24 Free Ivy League Online Courses You Can Take - The Muse

24 Free Ivy League Online Curses You Can Take - The Muse24 Free Ivy League Online Courses You Can TakeLets be real- not everyone can afford to go to an Ivy League school, nor can most people get in to begin with (certainly not I).But lo and behold, the beautiful invention of online education has transformed how we can learn- so much so that with just a click of a button, we can take any course from (almost) any college while sitting on our own couchIf youre itching to gain some extra knowledge, or considering going back to school and want to test the waters first, Ive rounded up the best free online courses, all offered by six of the top institutions in the U.S. The hardest part now will be deciding where you should go. (Just kidding, you can go to all six)Data and Tech1. Introduction to Computer ScienceHarvard UniversityFor all those who never got a chance to learn programming by an elite professor, nows your chance to catch all the basics. This entry-level course will cover C, PHP, JavaScript, SQL, CSS, and HTML, and discuss the context of algorithms and coding in finance, gaming, forensics, and more.2. Introduction to Spreadsheets and ModelsUniversity of PennsylvaniaBecause none of us really know how to use Excel or Google Sheets, heres the perfect class. With this strategy, youll learn how to properly organize your data and analyze it to predict solutions and success, whether youre a small business or large corporation.3. Statistical Thinking for Data Science and AnalyticsColumbia UniversityNot sure what data science is but want to get into it? You should probably take this course to learn how to collect, analyze, and identify data.Environmental Studies4. Introduction to Environmental StudiesDartmouth CollegeBefore considering a career in sustainability, this basic class will help give you a sense of the problems around us, past and present, how our natural system works, and how we can begin to give back to our Earth.5. New Directions EcoPlanning Lecture Se riesHarvard UniversityYouve probably never thought about the environment in terms of how you develop and produce things, right? Well, nows your chance to learn- this class will cover all you need to know about incorporating biodiversity and sustainability into, well, urban environments.6. Introduction to Sustainable DevelopmentColumbia UniversityThis course will talk about how to create a sustainable world while still being economically inclusive to all- in a local and global context.Business and Finance7. People AnalyticsUniversity of PennsylvaniaWant to know the secret to recruiting and hiring the best employees? This course teaches you how to use data to analyze important soft skills in candidates, making you a key player in talent acquisition- and helping your team flourish.8. Networks, Crowds, and MarketsCornell UniversityAll of our worlds are connected- the tech world, our social circles, our economy. So this class will help you begin to see the ties between them and understan d them to your advantage.9. Introduction to Global HospitalityCornell UniversityIf youre interested in going into hotel management, this course will give you all the details, from what career opportunities there are to expert tips to business tactics.10. CopyrightXHarvard UniversityThis cool (and very relevant) class talks about the current laws of copyright- how it encourages or limits creativity, debates behind the law, and whether it should be reformed.11. Introduction to Corporate FinanceUniversity of PennsylvaniaBefore considering breaking into the finance world, take this class. Key big terms include risk-return tradeoff, cost of capital, interest rates, retirement savings, mortgage financing, and more fun concepts12. Introduction to NegotiationYale UniversityI bet everyone could use a bit of a tutorial on how to negotiate with others. This class uses case studies to help you uncover peoples interests and persuade others with fair and valid arguments.13. Introduction to Financ ial AccountingUniversity of PennsylvanniaIn this course, youll learn the basics of accounting and use the three most common financial statements the income statement, balance sheet, and statement of cash flows.Health14. United States Health PolicyHarvard UniversityIf youre one of those people who nods your head absentmindedly when talking about government policy, you should probably check this one out. Itll teach you everything you need to know about the current health care policies at local, state, and federal levels.15. Innovating in HealthcareHarvard UniversityAnd, if youre looking to get involved with healthcare, whether through consulting, managing, volunteering, or technology, this course is a great way to know the ins and outs of health innovation.Entrepreneurship16. Social EntrepreneurshipUniversity of PennsylvaniaLearn from truly experienced entrepreneurs how to create social change, allocate your resources, and test and scale your own enterprise.17. Entrepreneurship and He althcare in Emerging EconomiesHarvard UniversityThis class will mesh together two surprisingly valuable topics- public health policy and entrepreneurship- and how to use both to improve health systems around the globe. Law and Ethics18. Moralities of Everyday LifeYale UniversityTo understand others as well as ourselves, sometimes its best to look into how society, evolution, culture, and religion have influenced our kindness and cruelty. In this class, youll delve into the exciting questions of moral action and how it has changed over time- and maybe understand your cranky co-worker better.19. JusticeHarvard UniversityThis course is an introduction into political philosophy, giving you a broad context of criminal and social justice in our modern system. As advertised, you might just learn how to ask better questions.20. A Law Students Tool KitYale UniversityIf youre looking to eventually go to law school or want to explore the option, this lectures a great way to get started. It wil l cover all the basic terminology, concepts, and resources of lawyers- so youll already be ahead of the game when youre ready to start.Economics21. Microeconomics The Power of MarketsUniversity of PennsylvaniaIf youre curious as to how prices fluctuate, or how our economy functions at a basic level, or how we even make buying decisions, this class is a good start into learning about microeconomics. After this, youll become a critical thinker and influencer in your own economy.22. Game TheoryYale UniversityThis introduction to game theory will help you put into context finance, trading, politics, and how certain behaviors develop and interact.Marketing23. Introduction to MarketingUniversity of PennsylvaniaIts OK if youre a beginner looking to switch into marketing- this course will talk about all the elements, such as customer loyalty, branding, and go-to-market strategies.24. Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious ContentUniversity of PennsylvaniaEver wonder how something can t rend so quickly? Well, this course will explain how viral marketing works and how you can better sell your brand, product, or ideas on social media and the web.