Harvard Free Online Courses and Schools – Apply Now

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes, including a shift towards virtual meetings and adaptations in the field of education. Harvard University has responded to these changes by offering over 60 online courses, allowing individuals to expand their knowledge and acquire new skills during this period. This article aims to provide you with comprehensive information on Harvard’s Free Online Courses.

These courses span a duration of 4 to 15 weeks and cover a wide range of subjects, such as Psychology, Programming, Health, Medicine, Social Sciences, Business, Humanities, and more. While these courses are offered free of charge, they do require a certain level of commitment from students. Therefore, it is essential to choose a subject that you are genuinely dedicated to and prepared to invest time in.

Overview of Harvard University’s Commitment to Online Education

Harvard University, one of the world’s most prestigious institutions, has demonstrated a strong commitment to online education. It has developed a robust platform offering free online courses to learners globally. These courses are designed and taught by Harvard faculty members, providing learners with an opportunity to access high-quality education from a renowned institution.

Harvard Free Online Courses

Harvard University offers a variety of free online courses ranging from literature to business courses. You can earn an online certificate for professional development, receive college credit for a degree, or take a class to further your knowledge.

5 free Harvard online courses for learners:

1. Introduction to Computer Science

This course introduces fundamental concepts in computer science and programming, providing a solid foundation for learners interested in technology and coding.

2. Justice

This course explores philosophical, legal, and ethical issues related to justice. Learners delve into topics such as morality, equality, and the principles that shape our understanding of justice in society.

3. Contract Law

It covers the fundamental principles and concepts of contract law;  topics such as offer and acceptance, consideration, and the interpretation of contracts.

4. Shakespeare’s Life and Work

Exploring Shakespeare’s plays, sonnets, and the cultural impact of his works.

5. Introduction to Psychology

The basics of psychology, including its key theories and principles. This course provides insights into human behaviour, cognition, and the scientific study of the mind.

Free Online Psychology Courses Harvard

Harvard’s free online courses also include a variety of psychology courses that cover different subfields and topics. Learners can explore courses on positive psychology, cognitive psychology, social psychology, abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, and more. These courses provide foundational knowledge and insights into the workings of the human mind and behaviour.

One of the most popular courses on psychology offered by Harvard is “The Path to Happiness: What Chinese Philosophy Teaches Us about the Good Life.” The course will last for 13 weeks and requires 1-2 hours per week. The course is taught in English Language and includes video transcripts. Students can take the course free of charge but will have to pay $99 for a verified certificate. After taking the course, students will understand ancient Chinese philosophy and how personal actions and counteractions change the world. Go to Harvard Edx to take the course.

Positive Psychology

One notable free course offered by Harvard University is “Positive Psychology,” which explores the science of well-being and happiness. This course covers topics such as gratitude, resilience, positive relationships, and the factors that contribute to a meaningful life. Learners can gain insights from leading experts in the field and apply evidence-based strategies to enhance their own well-being.

Harvard Youth Opportunities

Harvard University offers various free online courses specifically tailored for youth and high school students. These courses cover a wide range of subjects, including computer science, programming, entrepreneurship, and social justice. They provide an opportunity for young learners to explore their interests, gain knowledge, and prepare for future educational pursuits.

Harvard Free Online Courses on Marketing

Some online marketing courses at Harvard are Essential Management Skills for Emerging Leaders, Growth Strategies: Identifying Opportunities in Market Trends, and Digital Marketing Strategy. These courses are highly interactive, and students will learn how to develop the skills to build an actionable digital marketing strategy that aligns with their business goals. However, these courses are not free, and the price ranges between $2,000 – $4,000.

Happiness Management Course by Harvard University

One specific course of interest is the “Happiness Management” course at Harvard University. This course explores strategies for enhancing well-being, happiness, and life satisfaction. While the availability of this course may vary, interested learners can search for it on the online learning platforms or the HarvardX website to access detailed information and enrollment instructions.

See also  UTS Scholarships 2020 for International Students

Harvard Business School Online

Harvard Business School Online offers a unique and highly engaging way to learn vital business concepts. The courses offered by the business school are highly interactive and practical. Students also engage with fellow students, which is part of what makes HBS Online unique.  Students are also given regular deadlines to complete specific coursework to ensure they are progressing through the course. The courses range for a period of 5 weeks to 12 weeks and cost between $1,600 – $2,000. Some popular business courses offered by HBS online are Alternative Investments, Business Analytics, Disruptive Strategy, Economics for Managers, and Financial Accounting.

Other Online Courses

In addition to Harvard’s free online courses, there are numerous online platforms and resources that offer psychology courses. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and Khan Academy provide a wide range of psychology courses, both free and paid. These courses cover various topics within psychology, allowing learners to deepen their understanding of the field.

Benefits of Accessing Harvard’s Free Online Courses

Harvard’s free online courses offer valuable knowledge and skills across diverse fields, enabling learners to enhance their understanding and pursue their educational goals.

6 benefits of accessing Harvard’s free online courses:

1. Accessibility

Free online courses have revolutionized education by providing accessible learning opportunities to individuals worldwide. They break down geographical barriers, allowing anyone with an internet connection to enrol and participate, regardless of their location.

2. Flexibility

These courses offer flexibility in terms of scheduling and pace of learning. Learners can access course materials and lectures at their convenience, allowing them to balance their education with work, family, or other commitments.

3. Knowledge Expansion

Free online courses enable learners to expand their knowledge in a wide range of subjects. Whether it’s exploring new fields or deepening their understanding of existing areas of interest, learners have access to diverse course offerings to suit their learning goals.

4. Skill Development

These courses provide an opportunity to acquire new skills or enhance existing ones. Learners can choose courses specifically tailored to their professional needs, helping them stay competitive in the job market and advance their careers.

5. Financial Accessibility

One of the most significant advantages of free online courses is the elimination of financial barriers. Learners can access high-quality educational resources without the burden of hefty tuition fees, making education more inclusive and equitable.

6. Lifelong Learning

Free online courses cater to a broad range of learners, including working professionals, students, and individuals seeking personal enrichment. They promote a culture of lifelong learning, encouraging individuals to pursue knowledge and personal growth at any stage of their lives.

How to Apply for Harvard Free Online Courses

Applying for Harvard’s free online courses is a straightforward process.

5 steps on how to apply for Harvard’s free online courses:


  1. Explore course catalogue

Visit the online learning platforms, such as HarvardX or edX, and browse the course catalogue. Read course descriptions, syllabi, and reviews to identify courses that align with your interests and learning goals.


  1. Create an account

Create an account on the respective online learning platform. If you have an edX account, you can quickly sign in or create an account using your Google or Facebook account. This account will allow you to enrol in courses, track your progress, and access course materials.


  1. Enrol in the course

Once you have chosen a course, click on the “Enroll” button or a similar option to register for the course. Some courses may have specific enrollment periods, while others may be available for self-paced learning.


  1. Complete the application (if applicable)

Some Harvard courses may require you to complete a brief application to demonstrate your motivation and preparedness for the course. Follow the instructions provided and submit the required information.


  1. Start learning

Once enrolled, you can begin accessing course materials, including lectures, readings, and assignments. Engage with the course content, participate in discussions, and complete assignments as directed by the course instructors.

Accessing Online Courses through edX

HarvardX, in collaboration with the online learning platform edX, offers a wide range of Harvard courses for free. Learners can access video lectures, interactive quizzes, assignments, and discussion forums to engage with the course content and connect with fellow learners worldwide. The platform provides a structured and immersive learning experience, allowing learners to progress at their own pace.

See also  Birmingham Outstanding Achievement Scholarship - How to Apply

Eligibility for Harvard Free Online Courses

Most of Harvard’s free online courses have no specific enrollment requirements or eligibility criteria. They are open to anyone interested in learning and improving their knowledge in their respective subject area. Learners of all ages, backgrounds, and geographical locations can access these courses and benefit from the educational resources provided by Harvard University.

Deadlines and application submission details

Harvard’s free online courses typically do not have strict deadlines for enrollment. Many courses are designed for self-paced learning, allowing learners to start and complete the course at their own convenience. However, it is recommended to check the specific course details for any suggested timelines or deadlines for assignments or assessments.

Harvard University

Harvard University is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and was established in 1636 and named after its first benefactor, John Harvard- a clergyman. Harvard University is the oldest University in the U.S. and one of the ivy league universities in the U.S. It has over 16,000 undergraduates,14000 postgraduate students, and more than 360,000 alumni over the world. In terms of ranking and prestige, Harvard is one of the most prestigious universities in the world and has ranked #2 in the edition of Best Colleges in the World.

Harvard is made up of 13 schools and institutes such as its business school, medical school, graduate education school, school of engineering and applied sciences, law school, and John F Kennedy School of Government.  Harvard’s library has one of the most extensive collections in the world. Eight U.S. president has graduated from Harvard including Franklin Delano, Roosevelt and John F Kennedy.

Where Is Harvard?

Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The main campus is located at 20 Garden St, Cambridge, MA 02138. The University is composed of eleven principal academic units—ten faculties and the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study—with campuses throughout Greater Boston.

Harvard Majors

The most popular major at Harvard University in Economics, Liberal Arts and Sciences Studies, and Humanities, Other undergraduate majors are Computer and Information Sciences, Engineering, Linguistics, Comparative Literature, and so on.

Harvard Summer School

Harvard Summer School offers more than 300 daytime and evening classes in over 60 disciplines. Over 5,000 international students enrol in the school annually. The Harvard Summer School does not offer any degrees but grants academic credits. The school also offers high school programs for high schoolers and pre-college programs. To qualify for the pre-college program, candidates must be high school graduates and at least 15 years old by December 1, 2019, and will not turn 19 years old before July 31, 2020

Harvard Extension School

Harvard Extension School is perfect for persons with demanding jobs, hectic family schedules, and so on.  The courses are designed to give students the flexibility to personalize their studies to fit their schedules. Harvard Extension School offers over 800 courses, 20-plus degree fields, and nearly 40 certificates for both undergraduates and graduate students. The courses are part-time courses held in the evenings in Harvard Yard or online, featuring video lectures or live web conferences. Tuition ranges from $1,700 to $2,750 for 4-credit courses, and degree-seeking students may apply for financial aid.

Harvard Extension School Courses

Harvard extension school offers over 1000 courses ranging from humanities and social sciences courses to religion, international relations, art history, philosophy, and fiction writing.

Harvard Extension Login

Users can log into Harvard Extension using their DCE ID and DCE PIN. To register for Harvard Extension, you must be at least 15 years old to create a student account.  Go to Harvard Extension School Website to log in.

Harvard Medical School

Harvard Medical School is the graduate medical school of Harvard University and is located in the Longwood Medical Area of Boston, Massachusetts. It is one of the oldest medical schools in the United States and is consistently ranked first for research among medical schools by U.S. News & World Report. Admission to Harvard Medical School is very selective.

8 criteria candidates are evaluated based on:

  1. Academic records
  2. Applicant essay(s)
  3. MCAT scores
  4. Letters of evaluation
  5. Extracurricular activities
  6. Summer occupations
  7. Life experiences
  8. Experience in the health field, including research or community work.
See also  Google Analytics Academy - Grow Your Website With These Free Courses

The school welcomes applications from international students who have studied for at least one year at an accredited institution in the United States or Canada and have completed the course requirements. Fluency in English is expected; however, the TOEFL is not required.

Harvard Law School

Harvard Law School is the law school of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and the oldest continuously operating law school in the United States and one of the most prestigious in the world. For law students interested in pursuing expertise in another field, the Law School.

Harvard College

Harvard College is the undergraduate college of Harvard University. Harvard College is the original school of Harvard University, the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and among the most prestigious in the world. Admission Criteria into the college include academic accomplishment in high school, community involvement, leadership and distinction in extracurricular activities, and personal qualities and character.

Joint Degree Program in Law and Business

This program combines legal and business studies, preparing students for careers at the intersection of law and business management.

Joint Degree in Law and Public Health

This program integrates legal and public health education, equipping students to address legal issues in the context of public health policies and practices.

Joint Degree Program in Law and Government

This program combines legal and government studies, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal aspects of governance and public policy.

Joint Program in Law and Urban Planning

This program combines legal and urban planning education, enabling students to tackle legal challenges in urban development and shape sustainable and equitable cities.

Harvard Law School and the University of Cambridge J.D./LL.M. Joint Degree Program

This program offers a combined J.D. and LL.M. degrees from Harvard Law School and the University of Cambridge, providing a global perspective on legal studies and enhancing career opportunities.

Harvard Canvas

The Harvard Canvas is the default platform for course websites. Students will need a Student ID and password to access the canvas. The canvas is invaluable to students; not only does it facilitate online learning, but students also receive important information on the canvas. The Harvard Canvas also supports instructor engagement with students and digital access to content, assignments, and assessments. Go to the Harvard Canvas to log in.

Harvard School of Public Health

The Harvard School of Public Health is called T.H. Chan School of Public Health. It is the public health school of Harvard University, located in the Longwood Medical Area of Boston, Massachusetts.  The school offers master’s degree and Doctoral degrees in public health courses

Harvard Divinity School

Harvard Divinity School is one of the constituent schools of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The school is dedicated to educating its students either in the academic study of religion or for leadership roles in religion, government, and service. Harvard Divinity School offers four-degree programs: master of theological studies, master of Divinity, Master of Theology and Doctor of Philosophy.

Harvard Graduate School

The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) at Harvard University is best known for its scholarship and innovation. New ideas and theories are developed, new knowledge is created, and scholars emerge. A complete application package has several things. These include an online application form, application fee payment of $105, transcripts uploaded to the application, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and demonstration of English proficiency, where required.

Harvard Graduate School of Education

The Harvard Graduate School of Education is one of the graduate schools of Harvard University and one of the best schools of education in the United States. The school is committed to preparing leaders in education and generating knowledge to improve student opportunities. The school offers master’s and doctoral degrees.