In today’s scenario,  online courses are a great way to boost people’s employment prospects. These courses add a little extra something to people’s CV and are a great talking point in interviews and is a great way to spend One’s free time.  Nowadays, with so many established higher education institutions are offering free online courses, it is quite a challenge deciding which one Students should go for, which will prove beneficial for their future. A few of the most popular free online courses from some of the best schools in the world are as follows-

• Harvard University-

Harvard University offers over 600 free online courses and also enables you to get a taste of an Ivy League education for free of cost. Some of the few courses students really opt are:-

1. Shakespeare’s Life and Work- students will Learn how to read William Shakespeare’s plays, while also learning his biography over the course of four weeks. This course also covers Elizabethan and Jacobean history and modern performance.

2. The Justice- An introduction to moral and political philosophy, Justice explores critical analysis of classical and contemporary theories over this 12-week course. Students will read texts by Aristotle, John Locke, Immanuel Kant, Jon Stuart Mill, and John Rawls.

3. The Health Effects of Climate Change- Climate change is more topical than ever. In this seven-week course, students will find out how global warming impacts human health as well as how we can help to diminish its effects.

• University of California, Irvine-

University of California, Irvine offers numerous courses on a wide range of subjects. There are several that might spark the interest of students are as follows-

1. Better Business Writing in English- This course promises to help students develop a personal voice in their writing, giving them the opportunity to practice their writing skills in different types of business communications and interactions.

2. Introduction to Electronics- students can Learn about the basic components of electronics- diodes, transistors, and op-amps. These courses are perfect for those who want insight into electrical engineering and technology.

3. Games without Chance- Combinational Game Theory- A beginner’s guide to combinational game theory. The course covers the mathematical theory and analysis of simple games without chance moves and various other aspects.

• Georgia Institute of Technology-

The Georgia Institute of Technology has been offering online courses since 2012. Since then, 3.3 million students have enjoyed these world-class courses, in a wide range of topics. Some popular topics are as follows-

1. Data Analytics in Business- The Data analytics course helps students to understand data and business analytics. It then gives students, the opportunity to apply these business analytics algorithms and methodologies to real-world business datasets. 

2. Innovation Leadership- A six-week course for people who are looking to become an innovation leader. Here people will learn why innovation leaders are essential for growth and how to become one.

3. Supply Chain principles- The 15-hour course is a great introduction for students who looking to pursue a career in the supply chain. It will help students to gain an understanding of the extended supply chain and make them aware of the career paths available.

• École Polytechnic-

École Polytechnic is a leading French institute that combines top-level research, academics as well as innovation at the cutting edge of science and technology. It offers 29 online courses, 10 taught in English, and 19 taught in French. There are several that might spark the interest of students are as follows-

1. An Introduction to Probability- These courses are taught in French, this is a two-part course offering weekly classes that teach the basics of probability, giving students a gradual yet thorough understanding of probability and how it’s used in the actual world.

2. How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper- These courses are designed for students with previous experience in academic research, this course will do exactly what it says in the title. Taught in English, students will learn to accurately write and publish a full scientific paper in four weeks around.

3. From Particles to Stars-  People often wonder how the Universe was formed, how it has evolved in the last 14 billion years, or even what the universe is made up of, then this is the course for them. The course lasts for around ten weeks and is taught in the French language.

• Michigan State University-

It is one of the largest universities in the United States, Michigan State University offers a selection of online courses. There are several that might spark the interest of students are as follows-

1. Become a Journalist-  Report the News- Students Study journalism’s impact on society and issues and trends. Learn best practices and ethical standards for newsgathering processes. This course takes approximately six months to complete and is great for aspiring journalists all around the world.

2. Writing a Feature-Length Screenplay for Film or Television- Around Over the course of 20 weeks, students will write a complete, feature-length screenplay for film or television. They will be taught a structured process that allows students to produce a polished script and writings.

3. Art for Games Specialization-  These are beginner-focused course will teach students the essentials of 2D and 3D game art production over a period of six months approximately.

• California Institute of the Arts-

The Ranking 20th worldwide for Art and Design in the QS World University Ranking by Subject 2020 is the California Institute of the Arts. There are several that might spark the interest of students are as follows-

1. Graphic Design Specialization- These are six-month course teaches the fundamental skills needed for graphic design. Students will also complete a project which can be used for a professional portfolio.

2. Sharpened Visions-A Poetry Workshop- these ten-hour courses will make students learn about the key poetic terms and devices by studying a range of poems by modern and contemporary poets. Students will also get the chance to write your own poems and get feedback from professionals.

3. Language of Design- Form and Meaning- In this course, students will carry out an objective analysis of a work of graphic design in this course, critiquing its effectiveness. It is a course for beginners and will take eight hours to complete approximately.

Therefore, students can choose amongst these trending courses according to their convenience and interests and that too free of cost.