15 Best Free Online Short Courses – Complete Guide 2023| How to Apply

In the days of yore, when traditional learning was the only form of learning, many students faced distance learning challenges. Some even gave up studying at their desired institution and course of study. But it is all thanks to the advancement of internet technology, which has brought about a significant change in learning and made free online short courses possible.

It brought a change in the face of traditional learning, making it possible for education to be accessed through online courses. That means you can now study any course you want from anywhere you do not mind the distance at a short pace.

According to Purdue University & the National Center for Education Statistics, over 6 million students are taking online courses as part of their higher education program. And almost half of all students enrolled in online courses are educated exclusively through distance education.

This shows that a lot of students are already enjoying this opportunity.

Reading this article carefully will give you insight into an online course and guide you on how to take Free Online Short Courses easily.

See Also: Top 30 Marine Engineering Free Online Courses | How to Apply

The table below summarizes all the points made in this post.

Check out 53+ Free Online Courses at Yale University

What are Online Short Courses?

Online short courses are courses conducted over the Internet that takes a short period to complete. They are generally conducted through a learning management system, in which students can view their course syllabus and academic progress and communicate with fellow students and their course instructors.

Generally, short online courses are self-paced and flexible. They can be massively open online courses, free courses, or online courses with certificates, and they can be taken at traditional universities and other learning platforms.

How do I take Online Courses?

In this section, I’m going to walk you through the steps of how you can take online courses. With these steps, you can be sure of getting the most out of the courses you enroll in.

1. See Online Courses as a Job or Traditional Courses.

Just like you will sit and take a traditional course, be disciplined enough to sit and take an online course as well. Yes, you can be flexible, but put effort into completing it as at when due. See any online course you want to take as a job that must be completed.

2. Set a Goal

Set academic goals and be accountable for the goals. With that, you would know when and how to achieve each goal. Just like you have a timetable for traditional classes, you also have one for your online courses and keep a reminder.

3. Manage Your Time Judicially

Time is limited and should be managed. Though managing your time depends on your class schedule and personality, time management skills can help you achieve a lot at a little pace.

Check Also: Top 60 University of Pennsylvania Free Online Courses| How to Apply

4. Have a Study Space

Since it’s an online course you can take anywhere, choosing an environment conducive to learning is wise. If your kitchen table, library, bed, or bathroom can boost your productivity, make them your studying workspace.

Remember, anywhere you choose must have a strong internet connection.

5. Avoid Distractions

Distractions are learning hurdles that are common among students. Distractions could come from social media, music, movies, or some house activities. The truth is, how much of a challenge these distractions will prove to be will depend on your unique personality and situation.

6. Actively Participate

Participate in the online community of the course to help you better understand the course materials and communicate with your classmates. This might include commenting on a classmate’s article on a message board or asking about a project you’re working on. Read what other students and your professor have to say, and if you have a question, ask for an explanation.

See Also Free Microsoft Online Courses with Certificates

What are the Free Online Short Courses in 2023?

Just as the name sounds, free online short courses are online courses that won’t take you long to complete.
These courses are open to everyone and have articles, videos, peer reviews, and quizzes. Also, some offer certificates at the completion stage.

Here is a list of some free online short courses that can help improve your skills and knowledge:

What are some Free online Courses with Printable Certificates?

Many free online courses come with printable certificates. Some free online courses come with printable certificates, while some attach fees to the certificates, others don’t.

Below is a list of Free Online Courses with free printable certificates you can go for this 2023:

Free Online Masters Degree Courses with Certificates

Online learning is one of the greatest and strongest developments the education industry has undergone for a long period. I dare say that the sector has done a decent job of using new digital technology well, and the result is highly beneficial.

Instead of going to school and facing discomfort and hassle, you might also study anything you want and get a degree of your choosing, like free online master’s degree courses with credentials, in the comfort of your own home.
Check below to see some free online master’s degree courses with a certificate you can go for this 2023:

Now, let’s explain a few:

#1. MIT Media Lab’s Program in Media Arts & Sciences

This program is a free online master’s degree with certificates from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

The school accepts 50 master’s candidates each year, equipping them with skills to create and design innovative human adaptation and enhancement devices that will help improve their lives.

Click below to learn more.

Read Also: 23 Best Stanford University Free Online Courses | How to Apply

#2. Curtis Institute of Music, Master of Music

The Curtis Institute of Music offers a free online master’s degree course with a music diploma, with just around 4 percent of the overall candidate, making it a highly selective program.

To be eligible for this program, you must have a minimum of 32 graduation credits and a Bachelor of Music degree or a degree in a related field.

Click below to learn more.

#3. University of People MBA Program in Management

Master’s degree in Business Administration in Management is a free online master’s degree program with a diploma offered by the University of People. The program takes 15 months of full-time study to complete.

Click below to learn more.

Check Also: 15 Free Online Courses from Harvard University | How to Apply

Having seen the different online programs you can go for, it will be wise to know where to get these courses. This is where online courses, colleges, and universities come to play.

Are there Online Courses at Colleges?

Yes, there are thousands of online courses in colleges in different parts of the world.

In fact, with so many options, it won’t be easy to choose because they all provide high-quality and standard degree program courses.

Aside from that, colleges give students the platform to access higher education and earn as many college degrees as possible just from the comfort of their homes.

The only challenge any student can face is making a choice when it comes to choosing the right college for themselves.

With that in mind, getting to know some of the best online schools where you can still get online program courses is expedient.

What are the Best Online Colleges?

Here are some of the best online colleges and universities that offer online courses with certificates.

#1. University of Florida

Tuition Fees: $129/credit in-state; $553/credit out-of-state

The University of Florida is one of the best online colleges in the world. The school offers online bachelor’s programs that can lead to in-demand careers, including biology, cell science, and nursing. Moreso, the university has more than six hundred master’s degree opportunities.

The University of Florida allows students access to administrative and learning programs, including tutoring and financial help.

To apply for an online program in this school, you must have a GPA of 2.5 minimum for transfer credit.

If you are from a developing country you can check out Free online Courses for Developing Countries

#2. University of Central Florida

Tuition: $179/credit in-state; $716/credit out-of-state

The University of Central Florida is among the best online course schools that provide over 50 undergraduate and graduate degrees.

This university offers 24 bachelor’s degrees, 32 master’s, 3 doctoral degrees, and 33 degrees.

To apply for an online program in this school, you must have a minimum of 2.0 GPA, 120 credits, the ACT or SAT for undergraduate programs, and GRE or GMAT for graduate programs.

Click below to learn more.

Read More: 18+ Free Online Courses at Yale University | Learn Online for Free

#3. Florida International University

Tuition: $206/credit in-state; $619/credit out-of-state

Florida International University provides students with the opportunity to obtain bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees and certificates through distance learning.

Virtual bachelor’s degrees are available in various disciplines. FIU also offers a variety of undergraduate minors and qualifications in crisis mediation, global black studies, translation and analysis, and more.

To apply for an online program at FIU, you must have ACT or SAT scores as an undergraduate student and GRE or GMAT score as a graduate student.

#4. Trine University – Fort Wayne, IN

Tuition: $420/credit

Online degrees at Trine include 6 associate degrees, 11 bachelor’s degrees, 6 master’s degrees. Bachelor’s degrees at this prestigious institution contribute to on-demand hospital management and organizational leadership employment.

The university also requires online learners to invest in financial aid awards for hardware and applications.

Click the link below to learn more.

You might want to see this: 18+ Free Online Courses at Yale University | Learn Online for Free

#5. Colorado State University Global Campus- Greenwood Village, CO

Tuition: $350/credit

Colorado State University offers bachelor’s degrees in accounting and criminal justice, as well as master’s degrees in finance and professional accounting.

Aside from the courses students get, they get other services, such as tutoring, writing help, and technical support, which help them build their academic careers.

To apply for an online program at CSU, you must have a 2.8 minimum GPA, high school transcripts or GED scores, and 120 credits.

#6. Arizona State University- Scottsdale, AZ

Tuition: $5,355/semester in-state; $6,360/semester out-of-state

Arizona State University is another top online school that offers dozens of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university offers 36 bachelor’s degrees, 24 master’s degrees, and 26 graduate certificates.

To apply for an online course at this university, you must have a minimum 2.5 GPA as a transfer student and 120 credits.
Click the link below to learn more about the school and available online courses.

See 15 Free Online Web Development Courses with Certificates

#7. The University of Illinois at Springfield -Springfield, IL

Tuition: $362/credit

The University of Illinois, as a public university, is among the best colleges that offer top-notch online courses with printable certificates.

This top university offers 14 bachelor’s degrees, 12 master’s degrees, and 16 graduate certificates. These degree courses include short courses, free online courses, and courses with certificates in different fields.

To apply for any online course in this school, you must have 121-125 credits, a 2.0 minimum GPA, and high SAT or ACT scores.

Click on the link below to learn more about UIS.

#8. Northeastern University-Boston, MA

Tuition: $541/credit

Northeastern University is a private institution that offers students a platform to pursue online bachelor’s programs in analytics, digital communication and media, and health management, among other majors.

Basically, the university offers 10 bachelor’s completion degrees and 23 master’s degrees to both national and international students.

And to apply, you must have a high school diploma or GED certificate, ACT or SAT scores, and 120 credits.

Click below to learn more

Editor’s Pick: 20+ Free Online Courses at Massachusetts Institute of Technology| Learn Online for Free

#9. Texas Tech University

Tuition: $422/credit

Texas Tech University is one of the most prestigious schools for providing online degree courses with certificates for national and international students.

The school offers 16 fully online bachelor’s degrees, 37 master’s degrees, and 6 doctoral degrees in various disciplines. The disciplines include human sciences, applied leadership, digital media, professional communication, technical communication, and university studies.

These degrees require 120 credits, high school transcripts, and SAT or ACT scores. Click below to learn more.

#10. Pennsylvania State University- University Park, PA

Tuition: $576-$617/credit

Pennsylvania State University is another prestigious school worth considering for online degree programs. The school has several free online courses for both national and international students.

Penn State offers seven associate degrees, 37 bachelor’s degrees, 54 master’s degrees, and one doctoral degree to national and international students.

Some of its programs are in the following areas: human resources, international politics, and strategic communication.

These degrees require the submission of transcripts or test scores, 120 credits, high school diplomas, and ACT or SAT scores. And for transfer students, a minimum of 2.0 GPA is required.

See this: 20+ Free Online Courses for Kids| Learn Online for Free

#11. The Complete iOS 10 Developer – Create Real Apps in Swift 3

• Duration: 48hours 55 minutes
• School: Udemy
• Cost: free
• Level: beginners

The Complete iOS 10 Developer course is a short course for beginners who are interested in developing all the necessary skills required to become a professional IOS developer, some of the topics that will be treated in the course include: How to Create compelling apps, Firebase apps, How to make a GPS make, and to develop RESTful and JSON apps

The course features video courses, a certificate of completion, and the freedom to message the instructor directly.

#12. CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science

• Duration: 12 weeks
• School: Harvard
• Cost: Free
• Level: Beginners

Harvard CS50 is a free online computer science course for beginners. By the end of the course, students should be able to think algorithmically and solve problems efficiently.

It includes a problem set inspired by real-world cryptography, biology, finance, forensics, and gaming domains. By enrolling in Harvard CS50, students will have the opportunity to participate in research about learning. 

This free course will be taught in English, and some of its features include course videos and soft copy notes, printable certificates, assignments, and quizzes. The course schedule and outline were created with the students in mind; they are flexible enough to suit any student’s lifestyle.

From the editor’s desk: 65 Best Free Online Courses with Printable Certificates| A Full Guide

Conclusion

Aside from their cost-effectiveness, free short courses online open up a world of possibilities. It will give you more diverse perspectives than on-campus programs. You will study at your own pace and convenience, teaching you how to use your time properly.

Furthermore, you can be sure of gaining the skills you need to build a professional life and more. So, you can start by enrolling in any of the short courses listed above or visiting any of the colleges to find out which online courses they offer that suit you.

Recommendations