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Princeton University offers free online courses through platforms like Coursera, edX, and Kadenze. These allow students worldwide to learn about topics ranging from Bitcoin to the psychology of Buddhism without barriers of location or cost.
Unlike some other top universities, Princeton does not provide certificates of completion for its MOOCs, meaning you won’t receive a credential to add to your resume or LinkedIn profile. All courses are free without paywalls but don’t include graded assignments or certification options.
Explore some popular free courses from Princeton on edX, Coursera, and Kadenze.
1. Algorithms, Part I
Free to enroll
Length: 54 hours
“Algorithms, Part 1” provides programmers with a fundamental understanding of algorithms and data structures. It focuses on basic concepts like data structures, sorting, and searching algorithms, particularly on Java implementations and performance analysis.
In contrast, “Algorithms, Part 2” delves into more advanced topics, including graph algorithms and string-processing techniques.
2. Buddhism and Modern Psychology
Free to enroll
Length: 16 hours
This course explores how modern scholars examine Buddhism, especially meditation and mindfulness. It examines whether these practices can help us become better and happier people. For example, it discusses whether neuroscience reveals how meditation works or overshadows its spiritual benefits.
The course also examines counterintuitive ideas, such as the concept that the self might not exist or that much of what we perceive as reality could be an illusion. You can find a full review of the course here.
3. Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies
Free to enroll
Length: 23 hours
This course explores the technical side of Bitcoin, covering its fundamentals, security, price factors, and regulation possibilities. By the end, students will understand Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies well and learn the basics to develop secure software for the Bitcoin network.
4. Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose
Free to enroll
Length: 88 hours
This course is designed for students who want to learn programming in a scientific context. While becoming proficient in Java is a goal, the main focus is core programming concepts.
In this first course, students will cover the first half of the book “Computer Science: An Interdisciplinary Approach.” They will learn basic programming elements like variables, conditionals, loops, arrays, and input/output. The course then moves on to functions, exploring concepts like recursion, modular programming, and code reuse. Finally, students get a “modern introduction” to object-oriented programming.
5. Paradoxes of War
Free to enroll
Length: 13 hours
This social science course explores the idea that war reflects both our primitive instincts and our highest civilized values.
Students start by learning basic military history and sociology. They then apply this knowledge to broader social themes and war-related issues. For instance, they discuss how gender roles in war influence expectations of masculinity and how “us-versus-them” thinking can promote nationalism.
6. Effective Altruism
Free to enroll
Length: 12 hours
Peter Singer, the author of “The Best You Can Do: How Effective Altruism is Changing Ideas About Living Ethically,” teaches this class about living a fully ethical life by doing the best possible. Students explore the philosophy of effective altruism, learn from people who have adopted this approach, and consider how they can apply it.
7. The Art of Structural Engineering: Bridges
Free to enroll
Length: 8 weeks
In this course, students study bridges from three angles: efficiency, economy, and elegance. By looking at significant bridges built after the Industrial Revolution, they learn how engineering can be an art form and discuss the economic and social factors in bridge design.
This is the first course in the “Art of Structural Engineering” series, with another course on vaults taught by Dr. Maria Garlock, a professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Princeton University.
8. The Art of Structural Engineering: Vaults
Free to enroll
Length: 6 weeks
In this course, students learn to analyze vaults from three perspectives: efficiency, economy, and elegance. The course covers famous vaults like the Pantheon but mainly focuses on examples of the post-Industrial Revolution using various materials.
This course is designed for everyone, so you don’t need advanced math or engineering knowledge to participate fully.
Note: This course is archived so you can review the content, but it is no longer active.
9. HOPE: Human Odyssey to Political Existentialism
Free to enroll (currently unavailable)
Length: 10 weeks
HOPE is an interdisciplinary course created by Princeton and Tel Aviv University that examines key philosophical themes like happiness, love, hope, religion, and freedom through existentialism. The course mainly focuses on political science and philosophy but also includes elements from history, sociology, psychology, and economics.
10. Making Government Work in Hard Places
Free to enroll
Length: 8 weeks
This course is about making positive changes in tough situations. It teaches you not just to dream of a better future but also to build new institutions, practices, and policies to transform society in a lasting way.
Each week, students tackle different real-world challenges. They read case studies, analyze problems, develop a toolkit for solutions, and apply what they’ve learned to another case.
Conclusion
there are 10 Princeton courses you can take online for free, including a popular introductory algorithms class. These courses provide a valuable opportunity to learn from one of the world’s top universities without any cost, covering a wide range of subjects to suit various interests and educational goals.
FAQs
Q1: Are these courses free?
Ans: Yes, these Princeton courses are available online for free.
Q2: Do I get a certificate upon completion?
Ans: Some courses may offer a certificate for a fee, but access to the course content is free.
Q3: Do I need any prior knowledge to enroll?
Ans: Course prerequisites vary. Some may require background knowledge, while others are designed for beginners.
Q4: Can I access these courses at any time?
Ans: Yes, these courses are typically self-paced, allowing you to start and complete them at your convenience.
Q5: What platform are these courses available on?
Ans: These courses are usually hosted on platforms like Coursera or edX.
Q6: Is there any interaction with Princeton professors?
Ans: While Princeton professors teach the courses, interaction is generally limited to pre-recorded lectures and course materials.
Q7: How long does each course take to complete?
Ans: The duration varies by course, ranging from a few weeks to several months, depending on the course’s complexity and your pace.
Q8: What subjects do these courses cover?
Ans: The courses cover a variety of subjects, including computer science, philosophy, history, and more.
Q9: Can I use these courses for academic credit?
Ans: These free courses usually do not count towards academic credit at Princeton or other institutions.
Q10: How do I enroll in these courses?
Ans: You can enroll by visiting the course’s page on the hosting platform and following the registration instructions.
