Courses & Development

From music to electrical engineering to medicine, math is a critical component of many college majors. Even the arts and humanities require some math-focused general education requirements. If you’re not a natural at math, it can feel intimidating. 

There’s no need to panic. With the right resources and strategies, you can have an enriching experience in your college-level math courses. Find out what makes math different in college, the types of courses available, and tips to succeed in college-level math.  

What Are College-Level Math Courses? 

College-level math courses are designed to develop advanced mathematical and analytical skills, as well as critical thinking. These courses are often a foundation for degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, business, and more. They are a bit different from high school math in their depth, pace, and application, however. 

Types of College-Level Math Courses 

There are many college-level math courses that you may need to take as part of your degree requirements. Some of these include: 

• College Algebra: This course focuses on equations, functions, inequalities, and their applications. It’s a foundation for many advanced math courses. 
• Pre-Calculus: This course prepares you for calculus with advanced algebra, trigonometry, and introductory analytical geometry. 
• Differential Equations: This course focuses on solving equations involving derivatives, which is relevant to physics and engineering fields. 
• Calculus: This course explores limits, derivatives, integrals, and their practical uses. 
• Statistics: This course is an introduction to data analysis, probability, and statistical reasoning. 
• Linear Algebra: This course builds on College Algebra with vector spaces, matrices, and linear transformations. 
• Discrete Math: This course covers logic, set theory, and combinatorics, which is especially important for computer science majors. 
• Probability Theory: This course covers the mathematical principles of probability, essential for advanced statistics and actuarial sciences. 
• Applied Mathematics: This course focuses on mathematical methods and their applications in real-world scenarios, such as physics and engineering. 
• Abstract Algebra: This course studies algebraic structures like groups, rings, and fields for advanced mathematics fields. 
• Mathematical Modeling: This course covers how to create models to solve real-world problems in various disciplines. 
• Trigonometry: This course examines relationships between angles and lengths in triangles. 
• Financial Mathematics: This course covers mathematics techniques for finance, such as annuities, interest rates, and risk analysis. 
• Biostatistics: This course focuses on statistical methods used in biological and health sciences. 

What Math Classes Are Required in College? 

Math requirements can vary based on your school and major. 

• STEM majors often require multiple levels of calculus, linear algebra, and statistics, which are crucial to the STEM fields. 
• Business majors often require statistics, college algebra, and finance or accounting courses that are math heavy. 
• Health science majors often require biostatistics and quantitative reasoning, as well as data management for healthcare. 
• Education majors may include courses in mathematical reasoning or teaching-focused mathematics. 
• Engineering majors require advanced mathematics, including multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations. 
• Computer Science majors require discrete mathematics, algorithms, linear algebra, and statistics. 
• Social Science majors often require introductory statistics, and depending on the discipline, quantitative methods and data analysis courses. 
• Liberal arts majors may only need one general math course for degree completion, such as Introduction to College Mathematics or Statistics. 

Your academic advisor can help you determine what math courses are required for your degree program. 

Ways to Take College-Level Math Courses 

There are many ways to take college-level math courses, such as: 

In-Person Math Classes 

Traditional classroom settings offer direct interaction with professors and peers. These courses are ideal if you value structured schedules and face-to-face learning. For some, being in class and listening to the professor and peer interactions can help with the more difficult math concepts. 

Online Math Classes 

Online platforms offer flexibility if you’re balancing work, family, or other commitments. They often include video lectures, digital textbooks, and discussion forums to create an on-campus experience in a virtual format. 

Self-Paced Online Math Courses 

Self-paced courses, such as the gen ed math courses offered by Sophia, allow you to progress at your own speed and review the concepts as much as you need to. These courses are ideal if you’re trying to fit learning into a busy schedule, want to earn college-level credit for courses designed to transfer, and prefer to work without the pressure of tight deadlines. 

Tips to Succeed in Your College Math Courses 

Here are some tips to help you master your college-level math courses: 

Get a Tutor 

Some people struggle with math because it’s abstract. Having a tutor can offer personalized guidance and step-by-step instruction to help you work through complex concepts and stay on track with your courses. 

Study with a Group 

Like tutoring, collaborating with your peers can offer new perspectives and make learning more interactive. As you work through problems together, you may find that they’re not as intimidating as they seemed initially. Study groups also improve accountability and keep you focused on your coursework. 

Gamify Your Learning 

Math-based apps and games can make mastering math concepts more engaging and fun, turning a frustrating or intimidating experience into an enjoyable one – and improving your comprehension in the process. 

Take Your Time 

Focus on understanding concepts deeply instead of rushing through the material. Math concepts often build on themselves, so consistent practice is more effective than cramming everything in at once. 

Practice the Basics 

Practice is part of every math class from grade school onward. It’s not busy work, but a crucial part of understanding math and applying the concepts beyond a particular problem or formula. Make sure you have a solid understanding of the basics before moving forward, which is a key benefit of a self-paced course that allows you to progress at your comfort. 

Remember the Work 

As you take more advanced math courses, there’s a different style of teaching and assignments. It’s not about the exact answer as much as how you get there. You may get partial credit for tackling the math problems in parts, so don’t guess or give up. Show your work! 

Get a Strong Foundation with Sophia 

College-level math courses don’t have to be intimidating. Explore the full range of self-paced college-level math courses at Sophia that are designed to transfer to many colleges and universities. Take a look and start your free trial today! 

The rise of online education has changed the way students and professionals approach learning offering unrivaled flexibility and accessibility. If you’re interested in exploring the world of business, online business courses can offer a way to master critical skills for success. 

Learn the essentials of taking business classes online, the types of courses available, the benefits for all career paths, and some tips for success. 

Why Take Business Classes? 

Business courses aren’t limited to budding entrepreneurs and aspiring executives – they offer skills that can apply to various fields. Here’s why you should consider enrolling in business courses: 

Enhanced Communication Skills 

Business courses cultivate strong professional communication skills through dedicated coursework in business writing and communication. You’ll learn to articulate your ideas clearly in emails, presentations, and negotiations, which apply to virtually every career path – from the job interview onward. 

Strategic Thinking and Persuasion 

Business courses teach strategic business skills, including how to present ideas persuasively and build a strong case for your viewpoints. This can apply to your job role whether you’re selling products, influencing decision-makers, or pitching yourself as the top candidate for a coveted position. 

Financial Literacy 

Finance courses are often included in business curricula to teach you how businesses operate on the financial end. From developing budgets to understanding profit-and-loss statements for large corporations, these insights can help in both your personal and professional lives. 

In-Demand Skills 

Business knowledge can make you more attractive to potential employers. It demonstrates skills beyond your job role, showing that you have a practical understanding of workplace operations, budget, and strategy. 

Preparation for Leadership 

If your goal is to move up the ladder to management and leadership positions, business courses can give you the skills to thrive in roles that require oversight, team collaboration, and effective communication. 

Types of Online Business Courses 

Business courses come in a variety of formats, each covering different aspects of the business world and different career interests. Here are some common courses you’ll see in business programs: 

• Business Writing: Business writing courses focus on professional communication, including email etiquette, drafting memos, writing reports, and crafting persuasive proposals. 
• Finance: Finance courses cover a broad range of business finance, ranging from basic business finance to capital markets. You may learn about budgeting, investment strategies, and financial analysis to make sound financial decisions and recommendations. 
• Business Management: Management courses cover the principles of leadership and team management, as well as organizational strategy. Leadership roles are just as much about managerial and leadership skills as they are about the specific industry, so these courses will apply to virtually all fields. 
• Small Business: If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, small business courses cover the more practical areas of business, such as planning, marketing strategies, and operational management to bring your own business idea to fruition. 
• Accounting: Accounting courses cover the granular side of business finance, including bookkeeping, tax preparation, and understanding financial statements as a measure of business health. 
• Marketing: Marketing is essential to all businesses, no matter the industry. Marketing courses prepare you for search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, branding strategies, international marketing, and more. 
• Business and Administration: Business and administration courses offer a comprehensive overview of how businesses are structured and operated, including human resources, supply chains, and administrative work. 

Tips for Success in Business Courses 

Set Clear Goals 

What are your goals for your business courses? Are you looking to launch your own business? Move into a management position in your industry? Do you want a degree, or are you just expanding your knowledge to improve your job role? 

It’s important to know what you want to achieve with your business courses. Define your goals, then determine which courses best serve them. 

Create a Dedicated Study Schedule 

Online courses can be challenging because you work independently. If you’re prone to distractions or procrastination, you could run into problems. Treat your online course as an in-person class and set aside specific times to study and complete assignments. 

Engage with Your Network 

Online forums, discussion groups, and professional organizations related to your business focus can help you start the networking process. Over time, you’ll develop valuable connections and insights that will help you on your career path. 

Don’t Forget to Participate 

It’s not enough to passively absorb material while you’re taking business courses. They have a mix of abstract concepts and real-world context, so engage with peers, ask questions, and apply what you learn in real-life scenarios to ensure you understand the material. 

Leverage Additional Resources 

Many courses have required textbooks or reading, as well as supplemental materials like ebooks, video series, case studies, or articles. Your professor may share resources that are specific to the learning module as well. Take advantage of them to deepen your understanding of the concepts. 

Seek Out Practical Applications 

Apply your business learning to the real world with volunteer work, internships, or a small project. For example, you can offer to help with the promotions for local fundraisers or assist with grant writing for nonprofits to get some hands-on experience (that also helps your resume!). 

Where to Take Online Business Courses 

Most colleges and universities offer business degrees and courses, but you can also look into online learning platforms and professional organizations to bolster your learning. Here are some questions to consider: 

• Are you pursuing a degree or looking for personal development to advance your career? 
• Will you want college credit? 
• Do you need prerequisites to take advanced business courses? 
• Do you prefer hybrid models with online and on-campus courses or fully online programs? 

Your answers will help you determine the best option for your needs. Keep in mind that popular learning platforms like Sophia offer accessible and flexible options for everyone from high school students taking gen ed courses to seasoned professionals looking to upskill. You can even try out business courses before committing to a degree program or focus on specific areas of business, such as accounting or marketing, to see if a specialty is the best choice for you. 

Develop Your Business Acumen 

Taking a business class online not only gives you valuable, marketable skills, but it can open doors to new opportunities in your career and personal ventures. If you’re curious about the business world, start your free trial at Sophia and browse our business courses! 

Public speaking is a valuable skill that can transcend all aspects of life, from personal interactions to professional responsibilities. From delivering a presentation at work, sharing ideas in a meeting, or addressing a group in your community, the ability to communicate effectively can impact your success. 

While public speaking can be anxiety-inducing for many people, it’s a crucial part of your educational experience and professional skill set. Find out more about the benefits of public speaking courses, why it’s important, and some tips to overcome performance anxiety. 

What Do You Do in a Public Speaking Course? 

Public speaking courses typically cover several topics, including: 

• Understanding your audience and learning to tailor your message to resonate with different groups 
• Structuring your speech to organize your thoughts and present them clearly 
• Mastering body language, vocal cues, and pacing to enhance your speech delivery 
• Using slides, props, and other visual aids to support and strengthen your message 
• Engaging in practice speeches to gain constructive criticism from peers and refine your skills 

Why Is Public Speaking Important? 

Public speaking skills are universally applicable to every job and field, from business to education to healthcare. Being able to articulate your thoughts clearly and persuasively can enhance your career prospects and help you build relationships, both personally and professionally. 

Whether you’re leading a team at work, negotiating a deal, or engaging in conversation with colleagues or friends, strong public speaking skills can help you express yourself confidently. 

Benefits of Learning Public Speaking 

There are many benefits to public speaking skills, including: 

Persuading a Crowd 

We’ve all seen motivational speakers or politicians address an audience on important issues. Public speaking can equip you with the skills to influence others, whether you’re advocating for a cause or presenting a proposal at work. Mastering these persuasive techniques can help you inspire action, gain buy-in from stakeholders, and drive your message home. 

Motivating People 

Great speakers can uplift and inspire audiences, while poor speakers may be quickly forgotten. Learning public speaking and developing your skills can enable you to convey passion and enthusiasm to motivate others to support your initiatives or pursue their goals. 

Informing Others 

Effective public speaking isn’t just about persuasion. You may be called on to speak to share knowledge, inform, and educate others at work or in your personal life. Learning public speaking can help you strengthen your role as a thought leader in your industry. 

Developing Leadership Skills 

Even if you never present to a crowd, public speaking is a key component of effective leadership in the workplace. Leaders must communicate their vision, rally support, and guide teams through projects, workplace changes, and more, which requires strong, confident public speaking skills. 

Improving Confidence 

Public speaking is one of the most common fears. Overcoming the challenges of public speaking boosts your self-esteem and confidence. The more you practice your public speaking, the more comfortable you will become – both in front of an audience and in everyday interactions. 

Gaining a Sense of Satisfaction 

If you get anxiety at the thought of speaking to a group, you may have an incredible sense of satisfaction when you learn to deliver a speech successfully. The sense of achievement and overcoming your fear while sharing your ideas and connecting with others can be quite rewarding. 

Becoming a Better Listener 

Public speaking can make you a better speaker, but it can also help you become a better listener. Perhaps surprisingly, engaging in public speaking can sharpen your listening skills through receiving audience feedback, questions, and constructive criticism. You’ll become more attuned to others’ perspectives to enhance your overall communication abilities. 

Are You Anxious About Public Speaking? 

If you shake, start to sweat, and feel your mind go “blank” at the thought of speaking in front of a group, you’re not alone. The fear of public speaking is the most common fear ahead of death, spiders, or heights. Typically, this arises from a fear of judgment or negative evaluation. 

Fortunately, practice makes perfect – and more comfortable. Here are some tips to overcome your fear of public speaking: 

• Rehearse and practice: Getting familiar with your material can significantly reduce anxiety. Rehearse your speech multiple times, both alone and in front of friends and family. 
• Focus on a topic you know: Choose a subject you’re passionate or knowledgeable about to ease your nerves. Your confidence will shine through when you speak about something you care about. 
• Visualize success: Imagine yourself speaking confidently and effectively in front of your audience. Visualization techniques can help shift your mindset and reduce anxiety. 
• Breathe and relax: Practice deep breathing exercises before your speech to calm your nerves. Relaxation techniques can help ground you and reduce any feelings of panic. 
• Engage with your audience: Instead of viewing your audience as a large, intimidating group, try to connect with individuals. Making eye contact and engaging with listeners can help create a more relaxed atmosphere. 

Learn to Inform, Inspire, and Persuade 

Learning public speaking is an investment in your skill set that pays off in both personal and professional ways. The ability to communicate effectively can open doors, inspire others, and enhance your leadership potential. If you want to learn how to captivate an audience while managing anxiety, Sophia’s Public Speaking course can help gain skills while completing a gen ed requirement. Start your free trial today! 

Information technology (IT) is an integral part of our daily lives, particularly in the workplace. Advancements in technology are occurring at a rapid pace, and the demand for tech-savvy professionals is rising along with it. 

But you don’t have to work in a tech field to benefit from IT education. Incorporating IT college courses into your curriculum can have incredible advantages in not only your future career but your personal life, providing foundational tech knowledge, enhancing your career prospects, and offering valuable job skills. 

1. Comprehensive Understanding of IT Fundamentals 

Enrolling in information technology classes in college can give you a robust foundation in the essential principles of IT. These courses often cover a range of topics, including computer systems, networking, cybersecurity, and programming, to introduce you to the core concepts and tools that are vital to the tech field. 

For example, a course like Intro to IT will teach you about operating systems, basic coding, and database management. This knowledge may equip you with the skills necessary to tackle more advanced topics and specialized areas later in your education. 

In addition, a solid grasp of IT fundamentals benefits you far beyond the classroom. These core principles serve as a basis for lifelong learning, teaching you to embrace and adapt to change. Whether you pursue a career in technology or not, understanding the basics of IT can allow you to collaborate more effectively with tech teams, understand data-driven decision-making, and leverage technology to improve your work.   

2. Hands-On Experience and Practical Skills 

One of the key aspects of information technology courses in college is the emphasis on hands-on learning opportunities. Practical experiences are crucial to an IT curriculum, allowing you to apply the theoretical concepts in real-world contexts. 

You may have labs, workshops, or project-based assignments that simulate real-world IT scenarios, such as working with servers or software applications. IT courses also involve collaborative projects that encourage you to solve problems as part of a team, which can apply to any role – tech or otherwise. 

This hands-on approach can build skills that are necessary to navigate real-world challenges, regardless of industry. You learn not just the “how” but the “why” behind IT processes and technologies. For example, a course in cybersecurity will teach you real-world cybersecurity best practices, which you can use to identify vulnerabilities in your employee network in your future job. 

3. Networking Opportunities and Professional Connections 

Networking is important in college to build professional connections that can serve you in your future career. IT programs at college can help you build a professional network during your studies, which can open doors to internships, job placements, mentorship, and job opportunities. 

For instance, working on group assignments can encourage students to build relationships with classmates, professors, and industry professionals, fostering a sense of community and teamwork. These connections can enhance your future collaborations in the workforce. Your network may benefit you long after graduation. Connections made in college can lead to mentorship opportunities, collaborations, and partnerships that can enhance your career growth. 

4. Trying New Academic Avenues 

Your general education requirements are designed to give you well-rounded knowledge and give you an opportunity to explore academic interests that you may not have considered. Introductory IT courses provide a broad overview of different disciplines, giving you a chance to explore different areas of the field before choosing a major. 

Depending on the course, you may explore networking, cybersecurity, data analysis, software development, emerging technologies, and more. These courses can help you identify your strengths and interests. Even if you don’t want to pursue IT, exposure to different concepts may give you insights into what major you’d like to pursue. 

Conversely, if you do want to pursue IT with advanced studies or specialized IT certificates, these courses will lay the groundwork. For instance, your Intro to IT course may spark an interest in cybersecurity, encouraging you to take higher-level courses to see if it’s the right career path for you. 

If you’re interested in post-graduate certificates, there are plenty of options in IT that can improve your employability and expertise. Here are some examples: 

• CompTIA A+: A certificate with an entry-level introduction to IT that forms a foundation for specialty in networks, security, or cloud computing. 
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): An associate-level certification that covers the fundamentals of IT networking issues like network access, IP connectivity, and IP services. 
• CompTIA Security+: A security-focused certificate that covers subjects like encryption, physical security, and wireless security and lays the groundwork for advanced security certifications. 
• Microsoft Fundamentals: An entry-level certificate that tests core technology skills on Microsoft products, as well as specialization in areas like AI, data, Power Platform, and Microsoft 365. 
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): A certification that validates expertise in cybersecurity strategy and management for experienced IT professionals. 

5. Enhanced Job Prospects and Earning Potential 

If IT is the right choice for you, pursuing a degree can significantly enhance your job prospects and earning potential. The tech industry continues to expand, creating a demand for skilled IT professionals across various sectors. 

Common IT Courses List 

College information technology online courses and programs offer a comprehensive curriculum that cover essential topics and prepare you for a successful career. Here’s a common information technology courses list: 

• Introduction to Information Technology: This foundational course covers the basics of computer systems, networks, and software applications for a broad overview of IT. 
• Computer Programming: This course teaches fundamental programming concepts using languages like Python or Java, focusing on problem-solving and algorithm development. 
• Introduction to Networking: This course explores the principles of networking, including network types, topologies, and the OSI Reference Model. 
• Introduction to Relational Databases: This course provides knowledge of relational databases, including basic commands and queries in SQL. 
• Web Development: This course covers the creation and management of websites, focusing on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as web server management. 
• Cybersecurity Fundamentals: This course teaches about security principles, risk management, and techniques to protect IT systems from threats and vulnerabilities. 
• Introduction to Web Development: This course introduces students to fundamental concepts of web design and development using real-world examples and hands-on practice. 

Enhance Your Educational Experience with IT 

Whether you explore a few IT courses in college or you decide to pursue an IT career, taking an information technology class can offer benefits that extend beyond technical knowledge. Want to get started now? Sophia offers self-paced IT courses to take your first step! Start your free trial today! 

Project management is a crucial part of virtually every organization, no matter the industry. Skillful project management is a big part of what allows organizations to run like a well-oiled machine, so having project management skills can be an asset to your career. 

But that’s not all. There are plenty of other reasons to study project management, even if you have a different career path ahead of you. 

What Is Project Management? 

Project management is the use of specific knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to deliver something of value to people. This may be software for business processes, buildings or renovations, disaster relief, expansions into new business markets, and more. 

This structured approach to key project objectives ensures positive outcomes, and it takes project managers to do it. Project managers oversee the timeline, milestones, task allocation, resource allocation, and more. 

Reason 1: Enhanced Opportunities for Professional Growth 

Learning project management may broaden your career horizons by enabling you to develop skills that are in high demand. Organizations are increasingly prioritizing efficient project execution, so a candidate with project management skills could stand out in a competitive job market. 

Many industries need skilled project managers to lead initiatives, manage resources, and ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. This is an opportunity for you, whether you’re entering the job market or looking to upskill and move up in your current field. 

For example, product managers need project management skills to lead product development from conception to launch and coordinate across various teams and stakeholders. IT managers use project management methodologies to manage software development projects and technology initiatives.   

Reason 2: Improved Organizational Skills 

Project management training can enhance your organizational and planning abilities, making you more effective in both professional and personal contexts. With its systematic approach to organizing tasks, timelines, and resources, project management can help you prioritize and manage competing demands. 

Another skill one can gain from project management is goal setting and planning. Your education emphasizes the importance of setting clear, measurable goals and developing detailed plans to achieve them. 

For example, learning how to prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance ensures that the most important activities are completed first, helping to avoid bottlenecks. In some courses, you may also learn to use Gantt charts and other tools to allocate time effectively and track progress against deadlines. 

Reason 3: Effective Team Leadership 

Organizational projects often involve many team members working toward the same goal. Learning project management can develop your leadership abilities and provide the tools and techniques to collaborate and drive team performance effectively. 

Being able to define clear objectives and expectations can guide your team toward the goal, and a structured approach to problem-solving and decision-making to navigate challenges and make informed decisions. In addition, project management encourages open communication and collaboration among team members with tools like shared project boards, check ins, and milestones. 

Reason 4: Increased Efficiency and Productivity 

Project management techniques teach you to streamline processes and boost overall productivity. By applying structured methodologies, teams can work more effectively and reduce wasted time and resources. 

For example, project management emphasizes standardized processes with project management frameworks. This makes it easier for teams to follow best practices and maintain consistency across deliverables. Techniques like flowcharts and Kanban boards visually outline workflows, allowing team members to understand how their work fits into the larger project. 

Several aspects of project management cover efficiency, such as agile methodology, which emphasizes iterative progress through short cycles that allow teams to adapt quickly to changes and continuously improve processes. Lean principles also focus on reducing waste and maximizing value and streamlining processes. 

Reason 5: Better Risk Management 

In addition to organization, project management can teach you how to identify and manage risks. This is important to help teams navigate uncertainties and minimize potential disruptions with your projects. 

For instance, project management training can equip you with techniques to assess risks at the outset of a project, including identifying things that can go wrong like delayed reviews in marketing campaigns that could impact timelines. 

In some courses, you may also learn risk mitigation planning, which involves identifying risks and outlining specific actions to minimize the impact. For example, scheduling buffer time for reviews can prevent delays. 

Learning these skills can help you minimize disruptions that can derail project timelines, improve decision-making, and optimize resources. You may also gain confidence in the process, knowing the potential challenges are managed and less likely to surprise you. 

Reason 6: Versatility Across Industries 

Project management skills are applicable in various fields, making them invaluable across a wide range of industries. The ability to plan, execute, and oversee projects is essential in almost any sector, building transferable skills that allow you to adapt and thrive in diverse business environments. 

Several sectors rely on project management day to day, including IT to manage software development projects, new system implementation, and technology upgrades. Construction also requires project management to oversee building projects, coordinate subcontractors, and manage timelines and budgets. 

Some unexpected sectors require project management professionals, such as healthcare. Implementing new healthcare initiatives, managing clinical trials, and coordinating patient care programs to improve patient care all require project management skills. Organizations that have a lot of regulation and compliance, such as finance, need skills like risk management and project oversight as well. 

Enhance Your Skills with Project Management 

As the business world becomes more and more reliant on business processes, the demand for project management skills is likely to grow. But in addition to benefits relevant to your career goals, project management can teach you valuable life skills like organization, time management, and prioritization that can help you manage your academic career and personal life more effectively. 

Interested in exploring project management? Check out Sophia’s self-paced project management course here! 

The workplace is vastly different than it used to be. Teams may be in office, in the field, working remotely, or on a hybrid schedule – sometimes working alongside people on the other side of the globe. 

In our increasingly interconnected yet geographically distributed world, effective communication skills are more crucial than ever. We need a wide range of communication skills for our professional and personal interactions to convey ideas clearly, persuade, and ultimately, impact success. 

Communications courses are part of the general education requirements for many degrees, but why do they matter? Find out why communication courses are important for virtually every industry. 

Why Are Communication Courses Important? 

Wondering why communication courses matter? Here are some benefits in detail: 

Relevant to Every Industry 

Communications courses, like many gen ed courses, are more than just “filler” in your pursuit of a degree. They’re foundational to every field and industry, from healthcare to technology. The ability to articulate your thoughts, share information, and build interpersonal relationships is just as important for your success as any job-specific training and skills. 

Learning to Communicate 

Though it may seem obvious, communication courses teach essential skills like writing, interviewing, and planning. Mastering these skills will make you more effective in any role and help you excel in your career. 

Public Speaking 

Many people fear public speaking, hindering their work performance and confidence. Public speaking courses empower you to present confidently in front of an audience, a skill that’s invaluable in professional settings. 

Collaborating and Working as Part of a Team 

Teams can’t function effectively without communication. Most jobs require some element of teamwork, and courses that focus on collaboration prepare you to work well with others, fostering a productive work environment. 

Improving Online Presence 

Many industries require some degree of communication in online environments, whether it’s social media, email, or intranets. Communication courses not only help you communicate with remote and hybrid teams but enhance your online presence and brand. 

Core Communications Courses 

While you can take advanced communications courses, several foundational courses are part of the general education requirements for many degree programs. These include: 

1. English Composition 

English Composition gives you tools to become a better writer, a more thoughtful reader, and a better communicator all around. Some of the skills it covers include writing and editing, writing in argumentative or informative mode, and employing proper grammar, punctuation, and mechanics. 

2. Public Speaking 

Public Speaking teaches you how to captivate an audience and manage anxiety to become an effective presenter. This course generally covers the elements of effective speeches, how to craft an informative speech, and how to enhance the delivery of a speech to make an impact. 

3. Visual Communication 

Visual Communications focuses on the visual elements of communicating a message, including the principles of design, graphic design, advertising, and the impact of color, type, and layout. 

4. Workplace Communication 

Workplace Communication is a crucial part of written and verbal communication in professional settings. It includes skills like active listening, appropriate responses, and professional written communications. 

5. Creative Writing 

Creative Writing courses teach you how to craft compelling stories and explore different writing styles. Storytelling is a vital part of successful branding and promotional, so this skill offers value in both your professional and personal life. 

6. Foreign Language 

Foreign Language courses like Spanish or French are important in our diverse workplaces and may open up new career opportunities. It also improves your memory and critical thinking skills, as well as enhancing your skills in your native language. 

Advanced Communications Courses 

If you want to expand your communication skills, these courses may be available as electives or part of a communication degree program: 

7. Business Communication 

Business Communication builds on professional communication skills to teach you appropriate communication practices in business settings, such as emails, reports, and presentations. This can apply to leadership, teamwork, and collaboration. 

8. Digital Communication 

Digital Communication focuses on advanced communication practices specific to the digital environment and how technology influences communication methods and strategies, including text messaging, email, instant messaging, video conferencing, and social media. This is a standard way of communicating in many organizations and a crucial skill in the modern workplace. 

9. Social Media Communication 

Like Digital Communication, Social Media Communication teaches effective strategies for engaging audiences on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. It not only covers communication but understanding the audience, platform, and messaging. 

10. Organizational Communication 

Organizational Communication courses explore communication patterns within organizations, company culture, and how communication impacts efficiency in the workplace. It focuses on the way companies share information with internal and external stakeholders. 

11. Strategic Communication 

Strategic Communication courses focus on the proactive process of developing and delivering messages to achieve an organization’s goals and values. It includes many disciplines, such as public relations, marketing, and organizational communication. 

12. Mass Communication 

Mass Communication courses explore the impact of media on public perception and behavior, covering topics like journalism, advertising, marketing, and public relations. 

Invest in Your Communication Skills 

Taking communication courses offers a lot of benefits for your personal, academic, and professional success. You’ll have the opportunity to gain important skills that apply to various industries, prepare you for more challenging courses, and expand job responsibilities. Want to explore some communications courses? Check out Sophia’s full list of English and communication courses here! 

If you’re an aspiring college student and preparing for your first year of higher education, you may be stressing over a few courses. For many students, those courses are mathematics. 

The idea of taking a college-level math course – especially if you struggled with math in high school – can be daunting. You may be wondering what math courses are required in college, how to get better at math, and what tips you may need to ensure you survive college math. 

Whether you’re thinking about your gen ed math requirements or considering a math-heavy major, here are some tips for how to study math effectively to set yourself up to succeed. 

Types of Math Courses 

No matter your major, you’ll probably be required to take some entry-level math courses in college. If you plan on majoring in something that requires more advanced math classes, these entry-level courses are a stepping stone to more challenging concepts. 

Though the specific courses can vary from school to school, here are the general types of math courses at the college level: 

• Algebra I: Algebra is a branch of mathematics that studies algebraic equations. Though many students take algebra in high school, college algebra is more advanced. 
• Algebra II: Algebra II expands on the concepts from Algebra I and introduces more complex topics to prepare for high-level courses. 
• Trigonometry: Trigonometry is a branch of math that deals with the relationships between the sides and angles of triangles. 
• Geometry: Geometry is a branch of math that deals with the properties of space, such as the distance, shape, and size of figures. 
• Precalculus: Precalculus encompasses the courses that prepare for the study of calculus, such as algebra and geometry. 
• Calculus: Calculus is a branch of math that deals with the rates of change and introduces abstract thought necessary for higher-level math and science courses. 

More advanced math courses, such as combinatorics and topology, are reserved for math and some tech-focused majors. However, some majors will require more math courses as gen eds to prepare you for degree-specific courses, such as the hard sciences, accounting, and data science. 

What Is the Easiest Math Course in College? 

Generally, algebra is the easiest course for students with a weak background in math. It covers some of the same concepts that are initially learned in high school, then expands on them, so it’s often easier for students to succeed in algebra. 

If you need a refresher on math, a course like Introduction to College Mathematics offers basic fundamental math and algebra with real-world scenarios to build your math confidence and transition into other college-level math courses. 

What Is the Hardest Math Course in College? 

Math 55 at Harvard University is famously known as “the hardest math course.” Otherwise known as honors advanced calculus, Math 55 is designed to expedite undergraduate math learning by compressing four semesters of work into two semesters. 

However, Math 55 isn’t offered everywhere. Overall, Calculus 3 is one of the most challenging types of math and requires a lot of work and critical thinking, but it can vary by student. 

Tips to Excel in Math Courses 

If you’re wondering, “how can I get better at math” or “how to survive college math courses,” here are some valuable math study tips for college math courses: 

Show Up for Class 

Missing math courses, even just one, can leave you behind and struggling to catch up. All courses build on previous course concepts, but math especially, and you need to attend your classes and do the reading to stay on pace. 

Make Time for Practice 

Math requires not only doing the homework but spending time thinking about the material and practicing. The more you put into practice, the more comfortable you may become with the coursework. Practice problems over and over until you’ve mastered solving them and getting the correct answer. 

Space Out Your Math Courses 

Trying to take too many math courses at once – especially if you struggle with math concepts  or have anxiety around math – could hurt your efforts. Speak with your advisor and space out your required math courses to lighten your workload and ensure that you’re taking them in the proper order. 

Ask for Help 

It’s easy to fall behind in math. If you don’t understand something, ask your professor for help as soon as possible. This ensures that you can work through the concepts and gain a complete understanding before moving onto the next module. 

Consider Study Groups 

Study groups can be especially valuable for math courses. Even if you’re an independent learner, working with others can help you master the concepts. You’ll not only learn from your peers who are more confident with the material, but you can deepen your understanding by helping others.   

Choose the Right Study Environment 

You need to think deeply to learn math. If you’re surrounded by noise and distractions, it can break your concentration and make it more difficult to work out problems. Make sure you have a good study environment before your class begins. 

Rely on Summary Sheets 

Note-taking and summary sheets are your best friend with math. Use sheets to list theorems, properties and formulas, important terms, and example problems. Review your lists regularly to stay sharp with older concepts. 

Consider Online College Math Courses on Self-Paced Platforms 

If you’re nervous about math courses, self-paced online math courses for college credit can be just what you need. You can work through the course assignments at a pace that’s comfortable and practice until you get the concepts down. 

Another benefit of self-paced online courses is that you have the flexibility to complete reading and assignments when you’re at your best. It’s important to have a sharp mind when you tackle math problems, so having the option to do the work when you feel the most focused and productive can be one of the most valuable math hacks. 

Math Study Platforms 

Wondering how to get better at math for adults? Fortunately, math education has become more accessible than ever with digital learning platforms. You can learn on your own in the comfort of your own home, whether you’re preparing for college or supplementing your learning. 

Here are some excellent math study platforms to try: 

• Khan Academy: This platform offers free educational content with an extensive math curriculum, interactive exercises, and video lessons. 
• Brilliant: This platform develops problem-solving skills using basic math curriculum and real-world scenarios that put abstract concepts into approachable context with puzzles, quizzes, and challenges. 
• Mathway: This platform offers a user-friendly interface with math problems and step-by-step solutions and explanations. 
• Wiingy: This platform is among the best because it offers one-on-one tutoring sessions, interactive learning tools, and flexible scheduling. 

Ready for College Math Courses? 

If you’re stressing your college-level math courses, Sophia offers self-paced online math courses that are ACE recommended for college credit. Try out the courses up until the first challenge with a free trial today! 

Information technology (IT) is essential to virtually every industry, including government, healthcare, finance, retail, law, education, and media and entertainment. And as emerging technologies continue to evolve with new industry applications, the demand for IT professionals will grow along with them. 

Whether you’re considering IT as a career or interested in taking some courses to explore your interests, there are numerous benefits to learning information technology. 

What Is Information Technology? 

Information technology is a set of related fields that includes computer systems, programming languages, software, data, and information processing. 

What do you learn in information technology? Depending on the specific course or specialty, you may learn: 

• Technical theory 
• Networking 
• Programming 
• Computer hardware and software 
• Systems analysis 
• Database management 
• Computer circuitry 
• Website development 
• IT management 

Benefits of Learning IT 

1. Proficiency in Technology 

Most industries are becoming more tech-savvy, even the more traditional ones like law and agriculture. From project management solutions to customer relationship management software, job candidates are expected to have experience in a wide range of technology platforms. IT knowledge will prepare you to transition into your new role seamlessly, no matter what software programs they rely on. 

Personally, IT knowledge can help you better understand your personal technology. You can safeguard your personal information from growing cyber threats, troubleshoot and maintain your own devices, and evaluate the credibility of online information more effectively. 

2. Problem-Solving Skills 

The most important skills for someone pursuing a career in IT are critical thinking and logical skills. Solving problems for individuals or organizations is a crucial part of the day-to-day job of an IT professional, including helping others fix technical problems. 

Even if you don’t pursue a job in IT, taking IT courses and developing your problem-solving skills will make you a desirable candidate in just about any field. 

3. Well-Rounded Skill Set 

Technology is crucial to all businesses. In a competitive job market, having some knowledge of IT can help you stand out to your top-choice employers and offer a versatile skillset. If you go into business for yourself, having IT knowledge can give you the skills to manage your website and social media on your own. 

4. Improved Communication 

IT requires a lot of communication skills. You need to communicate with other technical team members as well as non-technical team members comfortably. With IT courses, you will learn to actively listen, process information, and offer feedback that’s appropriate for the technical understanding of your audience – which is an important skill for any job role. 

5. Flexible Work Environments 

If you pursue a degree in information technology, IT roles may offer incredible flexibility. You may be able to work from home, taking positions in any market or industry you choose. 

You can freelance or become a consultant for control over your own workload. If you prefer a more collaborative environment, you can become part of an IT team for a large company. There are leadership positions available for IT professionals as well. 

6. Job Security 

 There are no industry limitations. All businesses need technology, so IT professionals are better able to weather the fluctuations in the economy and find work, even if it’s not their preferred industry. 

7. New Challenges 

IT pushes you to learn new things and solve new problems. The day-to-day work as an IT professional is rarely routine, and that variety can keep the work feeling fresh, engaging, and challenging. 

8. More Practice, Less Theory 

Some majors involve a lot of theoretical knowledge before putting skills into practice. Often, this means fresh graduates have some experience to gain in their careers. 

By comparison, IT offers practice throughout the entire educational experience. Because technology is so hands-on, much of the coursework for IT involves practicing the concepts like building an app or developing a program. As a result, new graduates hit the job market with practical skills and a portfolio of projects to demonstrate their capabilities. 

9. Advancement Opportunities 

IT has a low barrier to entry. You can start at an IT help desk before moving into cybersecurity, IT project management, network administration, and more. There are numerous opportunities to branch out into other specialties, including roles like database administration or DevOps that combine technical knowledge with business acumen. 

Best of all, once you have the foundational IT knowledge, you can pivot and specialize in other areas to keep your career new and challenging without starting over. 

Can You Take Information Technology Courses Online? 

Yes, you can take information technology courses online. IT courses online offer flexibility and convenience to see if the subject fits, all at your own pace from the comfort of your own home. Trying out a few courses can even prime you to pursue a degree in IT, such as software or computer engineering, cybersecurity, or information systems. 

Sophia offers several computer science and IT courses that are self-paced, online, and recommended for college-level transfer credit at over 60 partner schools. All courses are available with a subscription, allowing you to gain a strong foundation in IT principles without disrupting your other commitments. 

Is IT the Right Fit for You? 

Deciding to learn information technology offers both personal and professional benefits. If you’re interested in taking some IT courses to see if it’s the right field for you, Sophia can help! Browse our self-paced computer and IT courses and start your free trial! 

While you may not think of accounting beyond general education courses, it’s not just for future accountants. Learning the basics of accounting is crucial for entrepreneurs and business leaders – not to mention the benefits for your personal finances. 

Find out why any professional can benefit from understanding accounting in the college experience. 

What Is Accounting? 

Accounting is the process of recording financial transactions in a business. This includes summarizing, analyzing, and reporting transactions to regulators, tax collectors, and oversight agencies. The statements used in accounting offer a summary of a company’s operation, financial health, and cash flow. 

What do you learn in accounting? There are different types of accounting that deal with specific information, including: 

• Financial accounting: This is the process used to generate financial statements that occur during an accounting period, including income statements, cash flow statements, and balance sheets. 
• Managerial accounting: This is similar to financial accounting, but managerial accounting uses the information in different ways. Monthly and quarterly reports are used to make decisions about business operations. 
• Cost accounting: Like managerial accounting, cost accounting is used to make decisions, but the focus is on the costs of producing products or services and determining pricing. 
• Tax accounting: Tax accounting adheres to the rules set at the federal, state, and local level based on the returns filed. Tax accountants must comply with reporting rules while minimizing the company’s tax liability. 

Naturally, accountants need a strong foundation of accounting skills to work in the field, but these are critical skills to all business professionals. Whether you want to start your own business, work in a high-level leadership position, or manage your personal finances effectively, accounting courses offer numerous benefits. 

9 Benefits of Studying Accounting 

Wondering what accounting can do for you? Here are some advantages of studying accounting: 

1. Proper Budgeting 

Budgeting is important for financial stability, both in a business and personally. Understanding your income and expenses can help to ensure you’re living within your means and prepare you for your financial future. 

Accounting teaches you to evaluate cash flow and expenses to spend your money wisely and budget properly to make the most of your income. This includes setting goals and adjusting your budget to stay on track. 

2. Savings and Financial Security 

Once you have a view of your income and expenses, you can see how much you have left over to allocate to debt and savings. Ideally, everyone should have an emergency fund that covers three to six months of expenses, but it can be difficult to set money aside if you don’t know where your money goes. 

Accounting teaches you how to balance your finances, rein in unnecessary spending, pay down your debt, and save money as a “safety net” for unexpected setbacks like a job loss or accident. 

3. Simplified Taxes 

A big part of an accountant’s job is tax planning to help businesses minimize their tax liability. Taxes aren’t something that’s generally covered in high school curricula, so learning the details of taxes can help you take advantage of tax deductions, incentives, and breaks to reduce your taxable income and streamline the filing process. 

4. Smart Investing 

Savings held in cash will lose value as inflation reduces buying power. Many people invest to gain financial independence and ensure their money works for them, but investing can be daunting if you’re not familiar with how it all works. 

Accounting helps you evaluate opportunities and risks to make smart investment decisions and build your wealth. 

5. Starting a Business 

If you dream of starting your own business and being your own boss, accounting skills are essential. You’ll likely be launching and building your business on your own – perhaps with limited resources – and will need to manage your costs, cash flow, and payroll by yourself. 

Accounting not only prepares you for financial success, but it offers a lot of skills that entrepreneurs need like preparing financial statements for investors and stakeholders, forecasting demand for inventory, evaluating profitability, and preparing for tax season. 

6. Better Decision-Making 

Whether you own your own business or work for another organization, business decisions are informed in part by financial statements like budgets, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. 

When you learn accounting, you can analyze these statements to inform business decisions and communicate with your stakeholders or business leaders. Taking this decision-making approach can also give you skills to make solid, evidence-based decisions in other areas of your life – even if they’re not related to money. 

7. Industry Insights 

Scandals happen in virtually every industry, and they’re often related to money. Understanding accounting can give you insights into the impact of accounting errors or manipulation on your organization or industry to make career decisions. 

8. Safeguarding Your Personal Security 

Accountants are often used to evaluate financial records and detect fraud or suspicious activity. You can use these skills to track your own finances and review your credit card statements, bank balances, and other transactions to detect fraud and improve your own financial security as a consumer. 

9. Career Opportunities 

Even if you don’t choose accounting as your field, having strong accounting skills can help you in your career and current role. You may learn to think analytically, improve critical thinking and management skills, and understand the role big data plays in influencing business decisions. 

If your goal is to transition into a leadership position in your field, accounting builds business acumen that can prepare you for decision-making and make you more effective in the role. 

Why Take Accounting Classes Online? 

If you’re interested in taking accounting classes, online courses can offer a lot of advantages. 

The biggest advantage of online learning is working at your own pace. Many students ask “is it hard to learn accounting?” Accounting can be challenging, but self-paced online college accounting courses allow you to practice and learn in the way that works best for you to ensure you’re building a strong foundation for more advanced courses. 

Online accredited accounting courses are also flexible. You’re not restricted to a specific school or local options. You can take courses anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. With many online courses, you aren’t locked into a strict schedule that may conflict with your other courses or responsibilities. You can study and complete assignments late at night, in the middle of day, early in the morning – whenever works best for you. 

How to Learn Accounting Online 

From your personal finances to future entrepreneurial or leadership roles, accounting principles offer numerous personal and professional benefits. If you want to learn accounting online, Sophia offers both Financial Accounting and Managerial Accounting. Take them both up to the first challenge with a free trial! 

Business is a popular college major for many students – and for good reason. Business management and business administration degrees help to prepare students for management positions across various industries. 

Whether you’re pursuing a degree in business, looking into a business minor, or exploring some business courses for your general education requirements, the coursework often covers management, accounting, finance, marketing, and human resources. 

Common Business Courses 

Business management and business administration are broad majors with a lot of flexibility and several different specializations. The courses can vary from school to school, but they often include introductory courses that cover the basics of business theory and practice. 

1. Accounting 

Accounting focuses on the financial data in a business and helps to inform business decisions. Accounting courses are crucial to understand principles and tools, such as cash flow and forecasting, and prepare accounting statements like income statements and balance sheets. 

2. Economics 

Money is a key factor in any business. Business majors must understand the large- and small-scale economic forces that affect business in the real world. Introductory economics courses cover these concepts, including how consumers make decisions, monetary policy, the global economy, and business cycles. 

3. Management 

Management courses cover both leadership and management principles as an introduction to later course concepts. These may include conflict management, communication, goal setting, and organizational planning. 

4. Marketing 

All businesses need marketing. Core marketing courses cover marketing theories and strategies, including competitor research, consumer behavior, and marketing analytics. Typically, introductory marketing courses prepare you for more advanced courses later on. 

5. Business Communication 

Business communication is specific to written and verbal communication that takes place in the workplace, including communication with clients, stockholders, suppliers, partners, and regulatory organizations, and how effective communication impacts organizational goals. 

6. Business Ethics 

Business ethics is a philosophy course that’s specific to the ethical issues found in contemporary businesses, such as ethical relativism, utilitarianism, and deontology, which inform day-to-day business decisions. 

7. Business Law 

Business law may be included in the core courses for a business degree, since law is an important aspect of an organization’s daily operations. Business law covers the laws and regulations that apply to nonprofit and private organizations, such as employment law and contract law. 

8. Organizational Behavior 

Organizational behavior is a foundation for human resources courses. It focuses on how individuals and groups interact within a business and how those interactions can affect performance and goals. 

Why Are Business Courses Important? 

Whether you’re pursuing a degree in business or taking business courses as electives, they are valuable to develop skills that can be an asset in any industry or role, such as problem solving, teamwork, communication, critical thinking, and leadership. 

If you are pursuing a degree in business, business courses provide comprehensive business training and a broad understanding of the major elements of business. If you choose, you can specialize in a specific area of business, such as accounting, marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, international business, and human resources. 

In addition, business degrees position you to pursue post-graduate opportunities to master business concepts. Some business students choose to pursue master’s degrees in business, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). 

What Is the Hardest Class in Business School? 

It depends! What’s hard for you may not be hard for someone else, and vice versa. For example, if you excel at analytical problems, accounting may be a breeze for you. But for someone who struggles with math, that can be a tough hurdle to overcome. 

If you’re not sure where you’d excel in the realm of business, it may take a little research and experimentation. Taking a few introductory business courses can unveil a passion for certain aspects of business and guide your decision about your major and specialization. 

What Is the Hardest Major in Business? 

The hardest major also depends on each student’s strengths and weaknesses. However, one of the widely regarded “hardest” majors in business is accounting. The coursework can be daunting and involves solving numerous business problems. 

In addition, accounting majors must prepare for accounting certification exams to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and more. Accounting majors don’t have a lot of variety, either, as most courses stay under the umbrella of accounting and build upon each other. 

What to Expect from a Business Class in College 

Business courses are multifaceted and cover different aspects of the business environment, so there’s no universal experience. The experience you have will depend more on what aspect of business the class covers, such as accounting, marketing, or management. 

For example, accounting courses cover a lot of math while marketing courses cover marketing theory and best practices. A management or organizational communication course will focus more on people, psychology, and effective communication. Business communication involves a lot of writing and presentations. 

Get Started with Your Business Degree 

Business degrees are highly flexible majors that allow you to learn the core concepts in business and leverage them in virtually any industry. Whether you choose to pursue a degree in business or another field, getting some business courses under your belt equips you with vital skills that you can use in your academic and professional career. 

Interested in business but not sure where to start? Sophia has several different business courses available. Start your free trial today – no credit card required! 

Language courses have been part of high school and some college curricula for decades, but they’ve never been more valuable in the job market. Fluency in multiple languages is a highly sought skill for job candidates across a variety of careers, including government positions, nursing, teaching, finance, and more. 

Learning a new language can certainly help your career, but there’s a lot more to gain from becoming multilingual. Discover the benefits of learning a new language and the unique advantages of taking online college language courses. 

Why Take Language Courses? 

In an increasingly globalized business world, learning a second language is a valuable skill that could impress employers, but there are additional benefits just for you. 

Brain Stimulation 

Learning a new language can help your gray matter grow, which is the information processing center of your brain. As you take in the complexities of a new language, your brain has to adapt and develop. Just like a muscle, your brain gets stronger and more capable as you challenge it. 

In addition to helping your brain now, acquiring new language skills help to delay cognitive decline and mental aging. According to neurological research, multilingual adults experience the first signs of dementia at a later age than their monolingual counterparts. 

Improved Memory 

As mentioned, challenging your brain to learn new skills keeps it sharp and agile. Learning a new language often pushes your brain in different ways as you familiarize yourself with new grammar and vocabulary rules. You not only have to remember new words, you have to connect them with real-world concepts and use them contextually, improving your memory in the process. 

Better Mental Agility 

Mental agility is an important skill to have in the workforce and in life. Multilingual people have the ability to switch back and forth between languages naturally and automatically, including thinking in different languages and translating on the spot, which helps with multitasking. 

Potential to Widen Prospective Job Market 

More and more US-based businesses are expanding into international markets to reach new customer bases. With that, companies need bilingual candidates to not only translate but ensure that the context is appropriate. When you become fluent in a second language, you may widen your prospective job market and become a more desirable candidate for top positions. 

Better Communication Skills 

Written and verbal communication skills are among the top skills employers look for in job candidates. While it may be surprising, learning a second language can improve your communication in English. 

We learn our native language more organically, often without diving deep into the grammar and style rules. As you learn a foreign language and navigate the grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure, it will make you more conscious of the rules that govern your native language. 

Improved Empathy and Cultural Sensitivity 

Becoming fluent in a new language not only provides the means to connect with other cultures verbally, but it can develop culture awareness. As you learn a new language, you’re not just learning words but a new way of thinking. Along with that, you may understand and appreciate the differences in cultures, and more importantly, the similarities that we all share as human beings. 

More Confidence 

Making mistakes is part of the learning process with language learning. Even if you have an ear for language, you will be pushed out of your comfort zone and into new situations. Though you may be nervous at first, breaking out of your shell will develop your self-confidence and equip you to tackle new situations in other areas of your life. 

Well-Rounded Learning 

Colleges and universities often require foreign language as part of the core subjects for applicants. If high school students didn’t take a foreign language, they may have to take them as gen ed requirements for their degree. 

The requirements for a foreign language can vary by institution, but many require at least two years of a single foreign language that count toward your gen ed requirements. The idea behind this requirement is that it will expand your worldview and improve your career options, in addition to providing a well-rounded education. 

Benefits of Taking Language Courses Online 

Learning a language has benefits on its own, but taking language courses online offers unique advantages that you may not get in a cohort learning environment. 

1. Flexible Learning 

Whether you’re trying to get some electives out of the way or you’re an adult learner managing a full-time job and other responsibilities, online courses offer flexible learning that adapts to your schedule – not the other way around. You can attend lectures and complete assignments from anywhere, at any time, to ensure that you’re fully focused on what you need to learn. All you need is an internet connection and device. 

2. Multimedia Environments 

Learning a language is a bit different than learning other subjects. Interactive tools like grammar correction, automation, discussion boards, videos, and audio guides can make a huge difference in how well you grasp the language and retain the concepts. Online learning utilizes more of these tools to enhance your learning experience. 

3. Repetition Learning 

Repetition is essential to mastering a foreign language. Traditional class environments don’t offer the opportunity to repeat lessons and work on concepts without disrupting the instructor and other students. With online courses – particularly self-paced courses – you may able to repeat course modules as often as you need to ensure you have a solid understanding before moving forward. 

4. Practicing in the Comfort of Your Own Home 

One of the challenges of learning a new language is feeling comfortable practicing, especially in front of other people. By combining flexible schedules and multimedia tools, taking a language course online gives you the ability to practice on your own until you get it right. 

5. Learning from Native Speakers 

Taking online language courses for college credit could allow you to learn from native speakers, no matter where you are. You can access some of the “best of the best” language teachers from all over the world, since you can take language courses from anywhere instead of relying only on who’s available in your region. 

6. Better Academic Skills 

Some people are naturally gifted at school, often excelling at test taking and written assignments. But earning a good grade doesn’t necessarily mean you’re gaining practical skills or retaining the information. With language learning, the process continually tests your knowledge and pushes you to develop a new skill beyond intellectual understanding, which is an ability that carries over into other courses and subject areas. 

Online Language Learning at Sophia 

Whether you’re interested in taking a foreign language for your career prospects or you’re simply learning a new skill, Sophia offers self-paced online language courses to help you reach your goals. Check out our language courses designed to transfer at Sophia! 

Anatomy and physiology (A&P) is one of the core courses for a range of health-related fields, including nursing. It’s one of the most important foundational courses to learn the concepts that underpin medicine, human development, and the diagnosis and treatment of disease. 

Still, no matter how passionate they are about nursing, many nursing students are anxious about A&P and its difficulty. Find out what you’ll learn in A&P, what to expect from the course, and how you can maximize your success. 

What Is Anatomy and Physiology? 

Anatomy and physiology are two studies in the life sciences. Anatomy refers to the internal and external structures of the body and how they relate to each other, while physiology refers to the study of how those structures function. 

The anatomy and physiology courses for nursing cover a basic introduction to the broad study of the two disciplines, but they each have branches that cover more advanced and detailed information. 

For example, anatomy includes both gross anatomy, the study of body structures that can be seen without magnification, and microscopic anatomy or histology, which covers the study of the smallest structures of the body. Physiology has branches as well, including cell physiology, endocrinology, exercise physiology, and clinical physiology, some of which may be part of your more advanced nursing studies. 

What Do You Learn in Anatomy and Physiology? 

Anatomy and physiology approach two aspects of studying the human body. 

The anatomy portion deals with the structural organization of an organism, which includes the musculoskeletal, nervous, circulatory, immune, respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It also includes the study of anatomy on a microscopic level with organ and tissue cells. 

Physiology covers the principal organ systems as well, but it focuses more on the functions of the cells and organs in biological systems instead of their structure. It may cover the broad study of physiology or a narrower focus, such as the digestive or cardiovascular system. 

For example, something you may take away from the course is an understanding of how cells develop, how muscle groups are used in different sports, or how a disease moves through the body. 

What to Expect in an A&P Online Course 

A&P online courses include all the information you would receive in cohort (in-person) learning, but you’ll experience it all virtually. These courses comprise lectures, quizzes, assignments, exams, and a lab portion to build laboratory skills. 

• Some of the skills you’ll develop in the course include: 
• Defining the systems that provide protection and support for the body 
• Understanding how muscle tissue and the muscular system support movement and stability 
• Generalizing the chemical, cellular, and tissue levels and their function in the body 
• Summarizing how the nervous system regulates, integrates, and controls the body 

Typically, labs are a very hands-on part of science learning, but technology allows that experience to be recreated online with virtual lab tools, video conferencing, discussion boards, and proctored exams. 

The lab portion of A&P may include: 

• Understanding science labs, the scientific method, and writing lab reports 
• Demonstrating lab safety and processes 
• Analyzing cell types and muscle tissue types in functional groups 
• Demonstrating osmosis in hypotonic and hypertonic solutions 
• Examining the functions and components of the central and peripheral nervous systems 

Is Anatomy and Physiology Hard? 

For many nursing students, anatomy and physiology is one of the toughest prerequisite classes. It encompasses a lot of information and requires strong memorization skills, because A&P will form the foundation you will build upon to learn more advanced information about the human body and its function. 

Anatomy and physiology may be hard, but it’s not impossible. With strong study skills and a commitment to learning, you can succeed in this course. 

How to Study for Anatomy and Physiology 

Does this information seem overwhelming? Anatomy and physiology can be a challenging course that you need to succeed in as a prerequisite for the nursing program, but robust study strategies can help you pass your course with flying colors. 

Here are some study tips to ensure your success: 

Break the Information Down to Manageable Sections 

Part of the challenge of anatomy and physiology is the sheer volume of information the course covers. Keep up with your reading, and instead of reading a whole chapter at once, break it up into smaller sections. Make sure you fully grasp the concept before moving forward, as this course uses scaffolding learning – it all builds on the concepts you learned previously. 

Test Yourself Along the Way 

Most texts and course modules have review tools to self-evaluate your understanding of the concepts and knowledge. Test yourself regularly and note which concepts felt shaky to you. That’s an opportunity to go back through and review the information again or ask your instructor for more guidance. 

Seek Help from Your Instructor or Peers 

Whether online or in person, your instructor and peers are an asset in your learning experience. If you feel that you’re not grasping the material, talk to your classmates and go over the concepts together. You could also reach out to your instructor and ask for clarification. 

Understand Your Learning Style 

Anatomy and physiology uses a lot of memorization, diagrams, and unfamiliar terms, such as names that have origins in Latin or Greek, all of which you will have to learn. You will need to know your learning style and how you study best to succeed. For some, flashcards are the best way to go over terms and concepts to retain them. For others, mnemonic devices to memorize the bones or muscle groups are effective. 

Don’t Get Discouraged 

If you’re struggling in a section, try not to get discouraged. You may excel at memorizing the names of bones and muscles while struggling in more conceptual sections like the function of the respiratory system. You will need to use a range of skill sets to succeed in anatomy and physiology, so try not to be too hard on yourself if it doesn’t all come easily to you. Keep studying and looking toward the finish line. 

Get Started Using Sophia's Nursing Pathway

Curious about what’s in store with anatomy and physiology? You can check out our A&P course at Sophia or explore our Sophia Nursing Pathway - a flexible 13-course science pathway created to help you make progress toward your degree by taking our diverse selection of science and health-related course, all designed to transfer. Get started today! 

If you think math is hard, you’re not alone. Many people lack confidence in their math abilities. But with Sophia, you have the space and flexibility to grow your math skills on your own terms. Sophia puts you in control of your learning thanks to a self-paced online platform, an innovative teaching approach, and tutoring support in some courses.

No matter what career you pursue, you’ll use math more than you might expect. Math can also help you with situations in your own life—like understanding how a bank account earns interest or interpreting the statistics of your favorite sports team. Plus, math courses are a common bachelor’s degree requirement. That’s why Sophia offers a range of college-level math courses to build your skills and help you earn general education credits.

What Math Courses Can You Take at Sophia? 

Sophia offers self-paced college-level math courses that can help you expand your knowledge and make progress toward a degree. Choose from our growing list of course options: 

• Introduction to College Mathematics. See how math can help you understand the world in a new way. Get hands-on with real numbers, linear equations, logarithmic functions, probability and statistics. By the end of the course, you should be able to solve basic arithmetic equations and apply math concepts to real-world situations such as financial transactions.  
• College Algebra. Using scenario-based activities inspired by real-world situations, you’ll learn about linear, non-linear and other mathematical functions that include algebraic, graphic, and numeric properties. You’ll also apply mathematical concepts to algebraic expressions, quadratic equations and more.  
• Calculus I. Learn the fundamental concepts of calculus by reviewing precalculus topics and diving into calculus concepts such as limits and continuity, interpretations and applications of the derivative, and techniques of integration. You’ll also apply what you’ve learned by writing equations of lines and circles, analyzing and graphing combinations of functions, and calculating higher order derivatives. 
• Introduction to Statistics. Learn the basics of statistics including core principles, research methodologies, data analysis and hypothesis testing. Explore key concepts in statistical reasoning, see how data is represented in real-world examples, and learn to apply statistical thinking to real-life scenarios.  
• Foundations of Statistics. Learn the fundamentals of statistics and prepare yourself for college-level statistics courses. Explore concepts like variation, correlation, probability, and statistical analysis. With your newfound stats skills, you can evaluate statistical methods, interpret statistics, and calculate probability.  

Growing your math skills is a smart move for your career, your general education requirements, and your life. Sophia gives you convenient and affordable options to build college-level math skills while crossing general education requirements off your list. Begin your free Sophia trial, which allows access throught the first assessment, and see for yourself. 

Improve your writing, speaking, researching and editing skills with Sophia’s online English and communications courses. They’re designed to let you learn at your own pace – anytime, anywhere.  

On average, Sophia students take 33 days to complete an English and communications course. 

Even if you are not an English major, you may still need to take a couple English and communications courses to meet common general education requirements. Plus, you'll be honing on key writing and communications skills that can help you in your personal and professional life.  

Which Courses Are Right For You? 

Our ten current English and communication courses cover a range of topics. Try one or try them all. These courses are designed to build and improve your English and communication skills, they are not ESL courses.  

• Communication at Work: Explore what makes for impactful written and verbal workplace communications. 
• Conflict Resolution: Dive into the elements of conflict resolution and how to apply them to work and life. 
• Discover the Writer in You: This course takes you through the writing process, from brainstorming, prewriting, and drafting all the way to revising, editing, and proofreading. If you have previously taken English Composition I, you do not need to enroll in this course. 
• Sophia's English Composition I: Learn the tools to become a better writer and a more thoughtful reader. 
• English Composition II: Designed to build upon the concepts taught in English Composition I, refine your knowledge of research techniques for academic writing. 
• Foundations of English Composition: Hone your writing skills and learn to communicate more effectively. 
• Public Speaking: This course takes you through all of the stages of developing a speech, from preparation to rehearsal to presentation. 
• The Essentials of Managing Conflict: Gain foundational knowledge about managing and resolving conflict in your personal and professional life. 
• The Power of Persuasion: Explore how persuasive writing strengthens important professional skills including communication, problem solving, and innovation skills. 
• Visual Communications: Discover the principles of design and what makes visual communication such a powerful tool in getting a message across. 

Reach Your Goals with Online English and Communications Courses 

From their laptops, tablets or phones, Sophia students have successfully completed more than 80,000 online English and communications courses.

Learn more about your options for taking online English courses with Sophia.

Whether you’re seeking online courses for your business degree or hoping to knock out a gen ed, Sophia’s online business courses can help save you time and money.

Here’s what you can expect when you choose to take a business course with Sophia: 

Learn the Ins and Outs of Business at Your Own Pace

Sophia’s online business courses are self-paced, which means you can complete them in the time that is most convenient for you. Some students prefer a slow and steady approach, while others appreciate the opportunity to work through lessons more quickly if they are already familiar with the concepts.

On average, Sophia students take 26 days to complete a business course. 

Not a business major? Chances are you’ll still need to take a few business courses. Many other fields of study incorporate aspects of business learning, including marketing, communications, economics, political science, human resources management, and entrepreneurship. Plus business courses may be a common general education requirement.

Complete Your Business Courses at an Affordable Rate

Sophia doesn’t charge you per course. Instead, we offer a flexible subscription fee of $99 per month that will grant you access to all of our ACE recommended online business courses. You can take up to two courses at a time and work your way through as many as your schedule allows each month. 

So, how does this compare to the cost of taking business courses through your accredited college or university? While tuition costs vary based on the state, institution type, and whether you’re billed in-state or out-of-state tuition, the Education Data Initiative has done a lot of research on the average cost per credit hour at two- and four-year institutions. Check out their latest report or review your school’s tuition fees for a cost analysis. And don’t forget to factor in cost savings on things like books and supplies, room and board, and student loan interest rates.

Take Your Business Learning Anywhere You Go

Our user-friendly business courses are completely on demand, which means you don’t need to commit to taking them at any one time or in any one location. All you need is access to a laptop, tablet, or smart phone. Want to knock out some college-level courses when you’re away from campus on a holiday break? Have a gap in your weekly course schedule? Sophia can help you maximize your time by tackling convenient, college-level business courses that may be transferred to your college or university for general education credit. 

Which Courses Are Right For You?

Our eight current business courses cover a range of fundamental topics. Here’s what you’ll learn from each of them:

• Accounting: This fundamental course covers the basics of accounting that are necessary to run a sole proprietorship, including bookkeeping and preparing financial reports, 
• Business Law: This course is one of Sophia’s newest and will introduce you to the key laws that govern businesses, the fundamentals of liability, the role of contracts, and property law.
• College Readiness: This practical course is designed to help orient you to the college experience and develop strategies for success in your academic and personal life so you can reach your collegiate and professional goals.
• Developing Effective Teams: This is Sophia’s shortest business course; ACE recommends it is worth 1.0 semester credits. But it’s packed with valuable information about the characteristics of high-performing teams and the skills and strategies needed to build them.
• Introduction to Business: This popular course will teach you about the environment of business, the science of marketing, investing, and human resources management—and how these concepts apply to companies of all sizes, including entrepreneurial endeavors.
• Principles of Finance: This fundamental course covers the basics of finance that are necessary to operate a business, including financial statements, capital management, and financial planning.
• Principles of Management: This course focuses on the main functions of management: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. 
• Project Management: This course is one of Sophia’s newest and will introduce you to the life cycle of managing a project, including the skills and planning needed to ensure each project’s success.

Sophia students have successfully completed more than 34,000 online business courses. We’re proud to have been a part of helping so many learners reach their academic goals.

Learn more about your options for taking business courses online with Sophia.