Free Online Courses to Learn Psychology
- Types of Courses
- Introductory Courses
- Brain, Behavior, and Memory Courses
- Research Courses
- Well-Being Courses
- FAQ
- Free online psychology courses are readily available and offered by universities, organizations, and online learning websites.
- You can find free psychology courses that offer an introduction to the field, cover research methods, and provide deep dives into specialized topics.
- Most free psychology courses allow you to pace your learning, and some offer a certification of completion for a fee.
Have you always wondered how humans think and respond to their environments? You may have considered pursuing psychology studies, but are unsure where to begin or which classes to take. Or you may already be pursuing a psychology degree but are looking for enrichment in a given topic.
Learn more about the free classes available online, what topics they cover, and how they might provide a springboard for future studies in psychology.
Types of Free Online Psychology Courses
You can find several high-quality free psychology courses online that explore more refined topics of interest to you. Some are hosted on university-sponsored sites, such as MIT OpenCourseWare, while others are available on independent platforms like edX, Coursera, or Udemy.
Free psychology courses also vary in delivery format, with some offering only written materials, while others provide short video modules or even real-time instruction. Another consideration is the structure and level of self-pacing a course offers. While some classes take only a few hours to complete, others last eight weeks or longer.
Learn about free online classes that cover these topics:
- Introduction to psychology
- Brain, behavior, and memory
- Research in psychology
- Improvement of well-being
Free online psychology courses offer numerous benefits without requiring a financial commitment. However, they often provide limited or no access to instructors if you have questions about the material or course structure. Additionally, they typically don’t offer credit hours toward a degree or certification. Another point to remember is that some free courses are pre-recorded and might not include the latest findings in academic research.
Free Online Introductory Psychology Courses
Introduction to Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University
Designed for independent learners, this course offers an overview of the historical development of psychology and introduces key theories related to lifespan development, intelligence, and psychological disorders. It also provides an introduction to psychological research methods. Students access this course through the Open Learning Initiative but do not receive completion certificates, scored assessments, or college credit.
Introduction to Psychology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Offered through MIT OpenCourseWare, this introductory course gives an overview of the field. Enrollees learn about principles of cognitive function, emotion, perception, memory, learning, childhood development, and personality. The course also covers different aspects of psychopathology. Students can access a free online textbook, reading assignments, and exams with answers to monitor their progress.
Introduction to Psychology, Yale University
This Open Yale Course covers basic theories and principles related to decision-making, perception, and memory. It also answers common questions about human behavior and delves more in-depth into topics such as humor, love, dreams, and hunger. Students can access two exams and several downloadable materials but do not receive a certificate of completion.
Introduction to Psychology, University of Queensland
This course, delivered through edX, may be ideal for individuals wanting to learn more about therapy and mental health. Learners explore the fundamentals of psychological therapy and the treatment of mental disorders, like schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety. The class also covers intelligence, personality, and stress. Students can audit this seven-week, self-paced course for free or pay $249 for scored assessments and a certificate of completion.
Free Online Psychology Courses on the Brain, Behavior, and Memory
Abnormal Psychology, Doane University
This edX course follows an eight-week schedule and examines atypical or unhealthy human behavior. Specifically, students get an introduction to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria for evaluating various psychological disorders. They also learn about environmental, social, and physiological factors that influence human behavior. Participants can download a certificate of completion for $119 or audit the class at no cost.
The Psychology of Thrill Seekers, Emory University
Through five modules, students learn the principles explaining why some people crave new, exciting, or even dangerous experiences. They also understand that the factors that drive the sensation-seeking behavior are in everyone. Learning materials include case studies and peer-reviewed research articles; this free course follows a flexible schedule of approximately two weeks.
Social Psychology, Wesleyan University
This Coursera course includes seven modules that students can complete at their own pace. Topics cover the latest social psychological research on persuasion, group behavior, decision-making, and other areas examining human behavior. Students can enroll for free or subscribe to Coursera Plus to complete assignments and earn a certificate of completion.
Free Online Psychology Research Courses
Introduction to Psychological Research Methods, University of Queensland
Available through the edX portal, this course requires 1-2 hours per week over seven weeks. Students cover hypotheses and research questions, study design, data collection, and analysis in psychology. They also learn how researchers report their findings to the broader psychology community. Learners can audit for free or earn a certificate of completion for $249.
Qualitative Research in Psychology, American Psychological Association (APA)
People learn to explore key psychological questions by conducting interviews and observing individuals’ real-life experiences in various settings. Students also learn the fundamentals of qualitative research, including its history and philosophical basis, during eight weeks of self-paced study. Participants access the course through edX and pay $129 to earn a certificate.
Methods for Quantitative Research in Psychology, APA
This Coursera course introduces students to the principles and best practices of data-driven research in psychology. The nine self-paced modules include 21 assignments to monitor progress. This course is the first in a three-part series that offers additional coverage of quantitative research methods. Participants can enroll for free or earn a certificate of completion with a Coursera Plus subscription.
Free Online Psychology Courses to Improve Well-Being
Be a Better Learner Using Psychology, APA
This course is ideal for both students and lifelong learners. Enrollees learn how to use psychological principles and cognitive strategies to improve their learning, memory, and study habits. This edX class provides a self-paced format over eight weeks. Students can pay $129 for a certificate or take the course for free.
Building Personal Resilience: Managing Anxiety and Mental Health, Harvard University
This edX course teaches research-based skills to help individuals manage stress, prevent burnout, and cope with anxiety. Students will learn to understand their feelings and reduce the impact of negative thoughts by applying cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles. The self-paced program lasts six weeks, and learners can earn a certificate from this free course for $219.
Positive Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Students learn about the principles and history of positive psychology. They also review research studies on the topic and explore how to apply positive psychology to their lives. This free Coursera course includes six modules, which most people complete in one week. Coursera Plus subscribers receive a certificate of completion upon completing the course.
Psychological First Aid, Johns Hopkins University
Students learn the RAPID (reflective listening, assessment of needs, prioritization, intervention, and disposition) Model to respond to trauma and crisis events in positive and productive ways. This Coursera class is six hours long and comprises five modules, along with four application assignments. Enrollment is free and includes a completion certification shareable on LinkedIn.
The Science of Happiness, University of Berkeley
This free class introduces the field of positive psychology and explores the factors contributing to a happy life. Students learn principles for enhancing their happiness and forming strong, meaningful connections with others. This edX course lasts 11 weeks and includes a certification of completion for $169.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best free online psychology courses come from esteemed institutions, such as accredited colleges or universities. The APA is another credible source. Make sure the course description lists an instructor with the appropriate credentials and qualifications.
