10 Best Free and Affordable Social Science Courses Online
Get high-quality Social Sciences courses. Here are 10 Best Free and Affordable Social Science Courses Online to learn new skills.
Relying primarily on historical analysis and empirical evidence, Social Science is a major category of academic disciplines that focus on individuals and how they interact with one another within a society. Sub-disciplines of Social Science include international relations, public policy, political science, social work, sociology, anthropology, governance, economics, law, and psychology.
The courses include full set of class lectures, high-quality downloadable videos, audios and text transcript formats. Many courses are from world’s leading universities that will deepen your professional education. You can also achieve certificate after completion of a course. The courses are free, but in some cases you need to pay for certificates.
Get high-quality Social Sciences courses, many from top universities via reputable providers, with the following online social science courses and lectures below.
10 Best Free Social Science Courses Online
Many reputable course providers like Coursera, EdX, FutureLearn offer free online social science courses. In this article, we go over 10 popular free and affordable social science courses online.
1. The Science of Happiness
Offered by: University of California, Berkeley
Length: 11 weeks, Self-paced
This course is designed to explore the science behind happiness and well-being. The course is based on the positive psychology research and teachings of the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley.
By taking this course, participants gain a deeper understanding of the science behind happiness and acquire practical tools to enhance their own well-being. It can be a valuable resource for anyone interested in personal growth, positive psychology, or improving their overall happiness and life satisfaction.
2. Introduction to Social Work
Offered by: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Length: 6 weeks, Self-paced
The course is designed to help participants understand the role of social workers and the impact they have on individuals, families, communities, and society as a whole.
Throughout the course, participants explore various topics related to social work, including social justice, human rights, advocacy, and social welfare policies.
By taking this course, participants gain a foundational understanding of social work and its significance in addressing social issues and promoting well-being. It is suitable for individuals considering a career in social work, as well as those interested in gaining knowledge about the field for personal or professional development purposes.
3. Human Rights, Human Wrongs: Challenging Poverty, Vulnerability and Social Exclusion
Offered by: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Length: 6 weeks, Self-paced
The course consists of video lectures, readings, quizzes, and discussions with fellow learners. It is self-paced, allowing participants to study at their convenience. The course duration is typically around 11 weeks, with an estimated time commitment of 2-3 hours per week.
Throughout the course, participants explore various topics related to why the world need human rights, international legal frameworks, institutions and development, gendered poverty and inequality, gendered rights and violence, minorities and indigenous peoples, advocating for the vulnerable, and responding to crisis and conflict.
4. Protecting Children in Humanitarian Settings
Offered by: Columbia University
Length: 12 weeks, Self-paced
This course is designed to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges faced by children in humanitarian crises and how to protect their rights and well-being.
The course explores various aspects related to child protection in humanitarian settings, including armed conflicts, natural disasters, and refugee situations. It covers topics such as child rights, child protection frameworks, psychosocial support, education, health, and child participation.
The course is self-paced, allowing participants to study at their convenience. It consists of video lectures, readings, quizzes, and interactive discussions with fellow learners.
5. Gender and Intersectionality
Offered by: University of Iceland
Length: 6 weeks, Self-paced
This course aims to explore the concepts of gender and intersectionality and their significance in understanding social identities and inequalities.
Key topics covered in the course include the social construction of gender, feminist theories, intersectional frameworks, and the ways in which gender inequality manifests in various contexts.
By taking this course, participants gain a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding gender and intersectionality. It is suitable for anyone interested in social justice, gender studies, sociology, or related fields.
6. International Women’s Health and Human Rights
Offered by: Stanford University
Length: 10 weeks, Self-paced
This course is designed to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of women’s health and human rights, reproductive years and aging, beginning in infancy and childhood, then moving through adolescence.
Throughout the course, participants explore various topics related to being born female and discrimination; poverty; food, paid work and health care, unequal access to education, and various forms of violence.
Topics discussed include reproductive health, son preference, education, HIV/AIDS, violence in the home, women’s work, sex trafficking, and aging.
7. Social Work Practice: Advocating Social Justice and Change
Offered by: University of Michigan
Length: 12 hours, Self-paced
This course focuses on the application of social work principles and practices to promote social justice and create meaningful change in communities.
This course covers topics such as social justice theory, community organizing, policy advocacy, and strategies for addressing social inequalities. Participants will learn about the role of social workers in advocating for marginalized populations and engaging in macro-level social work practice.
This course on Coursera consist of video lectures, readings, quizzes, and assignments. The course also provide opportunities for interaction and discussion with instructors and fellow learners.
8. The Social Context of Mental Health and Illness
Offered by: University of Toronto
Length: 14 hours, Self-paced
This course focuses on exploring the social factors that influence mental health and the societal context in which mental illnesses are understood and addressed.
Throughout the course, participants will examine how various social determinants, such as culture, gender, socioeconomic status, and stigma, impact mental health outcomes and the experiences of individuals with mental illnesses.
By taking this course, participants gain a better understanding of the social factors that contribute to mental health and illness, allowing them to critically analyze mental health issues within their social context.
9. Children’s Human Rights – An Interdisciplinary Introduction
Offered by: Université de Genève
Length: 10 hours, Self-paced
This course provides an interdisciplinary exploration of children’s human rights, focusing on their protection, promotion, and fulfillment.
Throughout the course, participants will gain an understanding of the fundamental principles and concepts related to children’s human rights.
The course covers a wide range of topics, including child protection, child participation, education, health, child labor, and the rights of vulnerable and marginalized children.
The course is typically self-paced and consists of video lectures, readings, quizzes, and interactive discussions with fellow learners. The estimated time commitment can vary but is usually around 4-6 hours per week.
10. Social Psychology
Offered by: Wesleyan University
Length: 37 hours, Self-paced
This course provides an introduction to the field of social psychology, which explores how individuals’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the social environment.
Throughout the course, participants will delve into various social psychological theories and concepts. They will explore topics such as social perception, attitudes, stereotypes, group dynamics, interpersonal relationships, conformity, obedience, and the impact of social influence on individual behavior.
By taking this course, participants will gain valuable insights into how social factors shape human behavior and thinking. It can be beneficial for individuals interested in psychology, sociology, communication, leadership, or anyone seeking to understand social dynamics and interactions.
FAQ About Social Science Courses
What are the topics of social science courses?
The common topics of of Social Science include international relations, public policy, political science, social work, sociology, anthropology, governance, economics, law, and psychology.
Where can I get social science courses for free?
There are several online platforms where you can access social science courses for free. Some popular platforms are Coursera, Edx, FreeCodeCamp, MIT OpenCourseWare, Stanford Online etc. However, it’s important to note that while these platforms offer free courses, some may charge a fee if you want a verified certificate or additional features.
What topic should I choose from social science courses?
The choice of a topic in social science courses depends on your interests, career goals, and the specific area of social science that resonates with you. However, some popular and in-demand topics are: international relations, public policy, political science, social work, sociology, anthropology, governance, economics, law, and psychology.
If you’re interested in Self-Paced online courses that you can start anytime, visit our collection: Self-Paced Courses: Start Your Best Online Courses Anytime. For a list of online courses by subject, visit Best Free Online Courses and Certifications to Learn New Skills. For a list of best websites for free online courses, visit Best Websites for Online Courses.
