Gaining an education in financial accounting, deep learning, programming skills, and more through Harvard online courses can be an excellent way to learn something new or brush up on skills to create more career growth. You can enhance your resume and impress hiring managers by earning an online course certificate from a prestigious Ivy League institution. This guide includes paid and free Harvard online courses that you can explore.
Harvard University online courses are available in a wide range of subject areas, including programming, science, mathematics, humanities, and social sciences. Keep reading for a list of the best Harvard courses available and detailed information about what you will learn.
About Harvard Online Courses
Harvard online courses are taught by Harvard faculty and cater towards the career growth of established professionals—offered in conjunction with its world-renowned department. These departments include Harvard Business School (HBS)—which is renowned for its prestigious and flexible online programs—as well as Harvard Kennedy School, and the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
Harvard regularly implements changes to its online course platforms and features, updating and modifying them to enhance the learning experience and adapt to new technologies. Depending on your area of interest, you can enroll in the university’s data science, financial accounting, artificial intelligence, strategic management, digital marketing, Python, business law, or public policy courses. According to its official website, the university provides online education to 30 million students across 175+ countries.1
Paid Harvard Courses to Explore
Harvard’s online platform uses advanced tools and technologies to provide a better learning experience for students, offering enhanced features, interactive content, and personalized support. Many courses include activities and discussions specifically designed to challenge students’ critical thinking and broaden their perspectives.
Below are Harvard courses with paid enrollment. You can choose the courses to match your career goals, interest in subject areas, time commitment, and financial preferences. Some of these are part of campus programs, and others are offered exclusively for the online community of students.
Please note, these have been verified as of August 2025. All information is subject to change.
| Course Title | Duration | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| A.I., Machine Learning, and the Built Environment | 3 days | Introductory |
| AI Strategy for Business Leaders: From Hype to Impact | 2 days | Intermediate |
| Business Analytics | 8 weeks, Self-Paced | Introduction |
| Computer Science for Lawyers | Self-paced | Advanced |
| Cybersecurity: Managing Risk in the Information Age | 9 weeks, Self-Paced | Introductory |
| Data Science Principles | 4 weeks, Self-Paced | Introductory |
| Design Thinking and Innovation | 7 weeks, Self-Paced | Introductory, Intermediate |
| Designing and Implementing AI Solutions For Health Care | 2 weeks | Advanced |
| Higher Education Teaching Certificate | 8 weeks | Intermediate |
| HMX Biochemistry | 10 weeks, Self-Paced | Intermediate |
| International Finance: Policy, Regulation, and Transactions | Self-Paced | Advanced |
| Persuasive Communication: Narrative, Evidence, and Impact | 2 weeks | Intermediate |
| Public Leadership Credential | 6 weeks, Self-Paced | Intermediate |
| Reducing Racial Disparities in Health Care | 5 weeks, Self-Paced | Introductory |
A.I., Machine Learning, and the Built Environment
Harvard computer science courses, such as this online course in the applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in problem-solving, are a great opportunity for professionals to update their knowledge in the field.
This introductory course focuses on the applications of artificial intelligence in the real estate and architecture fields. Students will learn how to manage a team and lead successful machine learning projects.
AI Strategy for Business Leaders: From Hype to Impact
This two-day, in-person course is designed for students eager to learn about artificial intelligence trends and how to visualize and frame the business implications of this technology.
Students will earn a certificate of participation upon completion of the course.
Business Analytics
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for operations research analysts is projected to grow by 23% until 2033, and business analytics occupations fall under this category.2 Harvard Business Online’s courses are a great way to increase your chances of advancing a career within an in-demand industry.
This business analytics course will help you build the fundamental skills you need to interpret data and use it to inform business decisions. Students will develop and test hypotheses, implement regression analysis, analyze relationships between variables, and more.
Computer Science for Lawyers
You can find Harvard computer science courses that specialize in a range of fields. Whether your career is in cyber space law or social work, this social science and IT course can bolster it greatly. This class will cover the foundations of an array of information technology subjects.
You will acquire basic skills in programming languages, database design, cyber security, web development, computational thinking, and cloud computing. If you are a social science or law professional looking to gain foundational technology-driven skills, then this Harvard online course is worth taking.
Cybersecurity: Managing Risk in the Information Age
Cyber security is a growing field that is prevalent across all online industries. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that information security analysts are in high demand, with a steady 33% job growth outlook until 2033.3 If you want to become a cyber security analyst, risk analyst, or business analyst, then this course is ideal.
This cyber security course covers cyber risk, mitigation strategy, threat identification, incident response, and business systems. You will also learn about network security, data security, cyber law, and data integrity.
Data Science Principles
This Harvard University online course is perfect for managers hoping to gain a basic understanding of how to use data science in a modern business. Students will learn major concepts and tools and gain an appreciation for the importance of curating effective data sets.
Design Thinking and Innovation
Looking to gain insight into user experience and product design? This introductory-intermediate course about design thinking and innovation is a great place to start. This Harvard online course is catered toward aspiring product managers and designers. It covers design frameworks, prototyping, human-centered design, and design principles.
This course also provides user values, stakeholder analysis, behavioral models, and ideation tools. Offered in association with the Harvard Business School, this self-paced online course provides a certificate upon completion.
Designing and Implementing AI Solutions For Health Care
This online, instructor-led artificial intelligence (AI) course offers a real-world learning environment for students interested in the applications of AI in the healthcare sector. This course is best suited for healthcare, biology, and clinical professionals looking to add advanced data science skills to their resumes.
Within the course, you will learn how to implement AI solutions using data infrastructures, computer interfaces, and deep learning. The course also covers topics related to machine learning, biostatistics, bioinformatics, and big data. Students will earn a certificate of completion at the end of the course.
Higher Education Teaching Certificate
This course is best suited for educational professionals looking to add a reputable teaching certificate to their portfolio. Harvard University offers this certification course in partnership with GetSmarter with edX, and the course covers teaching development, higher education, and teaching subject areas.
The course will explain key characteristics that translate into excellence in teaching, including knowledge communication, assignment design, and lesson delivery. You’ll also learn how to create an inclusive education environment and enhance your interpersonal skills.
HMX Biochemistry
If a career in biochemistry, biology, or medicine is your goal, then this could be an excellent Harvard course for you. The course covers thermodynamics, glycolysis, bypass reactions, metabolic networks, osmolarity, hydrophobic effect, protein structure, and enzyme cascades. This course is offered in association with Harvard Medical School, and students will earn a certification of achievement upon completion.
International Finance: Policy, Regulation, and Transactions
In this course, you will learn financial management, banking regulation, global banking markets, security regulations, and international financial systems. Having this Harvard certificate can be beneficial for your finance, economics, or business career.
This course also covers economic approaches, fintech, and financial policy regulations. It is offered in conjunction with Harvard Law School. This means it will also help public policy advisors and financial lawyers.
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Persuasive Communication: Narrative, Evidence, and Impact
This instructor-led, communication course is a professional development course that will help you connect with a range of professionals and peers, ultimately enhancing your persuasive communication abilities. The course will help you build a successful policy landscape career.
The course covers data visualization and policymaking while also providing career growth opportunities by organizing peer interaction. It is one of Harvard’s more expensive courses, but could be worth it for your career goals.
Public Leadership Credential
This Harvard management course will boost a public policy advisor’s professional portfolio by adding design thinking, data analysis, and evidence analysis skills. You’ll be taught evidence-based decision-making, leadership ethics, and policy delivery and design.
Reducing Racial Disparities in Health Care
This self-paced course can be extremely valuable for anyone working in the healthcare field. Students learn how to identify racial disparities, evaluate the causes, and work to eliminate the disparity head-on. Using the Kotter method, students will identify organizational gaps and needs and implement executable strategies to improve the problem.
Free Harvard Courses to Explore
Please note, these have been verified as of August 2025. All information is subject to change.
| Course Title | Duration | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Applications of TinyML | 6 weeks, Self-Paced | Intermediate |
| Bioethics: The Law, Medicine, and Ethics of Reproductive Technologies and Genetics | 10 weeks, Self-Paced | Introductory |
| CS50’s Computer Science for Business Professionals | 6 weeks, Self-Paced | Introductory |
| CS50 for Lawyers | 10 weeks, Self-Paced | Introductory |
| CS50’s Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python | 7 weeks, Self-Paced | Intermediate |
| CS50: Introduction to Computer Science | 11 weeks, Self-Paced | Introductory |
| CS50’s Understanding Technology | 6 weeks, Self-Paced | Introductory |
| Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 1: The Electrical Properties of the Neuron | 5 weeks, Self-Paced | Introductory |
| High-Dimensional Data Analysis | 4 weeks, Self-Paced | Intermediate |
| Introduction to Bioconductor | 4 weeks, Self-Paced | Intermediate |
| Introduction to Linear Models and Matrix Algebra | 4 weeks, Self-Paced | Intermediate |
| Nonprofit Financial Stewardship Webinar: Introduction to Accounting and Financial Statements | Self-Paced | Introductory |
| Principles, Statistical, and Computational Tools for Reproducible Data Science | 8 weeks, Self-Paced | Intermediate |
| Statistics and R | 4 weeks, Self-Paced | Intermediate |
| Systematic Approaches to Policy Design | Self-Paced | Introductory |
Harvard Online also offers a myriad of free courses covering numerous subject areas. Below are some courses to explore, spanning computer science, data science, business, mathematics, biotech, and law. Choose the courses that aid and advance your professional ambitions.
Applications of TinyML
If you are interested in a career in deep learning, machine learning, or artificial intelligence, then this TinyML course is the one. Like all HarvardX courses, it is offered on edX.com. The curriculum covers TinyML application codes, anomaly detection, keyword spotting, and visual wake words.
Additionally, the course covers topics in subject areas including data science, computer science, and embedded systems. While you can audit the course content for free, you can also buy a verified certificate of completion for $299.
Bioethics: The Law, Medicine, and Ethics of Reproductive Technologies and Genetics
This free Harvard online course is best suited for bioethics lawyers wishing to learn the applications of the law within the human clinical biology field. You will learn about the legality behind surrogacy, reproductive technology, sperm donation, human tissue, and genetic information. The course also offers a verified certificate for an additional $219.
CS50’s Computer Science for Business Professionals
Whether it’s website development or cloud computing, the business sector today is highly integrated with technology. That is one reason why free computer science courses at Harvard are so in demand.
You should check out this Harvard edX course if you are a business professional looking to gain in-demand tech skills. The course empowers you to gain control over essential technological tools and skills needed in today’s business environment. It covers programming languages, data structures, business intelligence, web development, and Internet technologies.
CS50 for Lawyers
This course is apt for both law students and aspiring law students looking to gain information technology (IT) and cyber security skills. The course covers topics relevant to the combination of law and technology. You will learn foundational data structures, cyber security, computational thinking, cryptography, and application scalability.
This course is available for audit. If you’d like to earn a verified certificate, you can purchase one upon completion for $299.
CS50’s Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python
You can find free online Harvard coding courses offered by the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. This selection covers foundational Python and artificial intelligence (AI). If you are a budding AI engineer or a data scientist, this free course is worth investigating. It covers machine learning, AI principles, neural networks, deep learning, algorithms, and Python.
CS50: Introduction to Computer Science
This free Harvard online computer science course is a good choice for novices. It provides an introductory understanding of programming and computer science. You’ll be taught SQL, Python, C, JavaScript, HTML, web development, algorithms, and data structures. You can also earn a certificate for an additional $219 after acquiring the minimum passing grade.
CS50’s Understanding Technology
This course is targeted toward technology beginners who want to know the basics of computer science. It covers web development, programming, multimedia, and security. The course also covers foundational HTML, SQL, Python, CSS, HTML, and JavaScript. This is a great free HarvardX course that will help you determine if a career in computer science is for you.
Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 1: The Electrical Properties of the Neuron
Harvard edX offers three free courses covering the fundamentals of neuroscience, and this is the first part of the trilogy. The courses are designed for aspiring neuroscientists or biologists. This first part covers the fundamentals of bioelectricity, the nervous system, action potentials, and neuroscience.
High-Dimensional Data Analysis
The field of data science and data analysis is rapidly taking over all major sectors. Data analysis is a great item for your resume, as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects job growth outlook to remain at 36% until 2033.4 This course covers topics including data visualization, biostatistics, data analysis, R, and data science. You will also learn dimension reduction, dimensional scaling plots, mathematical distance, component analysis, and batch effects.
Introduction to Bioconductor
If you want a career in biology and data science, this might be the best free Harvard online course for you. It is an intermediate course that covers biostatistics, R, data analysis, biology, and data science. Students will learn bioconductor genomic ranges, genomic annotation, microarrays, and next-generation sequencing.
Introduction to Linear Models and Matrix Algebra
This data science and mathematics course is best suited to aspiring data scientists or computer scientists. It covers topics surrounding data science, data analysis, biology, and statistics. You will learn matrix algebra notation, linear models, QR decomposition, and R. This course can be audited for free, and an official certificate costs $219.
Nonprofit Financial Stewardship Webinar: Introduction to Accounting and Financial Statements
This accounting and finance course covers risk management, financial accounting, and nonprofit accounting. This course will help you develop the business skills that are essential across today’s job market. The course is offered as a webinar in association with the Harvard Kennedy School and does not offer a purchasable verified certification.
Principles, Statistical, and Computational Tools for Reproducible Data Science
This is another free data science course offered by HarvardX. It covers topics related to data science, data analysis, and statistics. You will learn analysis paradigms, statistical tools, computational tools, and reproducible data. It also teaches GitHub, Dataverse, Notebook, Pandoc, Spyder, and RStudio. You can pay $99 to earn a certificate of completion.
Statistics and R
Having statistics and R skills is crucial to building a data science or data analysis career, and free Harvard online coding courses can be a great way to acquire them. You will learn random variables, distributions, exploratory data analysis, non-parametric statistics, and inference. This course is hosted on edX and is free if you don’t want to purchase the certificate of completion.
Systematic Approaches to Policy Design
This free course is targeted toward established public policy advisors and other government officials seeking to gain data science skills. It will cover the three primary systematic approaches to analytical decision-making. It will also help you learn foundational skills to start the Public Leadership Credential (PLC) program at Harvard.
How to Choose an Online Course from Harvard
There are several factors you should consider when choosing an online course from Harvard University, including the learning curriculum, your financial preference, and the certification the course offers. Below are some primary factors you should take into account while browsing Harvard courses.
- Curriculum. There are often multiple Harvard edX courses available in the same field. Find out the topics necessary for your career growth and choose the course that matches those preferences. For instance, if you are a beginner, be sure to choose a course that includes foundational topics.
- Financial preference. Considering financial factors while choosing a paid Harvard University course is essential. The online courses at Harvard can be quite pricey, and even Harvard’s free online courses require a fee for a certificate of completion. So, be sure to choose a course that will assist with your career growth.
- Certificates. Harvard University also offers many free online courses in partnership with edX and other online course platforms. A factor to consider while choosing a free course is the availability of a verified certificate. Those who wish to receive a certificate should choose courses that offer one.
- Course length and schedule. Another crucial factor to consider is the course timeline and schedule. Harvard online courses are offered on both a self-paced and a live delivery schedule. You should look into the required number of study hours per week and ensure that it matches your preference.
- Professor or department. Harvard faculty are known for being top in their fields, and acquiring a certification from this Ivy League institution can boost your professional portfolio. You can further enhance it by enrolling in a course that is offered by a highly reputable department or faculty.
Are Online Courses at Harvard Worth It?
Harvard’s free online courses and paid courses can be worth it if you are looking to earn a reputable certificate from a world-famous Ivy League university—and with instruction from their prestigious Harvard faculty. Harvard University offers tons of courses in the areas of data science, computer science, education, and business, and having an additional certification is helpful for your career.
You can also choose to enroll in several free courses offered by Harvard University. The school offers hundreds of beginner to advanced courses that will help you master a subject area. Harvard online courses are offered in association with its law, business, computer science, and engineering departments.
Harvard Online Courses FAQ
Harvard online courses are open to all students, but some paid online courses offered by the school in conjunction with the university departments require students to meet their prerequisites. All free courses offered by Harvard University are for everyone, including international students and high school students.
Harvard Courses cover a myriad of subject areas, including art and design, business, education and teaching, health and medicine, mathematics, and social science. Harvard online courses are catered towards both subject novices looking to learn a skill from scratch and experts seeking to add university certifications to their professional portfolios.
Are Harvard online courses the same as Harvard University courses?
No, Harvard online courses are not the same as Harvard University courses, as Harvard University offers courses that contribute to a degree program. HarvardX, on the other hand, offers short-term certificate or non-certificate courses focusing on a specific subject area.
How do free Harvard online courses work?
You can find all available courses on the Harvard website, and there are filters available to separate only free options. You can also enroll on the edX website. If the course is self-paced, you can access the content immediately. If the course is live, you will need to wait until the appropriate date. While the content is free, you will need to pay a fee if you want a certificate of completion (fees vary and depend on the course you choose).
Sources:
1 https://harvardonline.harvard.edu/
2 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/operations-research-analysts.htm/
3 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm
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