In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, online courses have emerged as a powerful tool, providing access to top-notch learning resources from renowned institutions like Harvard University.
Known for its commitment to excellence and innovation, Harvard has extended its academic offerings to the digital space, enabling learners from around the world to engage with its world-class faculty and research.
Whether you want to gain new skills for your career or you love learning new things, these courses are a great way to gain knowledge. They are designed to be accessible to everyone and provide a valuable learning experience.
Here are some of the best online courses you can take from Harvard University:
64 courses are up for grabs on the university edX platform right now. The certificate courses range from an introduction to the programming language of Python to understanding Shakespeare and how probabilities work in the real world.
These courses cover a diverse range of subjects, from computer science to humanities, allowing learners to delve into areas of interest and gain valuable knowledge from the comfort of their homes.
10 Best Online Courses From Harvard University You Can Take For Free
1. Using Python for Research
For the inexperienced, Python is a very popular programming language used to create desktop GUI applications, websites, and web applications. This course will help you understand how Python, Python 3 specifically, can be used for research purposes on the World Wide Web.
- Duration: 5 weeks
- Course Link: Using Python for Research
- Time Commitment: 4-8 weeks per week
2. Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies:
This is a business and management course taught by a professor of Harvard Business School professor. It is a comprehensive approach taken to comprehend and resolve intricate social issues.
Participants will study previous endeavors to tackle these issues, pinpoint potential areas for innovative entrepreneurial initiatives, and create and refine their inventive solutions. The course emphasizes the role of individual action in addressing specific problems.
- Duration: 6 weeks
- Time Commitment: 3-5 hours per week
- Course Link: Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies
3. CS50’s Introduction to Game Development:
Through this course, you will delve into the implementation of video games by studying the design of iconic games such as Super Mario Bros., Pong, Flappy Bird, Breakout, Match 3, Legend of Zelda, Angry Birds, Pokémon, 3D Helicopter Game, Dreadhalls, and Portal.
By the conclusion of the course, you will have developed several of your games and acquired a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of game design and development.
- Duration: 12 weeks
- Time Commitment: 6-9 hours per week
- Course Link: CS50’s Introduction to Game Development
4. CS50 for Lawyers:
This course is a version of Harvard University’s CS50 for lawyers and law students. Unlike CS50, which focuses on low-level concepts, this course focuses on high-level concepts and design decisions, helping students understand the legal impact of clients’ technological choices.
This course combines technical teaching and case study discussions to help students actively participate in technology-related discussions. It also helps them develop technology-informed legal arguments and opinions. Additionally, students gain practical experience using Python and SQL to analyze data independently.
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Time Commitment: 3-6 hours per week
- Course Link: CS50 for Lawyers
5. CS50’s Mobile App Development with React Native:
In this course, you will learn the fundamentals of creating a mobile app using React Native, a widely used framework supported by Facebook. You will engage in a practical project to build an app with React, gaining insight into its principles, app structure, and user interfaces.
The course concludes with a final project where you will have the opportunity to develop your app on the platform.
- Duration: 13 weeks
- Time Commitment: 6-9 hours per week
- Course Link: CS50’s Mobile App Development
6. Fat Chance: Probability from the Ground Up:
Designed for beginners in probability or those looking for a refresher before taking a college-level statistics course, Fat Chance focuses on developing a mathematical mindset rather than memorizing formulas.
The course uses visual lessons and guided practice to delve into the quantitative reasoning behind probability, connecting it to the fundamental principles of counting and the cumulative nature of mathematics.
- Duration: 7 weeks
- Time Commitment: 3-5 hours per week
- Course Link: Fat Chance: Probability from the Ground Up
7. Principles of Biochemistry:
This course is an introduction to biochemistry. It focuses on the study of the chemical components of life and their functions. It also aims to enhance problem-solving and analytical skills that can be applied across various areas of life sciences.
- Duration: 15 weeks
- Time Commitment:4-6 hours
- Course Link: Principles of Biochemistry
8. Public Leadership Credential:
The Public Leadership Credential from Harvard Kennedy School is designed for professionals with a bachelor’s degree and at least five years of experience, as well as a dedication to public service. While advanced statistics experience is not required, proficiency in English is necessary.
Participants should be prepared to dedicate their time to reading, engaging with multimedia materials, participating in group activities and discussions, and completing interactive assignments.
- Duration: 6 weeks
- Time Management: 10-12 hours per week
- Course Link: Public Leadership Credential
9. CS50’s Understanding Technology:
This is CS50’s Introduction to Technology, which is tailored for individuals who may not currently identify as “computer persons.” It is designed for those who interact with technology regularly but lack a deep understanding of its inner workings or how to troubleshoot issues effectively.
The course aims to bridge these knowledge gaps, empowering participants to use and troubleshoot technology more effectively. It covers topics such as hardware, the Internet, multimedia, security, programming, and web development, providing a comprehensive foundation for today’s technology and preparing students for future advancements.
- Duration: 6 weeks
- Time Management: Sel paced
- Course Link: CS50’s Understanding Technology
10. CS50’s Web Programming with Python and JavaScript:
The course covers a range of topics, including database design, scalability, security, and user experience. Through practical projects, you will gain proficiency in writing and utilizing APIs, developing interactive user interfaces, and utilizing cloud services such as GitHub and Heroku.
By the conclusion of the course, you will have acquired knowledge and hands-on experience in principles, programming languages, and tools necessary for designing and deploying web applications.
- Duration:12 weeks
- Time Management: 6-9 hours per week
- Course Link: CS50’s Web Programming with Python and JavaScript
These courses provide an opportunity to experience the challenging academic atmosphere of Harvard University while also demonstrating the institution’s commitment to disseminating knowledge worldwide.
For more information: Visit the Harvard University Online Courses
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