Free Harvard University Online Courses You Can Take Today

Learning from one of the world’s most respected universities no longer requires setting foot in Cambridge or paying tuition fees. Thanks to online platforms, Harvard University now shares a wide variety of courses for free, allowing anyone, anywhere, to access top-tier education. These courses span computer science, leadership, public policy, health, and the humanities. The real benefit is the flexibility: choose what matches your goals and complete it at your own pace.

This guide introduces Harvard’s free online learning opportunities and shows how to make the most of them.

Browse the official collection of Free Harvard Courses.

Why Harvard Offers Free Courses

Harvard’s mission includes broadening access to high-quality education. By collaborating with platforms like edX and Harvard Professional & Lifelong Learning, the university extends its reach to millions of global learners. These aren’t “lite” versions—course materials are created by Harvard faculty and align to rigorous academic standards. In many cases there are no prerequisites, making it easier to start learning right away.

Spotlight on Key Areas of Study

1) Computer Science and Technology

Harvard’s CS50 series is famous for making computer science approachable for beginners and valuable for professionals.

• CS50’s Computer Science for Business Professionals
• CS50’s Computer Science for Lawyers
• CS50’s Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python
• CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science
• CS50’s Introduction to Game Development
• CS50’s Introduction to Programming with Scratch

2) Data Science and Statistics

Build practical skills in statistical thinking, R programming, and high-dimensional data analysis for real-world decisions.

• Introduction to Linear Models and Matrix Algebra
• Statistical Inference and Modelling for High-throughput Experiments
• High-Dimensional Data Analysis
• Statistics and R
• Introduction to Bioconductor
• Case Studies in Functional Genomics
• Advanced Bioconductor
• Using Python for Research

3) Leadership and Public Policy

Strengthen leadership capability and understand how institutions shape policy and society.

• Leaders of Learning
• American Government: Constitutional Foundations
• U.S. Political Institutions: Congress, Presidency, Courts, and Bureaucracy
• Citizen Politics in America: Public Opinion, Elections, Interest Groups, and the Media
• U.S. Public Policy: Social, Economic, and Foreign Policies
• Leadership: Creating Public Value

4) Health and Global Impact

Learn how evidence, quality, and systems thinking improve outcomes in communities worldwide.

• Strengthening Community Health Worker Programs
• Child Protection: Children’s Rights in Theory and Practice
• Lessons from Ebola: Preventing the Next Pandemic
• Improving Global Health: Focusing on Quality and Safety
• The Health Effects of Climate Change

5) Humanities and Broader Learning

Explore ideas that shaped civilizations—from ancient archaeology to ethics, energy, and entrepreneurship.

• Introduction to Digital Humanities
• Pyramids of Giza: Ancient Egyptian Art and Archaeology
• The Einstein Revolution
• Calculus Applied!
• Introduction to Probability
• Energy Within Environmental Constraints
• Technology Entrepreneurship: Lab to Market
• Justice Today: Money, Markets, and Morals

How to Make the Most of These Courses

• Block consistent study time in your calendar—small, daily sessions beat long, irregular ones.
• Pick two courses that align with an immediate goal (career move, skill gap, personal interest).
• Apply what you learn within a week (code a small script, analyze a dataset, draft a policy brief).
• Use discussion forums to ask specific questions and compare approaches.
• Capture notes and action items in a single document to track progress and wins.

Benefits Beyond Certificates

Optional paid certificates exist for many courses, but the most significant ROI comes from skills and insight. Expect better problem-solving, sharper communication, and broader perspective—advantages that outlast any document.

Harvard’s free online courses remove barriers to world-class education. Whether your interests lie in coding, leadership, global health, or the humanities, these opportunities let you learn from a leading institution at no cost. Select a course, dedicate the necessary time, and begin building momentum today.