850+ Ivy League Courses You Can Take Right Now for Free
The Ivy League. Those two words conjure up images of academic excellence, world-class research, and the upper echelons of higher education. Comprised of Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University, and Yale University, these eight private schools represent the pinnacle of learning and have produced many of the world‘s greatest minds.
Attending an Ivy League institution is a dream for many students around the globe. However, with acceptance rates in the single digits and costs of attendance exceeding $80,000 per year, that dream remains out of reach for the vast majority. Even setting foot on an Ivy League campus can seem like an impossible feat.
But what if I told you that you could access the same world-class education as an Ivy League student without ever setting foot in a classroom? What if you could learn from the same renowned professors who teach at Harvard, Yale, and Princeton without paying a single cent in tuition?
Thanks to the rise of massive open online courses (MOOCs), this is now a reality. All eight Ivy League universities offer some of their courses for free to anyone in the world with an internet connection. This means that you can now experience the academic rigor, cutting-edge research, and innovative pedagogy of America‘s most elite institutions from the comfort of your own home.
The Importance of Lifelong Learning for Developers
As a full-stack developer and professional coder, I know firsthand the importance of continuous learning and skill development. In the fast-paced world of technology, new programming languages, frameworks, and tools are constantly emerging, and what was cutting-edge last year can quickly become obsolete.
To stay relevant and competitive in the job market, developers must commit to lifelong learning and continually update their skillset. As the famous futurist Alvin Toffler once said, "The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn."
MOOCs provide an convenient and affordable way for developers to upskill and reskill throughout their careers. Instead of going back to school for another degree or paying for expensive bootcamps, you can take online courses from top universities in your spare time. Whether you want to learn a new programming language, explore an emerging field like data science or artificial intelligence, or dive deeper into computer science fundamentals, there is a MOOC for you.
The Ivy League‘s Computer Science Pedigree
When it comes to studying computer science and programming, the Ivy League has a long and storied history. Many of the foundational concepts and technologies that power our digital world were pioneered at these eight universities.
For example, did you know that the first general-purpose computer, the ENIAC, was developed at Penn in 1946? Or that the field of artificial intelligence has its roots in the groundbreaking work of MIT and Cornell professors in the 1950s? Harvard mathematicians laid the foundations of theoretical computer science, while Princeton engineers made key contributions to the development of the internet and digital signal processing.
Today, the Ivy League continues to be at the forefront of computer science research and education. These schools boast world-renowned faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and cutting-edge research in areas like machine learning, cryptography, computer vision, and quantum computing. They also offer some of the most prestigious undergraduate and graduate programs in computer science, producing alumni who go on to found and lead major tech companies.
So what better place to learn about computer science and programming than the Ivy League? Let‘s take a closer look at some of the free online courses offered.
Highlighting Ivy League Computer Science & Programming Courses
Across the eight Ivy League universities, there are over 70 free online courses related to computer science, programming, and information technology. Here is just a small sample:
Harvard University
- CS50‘s Introduction to Computer Science
- CS50‘s Web Programming with Python and JavaScript
- CS50‘s Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python
- Using Python for Research
Columbia University
- Machine Learning
- Artificial Intelligence
- Enabling Technologies for Data Science and Analytics
- Robotics
Princeton University
- Computer Architecture
- Algorithms
- Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies
- Analysis of Algorithms
University of Pennsylvania
- Introduction to Python Programming
- Computational Thinking for Problem Solving
- Introduction to Java and Object-Oriented Programming
- Inheritance and Data Structures in Java
These courses cover a wide range of topics and skill levels. Whether you are completely new to coding and computer science or an experienced programmer looking to branch out into a new specialization, you can find an Ivy League MOOC that meets your needs.
Most Popular Ivy League Online Courses
To give you a sense of the depth and breadth of Ivy League online offerings, here is a longer list of some of the most popular courses, along with their enrollment numbers:
- CS50‘s Introduction to Computer Science from Harvard University (3,400,000+ enrollments)
- Machine Learning for Data Science and Analytics from Columbia University (1,500,000+ enrollments)
- The Science of Well-Being from Yale University (5,200,000+ enrollments)
- Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies from Harvard University (900,000+ enrollments)
- Financial Markets from Yale University (2,100,000+ enrollments)
- Justice from Harvard University (1,700,000+ enrollments)
- Introduction to Psychology from Yale University (2,700,000+ enrollments)
- Vital Signs: Understanding What the Body Is Telling Us from University of Pennsylvania (1,400,000+ enrollments)
- Gamification from University of Pennsylvania (1,000,000+ enrollments)
- Algorithms, Part I from Princeton University (1,900,000+ enrollments)
- Introduction to Classical Music from Yale University (800,000+ enrollments)
- Fundamentals of Neuroscience from Harvard University (500,000+ enrollments)
- Calculus: Single Variable from University of Pennsylvania (1,200,000+ enrollments)
- Greek and Roman Mythology from University of Pennsylvania (400,000+ enrollments)
- Introduction to Negotiation from Yale University (1,200,000+ enrollments)
Ivy League Online Courses by Institution
Here is a breakdown of the number of free online courses offered by each Ivy League university:
| Institution | Number of Free Online Courses |
|---|---|
| Harvard University | 230 |
| Columbia University | 149 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 137 |
| Yale University | 73 |
| Princeton University | 44 |
| Cornell University | 32 |
| Dartmouth College | 32 |
| Brown University | 25 |
As you can see, Harvard leads the pack with over 200 free online offerings, followed by Columbia, Penn, and Yale. But all eight Ivies provide a significant number of MOOCs across a variety of disciplines.
Ivy League Online Courses by Subject
The Ivy League‘s free online courses span a wide range of subjects beyond just computer science and programming. Here is a breakdown of the number of courses in each subject area:
| Subject | Number of Courses |
|---|---|
| Health & Medicine | 353 |
| Humanities | 97 |
| Business | 90 |
| Social Sciences | 86 |
| Science | 49 |
| Computer Science | 50 |
| Education & Teaching | 23 |
| Data Science | 23 |
| Programming | 22 |
| Engineering | 20 |
| Art & Design | 18 |
| Mathematics | 17 |
| Personal Development | 16 |
Health and medicine courses make up the largest share, with over 350 offerings on topics like anatomy, public health, pharmacology, and patient care. The humanities and social sciences also have a strong showing, with dozens of courses in history, literature, philosophy, economics, and more. Of course, STEM subjects like computer science, data science, programming, and engineering are well-represented too.
Whatever your academic interests or career goals, you can find a free Ivy League course to expand your knowledge and skills.
How MOOCs Can Supplement a Formal Computer Science Education
As a professional coder, I‘m often asked whether MOOCs can replace a formal degree in computer science. The short answer is no – there is no substitute for the depth, rigor, and structure of a traditional four-year computer science program at a top university. MOOCs are not a shortcut to becoming a software engineer.
However, I do believe that MOOCs can be a valuable supplement to a formal computer science education. They allow you to explore niche topics that may not be covered in depth in your degree program, get exposure to different teaching styles and perspectives, and build specific skills needed for your desired career path.
For example, let‘s say you are a computer science major interested in pursuing a career in artificial intelligence. In addition to your core CS coursework, you could take Columbia‘s Machine Learning course to get a solid grounding in the key concepts and techniques of ML. Then you could dive deeper into specific branches of AI, like computer vision or natural language processing, with more advanced MOOCs.
Or perhaps you are a self-taught programmer without a formal CS degree. While MOOCs alone won‘t make you as well-rounded as a bachelor‘s program would, they can help fill in gaps in your knowledge and signal to employers that you are serious about your craft. Taking Harvard‘s CS50 courses or Princeton‘s Algorithms classes can give you a strong foundation in key CS concepts and make you a better coder.
Benefits of Taking Ivy League MOOCs
So why should you consider taking a free online course from an Ivy League university? Here are a few key benefits:
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Learn from world-class faculty: Ivy League professors are some of the most respected experts in their fields. MOOCs give you direct access to their knowledge and teaching.
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Gain interdisciplinary knowledge: Many of today‘s most exciting areas of computer science, like AI and data science, are highly interdisciplinary. Ivy League MOOCs let you explore topics at the intersection of CS and fields like cognitive science, public health, and business.
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Signal your skills and motivation to employers: Completing an Ivy League MOOC can make your resume and LinkedIn profile stand out. It shows that you are intellectually curious, driven to learn, and willing to challenge yourself academically.
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Connect with a global community of learners: MOOCs attract students from all over the world, across different industries, age groups, and skill levels. The discussion forums and peer review assignments provide opportunities to network, exchange ideas, and learn from each other.
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Experience Ivy League teaching methods: The Ivy League is renowned for its commitment to undergraduate teaching and active learning, with a focus on small classes and faculty mentoring. While MOOCs have a massive scale, they still manage to incorporate some of these high-quality instructional strategies.
Of course, perhaps the biggest benefit of Ivy League MOOCs is the simple fact that they are free and open to all. You don‘t need perfect test scores, sky-high grades, or a trust fund to access a world-class education anymore. All you need is a computer and an internet connection.
Making a Plan to Learn
If you‘re feeling overwhelmed by the hundreds of free courses available, don‘t worry. Here are a few tips for creating a learning plan and getting the most out of Ivy League MOOCs:
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Set clear goals: What do you want to get out of the MOOC? Is it to learn a new programming language, explore an area of interest, or gain a specific skill for your job? Having a goal will help you choose the right course and stay motivated.
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Make time to learn: Treat the MOOC like any other commitment and block off dedicated time each week to watch lectures and complete assignments. Most courses require 3-6 hours per week, but you can typically go at your own pace.
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Engage with the course material: Don‘t just passively watch videos – take notes, do the practice problems, and participate in the discussion forums. Research shows that active learning leads to better outcomes.
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Apply your knowledge: Look for ways to use what you‘ve learned in your own projects or at work. The best way to solidify your understanding is to put it into practice.
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Celebrate your achievements: Taking a MOOC is challenging, especially when you have a busy schedule. Give yourself a pat on the back for each milestone, whether it‘s completing a tough problem set or earning a certificate.
Remember, learning is a lifelong journey. With the wealth of free Ivy League courses at your fingertips, you have a incredible opportunity to grow your mind and expand your horizons.
Conclusion
The rise of MOOCs has been a game-changer for global access to quality education. The fact that anyone with an internet connection can now take courses from Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and other Ivy League universities for free is truly remarkable. It opens up a world of knowledge and opportunity that was once restricted to a privileged few.
For programmers and aspiring computer scientists, the 70+ free Ivy League courses in CS and related fields provide an unparalleled opportunity to learn from the best minds in the field. Whether you are looking to pick up a new programming language, dive into cutting-edge areas like machine learning and blockchain, or build a stronger theoretical foundation, you can find a high-quality MOOC to meet your needs.
But beyond the specific skills and knowledge you can gain, taking an Ivy League course online is valuable for the experience itself. It exposes you to new ways of thinking, introduces you to a global community of learners, and challenges you to grow intellectually. In a rapidly changing world, those habits of mind are essential for success.
So what are you waiting for? With over 850 free courses to choose from, the hardest part is deciding where to start. Check out Class Central‘s Ivy League Online Courses collection and start your learning journey today. As the old saying goes, "the best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is now." Happy learning!