8 Free Online Degree Courses You Can Take Now
With free online degree courses, you do not need to visit the four walls of a university before you can study that dream course of yours.
Have you ever wanted to study computer science, law, business or any other dream course of yours in any of the top universities in the World?
What has been the major stumbling block for you? Is it the time, or the resources, to enroll in your favorite University?
Well, whatever it is, you don’t have to worry anymore. In this article, I will introduce to you 8 free online courses you can take and earn a degree at little or no cost at all.
However, some of these courses may not be completely free as you might be required to pay for certain minor fees like exams and application fees. But you can also apply for financial aid and take them for even less than the stated amount or free of charge.
One thing you’re sure of is that you won’t be paying the same outrageous fees it costs to attend a traditional university.
But it is important to note that the value of the programs remains the same, as you’d be learning from the same lecturers who handle the traditional courses.
You can take online degree courses on the best online courses website – Coursera.
Universities That Offer Online Degrees
Here’s a list of world-class universities that offer online degrees to their students:
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University College London
- Columbia University
- University of Edinburgh
- Johns Hopkins University
- The University of Manchester
- University of Texas, Austin
- University of Leeds
- University of Sheffield
- University of Birmingham
- University of the People
8 Free Online Degree Courses for You
1. B.Sc. in Computer Science (University of the People)
This B.Sc. in Computer Science course is offered by the University of the People to give distant students who wish to acquire quality education in computer science.
It is structured to give you everything a computer science program in a conventional university will give you.
The program is designed to achieve three goals. They are:
- To provide students with the framework to apply strategies for designing effective computer systems
- To cover the knowledge and skills, students need to analyze problems from different perspectives and use various methods and tools for providing solutions to those problems.
- To enhance a command of critical thinking with respect to computer ethics, privacy and security.
The curriculum is structured to contain 21 major courses, 6 general education courses and electives from other programs.
Program Duration
You must complete a minimum of 120 semester credits before graduation. That takes about 4 years of study to attain.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to study B.Sc. in Computer Science at the University of the People, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be 16 years or older
- Must have completed high school
- Have high English proficiency or show proof of it if you’re from a non-English speaking country.
- Complete an online application form
- Pay a non-refundable application fee of $60
To Apply for admission, click here
2. B.Sc. in Business Administration (University of the People)
Duration: 4 years (120 semester credits)
This course offered by the University of the People is structured to teach you the theories and models of business and their application to the real world.
The key focus of the program is to firstly provide students with the knowledge and skills to recognize, and analyze, business problems and opportunities.
Secondly, it looks to introduce students to key business functions like leadership, teamwork and entrepreneurship.
And lastly, to educate students on how to implement business theories and decisions to real life scenarios.
Basically, this course offers you everything a traditional bachelors degree can offer you. It doesn’t only equip you with the skills to excel in any business career, it also prepares you for graduate studies.
Admission Requirements
The requirements to gain admission into this program are:
Applicants must be at least 16 years old
Proof of high school completion
English language proficiency and proof of it from non-native English speakers.
Complete an online application with a $60 non-refundable fee.
Click here to Apply for Admission
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3. Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences (School of Business and Trade)
Duration: 4 Years
This course is offered by the School of Business and Trade to help you develop the skills needed to handle issues that exist in society. It is one of the best free online degree courses you can find out there.
From issues regarding politics, law, economics, psychology, public relations etc. you will learn to properly analyze situations and come up with the best strategy to resolve them.
Being a social science graduate, you can work as an administrative assistant, social worker, rehabilitation worker, sociologist, human service assistant etc.
Admission Requirements
- To gain admission to study this course, you need to:
- Have completed high school education
- Be at least 16 years old.
Click here to apply for admission.
4. B.Sc. in Health Science (University of the People)
Duration: 4 years (122 semester credits)
This course is more like a combination of different programs. It draws information from disciplines like medicine, social sciences, epidemiology, law, economics and public policy.
As a graduate of Health Science, you’re eligible to pursue careers in hospital administration, public health research, public policy and environmental advocacy.
The program is structured to give you an in-depth understanding of the social and biological causes of health and illness. You’ll also be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to function well in the context of disease prevention and health promotion.
In addition, it looks at the role of policy, ethics and resources in the management of prevention programming and health service delivery.
Admission Requirements
To get admission to study Health Science, applicants must have the following requirements:
- Must be 16 years old or more
- Show proof of high school completion
- Have English proficiency and show proof of it if you’re a non-native English speaker.
- Submit an online application with a non-refundable fee of $60
Click here to apply for admission.
5. M.Sc. in Financial Engineering (WorldQuant University)
Duration: 2 years
This course by World Quant University is structured to equip students with the skills needed to make analytical decisions in their respective industries.
From evaluating statistics to econometric modeling, derivative pricing, and machine learning, you will learn to present ideas and concepts in a professional business setting.
Admission Requirements
To gain admission to study Financial Engineering at the WorldQuant University, you must meet the following requirements:
- Present an Official Bachelor’s degree transcript
- Provide a proof of English proficiency
- Obtain a passing score on the Quantitative Proficiency Test
At the end of the program, you will be awarded a Master of Science in Financial Engineering Degree certificate from Credly.
Link to the school website
6. Master’s degree in Computer Science (IICSE University)
Duration: 1-2 years
This masters in computer science program is structured to provide you with a broader view in the major computer science disciplines. The main focus however is on software development.
Since it is a research-based program, you will be expected to complete an intensive master thesis or project in software development or engineering.
The courses to be handled in the program are:
- Network design and programming
- Distributed computing
- Advanced systems
- Artificial intelligence
- Web systems and algorithms
- Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
To gain admission, you are required to:
- Have completed a bachelor’s degree in an accredited institution
- Complete the application form with a non-refundable fee of $45
Click here to apply
7. Master of Law in International Law (IICSE University)
Offered by IICSE University, this course is structured to focus on the study of international public law.
The main goal of this course is to equip you with the relevant skills and knowledge on the foundations of international law, its evolution during the 20th century and the role it plays in world affairs today.
In the last semester, you will be required to write a thesis on any topic of your choice. However, this topic must be approved by your academic supervisor. Your supervisor is assigned to guide you throughout the thesis.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to study Master of Law in International Law at the IICSE University, you must:
- Have completed a bachelor’s degree in law from an accredited institution
- Complete an online application form with a non-refundable fee of $45
Click here to apply
Also read:
10 Free Online Courses For Business You Can Take Today
7 Free Ethical Hacking Online Courses For Beginners in Cybersecurity
8. Master of Education in Advanced Teaching Degree (University of the People)
Duration: 18 months (39 Credit hours)
This Master of Education program is structured to further equip teachers with the relevant skills and knowledge to train students.
The course will broaden your views on human development and behavior management in the education sector. You will learn more effective ways to assess students and prepare them for careers in both the public and private sector.
You will also learn how to create an effective learning environment for your students. Additionally, you will get a better understanding of the instructional needs of individual students based on their developmental profile.
Admission Requirements
The basic admission requirement for Master of Education in Advanced Teaching Degree at the University of the People are:
- Bachelor’s degree from a US accredited institution or an equivalent degree from an accredited international institution.
- English proficiency and proof of it for non-native speakers.
The application process is in two phases:
Step 1:
- You must complete the online application form
- Pay a non-refundable application fee of $60
- Show proof of English proficiency. Failure to demonstrate English proficiency, you will be required to complete English composition 1 course in your first term before proceeding with the foundation courses.
Step 2 – application process to become a Degree Student in a Graduate course:
- Successfully complete University graduate foundation courses
- Submit proof of Bachelor’s degree completion
Click here to apply for admission.
Conclusion
Free online degree courses have made it easy for people who never thought they would study in certain institutions to acquire certificates from them.
Schools like MIT, Stanford, University of London, University of Pennsylvania and other Ivy League colleges are very strict on their admission process. But with the aid of the internet, you can easily take degree programs from them.
Frequently Asked Questions on Free Online Degree Courses
Are Online Degrees Relevant?
Online degrees from accredited institutions are relevant. The courses offered are the same with traditional learning programs. And they are handled by the same lecturers
Can I Get a Degree Online?
Yes, You can do degree programs online. Some colleges and online learning platforms like Coursera, and edX offer online degree programs.
Which Jobs Pay the Most Without a Degree?
Most high paying jobs now do not require you to earn a degree first. What matters the most is your expertise. Without a degree you can work as a Certified Ethical Hacker, software developer, graphics or interior designer etc.
Most of these jobs pay a median salary of $60,000 and above.
Is 45 Too Old to Go to College?
As long as you’re willing, no age is too old to go back to college. You can go back to college for a lot of reasons. It could be to pursue that dream career of yours or to get a promotion in your current job.
However, you don’t need to attend a physical school to get that degree. Most top ranked colleges in the world right now offer online degree programs. Some of them are listed in this article.
Do Companies Accept Online Degrees?
Reports from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) shows that 92% of employers see online degrees from most accredited institutions as favorable.
It is believed that an online degree does not only match traditional degrees in quality, it somehow holds more weight.
This is because it takes more resilience, patience and commitment to complete an online degree than it takes for a traditional one.
