Are you fascinated by the complexities of the human mind? Do you want to understand more about why we think, feel, and behave the way we do? Exploring psychology can be incredibly rewarding, whether you’re considering a formal degree or simply seeking personal enrichment. The good news is that high-quality education in this field is more accessible than ever, thanks to a wealth of Psychology Courses Online.
These online courses offer a fantastic opportunity to delve into various aspects of psychology at your own pace. While they might not offer academic credit in most cases, they provide invaluable knowledge, allow you to explore specific areas of interest, and can even help you decide if pursuing a psychology degree is the right path for you.
Many psychology courses online utilize flexible, self-paced learning models, featuring engaging video lectures, stimulating assignments, quizzes to test your understanding, and even comprehensive exams. Often, you’ll also find interactive online discussion forums and rich reading materials to enhance your learning experience. To help you navigate the vast landscape of online learning, we’ve compiled a list of 18 outstanding free psychology courses online offered by reputable universities and esteemed psychological associations.
Top Online Psychology Programs to Consider
Explore various bachelor’s programs in psychology available online. Contact the universities below for details on program specifics, start dates, credit transfer options, and financial aid opportunities.
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Dive into the World of Psychology: Course Highlights
Here’s a curated selection of free psychology courses online that can kickstart your journey into understanding the human mind:
1. Introduction to Psychology – Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Offered by: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT’s Introduction to Psychology course stands out as a remarkably comprehensive offering among free psychology courses online. This course provides a robust foundation in the field, covering core areas such as the biological basis of behavior, the intricacies of emotion, the principles of learning, the nature of psychopathology, and the dynamics of social psychology. The course materials are extensive and designed for deep learning, including self-assessment tests to gauge your progress, practical assignments to apply your knowledge, video recordings of actual classroom sessions to simulate the on-campus experience, and even a downloadable textbook to serve as a lasting resource. While the materials date back to 2010 or earlier, the fundamental principles of psychology remain timeless and highly relevant.
Enroll in Introduction to Psychology
2. Introduction to Psychology – Carnegie Mellon University
Offered by: Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University’s Introduction to Psychology course is designed to be accessible to learners of all levels, even though it is part of a series intended for community college students. This course is a particularly valuable resource as it has been updated to align with the DSM-5, the current standard for diagnostic criteria in psychology. The curriculum is structured into 16 units, each thoughtfully divided into an average of four modules, allowing for focused learning on specific topics. While this free psychology course online does not offer formal assessments for grades or the opportunity to earn college credit, it provides a solid and up-to-date introduction to the core concepts of psychology.
Enroll in Introduction to Psychology
3. Introduction to Psychology – Yale University
Offered by: Yale University
Experience a Yale University classroom from the comfort of your home with their Introduction to Psychology course. This free psychology course online features recordings of actual lectures delivered at Yale in 2007, providing an authentic learning atmosphere. It comprehensively covers fundamental topics in introductory psychology, ranging from the complexities of personality and human development to the nuances of emotion and the processes of cognition. Resources include the lecture recordings themselves and supplemental materials to deepen your understanding. However, it’s important to note that this course does not include the official textbooks used in the on-campus course, nor does it offer options for earning academic credit or undergoing formal assessments. Each recording captures a full 75-minute lecture and discussion session from the bi-weekly classes held at Yale, giving you a substantial learning experience.
Enroll in Introduction to Psychology
4. Social Psychology – Wesleyan University via Coursera
Offered by: Wesleyan University through Coursera
Wesleyan University’s Social Psychology course, available on Coursera, offers a flexible learning experience with the option to earn a certificate of completion. This psychology course online delves into the fascinating field of social psychology, exploring how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the presence of others. To earn the certificate, you’ll need to engage with all course materials, including insightful video lectures, thought-provoking assignments, and essential reading materials. It’s important to note that the certificate offered is a certificate of completion, not a professional certification, and the course does not grant college credit hours. If you are considering this course for professional development, ensure that your credentialing organization recognizes Coursera certificates and the associated course hours. Coursera estimates the course workload to be approximately 37 hours. The curriculum is wide-ranging, covering social perceptions and beliefs, the dynamics of communication, group behavior, the contrasting forces of aggression and cooperation, and the practical applications of social psychology in everyday life.
5. The Psychology, Biology, and Politics of Food – Yale University
Offered by: Yale University
Yale University presents a unique and interdisciplinary psychology course online titled “The Psychology, Biology, and Politics of Food.” This course explores the multifaceted relationship humans have with food, examining the psychology of food and eating, the political and social frameworks surrounding food production and policy, and the diverse factors that either support or hinder healthy eating habits and nutrition at both individual and societal levels. Key topics addressed include malnutrition and obesity, the complexities of eating disorders, and the significant influence of environmental and socioeconomic factors on food choices and eating behaviors. Similar to other Yale OpenCourseware offerings, this course uses recordings from 2007 and does not offer certificates or credits. The learning materials include supplemental readings to enrich your understanding, but do not include the required course textbooks.
Enroll in The Psychology, Biology, and Politics of Food
6. Positive Psychology – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill via Coursera
Offered by: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill through Coursera
For those seeking a shorter yet impactful learning experience in the realm of well-being, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Positive Psychology course is an excellent choice among psychology courses online. This course is designed to be completed in approximately 11 hours over three weeks. It delves into the core principles of positive psychology, encompassing the psychology of positive thinking, the pursuit of happiness, and other crucial aspects related to fostering positivity and enhancing psychological well-being. You have the flexibility to take this course as a free audit option, which provides access to all course materials but does not include assessments or a certificate of completion. Alternatively, you can opt for the paid certificate option, which includes six assessments to formally evaluate your learning. If you intend to use this course for continuing education credits, it’s essential to confirm whether your credentialing organization accepts Coursera certificates.
7. BerkeleyX: The Science of Happiness – University of California Berkeley via edX
Offered by: University of California Berkeley through edX
“The Science of Happiness,” offered by UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center on edX, is a pioneering and highly popular choice among psychology courses online. With nearly 600,000 learners enrolled to date, it has established itself as a leading resource in the field. While designed to be accessible to a broad audience, including those without a background in mental health, it also offers valuable insights for professionals in the field. This course is more in-depth, requiring an estimated 11 weeks with 4-5 hours of study per week. The curriculum is rooted in positive psychology and thoroughly explores the nature of happiness, empathy, mindfulness, and various other strategies for improving mental well-being. Like other edX offerings, you can choose to audit the course for free or enroll in the certificate option to receive formal recognition of your completion.
Enroll in The Science of Happiness
8. Psychological Research Specialization – American Psychological Association (APA) via Coursera
Offered by: American Psychological Association through Coursera
The American Psychological Association (APA) offers a comprehensive Psychological Research Specialization course on Coursera, designed to equip learners with essential research skills in psychology. Coursera recommends dedicating approximately three months to complete this specialization. This psychology course online covers the entire research process, from methodologies and ethical considerations to statistical analysis techniques. While primarily aimed at first and second-year college students, it is open to anyone interested in gaining a solid understanding of psychological research. The APA updated the course materials in August 2023, ensuring the content is current and relevant. You can access the course materials for free to explore the content, or you can opt for the paid certificate option, which includes assessments to evaluate your learning. If you are seeking continuing education credit for professional development, it’s crucial to verify with your credentialing organization whether they accept Coursera specializations and the number of credits they may award.
Enroll in Psychological Research Specialization
9. Methods for Quantitative Research in Psychology – American Psychological Association (APA) via Coursera
Offered by: American Psychological Association through Coursera
Another valuable offering from the APA on Coursera is the Methods for Quantitative Research in Psychology course. This focused psychology course online requires approximately seven hours to complete and is particularly well-suited for first and second-year college students. The course is structured into nine modules, with durations ranging from 2 to 60 minutes each, allowing for flexible learning. Similar to the Psychological Research Specialization, you can access the course content for free or choose the paid certificate option, which includes assessments to formally recognize your achievements. For those interested in continuing education credit, it’s important to check with your certifying organization to determine if they accept Coursera credits or specifically this course, and to confirm the number of credits they may grant.
Enroll in Methods for Quantitative Research in Psychology
10. Understanding the Brain: The Neurobiology of Everyday Life – University of Chicago via Coursera
Offered by: University of Chicago through Coursera
If you’re eager to explore the biological foundations of psychology, the University of Chicago’s “Understanding the Brain: The Neurobiology of Everyday Life” is a compelling psychology course online available on Coursera. This course delves into the intricate workings of the brain and the broader nervous system, examining how their biological functions underpin our psychological experiences. The estimated completion time is 27 hours, based on a suggested pace of nine hours per week over three weeks. The curriculum explores the biology of the brain and nervous system in detail, with modules dedicated to specific functions and senses like hearing, vision, and voluntary movements. Like other Coursera courses, you can access the materials for free or opt for the certificate option, which includes 10 assessments to evaluate your understanding.
Enroll in Understanding the Brain: The Neurobiology of Everyday Life
11. Abnormal Psychology – Doane University via edX
Offered by: Doane University through edX
Doane University’s Abnormal Psychology course, offered through edX, provides a comprehensive overview of abnormal psychology within a psychosocial framework of mental health. This free psychology course online covers the classification of psychological conditions using the DSM-5 and explores various treatment approaches for behavioral issues. A key emphasis is placed on cultural and biological diversity factors in understanding and addressing mental health. As with most edX courses, you can audit this course for free to access the learning materials, or you can choose the paid certificate option to receive formal recognition of your completion. While the course does not offer college credit, you may be able to apply it towards continuing education requirements with your credentialing organization; it’s recommended to check with them directly.
12. Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 1: The Electrical Properties of the Neuron – Harvard University via edX
Offered by: Harvard University through edX
Harvard University’s “Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 1: The Electrical Properties of the Neuron” is the first in a three-part series on neuroscience. This psychology course online focuses on neurons and the fundamental electrical principles that govern their function. Typically spanning five weeks, the course consists of four core lessons and a hands-on, do-it-yourself lab session. While considered a beginner-level course, it does assume some familiarity with basic math, algebra, and equation usage. Similar to other edX programs, you can access the course materials for free to learn at your own pace, or you can purchase the certificate option to receive a certificate of completion. The course does not offer college credit but may be applicable towards continuing education requirements; verifying with your relevant professional body is advised.
Enroll in Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 1: The Electrical Properties of the Neuron
13. What is a Mind? – University of Cape Town via FutureLearn
Offered by: University of Cape Town through FutureLearn
One of the unique advantages of online learning is the opportunity to explore diverse perspectives from institutions around the globe. The University of Cape Town’s “What is a Mind?” course on FutureLearn offers a fascinating exploration of the concept of the mind from multidisciplinary and sometimes conflicting viewpoints. This free psychology course online is open to learners from all backgrounds, but it is particularly relevant to individuals in fields such as psychology, neuroscience, psychiatry, neurology, and philosophy. You can take the class for free to engage with the materials or opt to pay for a certificate of completion to demonstrate your achievement.
14. Exploring Play: The Importance of Play in Everyday Life – University of Sheffield via FutureLearn
Offered by: University of Sheffield through FutureLearn
“Exploring Play: The Importance of Play in Everyday Life,” from the University of Sheffield on FutureLearn, delves into the significance of play across the lifespan, drawing from developmental and adult psychology. This psychology course online examines play from a cross-cultural perspective, exploring its definition, its role in innovation, and its varied expressions across different cultural contexts. Requiring approximately three hours of study per week over seven weeks, the course offers a comprehensive look at this often-underestimated aspect of human experience. The course is available as a free audit option, or you can choose a paid certificate option that includes assessments. Notably, the UK-based CPD Certification Service has recognized this program as aligning with continuing professional development principles; however, acceptance by other certifying bodies may vary, so it’s advisable to confirm with your specific organization.
Enroll in Exploring Play: The Importance of Play in Everyday Life
15. Psychological First Aid – Johns Hopkins University via Coursera
Offered by: Johns Hopkins University through Coursera
“Psychological First Aid,” developed by the Johns Hopkins Open Learning Lab and offered on Coursera, is a crucial psychology course online focused on providing immediate support to individuals in distress. This course, requiring approximately six hours to complete, introduces the core principles and application of psychological first aid. The curriculum covers understanding and utilizing the RAPID model (Reflective listening, Assessment and prioritization, Intervention, and Disposition), techniques for effective self-care for responders, and a concluding summary of key concepts.
Enroll in Psychological First Aid
16. Understanding Memory: Explaining the Psychology of Memory through Movies – Wesleyan University via Coursera
Offered by: Wesleyan University through Coursera
Wesleyan University’s “Understanding Memory: Explaining the Psychology of Memory through Movies,” taught by John Seamon, author of “Memory and Movies: What Films Can Teach Us About Memory,” offers an engaging and accessible approach to learning about memory. This unique psychology course online uses movie clips to illustrate key concepts and common misconceptions related to memory and its functions. The course covers a range of topics, including memory processes, the formation of lasting memories, autobiographical memory, amnesia, and various forms of dementia. The estimated completion time is approximately eight hours. Like other Coursera courses, you can participate for free or opt for a paid certificate to document your completion.
Enroll in Understanding Memory: Explaining the Psychology of Memory through Movies
17. The Psychology of Thrill-Seekers – Emory University via Coursera
Offered by: Emory University through Coursera
Emory University’s “The Psychology of Thrill-Seekers” explores the intriguing phenomenon of thrill-seeking behavior. This free psychology course online examines the psychological underpinnings of why some individuals are drawn to high-sensation experiences in work, recreation, and other aspects of life. The course delves into both biological and sociopsychological perspectives on thrill-seeking, exploring its effects on individuals and their relationships. It concludes with a module focused on strategies for effectively channeling thrill-seeking tendencies in healthy and productive ways. The course requires approximately 15 hours of study over three weeks. You can choose to apply for a certificate to formally recognize your completion or audit the course for free to access the learning materials.
Enroll in The Psychology of Thrill Seekers
18. Introduction to Child Psychology – The Open University
Offered by: The Open University
The Open University, a UK-based non-profit education provider, offers “Introduction to Child Psychology,” a unique psychology course online in that it provides a free certificate of completion directly from the institution. Initially published in 2014 and updated in 2020, this introductory-level course requires no prior knowledge of psychology and provides a foundational understanding of child psychology. The course is designed to be completed in approximately eight hours and includes engaging videos and other interactive learning materials. While you can review the course content without formal sign-up, enrollment is required to receive the free certificate of completion, making it a valuable option for those seeking verifiable recognition of their learning.
Enroll in Introduction to Child Psychology
19. Gender and Sexuality – American Psychological Association via edX
Offered by: American Psychological Association (APA) via edX
This course from the American Psychological Association on edX, “Gender and Sexuality,” provides a crucial introduction to fundamental concepts in gender and sexuality studies. This psychology course online differentiates between gender, sexuality, and biological sex, exploring their distinct meanings and interrelationships. It examines romantic relationships, the evolving roles of gender and sexuality throughout different stages of development, and the understanding of gender as a social construct. Offered by the APA as part of their “Psychology in Action” professional certificate program, this self-paced course is designed to take approximately eight weeks, with 2-5 hours of coursework per week. A paid upgrade option is available to earn a certificate upon completion, adding a credential to your learning experience.
Enroll in Gender and Sexuality
20. Positive Psychology – American Psychological Association via edX
Offered by: American Psychological Association via edX
The APA’s “Positive Psychology” course, also part of their “Psychology in Action” professional certificate program on edX, delves into the impactful field of positive psychology. This psychology course online explores the significant influence of positive mental attributes like optimism, hope, and gratitude on our overall mental health and emotional well-being. Beyond examining psychological research into these positive traits and diverse cultural perspectives on happiness and well-being, the course provides practical opportunities for students to apply positive psychology principles in their own lives. The course is structured to take about eight weeks, with a weekly commitment of 2-5 hours, though learners can adjust their pace to suit their individual schedules.
21. Introduction to Clinical Psychology – University of Queensland via edX
Offered by: University of Queensland via edX
“Introduction to Clinical Psychology,” taught by faculty at the University of Queensland and offered on edX, provides a fundamental overview of clinical psychology. This free psychology course online explores the basics of psychological disorders, including conditions like schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety. While focusing on psychological disorders and their treatment approaches, the course also introduces foundational psychological theories related to personality, intelligence, and stress. Requiring 1-2 hours of work per week for seven weeks, the self-paced format allows learners to progress at their own speed. Students have the option to pay a fee to receive a certificate of completion and have their assignments and exams graded by the university faculty, offering a more formal assessment of their learning. This course is also integrated within a broader psychology program offered by the University of Queensland through edX, providing a potential pathway for further study.
Enroll in Introduction to Clinical Psychology
Frequently Asked Questions About Psychology Courses Online
Can I really learn psychology for free online?
Yes! You absolutely can learn psychology for free by taking advantage of the numerous psychology courses online available on platforms like Coursera and edX. Many of these courses are developed and delivered by prestigious universities and organizations, offering introductions to both core psychological principles and specialized topics within the field.
What makes a good free online psychology course?
The best free psychology courses online are typically those offered by reputable institutions, such as accredited universities or respected organizations like the APA. When evaluating courses, consider the instructors’ credentials and ensure they possess the necessary professional qualifications and expertise in the subject matter.
How should I begin studying psychology on my own?
A great starting point for self-directed psychology study is enrolling in a free psychology course online. These courses often provide a structured framework to guide your learning and can be self-paced to fit your schedule, allowing you to focus your studies effectively.
Do free psychology courses online come with certificates?
Generally, most free psychology courses online do not automatically include a certificate of completion. Certificates are often available if you choose to pay an upgrade fee. This fee may also grant you extended access to course materials and ongoing support throughout the course duration. It’s important to carefully review the course details, as the certificate and access policies can vary among different providers.
Are there prerequisites for enrolling in online psychology courses?
No, typically there are no prerequisites to enroll in free psychology courses online. Most of these courses are designed to be accessible to anyone interested in learning, regardless of prior academic background. While some courses might be part of a series, and taking them in a specific order might be suggested, it’s usually not a mandatory requirement for free online access.
Will I receive instructor support in a free online psychology course?
Some free psychology courses online may offer limited access to instructors or student support, but comprehensive support services are often included in paid upgrade options. The upgrade fee frequently covers instructor interaction, personalized feedback, and potentially a certificate of completion. Check the specific course description for details on available support features.
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