45 Free Graduate Courses You Can Take Online
Find your perfect college degree
Data Points:
- In 2020, almost 8 in every 10 (72.9%) graduate school enrollments* were in master’s degrees. The rest pursued a doctorate.
- The average debt** among master’s degree holders is $83,651.
- PhD holders, on the other hand, owe an average of $125,276.
A significant variable that weighs in your decision to proceed to graduate study is your tuition cost. College tuition continues to rise and weighs on students’ and families’ financial concerns, not to mention the college debt that can follow you around for a lifetime (or until it is paid off).
Grad School Costs
The average grad school tuition runs between $56,000 and $75,000 for a master’s degree and $133,340 for a doctoral degree. Despite the rising tuition costs, individuals pursue an advanced degree for reasons that help them qualify for promotions, specialize in specific knowledge and skills, and enhance job security.
The National Center for Education Statistics stated that there had been a 16% increase in master’s degrees granted and an 20% increase in doctor’s degrees conferred between the academic years 2011-2012 and 2021-2022. This, in turn, has encouraged institutions to provide more ways for those who want to earn an advanced degree.
Distance Learning for the Grad Student
Developments in distance education technology have made it possible to fit an individual’s learning around work and other responsibilities. Graduate online courses have been growing to accommodate each student’s needs. Time management can be a problem for busy professionals who are enrolled in graduate programs.
Fortunately, for people hoping to improve their resume or take a step into a new field, there is easy access to courses online today. It can be a challenge, but with online courses, graduate students get to plan their schedules and study at their convenience.
What about the cost of these online courses? They are mostly cheaper than online graduate degrees and can be taken anytime, anywhere. What’s even better is that there are free online graduate courses that are often taught by an impressive faculty using the most effective learning materials.
Various universities offer these courses, and what’s exciting is that most of them are from Ivy League schools across the nation. They are even accessible to students around the world.
Technology requirements for completing these free online graduate courses may vary, but generally, they include the most up-to-date devices, software programs, and internet browsers. Most of these online graduate courses do not need admission to college, and they don’t offer credit toward a degree. Prestigious schools and universities might offer credit courses for a limited time only.
Free Online Graduate Courses
We’ve curated free online graduate courses offered by reputable educational institutions in the nation.
Political Economy I
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare
Students who want to learn about the effects of how political and economic forces form public policy will love this online graduate course. You will gain a firm foundation in classical political economy.
The course requires a lot of reading materials like:
- Theories of the Liberal State and Politics
- Neo-Classical Theories of the Economy
- The Keynesian Revolution
You will need to submit assignments by writing two essays, one topic after every six sessions. The course will challenge you to be critical about the issues facing the world and how we provide for the necessities in our lives.
- PROVIDER: MIT OpenCourseWare
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Synchronous
- EFFORT: 2 hours per week
- DURATION: 12 weeks
Quantitative Methods for Biology
Harvard University via HardvardX
Individuals who want to learn more about basic biological and medical applications will appreciate the online Quantitative Methods for Biology course. This is offered through MATLAB.
If you’re one of these individuals, you will greatly benefit from it:
- Programmers who want to explore knowledge within medicine and biology
- Biologists who want to develop a technical computing language that will enable them to increase their ability to write efficient scripts
The course is taught by a first-rate Systems Biology professor. You will gain the confidence to pursue research using MATLAB on your own.
- PROVIDER: edX
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Self-paced
- CERTIFICATE: $99 Certificate Available
- EFFORT: 3-5 hours per week
- DURATION: 10 weeks
Advanced Studio on the Production of Space
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare
Architects will likely find this online graduate course helpful to their careers. The course combines liberal arts studies with creative problem-solving skills. Students also discuss concepts and meanings of the relationship among models, diagrams, and objects.
Learners immerse themselves in helping shape the future environment, development, and facilities.
You will create models of spatial production while understanding the needs of the community or environment. Assignments and readings are required to complete the online course. The assignments consist of:
- Two modeling experiments
- A midterm presentation
- A penultimate
- A final review
- PROVIDER: MIT OpenCourseWare
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Synchronous
- EFFORT: 6 hours per week
- DURATION: 14 weeks
Intellectual Property Law and Policy
University of Pennsylvania via PennsylvaniaX
When about to embark on a career in Law, remember that Intellectual Property Law is one of the most important legal areas. It is continually growing and, in fact, a multi-billion dollar business.
Graduate students can take this online course that presents a thorough examination of the Intellectual Property Law and its different verticals including:
- Patent
- Trademark
- Design
- Copyright
This two-part course takes a comprehensive look at the Intellectual Property Law and Policy. Students also explore modern cases and debates involving copyright and trademark issues.
- PROVIDER: edX
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Self-paced
- CERTIFICATE: $169 Certificate Available
- EFFORT: 2–3 hours per week
- DURATION: 6 Weeks
Engineering Ethics
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare
Engineering graduate students may complete the Engineering Ethics course without having to go to campus. This course is essential to all engineers, no matter the level and specialization.
Also, it is one of the requirements for maintaining your license as an Engineer. Online Engineering Ethics covers the standard code of ethics, philosophy, and case study methodology.
You will gain knowledge and skills in structured moral reasoning and identify moral dilemmas related to your profession. Two sets of homework and a research project should be completed during the term. Audio and video lectures as well as reading materials are also provided.
- PROVIDER: MIT OpenCourseWare
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Synchronous
- EFFORT: 3 hours per week
- DURATION: 12 weeks
Congenital Hypothyroidism: What Every Primary Care Provider Needs to Know
Stanford University
Pediatricians, family practice physicians, and primary care physicians are the course’s intended enrollees. Students adopt a case-based approach to gain practical training on congenital hypothyroidism and its management.
The course covers the entire management process including:
- Review of the clinical signs of hypothyroidism among children and adolescents
- Initial workup of patient
- Determine the correct dose and delivery of thyroid hormone replacement
- Lab testing schedule
- Monitoring of treatment and results interpretation
Physicians also learn best practices in parent and patient education toward optimizing adherence to the treatment plan.
The course modules include short educational videos and role play videos of parent communication at each stage of diagnosis and management. Case-based testing and medication management scenarios provide the opportunity to assess your knowledge and learn from particular examples.
- PROVIDER: Stanford Online
- COST: Free trial period
- SESSION: Self-paced
Principles and Practice of Drug Development
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare
Students gain an in-depth understanding of:
- Why drugs are developed in a certain way
- How they are developed
- Who is responsible for the whole process
Reading materials in the form of articles are provided for this online course.
You will be part of a team that will work on a project related to drug discovery and drug development for a specific illness. Your team should be able to present your progress report on week 11 and the final paper on the last session. Lecture notes are provided.
- PROVIDER: MIT OpenCourseWare
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Synchronous
- EFFORT: 3 hours per week
- DURATION: 14 weeks
Introduction to the Internet of Things
Stanford School of Engineering
The Introduction to the Internet of Things is a short course that lets students experience Stanford’s quality online education. Students learn through a combination of expert teaching and real-world applications. The course consists of 5 modules that can download videos for reviews on technology advancement.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a system of all devices connected to the Internet including:
- IoT sensors
- Supply Chain Management
- Barcode Readers
- Smart Farming
Online graduate students are encouraged to submit an evaluation upon completion of the course.
- PROVIDER: Stanford Online
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Self-paced
- CERTIFICATE: Graduate Certificate Available
- DURATION: 60-day access
Fundamentals of Probability
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare
Students in Probability in Engineering courses learn the best methods to examine how likely events would happen. Engineers use probability to do risk assessments when analyzing data.
You will build a foundation in probability through lecture notes, recitation notes, and recommended textbooks for additional materials.
Each student must complete:
- A series of assignments
- Midterm and final exams (count for 30% of your grade)
Although not required, students are well-advised to have proficient knowledge in multivariable calculus. Alternatively, students must have completed a course in probability and analysis as formal prerequisites.
- PROVIDER: MIT OpenCourseWare
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Synchronous
- EFFORT: 3 hours per week
- DURATION: 16 weeks
Leadership and Influence
University of Maryland via USMx
There can be no effective leadership without influence. Business management students foster their leadership and influence skills. In the process, they become successful leaders and make an impact on an organization.
Successful leaders work not only by directing and guiding their people toward fulfilling an organization’s goals. They also inspire them to follow in their footsteps.
In this course, enrollees are expected to develop an influence strategy for building confidence in employees. Credits are transferable to an online master of business administration program.
- PROVIDER: edX
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Instructor-led
- CERTIFICATE: $399 Certificate Available
- EFFORT: 8–10 hours per week
- DURATION: 7 weeks
Competition in Telecommunications
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare
Students analyze and discuss issues involving competition in the telecommunications industry. The course covers topics in:
- Law principles and regulation of telecommunications
- Best practices
- Economic theory of competition
- Market forces
Students must attend all classes and comply with all assigned readings including books, articles, and websites. Learners must also submit written reports.
Besides professors from the MIT Management School, guest speakers from leading organizations will give course lectures. Students have the great opportunity to meet and interact with respected speakers.
- PROVIDER: MIT OpenCourseWare
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Instructor-led
- EFFORT: 3-4 hours per week
- DURATION: 11 weeks
Applied Scrum for Agile Project Management
University of Maryland via edX
Students learn the fundamentals of Scrum, the purest and simplest approach in team management. You will learn its key philosophies, processes, and mechanics. The course answers its basics – Why, Who, How, and What – of Scrum as it’s applied in the real world.
If you complete the program, you’ll earn 10 Professional Development Unit (PDU) credits. The Project Management Institute (PMI) recognizes these credits toward maintaining certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP).
- PROVIDER: edX
- COST: Free Online Course with option to upgrade
- SESSION: Self-paced
- CERTIFICATE: $249 Certificate Available
- EFFORT: 2-3 hours per week
- DURATION: 4 weeks
Interactive Music Systems
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare
Harmonix’s Guitar Hero, Rock Band, and Fantasia: Music Evolved are some of the successful interactive musical experiences. These allow users to connect with music more deeply. Interactive Music Systems is one of the most sought-after programming and design courses at MIT.
Three of the many exciting topics in this online course are:
- Music perception and audio synthesis
- Programmatic MIDI and event sequencing
- building graphics for UI, music visualization, and aesthetic cohesion
It uses Kivy, an application framework for Python. So, students must meet prerequisites in:
- Any Python
- Electrical engineering and computer science prerequisites
Assignments and final project presentations are completed with your assigned team.
- PROVIDER: MIT OpenCourseWare
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Instructor-led
- EFFORT: 3 hours per week
- DURATION: 13-14 weeks
Advanced Bioconductor
Harvard University via HarvardX
HarvardX’s online course in Advanced Bioconductor is one of the seven-part series of Data Analysis for Life Sciences and Genomics Data Analysis programs. You can make an exciting career in the field with this online course.
You will build upon your experience with rigorous topics in:
- Next-generation genomic data visualization
- Reproducible analysis methods
- Cloud-scale genomic archives
Students with Statistics and Biology backgrounds are advised to skip the first few courses (introductory courses).
- PROVIDER: edX
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Self-paced
- CERTIFICATE: $219 Certificate Available
- EFFORT: 2–4 hours per week
- DURATION: 4 weeks
Data Driven Decision Making
University of Colorado Boulder via Coursera
The short course is part of the series of courses on The Data Driven Manager Specialization. You will learn new concepts and reinforce your existing knowledge. Hands-on projects result in the development of job-relevant skills, too. You will earn a shareable certificate after completion.
Student learning outcomes include:
- Data analysis to find answers to business and engineering issues
- Conduct statistical tests to define changes and relationships
- PROVIDER: Coursera
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Self-paced
- DURATION: 12 hours
Project Management Life Cycle
Rochester Institute of Technology via RITx
Project Managers are required with an overwhelming amount of planning to fulfill project goals. You will receive guidance on the four phases of the project management cycle:
- Initiation
- Planning
- Execution
- Closure
A project life cycle helps managers take control of the project and recognize the various levels of effort needed for a particular project.
You will also explore diverse projects and different project cycle models appropriate to specific industries. Course enrollees should either be one of these to register for this course:
- Holders of a bachelor’s degree in any business program; or
- Have had at least five years of work experience
- PROVIDER: edX
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Self-paced
- CERTIFICATE: $449 Certificate Available
- EFFORT: 8–12 hours per week
- DURATION: 8 months
Logistical and Transportation Planning Methods
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare
Online graduates in civil engineering can take this course to gain a strong foundation in the Logistical and Transportation Planning Methods. This course is commonly found in civil engineering undergraduate programs, but programs with a specialization in this area are typically found at the graduate level.
Emphasis areas related to the traffic operations of transportation and service systems discussed include:
- Planning
- Design
- Analysis
You will learn about scientific and technical concepts to address logistical and transportation problems. You will be graded through quizzes and assignments. Lecture notes are provided.
- PROVIDER: MIT OpenCourseWare
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Instructor-led
- EFFORT: 3 hours per week
- DURATION: 13-14 weeks
Policy for Science, Technology and Innovation
MIT via edX
If you’re interested in science and technology policy, this is among the best free online courses. The course tackles subjects like:
- Science and technology innovation system
- Foundations of economic growth, innovation systems, and innovation organization theories
There’s no need for an economics or engineering background.
- PROVIDER: edX
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Self-paced
- CERTIFICATE: $169 Certificate Available
- EFFORT: 3-5 hours per week
- DURATION: 8 weeks
Business Analysis & Process Management
Coursera; Instructor: Mahi Ismail
Both newbies and professionals who manage small-to-medium enterprises are welcome to learn. If you’re in the field of business analysis and business process management, you’ll learn from the course, too. You’ll learn the know-how in analyzing businesses from a process perspective. In turn, you can develop vital skills in creating effective and efficient solutions to business issues.
- PROVIDER: Coursera
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Instructor-led
- EFFORT: 2 hours; self-paced
- DURATION: 2 hours
Machine Learning with Python: from Linear Models to Deep Learning
MIT via edX
This is an intensive course that introduces students to machine learning. The course is part of the MITx MicroMasters program in Statistics and Data Science.
Student learning outcomes include:
- Understand the principles of machine learning and its problems
- Develop, implement, and evaluate neural networks and linear models, among others
- Design and adopt machine learning projects
Applicants must be proficient in Python programming, probability theory, single and multivariable calculus, and vectors and matrices.
- PROVIDER: edX
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Instructor-led
- CERTIFICATE: $300 Certificate Available
- EFFORT: 10-14 hours per week
- DURATION: 15 weeks
Education Technology Studio
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare
Educational software, interactive books, and exercise are some of the tools that give new meaning to the education experience. Education Technology Studio is an innovative course that aims to provide students with the necessary knowledge to develop new structures in the education environment.
You will hone your skills in using design models, conceptualization, and strategies for managing technology in an educational setting.
Students gain exposure to new research on teaching methods and techniques using education technology. Class participation and mini- and final projects determine student’s grades.
- PROVIDER: MIT OpenCourseWare
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Instructor-led
- EFFORT: 3 hours per week
- DURATION: 14 weeks
Advanced Cybersecurity Program Preview
Stanford University
If you’re interested in advanced security but are undecided, check out this one-hour course. You’ll get a preview of the Advanced Cybersecurity program and learn about:
- Common cybersecurity threats and attacks
- Phishing attacks
- Career paths in cybersecurity
- Current cybersecurity issues
The course comes with video lectures and talks from cybersecurity experts.
- PROVIDER: Stanford Online
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Self-paced
- CERTIFICATE: Graduate Certificate Available
- COURSE ACCESS: 60 days
Algorithmic Design and Techniques
The University of California San Diego via UCSanDiegoX
Algorithmic Design and Techniques enable students to gain much-needed experience in advanced techniques and ideas for analyzing and designing algorithms. Programming and IT professionals seeking information on using algorithm designs in various contexts will find this online course perfect for their careers.
You will learn theories for turning simple tasks into big data and applying programming to genomic studies.
Prerequisites include a background in programming language and mathematics in proof by induction and proof by contradiction.
- PROVIDER: edX
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Self-paced
- CERTIFICATE: $150 Certificate Available
- EFFORT: 8–10 hours per week
- DURATION: 6 weeks
Graduate Seminar in American Politics I: Political Behavior
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare
The Graduate Seminar in American Politics I: Political Behavior is offered by one of the few political science departments in the nation.
As a graduate course on mass political behavior, it focuses on:
- Teaching students about topics in political participation and public opinion
- Discussing difficulties in social science research in preparation for individual research
Class participation makes for the most significant part of your grade, along with memos and the final paper. Each student must lead a discussion in a meeting.
- PROVIDER: MIT OpenCourseWare
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Instructor-led
- EFFORT: 2 hours per week
- DURATION: 13 weeks
Computer Architecture
Princeton University
Individuals looking to advance their careers in Computer Science should look for strong online courses like Princeton University’s Computer Architecture.
This online course mainly covers the concepts involved in computer systems. As a learner, you will learn about computer architecture, microarchitecture, and instruction set architectures.
Other topics include:
- Pipelined processor microarchitecture
- Cache review
- Superscalar
- VLIW design
Each topic has its video course material, and graded assignments can be accessed when you purchase the Certificate experience.
- PROVIDER: Coursera
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Self-paced
- CERTIFICATE: Paid Certificate Available
- EFFORT: 3-6 hours per week
- DURATION: 11 weeks
Atomic and Optical Physics I
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare
The online Atomic and Optical Physics I is offered to give online graduate students a deeper understanding of the fundamental laws of physics and a higher level of research skills.
Learning AMO physics means being able to connect theoretical methods and significant data to its related fields like astrophysics, chemistry, biology, medicine, and more.
Graded activities consist of reading and problem-solving assignments, a midterm quiz, and a term paper. Video lectures are also provided for each topic.
- PROVIDER: MIT OpenCourseWare
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Instructor-led
- EFFORT: 3 hours per week
- DURATION: 11 weeks
Sports Marketing
Northwestern University
Marketing professionals who want to focus their careers on Sports Marketing can take the first step and enroll in this online course. You will acquire knowledge on how marketing, content creation, and public relations are structured to aid in business sports operations.
You can also prepare strategies to promote sports businesses effectively. Work for a professional sports team and start nurturing your passion for sports today.
- PROVIDER: Coursera
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Self-paced
- CERTIFICATE: Paid Certificate Available
- EFFORT: 1-4 hours per week
- DURATION: 6 weeks
Speech Communication
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare
Online graduate students attain a broad and advanced knowledge in studying communication concepts. With this course, you will develop critical and research skills while also broadening your understanding of communications.
The course covers a wide range of topics including:
- Methods in speech analysis
- Acoustics of speech and sentence production
- Speech and language development in children
Each student must submit a term paper by the end of the course.
- PROVIDER: MIT OpenCourseWare
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Instructor-led
- EFFORT: 2 hours per week
- DURATION: 15 weeks
The Human Intelligence Enterprise
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare
The Human Intelligence Enterprise is offered by the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department. It discusses the computational theories of human thinking and covers reading in artificial intelligence.
You will learn about using models to examine the fundamental issues in human knowledge and how they can influence our understanding of intelligent machines.
The course consists of 23 sessions with course readings, reports, and a final project.
- PROVIDER: MIT OpenCourseWare
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Instructor-led
- EFFORT: 3 hours per week
- DURATION: 12 weeks
Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies
Harvard University via HarvardX
If you’re looking for courses to improve your business practices, check out the Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies course.
The course uses a multidisciplinary approach in evaluating entrepreneurial opportunities and generating original and innovative solutions to modern-day business problems.
You will learn to describe challenges in the different parts of every business, such as finance and marketing. As a result, you will learn to apply entrepreneurial ideas in different business areas and develop your comprehensive business plan.
- PROVIDER: edX
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Self-paced
- CERTIFICATE: $249 Certificate Available
- EFFORT: 3–5 hours per week
- DURATION: 6 weeks
Gendering U.S. Immigration Policy: Sociopolitical, Theological and Feminist Perspectives
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare
This online course covers topics on understanding and addressing concerns of immigrant women and their role in the sociopolitical perspectives on immigration policy.
You will discuss critical topics on the concerns of the study of fairness in the various political systems and how to address women’s unique concerns. Each student must give a presentation and a blog assignment after every module.
One group project presentation is also required where you will collaborate on practices for field research. Then, a research paper is due at the end of the course. The Consortium for Graduate Studies in Gender, Culture, Women, and Sexuality (GCWS) serves as a prerequisite to this course.
- PROVIDER: MIT OpenCourseWare
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Instructor-led
- EFFORT: 3 hours per week
- DURATION: 14 weeks
Supply Chain Analytics
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MITx
Consumers want their products and orders moved and delivered faster. As such, the supply chain manager is under pressure to meet demands.
The course is intended for business management graduate students. Their learning goals include mastering supply chain management and developing strategies to enhance an organization’s competitive advantage.
To complete this course, you must submit case studies using spreadsheets. You should demonstrate mastery of the techniques and methods in creating solutions for supply chain problems and projects.
- PROVIDER: edX
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Instructor-led
- CERTIFICATE: $199 Certificate Available
- EFFORT: 8–12 hours per week
- DURATION: 15 weeks
Essentials in Clinical Simulations Across the Health Professions
The George Washington University
The Essentials in Clinical Simulations Across the Health Professions course introduces students to the enhancement of knowledge in the methodologies used in clinical simulations. Nurses, physical therapists, pharmacists, educators, and other healthcare professionals are its intended audience.
It is divided into seven modules that include videos, reading assignments, and quizzes that provide flexibility in completing the course.
These modules cover standards in best practices, development of simulation center, debriefing simulation, and simulated patient.
- PROVIDER: Coursera
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Self-paced
- CERTIFICATE: Paid Certificate Available
- EFFORT: 2 hours per week
- DURATION: 7 weeks
Mathematical Methods for Quantitative Finance
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MITx
Applicants must have completed courses in calculus, probability and statistics, and linear algebra. Graduate students learn the skills to complete programs independently and conveniently.
Mathematical methods have been increasingly important in risk management, quantitative analysis, and computational techniques in the finance industry.
You will gain firm grounding on the application of the theory of modern financial markets and acquire additional analytical skills.
- PROVIDER: edX
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Self-paced
- CERTIFICATE: $549 Certificate Available
- EFFORT: 10–14 hours per week
- DURATION: 12 weeks
Blockchain and Money
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare
Blockchain and Money is an online graduate course that enables students to gain competitive knowledge in blockchain technology.
You must have a business or economic background to maximize course lessons. You will learn how blockchain affects the finance industry and discover factors and principles governing the planning and organization of a blockchain-based company.
The class starts with a review of cryptocurrency Bitcoin, its regulatory landscape, possibilities, and limitations. By the end of the course, you will present a group research paper that will count for 40% of your grade.
- PROVIDER: MIT OpenCourseWare
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Instructor-led
- EFFORT: 3 hours per week
- DURATION: 12 weeks
Buddhism and Modern Psychology
Princeton University
This online course draws on the bestselling author and first-rate Princeton visiting lecturer, Robin Wright, to examine the meditative practice and link Buddhist ideas about the human mind.
The concept of mindfulness in the Buddhist perspective speaks about its central premise of paying attention to the present moment.
The course will answer what Buddhism and modern psychology have in stock to cultivate essential human qualities and transform the human mind. You will gain free access to readings, videos, and lectures in this online course.
- PROVIDER: Coursera
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Self-paced
- EFFORT: 2-6 hours per week
- DURATION: 6 weeks
Introduction to Environmental Policy and Planning
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare
This online course presents a wide range of topics on:
- Environmental planning and decision-making
- Environmental ethics
- Public policy
- Environmental analysis
You will examine the techniques of forming and implementing environmental policies and learn to develop planning theory and practice. It is divided into four units:
- Federal Environmental Policy-Making,
- Environmental Ethics and the Environmental Policy Debate,
- Environmental Planning Techniques, and
- Public Participation and Collaborative Decision-Making.
Readings, assignments, scenario presentations, and exams are all part of the grading for this online course.
- PROVIDER: MIT OpenCourseWare
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Instructor-led
- EFFORT: 3 hours per week
- DURATION: 11-12 weeks
Design Thinking Fundamentals
Rochester Institute of Technology via RITx
Design thinking has become increasingly significant in businesses and organizations in the present. It helps develop creativity in creating new products, services, and experiences for consumers.
You will receive guidance on the foundation of next-level design thinking and problem-solving strategies in business management.
You will master the knowledge you need to sustain design thinking abilities and acquire the mindset you need to develop and apply your learning in your organization.
- PROVIDER: edX
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Self-paced
- CERTIFICATE: $337 Certificate Available
- EFFORT: 8–12 hours per week
- DURATION: 6 weeks
Advanced Workshop in Writing for Science and Engineering (ELS)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare
Science and engineering writing is essential in articulating essential issues and concepts in your studies and careers.
You’ll learn to think through how to synthesize and organize your thoughts to communicate your ideas. You will draft, revise, and share your writing during the session.
Therefore, regular attendance is a must. You will be assigned to lead a group discussion or a short presentation throughout the course. This will help you develop skills on how to define the audience, use appropriate techniques in reporting, and develop articles, blogs, and videos.
- PROVIDER: MIT OpenCourseWare
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Instructor-led
- EFFORT: 3 hours per week
- DURATION: 13 weeks
Humanitarian Response to Conflict and Disaster
Harvard University via HarvardX
The Humanitarian Response to Conflict and Disaster course focuses on contemporary humanitarian concerns, such as:
- Human rights in conflict
- Urban disasters
- Forced migration
- Violence in aid workers
This is designed for students who seek to develop the skills needed to interact with the global humanitarian community.
You will be able to broaden your understanding of emerging risks and disasters by examining five case studies: Crisis in Goma (Zaire), Somalia, the Balkans, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Engage with the faculty and other humanitarian practitioners who have both academic and field experiences in relief and assistance.
- PROVIDER: edX
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Self-paced
- CERTIFICATE: $149 Certificate Available
- EFFORT: 3–4 hours per week
- DURATION: 5 weeks
Public Transportation Systems
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare
The online course in Public Transportation Systems emphasizes:
- Transportation network analysis
- Operation and control
- Modeling and simulation
- Capacity analysis
- Technological transportation systems
Learners of this online course will work on recommended readings, problem sets, assignments, and a final exam.
Select topics in the course include:
- Funding of transportation projects
- Data collection
- Design and construction
- Management and operations
- Efficiency
- Human resources management
The course assumes that learners have taken Transportation Systems Analysis: Demand and Economics.
- PROVIDER: MIT OpenCourseWare
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Instructor-led
- EFFORT: 3 hours per week
- DURATION: 12 weeks
Principles of Biochemistry
Harvard University via HarvardX
This online course introduces the concepts of cellular structure, replication, function, and metabolism. It will also provide a solid foundation for molecular interactions in the biochemical processes in cells, tissues, and organisms.
It is recommended that learners have prior exposure to college-level Introductory Biology or General Chemistry.
Students will, among others:
- Explore the chemical, physical, and biological processes and biological systems responsible for the survival and growth of organisms
- Develop problem-solving and analytical skills applicable to the aspects of chemical differences and similarities of DNA and RNA
- PROVIDER: edX
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Self-paced
- CERTIFICATE: $299 Certificate Available
- EFFORT: 4–6 hours per week
- DURATION: 15 weeks
Feminist Thought
Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare
Feminist Thought is an online course that allows students to explore, analyze, and engage in topics related to social inequalities. It will also take you to three feminist theoretical approaches and to examine specific issues.:
- The Sameness Approach
- The Difference Approach
- The Dominance Approach
Readings will include both historical and contemporary authors. Lecture notes for all sessions are provided.
- PROVIDER: MIT OpenCourseWare
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Self-paced
- EFFORT: 3 hours per week
- DURATION: 13- 14 weeks
CitiesX: The Past, Present, and Future of Urban Life
Harvard University via HarvardX
This online course provides a solid theoretical basis for analyzing urban planning issues, urban public policies, and the impacts of urban planning and design on infrastructures.
You will also learn:
- How the urban environment influences how humans live
- Historical development of urban planning and development
- How to envision possibilities and other roles of urbanism in the future
Learning materials include interviews and lectures from policymakers, urban planners, and city residents.
- PROVIDER: edX
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Self-paced
- CERTIFICATE: $249 Certificate Available
- EFFORT: 5–7 hours per week
- DURATION: 11 weeks
Leaders of Learning
Harvard University via HarvardX
The intensive course enables students to identify, develop, and adopt their personal theory of learning. You will also explore your place in the education sector. Indeed, the course isn’t only about leaders in learning. More importantly, it’s about being part of the world of learning and making a positive impact.
- PROVIDER: edX
- COST: Free Online Course
- SESSION: Self-paced
- CERTIFICATE: $209 Certificate Available
- EFFORT: 2-4 hours per week
- DURATION: 10 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do free online graduate courses work?
A: These are online learning opportunities intended for individuals with bachelor’s degrees or pursuing master’s degrees. The wide range of topics cover business, education, and engineering, among others. These are offered for free or at no cost. But many courses are offered as part of a free trial period with the option to upgrade to a for-a-fee certificate program.
Q: What universities and platforms offer free online graduate courses?
A: Many accredited colleges and universities offer free online graduate courses either through their own learning platforms or through independent platforms. Examples include MIT, Harvard, and Princeton. Ask your college about its free online graduate courses, too. As for MOOCs, the most popular are edX, Coursera, OpenCourseWare, and Khan Academy.
Q: Do free online graduate courses count toward a certificate, a degree, or continuing education credits?
A: It depends on the college offering the courses. You must ask the course administrator or instructor whether the online course you’re taking has credits that count toward a certificate, a degree, or continuing education.
Q: What are the benefits of taking free online graduate courses?
A: You’ll enjoy cost savings, flexibility and convenience. More importantly, you can build your knowledge and skills without risk.
Q: Can you receive a certificate of completion or a professional certification after completing free online graduate courses?
A: Yes, you can get a certification of completion and add it to your LinkedIn profile, if the course allows it. Again, ask about these matters first, if these are important to you, before enrolling in a free online course.