10 Best Free Online Courses for College Credit

In today’s digital age, education is more accessible than ever before. One of the most exciting developments in higher education is the advent of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs).

10 Best Free Online Courses for College Credit

These courses offer high-quality education from top universities and institutions around the world, often at no cost. Even better, many of these courses provide the opportunity to earn college credit. Here are ten of the best free online courses for college credit and how you can enroll in them.

1. Introduction to Computer Science (CS50) by Harvard University

• Platform: edX
• Overview: This is Harvard’s introductory computer science course, covering topics such as algorithms, data structures, software engineering, and web development.
• Credit: Available for college credit through edX’s credit program.
• Enrollment: Sign up on the edX website, complete the coursework, and opt for the verified certificate if seeking credit.

2. Calculus: Single Variable by University of Pennsylvania

• Platform: Coursera
• Overview: This course covers the fundamentals of single-variable calculus, including limits, derivatives, and integrals.
• Credit: Eligible for college credit through Coursera’s Global Freshman Academy.
• Enrollment: Register on Coursera, complete the assignments, and opt for the verified certificate.
• Prestigious: Taking this course from the University of Pennsylvania looks great on a resume as this college is rated one of the top ten national college universities by U.S.News!

3. Principles of Marketing by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Platform: Coursera
• Overview: Learn the basics of marketing, including market research, product strategy, pricing, and distribution.
• Credit: Part of the iMBA program, eligible for credit.
• Enrollment: Enroll on Coursera and complete the course requirements for the verified certificate.

P.S. Did you know that the Univserity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is one of the top 10 party colleges in America! You won’t get much partying in while studying online though!

4. Introduction to Psychology by University of Toronto

• Platform: Coursera
• Overview: This course provides a comprehensive introduction to psychology, exploring topics like perception, cognition, learning, and memory.
• Credit: Can be used for college credit through the University of Toronto’s partnership with Coursera.
• Enrollment: Sign up on Coursera and complete the coursework.

5. Macroeconomics Principles by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Platform: Coursera
• Overview: Understand the principles of macroeconomics, including inflation, unemployment, and economic growth.
• Credit: Part of the University of Illinois’ credit-eligible courses.
• Enrollment: Register on Coursera and opt for the credit-eligible track.

6. Introduction to Philosophy by University of Edinburgh

• Platform: Coursera
• Overview: This course covers fundamental philosophical questions and theories, providing a solid foundation in philosophy.
• Credit: Available for college credit through the University of Edinburgh’s partnership with Coursera.
• Enrollment: Enroll on Coursera and complete the necessary assignments.

7. English Composition by Arizona State University

• Platform: edX
• Overview: Improve your writing skills with this comprehensive English composition course, focusing on critical reading, writing, and analysis.
• Credit: Part of ASU’s Global Freshman Academy, eligible for credit.
• Enrollment: Sign up on edX and complete the coursework for credit eligibility.

8. Introduction to Statistics by University of California, Berkeley

• Platform: edX
• Overview: Learn the basics of statistics, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• Credit: Available for credit through UC Berkeley’s partnership with edX.
• Enrollment: Register on edX and complete the assignments for a verified certificate.

9. Introduction to Human Physiology by Duke University

• Platform: Coursera
• Overview: This course covers the basics of human physiology, including organ systems, functions, and homeostasis.
• Credit: Eligible for credit through Duke’s partnership with Coursera.
• Enrollment: Enroll on Coursera and complete the coursework for the verified certificate.

10. Financial Accounting by University of Maryland

• Platform: edX
• Overview: Learn the principles of financial accounting, including how to prepare and analyze financial statements.
• Credit: Available for credit through the University of Maryland’s partnership with edX.
• Enrollment: Sign up on edX and complete the necessary coursework for credit eligibility.

How to Enroll and Earn Credit

1. Choose Your Course: Select a course that fits your academic needs and goals from the list above.
2. Sign Up on the Platform: Register for the course on the respective MOOC platform (Coursera, edX, etc.).
3. Complete the Coursework: Engage with the course material, complete assignments, and participate in any required discussions or exams.
4. Opt for Credit: If the course offers a verified certificate or credit-eligible option, make sure to enroll in that track. This may require a fee, even if the course content itself is free.
5. Transfer Credits: Upon completion, follow the platform’s instructions for obtaining your credit. This often involves sending your verified certificate to your academic institution for credit transfer.

By taking advantage of these free online courses for college credit, you can gain valuable knowledge and earn college credits, all from the comfort of your home. Happy learning!

Featured Image Credit: Deposit Photos