Data Scientists, Software Developers, and Financial Analysts use Python for numerous tasks, from building websites to data visualization. Some of the world's biggest companies benefit from Python, including Amazon, Google, and Facebook.
Python organizes around objects (data), so it's considered an object-oriented language. With its straightforward syntax, scalability, and open-source (free) access, Python's popularity makes it a high priority for people learning to code. Its use in data science and development looks to continue for the foreseeable future.
Whether you’re planning a career in web development, cybersecurity, or data analysis, adding Python to your skill set can be one of the best moves you can make.
The 14 Best Python Classes
- General Assembly—Python Course (In-Person, Live Online)
- Noble Desktop—Data Science Certificate (In-Person, Live Online)
- NYC Data Science Academy—Introductory Python (In-Person, Live Online)
- Practical Programming—Python for Data Science Immersive (In-Person, Live Online)
- Skillspire—Learn Full Stack Web Development (Python) (Live Online)
- Noble Desktop—Python for Data Science Bootcamp (In-Person, Live Online)
- BrainStation—Python Course Online (Live Online)
- UCLA Extension—Introduction to Data Science (In-Person, Live Online)
- AcademyX—Python Fundamentals (In-Person, Live Online)
- New Horizons—Introduction to Python Programming Basics (In-Person, Live Online)
- Practical Programming—Python Immersive (In-Person, Live Online)
- Learning Tree International—Introduction to Data Science, Machine Learning & AI using Python (In-Person, Live Online)
- NYC Career Centers—Python Machine Learning Bootcamp (In-Person, Live Online)
- The Flatiron School—Data Science (In-Person, Live Online)
General Assembly—Python Course (In-Person, Live Online)
The Python Course from General Assembly is one of their most comprehensive portfolio-based programs. Attendees do not need any coding experience to apply. Those without programming experience receive pre-course lessons and additional video resources to help them get started.
The curriculum begins with fundamentals of object-oriented programming (OOP), emphasizing real-world applications. Because participants may come from differing backgrounds and have diverse goals, lessons cover Python in development and data science.
This course also emphasizes portfolio development, and attendees use tools like Pandas and Flask to create professional-level projects. Expert instructors provide hands-on training during class and office hours. Graduates also connect with General Assembly's community of over 97,000 alumni.
Key Information
Tuition for General Assembly's Python Course is $4,500. Your employer may reimburse your tuition, fully or partially, up to 100 percent. General Assembly also offers multiple financing and installment options. You can apply with one of their high-quality lenders for payments as low as $250/month or pay four installments of $1,125 per quarter.
The Python Course runs evenings part-time for around ten weeks or one week full-time in their accelerated program. Tuition covers 40 hours of expert instruction and about 20 hours for assignments, including a portfolio project.
Each participant can get instructor guidance on a web development or data science track. Graduates receive a certificate of completion and access to discounts, networking events, and career workshops.
While this program is open to beginners, many students have some experience coding prior to enrollment. Those new to programming can access pre-course lessons and other resources before the first day of class.
General Assembly offers the Python Course in-person at its various campuses or live online via teleconferencing. Check course listings for in-person availability in your area or learn from the comfort of your home or office.
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Because the Python course offers a data science and a web development track, portfolio projects differ from student to student. Each graduate will complete a professional-level web or data application. Expect to spend several hours each week reviewing materials and completing assignments.
Says one graduate, “General Assembly has acquired some of the finest teachers in the field of programming and development. If other classes are structured the same way as the Python Course, then there is a very high chance that I will come back for more.”
Noble Desktop—Data Science Certificate (In-Person/Live Online)
The Data Science Certificate from Noble Desktop provides an in-depth program for data science and analysis training. This certificate is open to beginners and covers concepts and skills required for roles like Data Scientist and Data Analyst.
Noble Desktop offers multiple Python training programs, and the Data Science Certificate is among the most comprehensive. It includes the Python for Data Science Bootcamp, but students can save by taking that course as part of the Data Science Certificate.
The Data Science Certificate also features an SQL Bootcamp, a module called Python for Automation and Python Data Visualization & Interactive Dashboards, and a Python Machine Learning Bootcamp.
Key Information
Tuition for the Data Science Certificate is $3,995. That includes 114 hours of instruction, additional one-on-one mentoring from expert instructors, and the option to retake the program for up to one year at no additional charge.
Although the Data Science Certificate is among the most competitively priced programs, Noble Desktop offers multiple financing and payment plans. Attendees can pay in installments, get zero percent financing for up to 12 months, or apply to have their company reimburse them for tuition. They also work with Veterans Affairs (VA).
Noble Desktop offers the Data Science Certificate full-time over four weeks, Monday through Friday, from 10 am to 5 pm. Those with family or professional obligations should check course listings to see whether flexible options are available.
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The Python Developer Certificate is a portfolio-based program. Participants create machine learning models, dashboards, and visualizations for their portfolios before graduating. Depending on availability, the Python Developer Certificate may be in-person at the Noble Desktop headquarters in Manhattan or live online via teleconferencing. If a student misses a session, they can watch a recording via Zoom.
Noble Desktop is proud of its graduates, garnering 4.9 of 5 stars on Switchup.org. Says one, “[t]he teaching method at Noble Desktop is perfect, and the classes provide you with infinite knowledge that makes you eager to take everything they offer.”
NYC Data Science Academy—Introductory Python (In-person/Live Online)
Among the many options for data science training, the Introductory Python course from NYC Data Science Academy stands out.
Not all Python training programs focus on web development or data science per se. Many offer overall Python knowledge applicable to a variety of fields. Introductory Python distinguishes itself by focusing on data analysis as the goal.
While the course description specifies that this program is for computer literate people with no programming background, the emphasis on analysis should steer away those looking to train in web, software, or application development. Graduates of the Introductory Python class will more likely focus on training as Data Analysts, Business Analysts, or Financial Analysts.
Key Information
This course is available live online or in-person at the NYC Data Science Academy. It lasts four weeks at four hours per week, Monday and Wednesday evenings. Topics include Pandas, Seaborn, and Matplotlib, among others.
The class costs $1,590, though the school may offer discounted rates of around $1,500 for those who sign up early. There are no prerequisite requirements.
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Participants in the Introductory Python course who complete at least 80% of their assignments and attend at least 85% of all sessions will receive a certificate of completion upon graduation. Data science students can save by bundling the Introductory Python course with courses in related topics like machine learning (ML) and data visualization.
Says one graduate, “I really enjoyed this class. After just one month, I feel like I have a strong foundation in Python.” Another student adds, “[t]his was a great in-person learning experience. I highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to take a well-organized intro class for Python.”
Practical Programming—Python for Data Science Immersive (In-person/Live Online)
The Python for Data Science Immersive from Practical Programming is another highly-rated course. This beginner class provides training in Python fundamentals and object-oriented programming concepts. Attendees learn how to write Python code, solve problems, and create a professional-level portfolio of code samples.
Topics in this bootcamp include:
- Python
- Matplotlib
- NumPy
- Pandas
- scikit-learn
- GitHub
Practical Programming works in partnership with Noble Desktop, sharing space at their state-of-the-art headquarters in Manhattan. Their Python for Data Science Immersive targets students who want to work in data science and machine learning or analysts who need to transition from Excel to Python.
Key Information
The Python for Data Science Immersive is available live online via teleconferencing or in-person at the New York City location. The course runs for 30 hours on the following schedule:
- Monday through Friday, 10 am to 5 pm
- Mondays & Wednesdays, 6 pm to 9 pm
- Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm
Tuition for the Python for Data Science Immersive is $1,495 and is due before the first class. There are no prerequisite requirements.
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The Python for Data Science Immersive offers a curriculum and benefits comparable to Noble Desktop’s Python for Data Science Bootcamp. Graduates receive a verified digital certificate of completion and may retake the course for up to a year at no further cost. Class sizes are small to ensure hands-on training.
This course rates highly among graduates, with many positive online reviews. Says one student, “[t]his class had a great pace, good detail, and gave very practical and usable knowledge.”
Skillspire—Full Stack Web Development Immersive (In-person/Live Online)
Skillspire offers multiple options for learning Python and data analysis. One of their full-stack web development immersive courses is entitled Learn Full Stack Web Development (Python), in contrast to the offering emphasizing the MERN stack, Learn Full Stack Web Development (MERN).
This comprehensive program includes Python as part of a broader web development curriculum. Attendees learn development concepts and techniques along the following 5-week schedule:
- Introduction to Web Development and HTML and CSS Basics
- JavaScript Fundamentals and DOM Manipulation
- Introduction to Python and Command-line Applications
- Flask Web Framework Basics and Simple Web Applications
- Database Fundamentals, SQL, and Python Integration
The Skillspire approach takes differing learning styles into account. Students attend lectures, participate in lab sessions, take quizzes, and complete projects.
Key Information
Tuition for the Full Stack Web Development Immersive is $6,499. Skillspire offers monthly payment plans, includes resume and job placement assistance, and provides guaranteed internships. They also accept the GI Bill for veterans and offer scholarship opportunities.
This course runs five times a week for 16 weeks. You can take it live online from anywhere, but in-person sessions are also available in WA. There are no prerequisites for this course.
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While Skillspire does not ensure job placement, its internship program is unique. Skillspire guarantees an unpaid internship for those who desire one, providing an excellent opportunity to demonstrate new skills.
Graduates from Skillspire programs offer numerous testimonials. “The Full Stack Development Program was the best choice I could have made, ” says one, while another adds, “I highly recommend the course for those who want to learn web development.”
Noble Desktop—Python for Data Science Bootcamp (In-person/Live Online)
The Python for Data Science Bootcamp from Noble Desktop introduces beginners to Python on the data side rather than web or software development. With an emphasis on tools like MATLAB and SPSS, this course covers fundamentals and topics like data structures, arrays, dataframes, data visualization, and linear regression.
As an individual unit, the Python for Data Science Bootcamp provides appropriate training for those looking to break into the data science field. Developers planning to transition to data science or those with little or no coding experience are encouraged to apply. The goal is to prepare every attendee to use Python with ease. Additional Python-related subjects include Matplotlib, Pandas, and scikit-learn. Check course listings for more information.
Key Information
The Python for Data Science Bootcamp is available live online or in-person at Noble Desktop's New York City headquarters. It runs for 30 hours, either full-time or part-time, on the following schedule:
- Monday through Friday, 10 am to 5 pm
- Mondays & Wednesdays, 6 pm to 9 pm
- Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm
The Python for Data Science Bootcamp costs $1,495. Students can save by taking the course as part of the Data Science Certificate program. There are no prerequisites.
If taken individually, full tuition for the Python for Data Science Bootcamp is due upfront. However, students may access financing or installment plans if they take the course as part of the Data Science Certificate, Data Analytics Certificate, FinTech Bootcamp, or Python Data Science & Machine Learning Bootcamp.
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Every Python for Data Science Bootcamp graduate receives a digital certificate of completion and can retake the course for up to a year at no additional charge. Participants also receive valuable supplemental materials to use during and after the bootcamp.
Noble Desktop is proud of its graduates' success stories. Student testimonials include the following: “Enrolling in the Python for Data Science course was the best decision I could have made for myself and my advancing career.”
BrainStation—Python Course Online (In-person/Live Online)
Students looking for part-time Python training should consider the Python Course Online from BrainStation. This certificate program is available live online through teleconferencing or in-person at BrainStation campuses in New York City, Vancouver, Toronto, and other major metropolitan areas.
Whereas some certificates focus on Python for development or data science, BrainStation’s Python Course offers a broad-based curriculum appropriate for students planning to be Data Scientists, Developers, or Machine Learning Engineers.
This course consists of three units as follows:
- Python Programming, including training in Anaconda and Jupyter Notebook
- Data Structures and Algorithms in Python, covering data management, loops, and functions
- Python for Data Analysis, with packages and libraries like Matplotlib, NumPy, and Pandas
Key Information
The Python Course runs for three hours a week over five sessions for 15 hours. Scheduling typically falls on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings online. Check course listings in your area for more detailed scheduling information.
There are no prerequisites for the Python Course. Tuition for the certificate is $2,950. Applicants can pay in full before the first class or finance tuition in three, six, or twelve installments. BrainStation also offers a variety of scholarships. Those seeking financial assistance can book a call with a Learning Advisor to discuss the options.
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BrainStation offers classes across multiple time zones at its state-of-the-art campuses. Check out programs in the following areas:
- U.S.
- New York
- Miami
- Chicago
- Seattle
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- Canada
- Toronto
- Vancouver
- United Kingdom
- London
BrainStation’s tech bootcamps and certificate programs, including the Python Course, attract diverse students, many of whom work with companies in the school’s network of over 6,500 hiring partners. As one graduate comments, "[t]his course made me a Python Developer."
UCLA Extension—Introduction to Data Science (In-Person/Live Online)
The Introduction to Data Science course from the University of California Los Angeles offers students with basic Python and statistics skills a deeper dive into data science. It includes Python, R, NLP (natural language processing), and data visualization.
Because it is such a broad field, tech professionals with data science or analytics expertise often need a varied skill set, including machine learning (ML) and data modeling. The UCLA Introduction to Data Science course also includes these subjects in the curriculum. Graduates can apply the credits toward a certificate in data science, business analysis, or cybersecurity.
Key Information
Pricing for the Introduction to Data Science class is $995 or $1,095 during the summer, and the program runs in weekly evening sessions. Tuition is due upon enrollment.
Participants can complete the course in as little as ten weeks. Online attendees must have internet access and be able to download course materials. In-person attendees should bring a laptop to class.
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UCLA Extension courses are available to the public. You do not have to be enrolled as a UCLA student to apply. Enrollees who do not have previous Python experience can qualify by taking UCLA's Data Science Fundamentals. This basics class is appropriate for applicants with no programming, statistics, or data analytics knowledge such as non-technical workers.
AcademyX—Python Fundamentals (Live Online)
Python Fundamentals is an introductory course for those seeking Python programming expertise. The curriculum covers Python in detail and includes the following sections:
- Getting Started with Python (IDLE, variables, number and string data types)
- Fundamentals of Python Programs and Program Development (commands, conversions)
- Python Functions (syntax of functions, definitions, the Python debugger)
- Python Sequences: Lists, Tuples, and Ranges
- Control Flow Statements (relational operators, Boolean operators)
- Repetition Control Statements (loop statements, task control)
- List Processing (nested lists, operation gotchas)
- String Processing (operations, methods, pattern matching)
- Sets and Dictionaries (data types, set creation)
- File Input/Output (ASCII, Binary, pickle module)
- Object-Oriented Programming (OOP in Python, constructors, mutators)
Key Information
Tuition for the Python Fundamentals course is $1,800, due upon enrollment. This is a full-time course. It lasts for three days at seven hours per day.
While Python Fundamentals does have specific prerequisites, some programming experience is required. For example, enrollees should have experience with JavaScript, C, Perl, or a comparable programming language. Windows, Mac, or Unix proficiency is also required.
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AcademyX hosts this class online but may also hold in-person sessions. California locations for training include San Francisco, San Jose, and Sacramento.
AcademyX is pleased with its program's success. Says one graduate, “I really got to know more in-depth about Python, ” while another adds, “[t]he trainer was a great teacher.”
New Horizons—Introduction to Python Programming Basics (In-Person, Live Online)
Introduction to Python Programming Basics from New Horizons is a skills-based course appropriate for beginners. Because it introduces Python for multiple uses, this course can apply to web development, automation, or other tasks.
This course is around half expert lecture and half lab work. Participants learn to create Python scripts, read and write with text and binary data, and work with standard Python libraries. Additional topics include IDEs, flow control, array types, and functions.
New Horizons does not have prerequisites for this course. Attendees range from students to Systems Administrators already working in the field.
Key Information
Tuition for Introduction to Python Programming Basics is $1,895 and is due at enrollment. This full-time course lasts for three days at eight hours per day, typically from 10am to 6pm, a total of 24 hours.
While there are no prerequisite requirements, New Horizons suggests consulting your representative with any questions. Basic computer skills are essential, as many attendees hold website or systems administration positions. See Online Technical Requirements for more information.
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New Horizons hosts in-person training at sites in multiple metropolitan areas and live online courses you can take from anywhere. In addition to Python, areas of expertise include IT certification, cybersecurity, and business productivity. They also provide on-demand webinars, private corporate training, and technical training special events.
Practical Programming—Python Immersive (In-Person, Live Online)
The Python Immersive from Practical Programming is one of this provider's most popular beginner courses. Participants learn Python fundamentals, then move on to other essentials like control flow statements and built-in data types.
This course is a portfolio-centered program, so attendees will create multiple projects they can present in applications and interviews. The Python Immersive also covers best programming practices and common interview questions.
Practical Programming offers small class sizes, and focuses on real-world solutions to programming challenges. Graduates can expect to have all the tools they need to compete in the job market, even if they are new to coding prior to attending.
Key Information
The Python Immersive is $1,495, payable upon enrollment. This full-time course runs for one week in five six-hour sessions, Monday through Friday, typically from 10am to 5pm. While there are no prerequisites for the Python Immersive, applicants should have basic computer literacy.
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Practical Programming classes are available in-person at their New York and Chicago locations or live online from anywhere. They are proud of their graduates, and many give Python Immersive a five-star review. One graduate writes, “I loved the Python immersive course and was able to learn much more in a week than I had on my own.” Another adds, “I had a great experience and would recommend it to anyone who is starting to learn Python.”
Learning Tree International—Introduction to Data Science, Machine Learning & AI Using Python (In-Person, Live Online)
Learning Tree International offers multiple courses for Python beginners, including their Introduction to Data Science, Machine Learning & AI using Python. This beginner-friendly course offers training appropriate to numerous careers such as Data Scientist, Business Intelligence (BI) analyst, and Machine Learning Engineer.
Topics in this intensive course include the data science lifecycle, NoSQL, and Python libraries like Matplotlib, Pandas, and Seaborn. Machine learning (ML) training covers everything from decision trees to logistic regression and neural networks.
Key Information
Introduction to Data Science, Machine Learning & AI using Python is $3,190, payable upon enrollment. There are no prerequisites for the course. This instructor-led training course runs full-time for five days on different schedules. Times may include:
- 9 am—4:30 pm
- 10 am—5:30 pm
- 12 pm—7:30 pm
Learning Tree International provides support during and after the class with expert mentors who can offer coaching. They also provide access to an exclusive LinkedIn peer group for additional assistance.
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Learning Tree International offers numerous learning paths besides Introduction to Data Science, Machine Learning & AI using Python. Course types include certification training, project management, and cloud networking, to name a few. Course delivery methods include in-person, live online, on-demand, and team training.
Says one graduate, “Learning Tree is a great place for training, whether at location, or via remote, ” while another adds, “[m]y Learning Tree course experience was amazing!”
NYC Career Centers—Python Machine Learning Bootcamp (In-Person, Live Online)
The Python Machine Learning Bootcamp from NYC Career Centers offers comprehensive training for students looking to expand their machine learning skills. The curriculum for this bootcamp includes:
- Machine Learning Fundamentals
- Basic Regression Analysis
- Advanced Regression Analysis
- Classification
- Logistic Regression
- K-nearest Neighbors
- Decision Trees
- Interpretability and Bias-Variance Tradeoff
- Random Forest
Key Information
The Python Machine Learning Bootcamp runs for ten sessions, three hours each, 30 hours total. Sessions may be scheduled part-time evenings from 6 pm to 9 pm ET or full-time between 10 am and 5 pm on weekdays or Saturdays. Check scheduling options when applying.
Tuition is $1,895, due before classes start. Students can save by taking this bootcamp as part of the Data Science Certificate, Data Analytics Certificate, or Python Data Science & Machine Learning Bootcamp.
NYC Career Centers requires applicants to this course to be familiar with Python data science libraries like NumPy and Pandas. Those without experience should complete their Python for Data Science Bootcamp before applying for the Python ML Bootcamp. See course listings for additional information.
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The Python Machine Learning Bootcamp is available live online or in-person in New York City. Graduates receive supplemental materials to use during and after the class and are free to retake the course at no additional charge for up to a year.
Many NYC Career Centers graduates rate the Python Machine Learning Bootcamp highly. One writes, “I started with no prior knowledge, and by the end of the course, I was able to complete a machine learning project using Python, ” and another says, “[t]his course is a must-have, and the instructor is great.”
The Flatiron School—Data Science (In-Person, Live Online)
Data Science from the Flatiron School is a comprehensive bootcamp for those seeking careers as Data Scientists, Machine Learning (ML) Engineers, Big Data Engineers, or comparable positions. The curriculum includes:
- Data Analysis and Engineering
- Scientific Computing and Quantitative Methods
- Machine Learning Fundamentals
- Advanced Machine Learning
- Capstone Project
The Data Science course teaches participants to gather data, use statistical analysis to sort and understand its meaning and offer actionable insights based on the results.
Students move through a fast-paced program, each preparing a portfolio that will demonstrate creativity and technical proficiency. Partnering with fellow attendees, they create large-scale data science and ML projects comparable to real-world work experiences.
Key Information
Tuition for the Data Science course is $16,900. Applicants can pay upfront, with a loan, or in 12 no-interest monthly installments.
No experience is required to apply. However, the Flatiron School requires applicants for the Data Science course to demonstrate data science knowledge before admission and complete a prework class before the first session.
This course is available full-time in-person or live online. It lasts for 15 weeks at eight hours a day, 40 hours per week. Students can take the course part-time for up to 40 weeks. However, the part-time option is on-demand only, with prerecorded sessions, limited live lectures, and office hours.
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Flatiron records many success stories and guarantees that graduates will receive a job offer within six months or get a full refund. Alumni reviews include the following:
- “I was surprised by how much I learned in such a short time. There were occasions when I told my partner, “[a] week ago, I had never heard of this technique, and now I’m doing it.”
- “Had I tried to do this program alone, I would have failed miserably. Every project applied to real-world problems. That ended up impressing my interviewers.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Choose a Python Class?
The type of class you choose for your Python training depends on how and where you plan to use the skills and knowledge you gain. A Data Analyst may need Python daily, whereas an Administrative Assistant might only need to create data visualizations periodically.
To narrow your choices, start by looking at the course description. Download the syllabus, read student reviews where available, and consider how much of the course content you need besides Python. The most comprehensive programs include Python within a broader data science or development curriculum.
Is It Better to Attend a Python Class In-person or Online?
Live online and in-person courses have unique advantages and drawbacks. While in-person classes offer the highest level of student engagement, many live online courses have similar benefits without the commute. Some people need the dynamic of an in-person class, but others prefer to learn from the comfort of home. On-demand online courses are typically prerecorded, so they don’t offer the real-time interaction of live programs. However, their inherent flexibility can appeal to students who work second or third shift or prefer to learn late at night.
What Will I Need for a Python Class?
Most Python beginners need nothing more than a computer with an internet connection to start training. Visit the Python website to download source code, installers, and documentation free. In most cases, you will need to download Anaconda first to create your project environment. Check course descriptions and instructions before you begin.
Your course provider may have additional requirements for live online classes. If you learn in-person, you will use the provider's equipment, but you will likely need a home computer to practice outside class.
Can I Learn Python Online for Free?
You can teach yourself some basic Python concepts with YouTube videos and online tutorials. However, your best bet is to do that only to prepare for a more in-depth education. To gain the most up-to-date skills, consider taking a course that features Python or includes it as part of a broader computer science curriculum.
Is It Better to Learn Python in a Live or Self-paced Class?
Live classes offer a traditional classroom vibe with an instructor who can answer questions and interact with you and your classmates. They typically deliver the highest possible level of engagement. However, they usually cost more and run on preset schedules.
Self-paced classes offer greater flexibility, which can appeal to anyone with a non-traditional schedule. On the other hand, they usually offer the lowest level of engagement and accountability, which some students consider a drawback.