15 Best Courses on Coursera (Reviewed & Updated in 2025)

Last Updated on January, 2025

I enrolled for a few courses offered by Coursera, including Social Work: Practice, Policy And Research, Introduction To Psychology, and The Science of Well-being. I benefited a lot. 

I want to reveal this. Trust me, they’ve got courses for everyone. Imagine having access to classes from the best universities around the world, right at your fingertips. Plus, you can learn at your own pace, whenever and wherever you want.

Here’s the best part: you can get certificates to show off your new skills to employers.

If you’re interested to know more, I will briefly tell you about Coursera and the basic details about each course so you can have an overall idea.

Ready? Then, start reading.

About Coursera

Coursera is an online learning platform with many courses to help you learn new skills and advance your career. It was founded in 2012 and provides access to high-quality education from the best universities and institutions around the world.

It makes learning accessible to anyone, anywhere, with a user-friendly interface. You can explore diverse topics, from programming and business to arts and humanities, through engaging video lectures and interactive assignments. 

The platform empowers individuals to learn slowly, fitting education into their busy schedules.

One notable feature is the OPTION to earn certificates and degrees upon course completion, enhancing your resume and opening doors to new opportunities.

Coursera’s commitment to affordability and inclusivity ensures that quality education is available to learners worldwide.

You can join millions of learners on Coursera to acquire valuable knowledge, enhance your skills, and stay competitive in today’s rapidly evolving job market.

You can enjoy the convenience of e-learning with Coursera’s comprehensive and accessible courses designed for your professional and personal growth. 

Here’s our comprehensive Coursera review if you want to learn more.

Best Coursera Courses: Overview

Coursera offers various types of courses, each serving different goals and time commitments. Check the following table to understand better. 

(Which type of course are you planning to enroll in? Keep that in mind and start reading one by one to see what Coursera offers.)

Best 15 Coursera Courses

1. Supervised Machine Learning

Andrew Ng, an expert in AI, made a course on Coursera that’s easy for beginners and is now taught by more instructors. It’s about important AI ideas and practical machine-learning skills. 

As I mentioned above, people really like it, giving it a high rating of 4.9 because it has a good mix of theory and practice. Andrew Ng is super qualified, being the founder of DeepLearning AI, part of Google BrainTeam, and a professor at Stanford.

Do you know? He wrote over 100 papers on machine learning. 

In this course, you’ll learn how machines learn without being told what to do and effective machine learning methods. You’ll also discover how to make machine learning models using Python with tools like NumPy and Scikit-learn. 

GUESS WHAT? Here’s the cool part: you can take the course for FREE, but you won’t get a certificate. If you like it, you can pay to upgrade and get the full Machine Learning Specialization. 

It’s a great chance to understand AI basics and practice them easily.

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2. Indigenous Canada

This is one of my favorite courses on Coursera, which is a great way to learn about the history and experiences of native peoples in Canada.

The course, which can be taken for FREE or with a certification fee, uses maps, artifacts, and visuals to explore how indigenous societies traded and interacted before settlers arrived, as well as the impact of settlement on them. 

It provides a deep and rich experience to help you understand and appreciate indigenous cultures, perspectives, and worldviews. 

Throughout the course, you’ll discover the importance of storytelling in indigenous societies, learn about the different worldviews of various indigenous groups, understand the trading system before European contact, explore the consequences of the fur trade, and focus on the perspectives on treaty-making and legal traditions from both indigenous peoples and settlers.

The course also covers the role of the Indian Act in assimilation, making it a diverse and comprehensive offering on Coursera.

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3. Chat GPT Playground For Beginners: Intro To NLP AI Coursera Project Network

Rundi Hinds is a pro at software engineering and full-stack development. He’ll guide you step-by-step through a project that introduces ChatGPT, even if you don’t have any coding experience. 

In this guided project, you’ll learn about ChatGPT, its basic operations, and how it actually works. (Don’t skip this if you’re so curious to know about ChatGPT)

Rundi will help you understand Tokens and Pricing, focusing deeply on the most important details. You’ll also explore ChatGPT parameters and get comfortable with them along the way.

The exciting part? You’ll learn to guide AI responses, making it respond just the way you want in a simulated chatbot. Plus, remember this! You’ll get hands-on experience creating an AI-powered Health Assistant.

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4. Social Work: Practice, Policy And Research

If you’re interested in a career in social services, this course from the University of Michigan is a great choice – it’s ranked #1 for social work in the US. No experience?

The course includes six connected modules, live sessions with instructors and peers, flexible learning, quizzes, assignments, group projects, and case studies. By completing this MasterTrack, you’ll earn a certificate from the University of Michigan. 

Plus, it allows you to finish the full Masters with 45 credits instead of the usual 60 (some human service experience is required to continue to the full Masters).

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5. BSc Computer Science

This course is offered by Goldsmiths (University of London). They provide a fantastic opportunity to kickstart a career in technology. 

I chose it mainly because it allows flexibility to specialize in one of seven exciting topics: Machine Learning & AI, Data Science, Web & Mobile Development, Physical Computing & the Internet of Things, Games Development, Virtual Reality, or User Experience.

The program offers a great balance between theory and practical experience, using a project-based approach to build both technical and transferable skills. 

You can choose to attend classes physically, but remember that the entire tuition can be done online too. Academic support, feedback, and access to student forums are available online as well.

Here, you’ll learn to master important computer skills, solve complex problems, boost your innovation and creativity, develop both technical and transferable skills, and specialize in one of seven exciting fields like AI, Machine Learning, Games Development, and more.

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6. Introduction to Psychology

This course is led by the acclaimed professor Paul Bloom from Yale University and offers a deep focus on understanding human thoughts and behaviors.

‘Introduction to Psychology’ course covers intriguing subjects like fears, dreams, prejudices, perception, learning, and persuasion; it serves as a comprehensive and fascinating introduction to the study of what it means to be human.

GUESS WHAT? Professor Bloom’s down-to-earth, enthusiastic approach makes this complex topic accessible and exciting for learners. If you’re not concerned about certification, you can take the course for FREE.

Throughout the program, you will explore foundational psychological theories, including Freud and Skinner, and focus on research on development and language.

The course also covers topics like language training, animal communication, language processing, and the connection between language and thought.

Plus, you’ll gain insights into how we perceive the world, how attention works, and how we store experiences in memory. The course concludes with key elements of Social Psychology.

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7. Excel Skills for Business

This course is led by a few instructors, including Nicky Bull, an experienced corporate trainer, consultant, and award-winning educator.

The ‘Excel Skills for Business’ specialization is designed to start with essential Excel knowledge and gradually introduce more advanced concepts.

The course is recognized as one of the top Excel courses on Coursera and is personally recommended. 

Throughout this course, you’ll learn how to apply Excel skills to solve various business platforms, navigate Excel effectively for data entry and formatting, and use formulas and functions to automate calculations. 

Plus, you’ll gain proficiency in data analysis and presentation, spreadsheet creation, error validation, and correction. As you progress, you’ll also develop the ability to design sophisticated spreadsheets and confidently utilize advanced Excel features and techniques.

Trust me, Nicky Bull’s experience ensures a comprehensive learning experience, making this specialization highly valuable for practical and applicable Excel skills.

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8. Learn to Speak Korean 1

This course is offered by Yonsei University in South Korea, which is a top-ranking institution, and Sang Mee Han has been teaching Korean to non-native speakers since 1989.

Her course is well-balanced, covering listening, speaking, grammar, and writing. It is themed around activities you might encounter when traveling to Korea, making it ideal for those planning to live, study, or travel there.

This course is most students’ favorite. It’s especially useful for travelers.

The course is FREE without certification, and you can learn essential Korean for various real-life situations.

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9. The Science Of Well-Being

Laurie Santos is a smart person who knows a lot about feelings and thoughts. She teaches at Yale and has a podcast called the Happiness Lab. 

In this course, she gives you challenges to make you happier and better at doing things. 

You can take this course for FREE, and if you don’t want a certificate, it won’t cost you anything. It’s a good deal because Laurie Santos is a professor at Yale, and she knows a lot about how the mind works. 

You’ll learn why we often guess wrong about what makes us happy. Laurie Santos will show you how to deal with tricky parts of the mind that can lead us the wrong way. You’ll also get practical tips to be happier and do things better.

It’s a course worth trying – you won’t lose anything, and you might gain a lot!

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10. Python for Everybody

This course is great for beginners in coding. You only need a bit of computer experience and basic math skills to start.

Professor Dr. Charles Severance teaches this course at the University of Michigan, which begins at the ground level and gradually increases in difficulty. 

Its structured, step-by-step approach makes it perfect for learning this highly sought-after skill.

With a high course rating, it deserves a top spot on our best list. The specialization includes five-course units and hands-on projects leading to a recognized certificate.

You’ll learn Python fundamentals, how to install Python, how to write your first program, and how to use variables to store, retrieve, and calculate information. 

The course also covers core programming tools like functions and loops, Python’s built-in data structures (lists and dictionaries) for data analysis, accessing data from the web using Python, and using databases in Python. 

It’s a comprehensive and accessible way to build your coding skills.

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11. The New School Parsons’ Fashion Design Course

This is an online fashion design course from The New School Parsons, a top fashion university in New York City. It’s a packed and intense program offering high-quality knowledge in fashion design and business.

Graduates include famous names like Tom Ford and Alexander Wang.

You can take this course for FREE if you don’t need certification. The curriculum covers the basics of the fashion design process, technological advancements in the industry, and the future of fashion. 

You’ll learn to work with both new technology and traditional craftsmanship, build your band using aesthetics and materials, and view fashion from a socio-political perspective.

The course also emphasizes being environmentally friendly while staying creative. Overall, it’s a great opportunity to learn from top-notch professors in the fashion industry and improve your qualifications.

The course not only ranks well here but is also recognized in our list of the BEST fashion design courses. 

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12. IBM Cybersecurity Analyst

The IBM Cybersecurity Analyst course on Coursera is like a big learning package for getting a job in cybersecurity.

It has seven parts to study, tests, a project where you work with others on a pretend security problem, and access to virtual labs and tools used in the industry.

When you finish, you can also get a digital badge from IBM, which is like a special certificate, showing you know about cybersecurity tools and attacks. 

In this course, you’ll learn the basics of cybersecurity and tools like data protection, endpoint protection, SIEM, and how computer systems and networks work.

They’ll also teach you important processes, frameworks, network security, and how to defend against attacks. They use real stories from cybersecurity cases to help you understand. 

The best part is that you get to practice using industry tools and open-source ones, making it a great way to learn cybersecurity skills. Coursera thinks it’s one of the best courses they offer.

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13. An Introduction to Programming the Internet of Things

In this special opportunity, Professor Ian G. Harris, who holds degrees in computer science, will teach you about the Internet of Things (IoT) – a technology rapidly growing and changing our world.

You’ll discover what IoT is, how it came about, and its impact on society. You can learn the key components of embedded systems and understand networking and network protocols.

You can get hands-on experience deploying the Arduino platform and using C to build devices that can sense and control the physical world. You can also learn about sensors, including when, how, and why to use different types.

Finally, you can explore the Raspberry Pi and Python design and create your own fun and practical IoT devices. By the end of the course, you’ll not only have a clear understanding of the IoT but also practical skills.

Put your learning into action by completing a project to build your own microcontroller – based embedded system. This project will not only showcase your skills but also make you stand out to potential employers.

(Don’t miss this chance to be a part of a technology that is shaping the future.)

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14. Introduction to Mathematical Thinking

Dr. Keith Devlin, co-founder of the Stanford University Human Sciences and Technologies Advanced Research Institute, teaches a course on mathematical thinking. 

This course is recommended for intermediate-level students, focusing on mathematical theorizing. You will also learn to think logically and critically evaluate. The best part is that you can take this course for FREE without certification. 

It’s also included in our list of best Math Courses. The course covers how mathematicians think, exploring the cognitive process developed over hundreds of years.

Plus, you’ll also gain familiarity with formalized language in mathematics and learn to analyze the purpose and use of mathematical languages.

The history of calculus creation and the importance of linguistic definition in math are discussed, along with number theory and methods for developing a rigorous foundation for calculus.

The course also teaches problem-solving using critical and mathematical thinking. (If you want people to call you a GENIUS, better not to skip this course.)

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15. Social Work: Practice, Policy and Research

This course from the University of Michigan, the top school for social work in the US, is perfect for those keen on a social services career, even without experience.

It comprises six challenging courses, offering live sessions, flexible learning, quizzes, and collaborative projects.

Completion of the MasterTrack earns you a University of Michigan Certificate, reducing the full Master’s credits from 60 to 45. However, some human service experience is needed to continue to the full Master’s. 

You’ll learn how social workers bring positive change to individuals, families, and communities. The course covers key research, knowledge, policy, and frameworks guiding social work practice, along with the evolution of social work policy.

By enrolling in this course, you’ll discover the connection between social work and social justice, using a social justice lens, and appreciate the various roles of social workers in different settings. 

This comprehensive program helps you with valuable insights and skills for a fulfilling career in social services.

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Methods to Find the Best Course on Coursera

TRUST ME. To make the most of Coursera, take time to find the right courses using this guide. Check out the content and read reviews before deciding. 

These steps will help you get the BEST value and make the most out of your learning experience on Coursera.

Student Reviews for Coursera

When I checked the customer reviews on Trustpilot, I understood that users have faced different experiences. Some users have found many benefits, while others have gone through disappointing situations. 

I’ll share some random reviews below so that you’ll understand what users say about Coursera.

• Customer Review 01:

Krish has got a good deal on Coursera Plus for £160 during a New Year promo. He recommends it for basic to intermediate skills but notes that not all courses are included. To succeed, he advises investing time in personal projects.

Despite some 1-star reviews about payment issues, the user thinks it’s likely due to people not reading the terms and conditions.

• Customer Review 02:

This user says he’s very happy with Coursera. He initially joined a course, then left, and later rejoined. He was worried about paying twice but reached out to customer care. Even though he hasn’t received a response yet, everything is now sorted out. 

He expresses that learning through Coursera feels right for him. 

• Customer Review 03:

Natalia says she hasn’t had any problems with the charges. She has paid for each course and is happy with the platform. 

She has completed 13 courses and plans to keep using it. The courses provide lots of information, and the certificates include the University’s name. She likes that she can download the certificates and has completed courses in law, business, and marketing.

• Customer Review 04:

Liz says she signed up for a course and finished it but couldn’t get her certificate despite doing all the work. They feel it’s a scam and find it difficult to reach a human for help.

Canceling the monthly charges was also an issue. She advises being careful and does not recommend the platform. 

In short, there are both pros and cons in Coursera. You should analyze and see whether the course you’re planning to enroll in has more pros or more cons. Understanding this will help you have a better experience.

How Much Does Coursera Cost?

GUESS WHAT? Coursera offers free courses, and if you want a certificate, it costs $49. You can start a course for free and decide later if you’re going to pay for the certificate.

Plus, guided projects start at $9.99, while specializations and professional certificates are priced from $39.99 a month. 

A Coursera Plus subscription provides full access to Courses, Guided Projects, Specializations, and some Certificates. It can be paid monthly at $59 or annually at $399 (which saves $309 compared to monthly payments).

This subscription is like paying just over $1 a day to learn from top educators worldwide, making it a valuable investment in your future. 

If you ask me about degree plans, this is it. Full degrees on Coursera start at $9,000.

For more detailed information, check their website for potential discounts and refer to the latest updates.

Does Coursera Offer a Free Trial?

Coursera provides various ways for you to experience its courses for free.

Read more about Coursera cost in this guide.

Benefits of Taking a Coursera Course

Yes, what you’re thinking is right. Taking Coursera courses online offers numerous benefits. First, flexibility is a key advantage. You can learn at your own pace and schedule, fitting the courses around your life. 

This is especially helpful for those with busy work or family commitments. 

Second, accessibility is a major plus. You can take the courses from anywhere with an internet connection, allowing you to acquire knowledge from the comfort of your home or while on the go. This eliminates the need for commuting and provides a convenient learning experience.

Third, a wide range of courses is available on Coursera, covering diverse topics like skill sets. This allows you to choose courses that align with your interests or career goals, ensuring a more personalized learning journey.

Furthermore, the interactive nature of the courses, often including quizzes, assignments, and discussions, enhances engagement and understanding. You can also receive quick feedback on your progress, aiding in better retention of the material. 

Coursera also provides certificates upon course completion, which can be valuable for showcasing your skills to employers or enhancing your resume. 

There are a lot more! 

(Enroll a course to see whether it’s your cup of tea.)

More relevant guides:

• Coursera certificate worth
• Coursera Competitors

Final Thoughts

Coursera offers many courses for different interests and careers. You can learn at your own pace, get certificates, and even earn degrees. It’s a great way to grow personally and professionally.

If you need more clarification, take a look at Coursera’s courses and find one that interests you. To know more about it, check out the full review of Coursera. Yes, learning is important, and Coursera can help you achieve your goals. 

So, why not start learning now?

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