Most Popular Online Courses in the USA

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Simon Mclellan

Writer, developer.

With the incredible advancement in digital media use, a lot of degrees and professional certifications have moved online. Various institutions offer beneficial courses to the general public for a fraction of the actual costs and often free if we consider the organization we’re going to talk about today, which is Coursera (Coursera Plus review).

You might be wondering, what is Coursera (Coursera Specializations), and how does it work? Well, you’re in the right place if that’s what’s in your mind. Because that’s exactly what I’m here to tell you.

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In this article, I’m going to explain what Coursera (Coursera VS LinkedIn Learning) is and how it works, and I’m also going to provide a list of the most popular online courses in the USA that you can enroll yourself in on Coursera. So, sit back, relax, and read this article till the end if you’re thinking of increasing your knowledge without having to pay high fees.

About Coursera

Founded in 2012, Coursera is an American Massive Open Online Course Provider, which is also known as MOOC. This website was founded by Stanford University Computer Science Professors Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller.

Various institutions, organizations, and universities collaborate to offer different certifications, courses, specializations, and degrees on this website. From human behavior to COVID-19 contact tracing, you’re going to find every type of course here that you can enroll in – completely free.

That’s why I believe that Coursera is one of the best sources of online courses you can find on the internet. Most MOOCs require fees for their digital programs, but in Coursera, all you need to join a course is to enroll with your mail. Sure, there are graded assignments that require payment, but they’re few in numbers, and if all you’re looking for information, then you’ll be able to get it without having to pay money.

Top 10 Most Popular Online Courses

Although you’ll find an incredibly huge number of free courses available on Coursera, a few courses are hugely popular in the USA. Let’s take a look at these online courses, so you can choose to enroll according to your choice and requirements.

This is a list of the most popular online courses in the USA. These courses were popular before the COVID-19 pandemic and will remain so after:

  • The Science of Well-Being
  • COVID-19 Contact Tracing
  • Technical Support Fundamentals
  • Machine Learning
  • Learning How to Learn
  • Programming for Everybody – Python
  • Financial Markets
  • Measuring and Maximizing Impact of COVID-19 Contact Tracing
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Fighting COVID-19 with Epidemiology

The Science of Well-Being

This course is as fun as it sounds. Offered by Yale University, the Science of Well-Being is a course that will allow you to find multiple ways to your happiness. Emotional and Mental well-being is incredibly important for everyone.

This course will help you become in tune with your feelings by teaching you the various concepts of happiness, life, struggles, and much more. In this course, you’ll learn to develop productive habits that lead to self-satisfaction.

Who is it for?

This course doesn’t require any academic skills or background. If you’re feeling out of tune and you want to learn about emotional satisfaction and self-love, you should enroll in the Science of Well-Being.

What You’ll Learn

Here are some things you’ll learn from this course:

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  • Gratitude towards life
  • Happiness in all situations
  • Dealing with struggles through Meditation
  • Savoring every moment and having self-satisfaction.

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COVID-19 Contact Tracing

In the hour of need, the COVID-19 contact tracing course by John Hopkins University aims to provide people with information about the COVID-19 virus and the ability to identify, isolate and treat an individual that came into contact with a COVID-19 sufferer. It is an incredibly beneficial course with long-lasting benefits.

Who is it for?

The COVID-19 Contact Tracing is a program that can enable individuals’ job opportunities once they have learned all there is to the process of contact tracing. People who have a high school diploma or equivalent can enroll in this course.

What You’ll Learn

Let’s take a look at the things you’ll learn in this course:

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  • Ethics, Active Listening, and Public Health.
  • Be able to describe the natural history and origin of SARS-COV-2 and the transmission process of COVID-19.
  • Investigative skills related to contact tracing for COVID-19 patients.
  • Take necessary steps to ensure identification, safety, isolation, and treatment of a patient.

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Technical Support Fundamentals

Technical Support Fundamentals is a course offered by Google as the first in their 5 part Google IT Support series. Aptly named, Technical Support Fundamentals will teach you the basics of information technology, software, troubleshooting, and customer service skills. This program can provide you with a gateway to many IT support jobs in the market.

Who is it for?

Whether you’re someone with a background in computer sciences or a complete beginner, this course will be perfect for you if you’re looking to venture into the world of IT and customer support. There are no academic skills and achievements required for it.

What You’ll Learn

Here are some of the takeaways of this course:

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  • Customer Support
  • Linux Basics
  • Binary Coding Basics
  • Troubleshooting
  • Computer Operation Basics

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Machine Learning

Machine learning is the science of programming computers to perform complex tasks without explicit programming. Stanford University will teach the basics of machine learning, training, and testing AI and broadly explain the various elements and processes machine learning deals with. So, if you’re looking to get into the AI market and want to learn to apply AI in everyday activities, this course is surely for you.

Who is it for?

Since Machine Learning is directly intertwined with programming and computer technology, it is ideal that the person applying for this course has a background in computer technology and sciences.

What You’ll Learn

Let’s take a peek at what we’ll learn from this course:

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  • Regression
  • Artificial Neural Network
  • Machine Learnings Algorithms
  • Basics of Machine Learning
  • Artificial Intelligence

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Learning How to Learn

An exciting and top-rated course is Learning How to Learn by McMaster University and University of California San Diego. This course teaches you about the brain’s learning modes and different techniques you can use to learn various technical and creative subjects effectively, making it a beneficial course.

Who is it for?

There are no academic requirements or certifications needed for this course. If you want to learn about the art of learning, you’re free to enroll yourself in this course and gain knowledge. So, avail this chance as long as you have it; you’re truly going to have an incredible time.

What You’ll Learn

Here’s what you’ll learn (pun intended) in this course:

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  • Test Preparation Skills
  • Learning Methods
  • Pomodoro Technique
  • Meta-Learning
  • Memory Function

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Programming for Everybody – Python

Offered by Michigan University, Programming for Everybody is a course that teaches you the essential practices of Python Language. You’re going to learn about Python instructions basics and how you can write programs using the programming language from scratch.

You’ll get to learn exactly how a python instruction can be structured with the proper syntax to make the required program. This course can be beneficial if you’re thinking of excelling in the Python language.

Who is it for?

You might be wondering if you’re the right fit for this course. Well, if you’re looking to work in the field of programming as a freelancer or you want to learn the basics to apply for certification, this is the right course for you. Your Python base will become strong if you know this course.

What You’ll Learn

So, if you’re curious to know about what you’re going to learn in this course, let’s take a look at the key takeaways:

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  • Python Syntax and Semantics
  • Computer Programming
  • Basic Python Skills
  • Programming algorithms

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Financial Markets

Meant for the beginners of business and finances, the Financial Market course is an amazing startup guide offered by Yale University. In this course, you’ll get to learn how business people manage risks and foster enterprise. You’ll also get to know about financially-savvy leadership skills and understand various industries’ financial structures and concepts in the global market.

Who is it for?

As I said before, you won’t need any prior business and finance knowledge to understand this course correctly. All you need is an interest in the finance field, and you’re suitable to enroll in this program. So, take your opportunity and learn the ins and outs of the financial market so you can make an impact in the industry if you’re looking to enter the financial sector.

What You’ll Learn

Are you curious as to what you’re going to take away from this incredible course? Here are the things you’re going to learn from this particular course:

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  • Behavioral Finance
  • Behavioral Economics
  • Finance and Business
  • Financial Markets and their structures

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Measuring and Maximizing Impact of COVID-19 Contact Tracing

Measuring and Maximizing Impact of COVID-19 Contact Tracing is an incredible course offered by John Hopkins University. This course’s primary purpose is to provide statistical and analytical measures and techniques to COVID-19 Contact Tracing Program Managers and Developers. This information can prove vital in the scale growth and effective utilization of the skills of the Contact Tracing employees, which can, in turn, save a lot of lives.

Who is it for?

This is a more advanced level course and requires prior knowledge of COVID-19 Contact Tracing. It is ideal if you have a certificate in the Contact Tracing Course before applying for this one because it is strictly meant for managers and developers of such programs organized to identify, isolate, treat and reduce COVID-19 sufferer numbers worldwide.

What You’ll Learn

There’s a lot you’re going to learn in this course. Let’s take a look:

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  • Identify and Calculate Metrics and Indicators
  • Strategies to improve the Contact Tracing Systems
  • Realize the impact of these systems on the overall epidemic situation
  • Use tools and techniques to increase the scale of the operations

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Introduction to Psychology

The science of the mind, Psychology is what this course deals with. Offered by Yale University, the Introduction to Psychology is one of the most attractive popular courses on our list. Answering the most challenging questions in life, including, what is happiness? What goes on in our minds? How do we make decisions? As well understanding perception, emotions, and social behavior is what you’ll learn in this course.

Who is it for?

The prerequisites for this course are naught. Even if you’re a beginner, you’re going to learn quickly and easily about psychology basics, and you can then choose to pursue this science even further if that is what your heart wishes for you.

What You’ll Learn

Here are some of the best takeaways you’re going to get from this course:

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  • Psychology
  • Critical Thinking
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Abstract Thinking
  • Problem Solving Techniques

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Fighting COVID-19 with Epidemiology

This course is incredibly essential in today’s world. Fighting COVID-19 with Epidemiology is a course offered by John Hopkins University. It is meant for individuals who want to learn about the determinants and statistical analysis of COVID-19 affecting the entire world’s population. It is free, and I believe one of the most useful courses on Coursera right now.

Who is it for?

It is a beginner-friendly online course and provides you all the necessary details of how you can fight the epidemic with epidemiology. So, you should enroll in this course if you want to be a part of the fight against COVID-19 and make a fundamental change in the world.

What You’ll Learn

Let’s take a look at what you get to learn from this course:

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  • Collection and Analysis of Epidemic Data
  • Use of Determinant and Statistical Tools for COVID-19
  • Understanding of the various affecting factors in a pandemic situation.
  • Practical methods of reducing COVID-19 risk and providing social distancing information.

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Conclusion

Coursera is a great learning tool for people who want to make great use of their time on the internet. Taking these courses will help you learn about situations you might face in your lifetime, and you’ll be able to grasp concepts of worldly matters in a better way. So, you should indeed enroll in one or more courses of your choice. I’m sure you’ll have an incredible learning experience.