200 Free Online Classes to Learn Anything

Published on Thursday 17th of January, 2008

By Jessica Hupp

A high quality education doesn't have to come at a high cost. In fact, it's possible to take classes from big names like Yale, MIT, and Tufts without ever submitting an application or paying a cent in tuition. We've compiled 200 online classes from these and other respected institutions, and you can take all of them with no strings attached.

Natural Science

These courses cover physics, geology, natural phenomena, and more.

1. Fundamentals of Physics : Professor Ramamurti Shankar's physics course from Yale covers Newtonian mechanics, special relativity, and more.
2. Principles of Chemical Science : Professors Ceyer and Drennan of MIT provide this introductory chemistry course.
3. Frontiers and Controversies in Astrophysics : Yale's Professor Charles Bailyn discusses extra-solar planets, black holes and dark energy in this course.
4. Life in the Palaeozoic : Take a look at the evolution that occured in the Palaeozoic era.
5. General Biology I : Learn the basic principles of biology in this course.
6. General Biology II : This course continues the principles from General Biology I.
7. Physics I: Classical Mechanics : Professor Lewin from MIT discusses Newtonian mechanics, fluid mechanics, and kinetic gas theory.
8. Climate Change : Understand the basic science behind climate change and global warming.
9. Quantum Mechanics : Get a working knowledge and comprehension of quantum mechanical operations.
10. Organic Chemistry I : Professors Berkowski and O'Connor of MIT cover the basic principles of the structure and reactivity behind organic molecules.
11. Earthquakes : Learn about these destructive natural disasters.
12. Comparing Stars : Get an introduction to stars and the Hertzprung-Russell diagram.
13. Physics III: Vibrations and Waves : Physics III with MIT's Professor Lewin covers mechanical vibrations, waves, and beyond.
14. Introduction to Modern Physics : This course discusses physics from Max Planck to Einstein.
15. Superconductivity : Take a look at the phenomenon of superconductivity and its applications.
16. Electricity and Magnetism : Learn about electromagnitism in everyday objects and beyond with MIT professor Walter Lewin.
17. Evolution Through Natural Selection : Explore the theory of evolution by natural selection according to Charles Darwin.
18. Physics for Humanists : Learn about classical and modern physics with emphasis on the connection between science and society.
19. The Evolving Universe : This course discusses the "Big Bang" and what is believed to have happened in the moments following.
20. Physics I : Physics I with MIT professor Stanley Kowalski is an introduction to classical mechanics.
21. The Sun : Get an in-depth look at the brightest star in our universe.

Math

Study math, from simple prices to calculus in these courses.

22. Linear Algebra : MIT professor Gilbert Strang discusses matrix theory and linear algebra.
23. Exploring Distance Time Graphs : Learn how to present mathematical information in graphs.
24. Differential Equations : MIT professors Arthur Mattuck and Haynes Miller present differential equations in this course.
25. An Introduction to Complex Numbers : In this course, you'll take a look at complex numbers and learn how they're defined.
26. Calculus I : Get an introduction to differential and integral calculus in this course.
27. Calculus II : This course is a continuation of Calculus I.
28. Calculus III : Follow the continuation of Calculus I and II in this course and learn about calculus of functions of several variables.
29. Prices : Take a look at a number of different ways to compare prices.
30. Single Variable Calculus : MIT's Professor Jason Starr covers differation and integration of functions of one variable.
31. Systems of Differential Equations : Learn how a variety of situations can by modeled into linear differential equations.
32. Math Everywhere : Learn how to recognize math when you come across it.

Engineering & Computer Science

Learn about computer networks, electrical engineering, and more with these classess.

33. Circuits and Electronics : Get an introduction to the fundamentals of the lumped circuit abstraction from MIT's Professor Anant Agarwal.
34. Network Security : Learn about the methods available for network security.
35. Science of Sound : This course covers 8 different aspects of sound.
36. Numerical Methods in Civil Engineering : In this course, you'll find applications of approximation, interpolation, and more.
37. Protocols in Multi-Service Networks : Examine protocols in networks that interconnect devices for two-way communication.
38. Flash : Get familiarized with Macromedia Flash in this course.
39. Mathematical Methods for Engineers I : Check out math for engineers from MIT's Professor Gilbert Strang.
40. Signals and Systems : Find out about systems realizations, Fourier transform, and more.
41. Computers and Computer Systems : This course discusses the computers we encounter in our daily lives.
42. Computer System Engineering : MIT professors Balakrishnan and Madden provide an overview of the engineering behind computer software and hardware systems.
43. Communications Systems I : This course covers analog communication, including the basic Fourier transform properties.
44. Fluid Mechanics : This course covers fluid properties, dynamics, flow, and more.
45. Information on the Web : Learn how to use the Internet as an information resource.
46. Microelectronic Devices and Circuits : Professor del Alamo of MIT covers devices, circuits and systems in this course.
47. Stochastic Processes : Get an introduction to stochastic processes, presented in communications, signal processing, and more.
48. Introducing ICT Systems : Learn about what ICT systems are and how they work.
49. Models and Modeling : This course discusses models and the modeling process.
50. Soil-based Hazardous Waste Management : Learn about the engineering management of hazardous waste in this course.
51. Introduction to Algorithms : Learn about the design, analysis, and methods of efficient algorithms from MIT professors Eric Demaine and Charles Leiserson.
52. Error Control Coding : Get an understanding of modern error control coding, with an emphasis on algebraic block coding.
53. Designing the User Interface : Discover how user interface design can create a user-friendly environment.
54. Uncertainty in Engineering Analysis : This course offers a study of probability and statistics for engineers.
55. Signals and Systems : This course from MIT discusses the fundamentals of signal and system analysis.
56. Accessibility in Interaction Design : Take a look at disabilities and understand how you can create a design that's accessible to all.
57. Mathematics for Computer Science : MIT professors Meyer and Rubinfeld introduce discreme mathematics for computer science and engineering.
58. Biochemical Engineering : This course covers biochemical processes, thermodynamics, and kinetics.
59. Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs : MIT professors Grimson, Darrell, and Szolovits offer an introduction to the principles of computation.
60. An Introduction to Data and Information : Learn how a computer processes data into information.
61. Information Theory : Explore the limits of the representation and transmission of information in this course.

Language, Arts & Design

Get in touch with your artistic side by learning French, studying poetry, and honing your dance skills.

62. Modern Poetry : This Yale poetry course with Professor Langdon Hammer discusses modern poetry, including Yeates, Pound and Frost.
63. French: En Ville : Learn basic French language skills that will help you find your way around a French town.
64. Three-Dimensional Modeling, Animation and Rendering Using Blender 3D Software : This course is an introduction to computer generated 3-D modeling and animation.
65. Beginning Latin: Grammar : Learn the ancient language of Latin in this course.
66. Finding Information in Modern Languages : Learn how to identify and use information in Modern Languages.
67. Introduction to Writing: Academic Prose : Learn how to write academic papers in this course.
68. Producing Films for Social Change : Learn about the basic principles of video journalism, with special attention paid to documentaries for social change.
69. Spanish: Espacios Publicos : This language course focuses on Spanish as a communication tool, as well as Hispanic culture.
70. First Year Chinese I : Get a basic understanding of Chinese speaking and written languages in this course.
71. First Year Chinese II : This course is a continuation of First Year Chinese II.
72. Dance Skills : Learn this expressive art form as a way to communicate through movement.
73. English Grammar in Context : Understand the complexities of English grammar with this course.
74. Studing the Arts and Humanities : Get an introduction to studying the arts and humanities, working on your learning skills.
75. Technology for Professional Writers : Develop technological skills that are needed for today's writing industry with this course.
76. Understanding Theatre : Learn about the enjoyment of theatre as an art form as well as theatre's application to daily life.
77. CALFNES Spanish : This Spanish course is deisnged for non-English speakers.
78. Nature and the Built Environment : This course discusses architecture as it relates to nature, now and in ancient cities.
79. Intermediate Writing: Research Writing in a Persuasive Mode : Develop critical skills for persuasive research writing with this course.
80. Classical Drama and Theatre : Take a look at ancient Greek and Roman theatre in this course.

Health

You're not going to learn how to perform open heart surgery with these classes, but they do offer a wealth of information.

81. Health Issues for Aging Populations : This Johns Hopkins course introduces the study of aging.
82. Introduction to Biology : MIT offers this course as an overview of biology.
83. Introduction to Methods for Health Service Research and Evaluation : Get an introduction to research within health services organizations and systems with this course.
84. Principles of Drug Development : Learn about the principles behind drug development in this course.
85. Implant Dentistry : Learn about implant dentistry in this course.
86. Professional Issues in Nursing : This course helps RNS develop reading, thinking, and writing skills for university study.
87. Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases : This course offers an introduction to the basic methods for infectious diseases.
88. Addiction and Neural Aging : Take a look at specific issues in both neural aging and addiction.
89. Public Health Biology : Get a molecular and biological perspective on public health issues.
90. Population Change and Public Health : Learn about population size and the way it changes public health.
91. Managed Care and Health Insurance : This course provides an overview of insurance and managed care plans.
92. Health Assessment and Promotion : Learn about health assessment, the nursing process, and early detection in this course.
93. Preclinical Complete Denture Prosthodontics : Learn about clinical steps and lab procedures behind complete dentures and other prosthodontics.
94. Genetics : In this course, you'll learn about genetic diseases and more.
95. Ethical Issues in Public Health : This course focuses on ethical theory and issues in health policy.
96. Introduction to Clinical Pain Problems : Learn about the general principles of evaluation and management of common pain.
97. STI Prevention: Using Epidemiology to Inform Policy and Program : Take a look at the issues of sexually transmitted diseases and how they can be controlled.
98. History of Public Health : Understand the historical experience of health and illness.
99. Food Safety, Storage and Allergies : Discuss the safety of foods, concerning their storage, additives, and food technology.
100. Human Growth and Development : Deepen your patient knowledge with this course.
101. Microbiology : Study microbiology as it pertains to infectious diseases in this course.
102. Concepts in Economic Evaluation : Understand economic evaluation as it is related to public health.
103. Ethics of Human Subject Research : Learn about ethical theory and principles as they apply to human subject research.
104. Comtemporary Biosocial Problems in America : Take a look at the application of basic biological ideas to modern American social problems in this course.
105. Opthamology Grand Rounds : Take a look at interesting cases from the New England Eye Center Grand Rounds in this course.
106. Epidemiology and Biostatistics : Get the skills you need to critique medical literature in this course.
107. Reproductive and Perinatal Epidemiology : Learn about current research, issues, and problems in reproductive health and perinatal epidemiology.
108. Renal Pathiphysiology : Learn how the kidneys adapt, all about different disorders, and kidney therapy.
109. Nutrition and Medicine : In this course, you'll learn basic nutrition principles.
110. Family Planning Policies and Programs : Learn about the issues and strategies behind family planning programs, particularly programs in developing countries.

Agriculture & Veterinary Medicine

Take on issues like the environment, veterinary health, and conservation.

111. Agricultural Science and Policy I : Learn about natural resource conservationism in this course.
112. Agricultural Science and Policy II : This second semester course discusses plant nutrients, pests, breeding, and production.
113. Histology : Learn about the microscopic anatomy of animals in this course.
114. Cattle Management : Learn how to manage cattle under drought conditions with this course.
115. Animals at the Extremes: The Desert Environment : This course will show you how animal life adapts to survive extreme habitats.
116. Irrigation & Conveyance Control Systems : Learn about the measurement of flow rates and water levels in irrigation.
117. Plant Diseases & Chemicals : Discuss pesticides for the use of plant disease control.
118. Law and Veterinary Medicine : Get acquainted with the law and ethics behind veterinary medicine.
119. Tropical Ecology and Conservation : Get an in-depth understanding of tropical ecology and conservation biology from this course.
120. Vegetable Gardening and Lawn Care : This course covers soil preparation, planting, and general care related to gardening.
121. Veterinary Respiratory Pathophysiology : This course offers an overview of respiratory physiology and structure.
122. Sprinkle & Trickle Irrigation : Learn about the design and evaluation of irrigation systems.
123. Water Quality : These videos cover water usage and drinking water safety.
124. Population Health : Take a look at the relationship between animal health, human health, public health, and more.
125. Human-Animal Relationships : Learn about the relationships between animals and humans in this course.
126. Zoological Medicine : This course covers the treatment of non-traditional species, such as wildlife, zoo species, and exotic animals.
127. Surface Irrigation Design : Originally developed for the US Department of Agriculture, this course discusses the design and evaluation of surface irrigation systems.

Law & Politics

Brush up on the law and the political process with these classes.

128. Theories of Public Policy : Get a look at policymaking in this course.
129. International Relations : Learn the fundamentals of international relations in this course.
130. Terrorism, Peace and Other Inconsistencies : This course takes a look at 9/11, terrorism, global security, and more.
131. Judges and the Law : Learn about the ways in which judges influence law.
132. Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley : This political theory course discusses the implications of women's rights as they relate to mother Mary Wollstonecraft and daughter Mary Shelley.
133. Introduction to Political Philosophy : Get an introduction to political science with Yale professor Steven B. Smith.
134. Making and Using Rules : Learn how we interpret and apply rules, and how they work in the English legal system.

Social Science

Learn about human phsychology, worldwide social issues, and more with these courses.

135. Death : Yale's Professor Shelly Kagan discusses the issues that arise from realizing one's own mortality.
136. Introduction to Philosophy : This course offers a topics-based introduction to philosophy.
137. Introduction to Psychology : This psychology class from MIT professor Jeremy Wolfe surveys questions about human behavior.
138. Cultural Anthropology : In this course, you'll learn about biological evolution, the evolution of civilizations, and more.
139. Public Opinion : Learn about attitude and public opinion from this course.
140. Introducing Consciousness : Discuss the baffling aspect of conciousness in our minds.
141. Introduction to Philosophy : Get introduced to philosophical questions in this course.
142. Ancient Wisdom and Modern Love : This course takes a look at romance and erotic love, combining philosophy and literature.
143. Substance Abuse and the Family : Learn about how families with substance abusers function.
144. Promoting Positive Development Among Youth : Learn about applied developmental science theory in this course.
145. Women in Islamic Societies : In this course you'll find a survey of issues relating to women in the Islamic world.
146. Introduction to Psychology : Learn about dreams, sexual desires, and other introductory psychology topics with Yale professor Paul Bloom.

History

Learn from the past with these history courses.

147. 19th Century Europe : Learn about life in 19th century Europe in this course.
148. The Roman Empire: Introducing Some Key Terms : Go over key terms that are necessary for an understanding of Roman history.
149. African American History : Learn about the history of African Americans.
150. History of Utah : This course covers the history of the state of Utah.
151. US Institutions : Here, you'll find the US Constitution as a focal point to institutions in America.
152. Islamic Societies of the Middle East and North Africa : This course discusses the religion, history, and culture of Islamic societies in the Middle East and North Africa.
153. History and Civilization : Understand the development of various Western civilizations.

Theology

Take a look at religious development, history, and more.

154. Introduction to the Old Testament : Learn about the religious life and thought of ancient Israel as well as the bible's function as a foundational document in Western civilization with Yale's Professor Christine Hayes.
155. Anthropology of Religion : In this course, you'll find an analysis of religion as a cultural phenomenon.
156. Faith and the African American Experience : Take a look at the historical development in African American faith.
157. Foundations of Theology: Biblical and Historical : This course will familiarize you with the Bible and development of the early Christian church.
158. Latino Theology and Christian Tradition : This class discusses latino theology and traditions.
159. Jews and Christian Throughout History : This course takes a look at the historical interaction of Jews and Christians.
160. Religion Today: Themes and Issues : Discuss the presence of religion in today's world.

Business & Finance

Use these courses to better understand management, economics, and innovation.

161. Principles of Macroeconomics : MIT Professor Huntley Schaller's course gives an overview of macroeconomic issues.
162. Capital Markets : This course covers monetary policy, central banks, and more.
163. Creating an Ethical Organization : Find out what you can do to make your organization more ethical and responsible.
164. Fundamentals of Personal Financial Planning : This course is designed to make financial consumers more aware of issues in financial planning.
165. Introduction to Economics : In this course, you'll focus on economic institutions, history, and principles.
166. Microeconomics for Managers : Here, you'll find an overview of macroeconomic theory and policy.
167. Entrepreneurial Behavior : Find out what's involved in becoming an entrepreneur.
168. Introduction to Microeconomics : This course will teach you about the economics of the marketplace.
169. Understanding Management : Get a clear definition of "management" and information on what's involved in being a manager.
170. Training and Human Resources Development : In this course, you'll learn how to tailor training to your specific needs.
171. International Economics : Learn about trade theory, policy, and international finance.
172. The Concept of Innovation : Examine the concept of innovation, and learn its differences from invention.
173. Medical Product Quality Systems : Learn about the quality control issues behind medical products.
174. E-Marketing : This course, offered in Spanish only, discusses the use of the Internet as a marketing tool.
175. International Multilateral Negotiation : Learn about the tools, techniques, and rhythms of multilateral negotiation.
176. Spa Operations : In this course, you'll learn how to operate a successful spa.
177. Managerial Economics : This course will teach you how to apply microeconomics to management decisions.
178. An Introduction to Business Cultures : Learn about the different cultures behind companies and how they act conceptually.
179. Regulatory Requirements for Pharmaceutical Products : Learn about what's required in pharmaceutical product creation.
180. Business Analysis : Take a look at the new partnership between business and IT in this course.

Family & Education

These courses focus on family, children and better methods for learning.

181. Introduction to Open Education : Understand open education issues like copyright, licensing, and sustainability, as well as learn more about the open education movement.
182. Psychosocial Aspects of Visual Impairment : Better understand students with vision impairments using this course.
183. Intro to Instructional Design : Learn about the design that falls into creating the processes of learning.
184. Producing Distance Education Resources : Learn how to produce resources for online education in this course.
185. Parents and Toddlers: Teaching and Learning at Home : See how children learn at home, and learn about different at-home teaching methods.
186. Why Teach Art? : Learn why art is an important part of the school curriculum.
187. Marriage and Family Relationships : Get a balanced understanding of marriage and the family.
188. Understanding Online Interaction : Better understand how to develop learning environments by learning how people interact online.
189. California Subject Examination for Teachers : Get the test preparation you need for the CSET here.
190. Accessibility of eLearning : Understand the needs of a diverse population of students with this course.
191. Conversation on Instructional Design : Take a look at learning theories, compare the events of instruction, as well as Component Display Theory.
192. Learn and Apply HTML : Designed for instructors, this course will walk you through creating educational pages with HTML.
193. Family Finance : Learn how to manage family values and finances with this course.
194. Data Visualization Theory and Practice : Learn about visualization and why it's important to use in educational instruction.
195. Research for the Classroom Teacher : Learn about a teaching model called Guided Design, and how it can be implemented in your classroom.
196. Instructional Games : Learn about using games to instruct, including products currently on the market and in development.
197. Advanced Topics in Learning Object Design and Reuse : Understand how to create and reuse learning objects.
198. Blogs, Wikis, New Media for Learning : Discover online innovations that are effective for education.
199. Power of Positive Parenting : This course offers information on positive parenting.
200. Connecting People with Online Resources : Learn how to teach others to find high-quality online resources.

Additional Resources

The courses we've listed here are just the tip of the iceberg. Check out these resources for even more free classes online.

• MIT OpenCourseWare : MIT offers a whopping 1800 courses online.
• Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health OpenCourseWare : Learn about public health preparedness, mental health, and more from Johns Hopkins.
• Tufts OpenCourseWare : Get courses from Tufts in medicine, international relations, arts, and sciences.
• UMass Boston OpenCourseWare : UMass Boston has courses in special education, history, and more.
• Notre Dame OpenCourseWare : You'll learn lots from Notre Dame's extensive collection of open courses.
• Utah State OpenCourseWare : Utah offers a variety of course departments, from engineering to education.
• UC Irvine OpenCourseWare : Get technical training and more from UC Irvine's courses.
• The Open University LearningSpace : This site has course materials in hundreds of different topics from arts to natural science.