In an era of skyrocketing tuition costs, a silver lining emerges for knowledge seekers worldwide. According to Class Central, in 2021, over 220 million learners had signed up for at least one Massive Open Online Course (MOOC).1
This surge in online learning has opened doors to prestigious Ivy League education, once reserved for the elite few. Now, anyone with an internet connection can access world-class courses from renowned institutions – for free.
Here’s a curated list of 20 exceptional Ivy League courses you can take right now, at zero cost.
1. CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science
- University/Institution: Harvard University
- Platform: edX
This introductory course taught by David J. Malan has become a phenomenon, attracting over 2 million learners from all around the globe. CS50x teaches students how to think algorithmically and solve problems efficiently, using languages like C, Python, SQL, and JavaScript.
The course is designed for majors and non-majors alike, with or without prior programming experience.
2. The Science of Well-Being
- University/Institution: Yale University
- Platform: Coursera
In this immensely popular course, Professor Laurie Santos shares insights from psychology and neuroscience to help students increase their happiness and build more productive habits.
Learners engage in challenges designed to increase happiness and build more productive habits, such as meditation, gratitude, and social connection.
3. Gamification
- University/Institution: University of Pennsylvania
- Platform: Coursera
Gamification, the application of game elements to non-game contexts, has become a buzzword in recent years. In this course, Professor Kevin Werbach explores the mechanisms of gamification and provides a framework for applying it effectively.
Learners discover how game thinking can motivate people to engage with complex systems and complete challenging tasks.
4. Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies
- University/Institution: Harvard University
- Platform: edX
This course, taught by Professor Tarun Khanna, takes learners on a journey through the entrepreneurial ecosystems of emerging markets like China, India, and Africa.
Students learn about the opportunities and challenges faced by entrepreneurs in these regions and gain insights into successful strategies for building and scaling ventures.
5. Machine Learning
- University/Institution: Stanford University
- Platform: Coursera
Machine learning is one of the most exciting and rapidly growing fields in computer science. In this course, Professor Andrew Ng provides a broad introduction to machine learning, data mining, and statistical pattern recognition.
6. Financial Markets
- University/Institution: Yale University
- Platform: Coursera
In this course, Nobel Prize-winning economist Robert Shiller provides an overview of the ideas, methods, and institutions that permit human society to manage risks and foster enterprise.
7. Justice
- University/Institution: Harvard University
- Platform: edX
What is the right thing to do? Harvard professor Michael Sandel explores this question in his renowned course on moral and political philosophy.
Students engage with classical and contemporary theories of justice, and apply these ideas to real-world ethical dilemmas.
8. Introduction to Psychology
- University/Institution: Yale University
- Platform: Coursera
This course, taught by Professor Paul Bloom, provides an overview of the scientific study of human nature. Learners explore topics such as perception, communication, learning, memory, decision-making, persuasion, emotions, and social behavior.
The course emphasizes how psychological research can be applied to improve the quality of our lives.
9. MITx: 18.01x Single Variable Calculus
- University/Institution: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Platform: edX
Calculus is the foundation of modern science and engineering. In this course, Professor David Jerison teaches the fundamentals of single variable calculus, including limits, derivatives, integrals, and differential equations.
10. Algorithms, Part I
- University/Institution: Princeton University
- Platform: Coursera
Algorithms are the heart of computer science. In this course, Professors Robert Sedgewick and Kevin Wayne introduce fundamental data types, algorithms, and data structures.
11. Buddhism & Modern Psychology
- University/Institution: Princeton University
- Platform: Coursera
This course, taught by Professor Robert Wright, explores the intersection of Buddhist thought and modern psychology.
Learners examine how Buddhist ideas about the human mind are being studied by contemporary cognitive scientists and psychologists, and gain insights into the nature of the self, mindfulness, and the pursuit of happiness.
12. English for Career Development
- University/Institution: University of Pennsylvania
- Platform: Coursera
In today’s globalized economy, English proficiency is essential for career success. This course, designed by language experts at the University of Pennsylvania, helps non-native English speakers improve their language skills in the context of the modern workplace.
Learners practice job search, resume writing, and interview skills.
13. Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 1
- University/Institution: Harvard University
- Platform: edX
The brain is one of the most complex and fascinating systems in the universe. In this course, Professor David Cox introduces the structure and function of the nervous system.
Students explore topics such as neuroanatomy, neural signaling, sensory systems, and motor control, and gain a foundation for further study in neuroscience.
14. Greek and Roman Mythology
- University/Institution: University of Pennsylvania
- Platform: Coursera
Myths are stories that have endured over time and continue to influence our culture today. In this course, Professor Peter Struck guides learners through the fascinating world of Greek and Roman mythology while exploring the themes, symbols, and influence of classical myths, from Hercules to Oedipus.
15. Principles of Biochemistry
- University/Institution: Harvard University
- Platform: edX
Unravel the molecular mysteries of life with Harvard’s in-depth biochemistry course. Covering protein structure, metabolism, and gene regulation, this class provides a solid foundation for aspiring biologists and medical professionals.
16. Networks: Friends, Money, and Bytes
- University/Institution: Princeton University
- Platform: Coursera
Learn more about the hidden networks that shape our digital world with this interdisciplinary course from Princeton. Professor Mung Chiang explores the mathematical and economic principles behind social networks, search engines, and wireless communications.
Students gain insights into the complex systems that power modern technology.
17. American Capitalism: A History
- University/Institution: Cornell University
- Platform: edX
Trace the evolution of American capitalism from colonial times to the present with this comprehensive course from Cornell. Professors Louis Hyman and Edward Baptist examine the economic, social, and political forces that shaped the U.S. economy.
Students gain a nuanced understanding of capitalism’s role in American history and its global influence.
18. Visualizing Japan
- University/Institution: Harvard University
- Platform: edX
Students analyze historical images, films, and artifacts to understand Japan’s transformation from the 1850s to the 1930s. This course offers a unique perspective on Japan’s modernization and its impact on global history.
19. Paradoxes of War
- University/Institution: Princeton University
- Platform: Coursera
Explore the complex nature of warfare with this thought-provoking course from Princeton. Professor Miguel Centeno examines the social, political, and ethical dimensions of armed conflict throughout history.
20. Improving Your Business Through a Culture of Health
- University/Institution: Harvard University
- Platform: edX
Learn how promoting employee health can boost business performance with this innovative course from Harvard. Students explore strategies for creating a workplace culture that prioritizes well-being and productivity.
This course offers valuable insights for business leaders and HR professionals seeking to improve organizational health and success.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
