities of doing business overseas are explored. Students will consider the challenges of overseas operations, cultural differences, distribution costs and outsourcing. The course includes lecture notes and assignments with no solutions.
• People and Organizations looks at the challenges management professionals face as business leaders. This course includes lecture notes, readings and solutions.
• Practical Information Technology Management is designed to teach professionals how to incorporate information technology into business and encourage employees to engage in these changes. This course comes with lecture notes and student projects.

Source: study.com