Free Online Psychology Courses
- Our Top 3 Picks
- Types of Psychology Courses
- Introductory Psychology Courses
- Human Behavior Courses
- Psychology Research Courses
- Mental Health Courses
- Choosing the Right Course
- 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.
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Are you curious about why people think and act the way they do? Online psychology courses can help you better understand the human mind and behavior through a scientific lens. Maybe you’re considering a psychology degree and want to learn the fundamentals. Or maybe you’re looking to expand your knowledge with specialized training.
Whatever your goals, you can find free online psychology courses from some of the nation’s top institutions. Many colleges, organizations, and online learning platforms offer free psychology courses. Explore our top picks from leading institutions.
Best Free Online Psychology Courses: Our Top 3 Picks
Whether you’re looking for an introductory psychology course or specialized training in areas like positive psychology and qualitative research methods, these top online courses offer something for every learner.
| Course, Provider | Best For | Difficulty Level | Paid Certificate Option? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Psychology (Yale University) | First-time learners | Beginner | No |
| Positive Psychology (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) | Applied Psychology Insights | Beginner | No |
| Qualitative Research in Psychology (American Psychological Association) | Research-Focused Learners | Intermediate | Yes |
Types of Free Online Psychology Courses
You can find many high-quality free psychology courses online across a range of topics, from introductory concepts to specialized areas. Some are hosted on university-sponsored sites such as MIT OpenCourseWare, while others are available through providers like edX, Coursera, or Udemy.
Free psychology courses vary in format, with some offering only written materials, while others provide short video modules or even real-time instruction. They also differ in length, with some taking only a few hours and others lasting several weeks.
While free online psychology courses provide accessible learning opportunities, they typically don’t include instructor support or count toward academic credit. Another point to remember is that some free courses are pre-recorded and might not include the latest findings in academic research.
Learn about free online classes that cover these topics:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Human Behavior and Cognition
- Psychology Research Methods
- Mental Health and Well-Being
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 cognition, motivation, and wellness. Students access this course through the Open Learning Initiative but do not receive completion certificates, scored assessments, or college credit.
Paid Certificate Option Available: No
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. Students can access a free online textbook, reading assignments, and exams with answers to monitor their progress.
Paid Certificate Option Available: No
Introduction to Psychology, Yale University
This Open Yale Course covers basic theories and principles related to decision-making, perception, and memory. It also 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.
Paid Certificate Option Available: No
Introduction to Clinical 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. Students can audit this seven-week, self-paced course for free or pay $249 for scored assessments and a certificate of completion.
Paid Certificate Option Available: Yes
Free Online Psychology Courses on Human Behavior
Abnormal Psychology, Doane University
This edX course follows an eight-week schedule and examines atypical or unhealthy human behavior. Specifically, students are introduced to the DSM-5 criteria for evaluating various psychological disorders. Participants can download a certificate of completion for $119 or audit the class at no cost.
Paid Certificate Option Available: Yes
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. Learning materials include case studies and peer-reviewed research articles; this free course follows a flexible schedule of approximately two weeks.
Paid Certificate Option Available: Yes
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, and decision-making. Students can enroll for free or subscribe to Coursera Plus to complete assignments and earn a certificate of completion.
Paid Certificate Option Available: Yes
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. Learners can audit for free or earn a certificate of completion for $249.
Paid Certificate Option Available: Yes
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 during eight weeks of self-paced study. Participants access the course through edX and pay $129 to earn a certificate.
Paid Certificate Option Available: Yes
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.
Paid Certificate Option Available: Yes
Free Online Psychology Courses on Mental Health and 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.
Paid Certificate Option Available: Yes
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 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.
Paid Certificate Option Available: Yes
Positive Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Students learn about the principles and history of positive psychology. They also 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.
Paid Certificate Option Available: Yes
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.
Paid Certificate Option Available: Yes
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 science-based 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.
Paid Certificate Option Available: Yes
How to Choose the Right Psychology Course
Choosing the right psychology course can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Consider the following factors to find a course that aligns with your interests, experience level, and goals.
- Determine Your Goal: Start by identifying what you hope to gain from the course. Whether you’re learning for personal interest or preparing for a degree program, your goals can help narrow your options.
- Match Your Experience and Knowledge Level: Introductory courses cover general theories and principles in psychology, making them ideal for beginners. If you want a deeper dive into a topic and practical skills, specialized courses are your best bet.
- Understand the Time Commitment: Free online psychology courses vary in length. Some can be completed in just a few hours, while others require several weeks of study. Consider your schedule and level of commitment.
- Decide If You Want a Certificate: A certificate verifies that you have completed a course and can be presented to schools and employers. Some programs offer a certificate for a fee.
Frequently Asked Questions About Free Online Psychology Courses
You can get free exposure to specialized topics in psychology through online classes that don’t require a financial commitment. Check credible platforms like MIT OpenCourseWare and Coursera for subjects that interest you.
