Last Updated:
Harvard offers free, self-paced online courses in computer science, programming, cybersecurity, and data science.
The courses are ideal for beginners as well as those with some prior experience, and they allow you to learn at your own pace.
Harvard University offers a range of free, self-paced online courses designed for individuals interested in expanding their knowledge across various fields of computer science, programming, cybersecurity, data science, and more. These courses are ideal for beginners as well as those with some prior experience, and they allow you to learn at your own pace, with an estimated time commitment of 6-7 hours per week. Interested candidates can find these courses online on the official Harvard University website for ‘Professional and Lifelong Learning’ – pll.harvard.edu
CS50: Introduction to Computer Science
This introductory course, CS50x, provides a deep dive into the intellectual enterprises of computer science and programming. Taught by Professor David J. Malan, the course covers a wide range of topics, including algorithms, data structures, security, and software engineering, using languages such as C, Python, SQL, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. Problem sets are inspired by real-world domains like biology, cryptography, and gaming. Whether you have prior programming experience or not, this course will teach you to think algorithmically and solve problems efficiently.
CS50’s Introduction to Programming with Scratch
If you’re new to programming, this course is a great starting point. You’ll learn programming through Scratch, a visual programming language that uses graphical blocks to represent code. You’ll cover key programming concepts such as functions, loops, variables, and conditions. This course sets the foundation for further learning in programming.
CS50’s Web Programming with Python and JavaScript
This course takes a deeper dive into web programming, focusing on database design, scalability, security, and user experience. You’ll learn to write and use APIs, build interactive user interfaces, and leverage cloud services like GitHub and Heroku. By the end of the course, you will be equipped with the skills to design and deploy applications on the web.
CS50’s Introduction to Cybersecurity
Designed for both technical and non-technical learners, this course provides an introduction to cybersecurity. You’ll learn how to protect your data, devices, and systems from current threats, and understand the trade-offs between security, usability, and risk. The course includes real-world examples of cyber threats, giving you the knowledge to recognize and evaluate potential security risks both at home and in the workplace.
CS50’s Introduction to Databases with SQL
In this course, you’ll explore databases and SQL (Structured Query Language). You’ll learn how to create, manage, and query relational databases, as well as how to model real-world data using tables, keys, and constraints. The course also covers techniques like data normalization, using views, and optimizing queries with indexes, making it a solid foundation for anyone interested in working with databases.
Data Science: Machine Learning
This course, part of the Professional Certificate Program in Data Science, introduces you to the field of machine learning. You’ll learn about training algorithms using data to build predictive models, including popular techniques such as principal component analysis, regularization, and cross-validation. The course involves building a movie recommendation system, helping you gain practical experience with machine learning algorithms and data analysis.
