Returning to work after spending time as a stay-at-home mom can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re re-entering the job market, switching careers, or upgrading your skills, online courses offer a flexible and affordable way to prepare for the next chapter in your career journey.
In this blog post, we’ll highlight the top online courses for moms returning to work, including free and paid options, so you can confidently refresh your skills, explore new opportunities, and thrive in today’s competitive job market.
Why Online Courses Are Perfect for Moms
As a mom, your time is precious. Online learning offers:
✅ Flexibility to study at your own pace
✅ Affordable or free options
✅ Certifications that boost your resume
✅ Access to career-relevant skills from home
Whether you’re returning to a corporate role, launching a freelance business, or trying something completely new, the right online course can make a huge difference.
Top Online Courses for Moms Returning to Work
Here are some popular and practical options across different industries:
1. Google Career Certificates (Coursera)
Best for: Entry-level roles in tech, marketing, and data
Google offers job-ready training in:
- IT Support
- Data Analytics
- Digital Marketing & E-commerce
- UX Design
- Project Management
✅ No prior experience required
✅ Completed in 3–6 months
✅ Affordable monthly fee (or free trial)
👉 Available on Coursera
2. Microsoft Office Skills (LinkedIn Learning or Udemy)
Best for: Admin, office, and remote work roles
Brush up on essential tools like:
- Excel
- Word
- PowerPoint
- Outlook
✅ Beginner to advanced levels
✅ Learn practical skills employers value
✅ Certificate of completion
👉 Search “Microsoft Office” courses on Udemy or LinkedIn Learning
3. Virtual Assistant Training (Skillshare or FreelanceU)
Best for: Moms wanting to work from home or freelance
VA training covers:
- Email & calendar management
- Social media
- Customer service
- Tools like Canva, Trello, Asana
✅ Flexible, work-from-home potential
✅ Many moms start their own VA businesses
👉 Check out Skillshare or specialized sites like FreelanceU
4. Communication & Public Speaking (edX or Coursera)
Best for: Moms returning to leadership, sales, or customer-facing roles
Courses help you:
- Boost confidence in interviews
- Improve writing and presentation skills
- Re-learn business etiquette
👉 Harvard’s “Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing” on edX
5. Bookkeeping & Accounting (Alison or Coursera)
Best for: Moms interested in finance, business admin, or entrepreneurship
Learn:
- Financial reports
- Bookkeeping principles
- QuickBooks & Excel basics
👉 Free options on Alison and structured courses on Coursera
6. Tech Skills: Coding & Web Development (freeCodeCamp or Udemy)
Best for: Career changers or moms wanting in-demand tech skills
You can start with:
- HTML, CSS, JavaScript
- Python Programming
- WordPress design
✅ Self-paced
✅ Highly marketable skills
✅ Good for freelance or full-time work
👉 Try freeCodeCamp.org
7. Time Management & Productivity (Coursera, Skillshare)
Best for: Any mom balancing family and career goals
Courses teach:
- Goal setting
- Work-life balance
- Daily routines that work for moms
👉 Try “Work Smarter, Not Harder” on Coursera
Bonus: Free Resources Just for Moms
- Back to Work Toolkit – Offered by some local government programs or nonprofits
- LinkedIn Reboot Programs – Companies like Returnships offer paid internships for moms returning to work
- Coursera for Women Returners – Special scholarships and career guidance
Tips for Choosing the Right Course
✔ Identify your career goals
✔ Choose beginner-friendly options if returning after a long break
✔ Look for certificates that boost credibility
✔ Read course reviews before enrolling
Final Thoughts
Reentering the workforce as a mom is a bold and empowering step—and you don’t have to do it alone. With flexible, affordable online courses, you can learn at your pace, build marketable skills, and gain the confidence you need to succeed.
No matter your background or goals, there’s a course out there to help you take the next step. So go ahead—invest in yourself. You’re worth it.
You may also like:
- Grants for Stay-at-Home Moms
- How to Balance Blogging and Motherhood
- How to Start a Blog as a Stay-at-Home Mom
- How to Start a Freelance Career as a Mom
- Affordable Self-Care for Moms on a Budget