[2024] The 250 Most Popular Online Courses of All Time
The best way to pick an online course is to choose one that other people have taken and enjoyed.
The best way to choose an online course is to choose one that other people have taken and enjoyed.
Class Central has been maintaining a catalog of online courses since the advent of the modern online education movement in 2012. More than a decade later, our catalog has now grown to over 100,000 online courses.
To help learners decide which course to take, Class Central publishes different course rankings, including the Best Online Courses of All Time, which is based on the tens of thousands of reviews written by Class Central users.
In this article, however, let’s take a different approach. Instead of ranking courses by reviews, let’s rank them by enrollment — that is, by their sheer popularity.
In some cases, the highest-rated online courses are also the courses with largest enrollments. In other cases, courses with big enrollments may have few or average reviews. This suggests that there are popular courses that Class Central’s reviews alone may miss.
So in this article, we’ve compiled the 250 most popular online courses of all time.
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You can find all our free certificates articles here.
Most Popular Online Courses of All Time
Here are some stats about the course list:
- Combined, these courses have received 85K reviews on Class Central.
- Together, they account for over 117M enrollments (468K on average).
- Enrollments range from 186K to 4.5M. 19 courses have over 1M enrollments.
- All but one of the 250 courses are free or free-to-audit.
- 90% of the courses are in English, and most others are in Spanish.
- Combined, they represent over 3600 hours of learning content.
- This ranking focuses on Coursera, edX, and FutureLearn.
Without further ado, here are the 250 most popular online courses of all time.
- CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science from Harvard University ★★★★★(147)
- The Science of Well-Being from Yale University ★★★★★(29)
- Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects from Deep Teaching Solutions ★★★★★(23109)
- Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) from University of Michigan ★★★★★(39351)
- English for Career Development from University of Pennsylvania ★★★★★(24)
- Foundations: Data, Data, Everywhere from Google ★★★★★(4)
- Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python from Massachusetts Institute of Technology ★★★★☆(129)
- IELTS Academic Test Preparation from University of Queensland ★★★★★(5)
- Financial Markets from Yale University ★★★★☆(36)
- TOEFL® Test Preparation: The Insider’s Guide from ETS ★★★★★(6)
- COVID-19 Contact Tracing from Johns Hopkins University ★★★★★(16)
- Technical Support Fundamentals from Google ★★★☆☆(11)
- Successful Negotiation: Essential Strategies and Skills from University of Michigan ★★★★★(217)
- First Step Korean from Yonsei University ★★★★★(122)
- Chinese for Beginners from Peking University ★★★★☆(59)
- Neural Networks and Deep Learning from DeepLearning.AI ★★★★★(15)
- Foundations of Project Management from Google
- Algorithms, Part I from Princeton University ★★★★★(59)
- Introduction to Psychology from Yale University ★★★★★(16)
- HTML, CSS, and Javascript for Web Developers from Johns Hopkins University ★★★★★(22)
- AI For Everyone from DeepLearning.AI ★★★★★(6)
- Analyzing and Visualizing Data with Excel from Microsoft ★★★★☆(13)
- Write Professional Emails in English from Georgia Institute of Technology ★★★★☆(5)
- Basic English 1: Elementary from King’s College London ★★★★☆(8)
- Foundations of User Experience (UX) Design from Google
- Introduction to Linux from Linux Foundation ★★★★☆(37)
- Stanford Introduction to Food and Health from Stanford University ★★★★☆(46)
- Data Science: R Basics from Harvard University ★★★★★(11)
- Exploring English: Language and Culture from British Council ★★★★★(840)
- Excel Skills for Business: Essentials from Macquarie University ★★★★☆(7)
- Crash Course on Python from Google ★★★★★(2)
- Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies from Harvard University ★★★★★(10)
- English Grammar and Style from University of Queensland ★★★★☆(34)
- What is Data Science? from IBM ★★★★☆(4)
- Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies from Princeton University ★★★★☆(22)
- Introduction to Data Science in Python from University of Michigan ★★☆☆☆(46)
- The Data Scientist’s Toolbox from Johns Hopkins University ★★★☆☆(166)
- Grammar and Punctuation from University of California, Irvine ★★★★☆(33)
- Fundamentals of Graphic Design from California Institute of the Arts ★★★★☆(22)
- Google Cloud Fundamentals: Core Infrastructure from Google ★★★★☆(8)
- Introduction to Data Analysis using Excel from Microsoft ★★★★☆(7)
- Introduction to Philosophy from University of Edinburgh ★★★★☆(75)
- Python Basics for Data Science from IBM ★★☆☆☆(3)
- Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking from Harvard University ★★★★★(5)
- Social Psychology from Wesleyan University ★★★★★(87)
- The Science of Happiness from University of California, Berkeley ★★★★★(35)
- Basic Spanish 1: Getting Started from Universitat Politècnica de València ★★★★☆(399)
- Marketing in a Digital World from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign ★★★★★(467)
- Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) from University of Michigan ★★★★★(1)
- Justice from Harvard University ★★★★★(55)
- Programming Foundations with JavaScript, HTML and CSS from Duke University ★★★☆☆(13)
- Contract Law: From Trust to Promise to Contract from Harvard University ★★★★★(13)
- Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 1: The Electrical Properties of the Neuron from Harvard University ★★★★★(20)
- Indigenous Canada from University of Alberta ★★★★☆(9)
- The Architectural Imagination from Harvard University ★★★★☆(12)
- Introduction to HTML5 from University of Michigan ★★★★☆(51)
- Finanzas personales from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
- SQL for Data Science from University of California, Davis ★★★★☆(5)
- Introduction to Negotiation: A Strategic Playbook for Becoming a Principled and Persuasive Negotiator from Yale University ★★★★★(13)
- Primeros Auxilios Psicológicos (PAP) from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Autonomous University of Barcelona) ★★★★★(1)
- Psychological First Aid from Johns Hopkins University ★★★★☆(49)
- Child Nutrition and Cooking from Stanford University ★★★★☆(32)
- Introduction to Project Management from University of Adelaide ★★★★☆(6)
- Algorithmic Toolbox from University of California, San Diego ★★★★☆(23)
- Contabilidad para no contadores from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
- Étudier en France: French Intermediate course B1-B2 from École Polytechnique ★★★★★(4)
- A Life of Happiness and Fulfillment from Indian School of Business ★★★★★(508)
- Introduction to Programming with MATLAB from Vanderbilt University ★★★★★(208)
- Work Smarter, Not Harder: Time Management for Personal & Professional Productivity from University of California, Irvine ★★★★☆(43)
- Game Theory from Stanford University ★★★★☆(35)
- Introduction to Psychology from University of Toronto ★★★★★(27)
- Introductory Human Physiology from Duke University ★★★★☆(29)
- Introduction to Mathematical Thinking from Stanford University ★★★★☆(53)
- English for Business and Entrepreneurship from University of Pennsylvania ★★★★★(7)
- Modern Art & Ideas from The Museum of Modern Art ★★★★★(5)
- Basic English 2: Pre-Intermediate from King’s College London ★★★★★(7)
- Mindshift: Break Through Obstacles to Learning and Discover Your Hidden Potential from McMaster University ★★★★★(7383)
- Learn to Speak Korean 1 from Yonsei University ★★★★★(12)
- Cryptography I from Stanford University ★★★★★(53)
- Statistics and R from Harvard University ★★★★☆(20)
- Excel: Fundamentos y herramientas from Universitat Politècnica de València ★★★★★(569)
- Initiating and Planning Projects from University of California, Irvine ★★★★☆(19)
- The Strategy of Content Marketing from University of California, Davis ★★★★☆(8)
- Writing in the Sciences from Stanford University ★★★★★(14)
- HTML5 and CSS Fundamentals from World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) ★★★★☆(6)
- Design Thinking for Innovation from University of Virginia ★★★★★(5)
- Academic and Business Writing from University of California, Berkeley ★★★★☆(17)
- Mindfulness for Wellbeing and Peak Performance from Monash University ★★★★★(211)
- Start Writing Fiction from The Open University ★★★★☆(21)
- English Composition I from Duke University ★★★☆☆(19)
- How to Write an Essay from University of California, Berkeley ★★★★☆(28)
- Introduction to User Experience Design from Georgia Institute of Technology ★★★☆☆(3)
- Machine Learning Foundations: A Case Study Approach from University of Washington ★★★★☆(40)
- A Beginner’s Guide to Writing in English for University Study from University of Reading ★★★★☆(23)
- Competitive Strategy from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München ★★★★★(22)
- Learn to Program: The Fundamentals from University of Toronto ★★★★★(109)
- Introduction to Java Programming: Starting to code in Java from Universidad Carlos iii de Madrid ★★★★☆(8)
- Foundations of Digital Marketing and E-commerce from Google
- Brand Management: Aligning Business, Brand and Behaviour from University of London International Programmes ★★★★★(2)
- Python Basics from University of Michigan ★★★★☆(1)
- Mechanical Ventilation for COVID-19 from Harvard University ★★★★★(25)
- Teaching English Online from Cambridge English Language Assessment ★★★★★(3)
- Data Science Math Skills from Duke University ★★★★☆(12)
- Conversational English Skills | 生活英语听说 from Tsinghua University ★★★★☆(12)
- Principles of Biochemistry from Harvard University ★★★★★(12)
- Gestión de proyectos de desarrollo from Inter-American Development Bank ★★★★☆(2)
- Aprendiendo a aprender: Poderosas herramientas mentales con las que podrás dominar temas difíciles (Learning How to Learn) from Deep Teaching Solutions ★★★★★(8)
- Introduction to Marketing from University of Pennsylvania ★★★★☆(73)
- The Science of Everyday Thinking from University of Queensland ★★★★★(47)
- Introduction to Cyber Security from The Open University ★★★★☆(22)
- Build Your First Android App (Project-Centered Course) from École Centrale Paris ★★★★☆(4)
- Mastering Data Analysis in Excel from Duke University ★★☆☆☆(26)
- Code Yourself! An Introduction to Programming from University of Edinburgh ★★★★☆(12)
- Introduction to C++ from Microsoft ★★★★☆(7)
- Using Python for Research from Harvard University ★★★★☆(12)
- Leaders of Learning from Harvard University ★★★★☆(19)
- Vital Signs: Understanding What the Body Is Telling Us from University of Pennsylvania ★★★★★(51)
- Introduction to TensorFlow for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning from DeepLearning.AI ★★★★★(1)
- Mathematics for Machine Learning: Linear Algebra from Imperial College London ★★★☆☆(8)
- Python for Data Science from University of California, San Diego ★★★★☆(47)
- Italian Language and Culture: Beginner (2023-2024) from Wellesley College ★★★★☆(3)
- Science of Exercise from University of Colorado Boulder ★★★★★(6)
- Marketing Analytics from University of Virginia ★★★★☆(12)
- Fundamentals of Music Theory from University of Edinburgh ★★★★☆(24)
- Introduction to Cybersecurity Tools & Cyber Attacks from IBM ★★★☆☆(2)
- Medical Neuroscience from Duke University ★★★★★(51)
- Understanding IELTS: Writing from British Council ★★★★★(481)
- Introduction to Big Data from University of California, San Diego ★★★☆☆(35)
- Introduction to the Internet of Things and Embedded Systems from University of California, Irvine ★★★★☆(12)
- Introduction to Social Media Marketing from Facebook
- Think Again I: How to Understand Arguments from Duke University ★★★★☆(11)
- Fundamentos de Excel para Negocios from Universidad Austral ★★★★★(1)
- Introduction to Java Programming – Part 1 from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology ★★★☆☆(6)
- Guitar for Beginners from Berklee College of Music ★★★★★(22)
- Camino a la Excelencia en Gestión de Proyectos from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
- How to Succeed at: Interviews from The University of Sheffield ★★★★★(452)
- Positive Psychology from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ★★★★☆(28)
- Fundamentals of Project Planning and Management from University of Virginia ★★★★☆(29)
- Introduction to Data Analytics from IBM
- Google Cloud Big Data and Machine Learning Fundamentals from Google Cloud ★★★☆☆(4)
- Probability – The Science of Uncertainty and Data from Massachusetts Institute of Technology ★★★★★(34)
- Understanding Research Methods from University of London International Programmes ★★★★☆(15)
- Understanding the Brain: The Neurobiology of Everyday Life from The University of Chicago ★★★★★(28)
- Introduction to Dutch from University of Groningen ★★★★★(288)
- Supply Chain Fundamentals from Massachusetts Institute of Technology ★★★★★(14)
- Algorithms, Part II from Princeton University ★★★★★(21)
- Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content from University of Pennsylvania ★★★★☆(28)
- Exploring English: Shakespeare from British Council ★★★★★(505)
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) from Columbia University ★★★★☆(12)
- Introduction to Personal Branding from University of Virginia ★★★★☆(15)
- Creative Thinking: Techniques and Tools for Success from Imperial College London ★★★★★(14)
- How to Succeed at: Writing Applications from The University of Sheffield ★★★★★(428)
- Digital Skills: Digital Marketing from Accenture ★★★★☆(7)
- Introduction to Public Speaking from University of Washington ★★★★☆(14)
- Child Protection: Children’s Rights in Theory and Practice from Harvard University ★★★★★(5)
- Inglés básico: conversacional y networking from Universidad Anáhuac ★★★★★(65)
- Basic Statistics from University of Amsterdam ★★★★☆(12)
- An Introduction to Screenwriting from University of East Anglia ★★★★★(5)
- Aprender from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México ★★★★★(106)
- A Hands-on Introduction to Engineering Simulations from Cornell University ★★★★★(2)
- Introduction to Probability and Data with R from Duke University ★★★★☆(6)
- Introduction to Google SEO from University of California, Davis ★★★★☆(5)
- Customer Analytics from University of Pennsylvania ★★★☆☆(17)
- Introduction to Statistics from Stanford University ★★★★★(2)
- Álgebra básica from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
- Creative Writing: The Craft of Plot from Wesleyan University ★★★★☆(17)
- Programming Basics from Indian Institute of Technology Bombay ★★★☆☆(18)
- Introducción a la programación en Python I: Aprendiendo a programar con Python from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile ★★★★★(2)
- Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose from Princeton University ★★★★★(1)
- Supervised Machine Learning: Regression and Classification from DeepLearning.AI
- Cameras, Exposure, and Photography from Michigan State University ★★★★☆(6)
- Robótica from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México ★★☆☆☆(2)
- How Things Work: An Introduction to Physics from University of Virginia ★★★★★(28)
- Introduction to Data Analysis Using Excel from Rice University ★★★☆☆(2)
- Learn to Program in Java from Microsoft ★★★★★(5)
- C for Everyone: Programming Fundamentals from University of California, Santa Cruz ★★★★☆(5)
- Positive Psychiatry and Mental Health from The University of Sydney ★★★★★(21)
- Tricky American English Pronunciation from University of California, Irvine ★★★★☆(15)
- Querying Data with Transact-SQL from Microsoft ★★★★☆(4)
- English in Early Childhood: Language Learning and Development from British Council ★★★★★(1421)
- Creative Problem Solving from University of Minnesota ★★★☆☆(19)
- Food as Medicine from Monash University ★★★★★(119)
- Cómo hacer una tesis from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México ★★★★☆(1)
- Computing in Python I: Fundamentals and Procedural Programming from Georgia Institute of Technology ★★★★★(229)
- Management of Fashion and Luxury Companies from Università Bocconi ★★★★★(5)
- Agile with Atlassian Jira from Atlassian
- Becoming a Successful Leader (Inclusive Leadership Training)
- Introduction to Engineering Mechanics from Georgia Institute of Technology ★★★★★(170)
- How to Learn Online
- Nutrition and Health: Macronutrients and Overnutrition from Wageningen University ★★★★★(313)
- Gestión Empresarial Exitosa para Pymes from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
- Introduction to Classical Music from Yale University ★★★★★(25)
- Lesson | Small Talk & Conversational Vocabulary from Georgia Institute of Technology ★★★★★(1)
- Greek and Roman Mythology from University of Pennsylvania ★★★★★(21)
- Introduction to Marketing from The University of British Columbia ★★★★★(6)
- Nutrición y obesidad: control de sobrepeso from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México ★★★★★(1)
- Statistical Thinking for Data Science and Analytics from Columbia University ★★☆☆☆(19)
- Introduction to Web Development from University of California, Davis ★★★★☆(3)
- Introdução à Ciência da Computação com Python Parte 1 from Universidade de São Paulo ★★★★★(1)
- Supply Chain Logistics from Rutgers University ★★★★★(7)
- Blockchain Basics from University at Buffalo ★★☆☆☆(1)
- Everyday Excel, Part 1 from University of Colorado Boulder
- Competencias digitales. Herramientas de ofimática (Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point) from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Autonomous University of Barcelona) ★★★★★(3)
- Divide and Conquer, Sorting and Searching, and Randomized Algorithms from Stanford University ★★★★★(68)
- Computer Architecture from Princeton University ★★★★☆(6)
- English for Journalism from University of Pennsylvania ★★★★☆(15)
- De-Mystifying Mindfulness from Leiden University ★★★★★(95)
- Marketing Digital from Universidade de São Paulo
- Astronomy: Exploring Time and Space from University of Arizona ★★★★★(23)
- Buddhism Through Its Scriptures from Harvard University ★★★★☆(6)
- How to Write a Resume (Project-Centered Course) from State University of New York ★★★★☆(14)
- Preparing to Manage Human Resources from University of Minnesota ★★★★★(142)
- Introducción a Data Science: Programación Estadística con R from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México ★★★★☆(2)
- Functional Programming Principles in Scala from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne ★★★★★(66)
- Human Anatomy: Musculoskeletal Cases from Harvard University ★★★★★(8)
- Private Equity and Venture Capital from Università Bocconi ★★★★☆(6)
- An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python (Part 1) from Rice University ★★★★★(3345)
- Java for Android from Vanderbilt University ★☆☆☆☆(1)
- Introduction to Biology – The Secret of Life from Massachusetts Institute of Technology ★★★★★(131)
- Writing in English at University from Lund University
- Forensic Psychology: Witness Investigation from The Open University ★★★★★(18)
- Spanish Vocabulary: Meeting People from University of California, Davis ★★★☆☆(1)
- Cybersecurity Fundamentals from Rochester Institute of Technology ★★★★★(25)
- Introduction to Electronics from Georgia Institute of Technology ★★★★☆(6)
- Visual Elements of User Interface Design from California Institute of the Arts ★★★★★(1)
- Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies from University of California, Berkeley ★★★★☆(1)
- Dog Emotion and Cognition from Duke University ★★★★☆(19)
- Data Visualization with Python from IBM
- Getting Started with AWS Machine Learning from Amazon Web Services ★★★★☆(14)
- Introduction to Logic from Stanford University ★★★☆☆(20)
- Inspiring and Motivating Individuals from University of Michigan ★★★★★(8)
- Moral Foundations of Politics from Yale University ★★★★☆(15)
- Aprendendo a aprender: ferramentas mentais poderosas para ajudá-lo a dominar assuntos difíceis (em Português) [Learning How to Learn] from Deep Teaching Solutions ★★★★☆(5)
- Finding Purpose and Meaning In Life: Living for What Matters Most from University of Michigan ★★★★★(4)
- English for Academic Study from Coventry University ★★★★★(2)
- Machine Learning with Python: from Linear Models to Deep Learning from Massachusetts Institute of Technology ★★★☆☆(25)
- Business English: Networking from University of Washington ★★★★☆(5)
- Ser más creativos from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México ★★★★☆(2)
- A Crash Course in Data Science from Johns Hopkins University ★★★★☆(25)
- Fundamentals of Visualization with Tableau from University of California, Davis ★★★★☆(2)
- How To Create a Website in a Weekend! (Project-Centered Course) from State University of New York ★★★★☆(7)
- Model Thinking from University of Michigan ★★★★★(66)
- Cómo hablar bien en público from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Autonomous University of Barcelona)
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills at Work from University of Leeds ★★★★★(12)
- Programming Fundamentals from Duke University
- Everyday Parenting: The ABCs of Child Rearing from Yale University ★★★★★(3)
- Science & Cooking: From Haute Cuisine to Soft Matter Science (chemistry) from Harvard University ★★★★★(14)
- Introduction to Calculus from The University of Sydney ★★★★★(5)
- The Modern World, Part One: Global History from 1760 to 1910 from University of Virginia ★★★★★(25)
- Introduction to the Biology of Cancer from Johns Hopkins University ★★★★☆(9)
In addition, every year, Class Central publishes the 100 most popular courses of the year. In these rankings, we only look at courses launched in a specific year. Here are the latest editions:
Bani
Thank you so much for sharing all the resources, really helpful and much appreciated.
Suhas
Thank you for sharing information. It is worth for teachers and students both. Even any person who is interested apart from his acedemic specialization can do it.
Dr.Suvarna Sukhadeo Gund
Thanks for new information . मराठी माषेसाठी असे कोसऀ आहेत का? नसतील तर आपण यासाठी काय करू शकता? यासाठी मराठी भाषिक म्हणुन मी या कोसऀसाठी प्रयत्न करु शकते.?
Thanks .
Muvaffak GÖZAYDIN
What is the meaning of numbers next to name within paranthesis .
Suparn Patra
It is the number of reviews that course has received at Class Central.
Lesa Taylor
Good morning,
I see that you are specializing in ed-tech. I am a ed-tech 11 in Maine. I am looking for free courses while i am home this summer. My job at a Boy Scout camp was closed due to COVID 19. Is there any courses for ed-tech to be able to get CEU’S?
Thank you
Lesa
Suparn Patra
Hi Lesa,
You may use the search feature of Class Central ( https://www.classcentral.com ) to look for your required courses.
You may also explore various collections at https://www.classcentral.com/collections
Thanks
David Pérez Diego
Hello, is there an approximate number of enrollments (historically) for each course? Or some sort of average per year/starting period?
Thanks for the hard work, amazing data.
Sally Mac
Wow-this is great! T/you-Sally
Sandipan Debnath
I really appreciate the efforts put in by the class central team.
Just a request if it is possible to get the same list separated by subjects so that it becomes easy for us to find specific stream related most popular course.
Alexandros
I’m finding this article and list a bit disappinting. I’ll share here what I didn’t like in the hope someone will find it helpful and/or I’ll see improvements in the future.
– The article starts saying that “The *best* way to choose a free Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) is to choose one that other people have taken and enjoyed”, and I think it’s wrong/misleading. 1) even the best courses start with 1 enrollment; 2) the interest of a person in a course and the impact such education will have on her life is not necessarily linked with how many other people have taken and even enjoyed the course; 3) maybe I’m missing something here but, is it enough to consider only how many people have enrolled? Shouldn’t we consider also how many have finished it?
– The list is too long, incomplete, and disorganised: it’s not possible to filter the list by language, nor by topic; it’s not possible to see how many have enrolled. It’s also strange that some courses that made it to the most-popular courses list have only a handful of reviews… I’d even dare to say that reviews / stars maybe doing more harm than good to the industry: they are not reliable, and they may create positive/negative prejudice in other students. I’d say, NO REVIEWS, present what the course offers and how it compares to other similar ones! Feedback should be gathered with in-depth interviews to satisfied and disappointed students.