Over a decade ago, a handful of Stanford professors decided to make their courses available online for free. These were later known as Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), and 2012 marked the “year of the MOOC.” The online course landscape has expanded significantly since then, sometimes making navigating challenging.

This article utilizes Class Central’s database, which lists over 200,000 courses and enrollment numbers, to compile a selection of the year’s most popular free online courses with certificates. These courses are geared towards equipping learners with the skills needed to secure entry-level jobs in cybersecurity.

  1. Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT – Vanderbilt University
    If you use ChatGPT and other large-scale language models effectively, they can become more valuable to your business and life than your smartphone.
  2. Manage Security Risks – Google
    Gain an understanding of how cybersecurity professionals protect business operations using frameworks and controls.
  3. Generative Artificial Intelligence with Large Language Models – DeepLearning.AI
    Learn the fundamentals of generative AI and its real-world applications using large language models.
  4. Introduction to Generative AI – Google Cloud
    This microlearning course introduces Generative AI, its applications, and how it differs from traditional machine-learning methods. Includes Google Tools for creating Gen AI applications
  5. Great Learning Free Course on “DevOps Fundamentals”
    This free course is designed for beginners and covers the essential concepts of DevOps, focusing on its principles and practices. It includes modules on continuous integration, continuous deployment, infrastructure as code, and monitoring. The course features video lectures, hands-on exercises, and quizzes to enhance learning. By the end of the course, participants will have a solid understanding of DevOps Course and its applications, making it an excellent starting point for anyone looking to delve into the world of DevOps and improve their software development and operations processes.
  6. Protect and Connect – Networks and Network Security – Google
    Learn how to connect devices and facilitate communication securely.
  7. Leadership Skills – Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad through
    Explore essential leadership skills necessary for navigating our increasingly complex world.
  8. The Science of Well-Being in Teenagers – Yale University
    Designed to address the mental health crisis among teenagers, offering strategies over a 6-week course.
  9. Google Cybersecurity – Google
    Start a career in cybersecurity with no degree or previous experience required.
  10. Generative Artificial Intelligence for Everyone – DeepLearning.AI
    Andrew Ng offers insights into empowering projects with generative AI, covering its capabilities and limitations.
  11. Computer Graphics – edX
    Introduction to creating realistic 3D images in real-time and using ray tracing.
  12. Tools for the Trade – Linux & SQL – Google
    Develop essential computing skills for cybersecurity analysts, including Linux and SQL.
  13. Introduction to Cybersecurity – Harvard University via edX
    A primer on cybersecurity is suitable for both technical and non-technical audiences.
  14. Full-Stack Web Development using React
    Learn to implement multi-platform applications using React for front-end, hybrid, and mobile development with server-side assistance.
  15. Assets Threats and Vulnerabilities – Google
    Introduction to threats, vulnerabilities, and asset classification.
  16. Pre-MBA Statistics – Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad through
    Learn how statistics are used to summarise, analyse, and interpret data in preparation for MBA studies.
  17. Mathematics for Machine Learning & Data Science – DeepLearning.AI
    Foundational mathematics program designed for beginners in machine learning and data science.

In conclusion, the landscape of online learning has evolved tremendously over the past decade, offering a vast array of courses designed to equip learners with essential skills. From cybersecurity and generative AI to leadership and statistics, these courses cater to career advancement and address pressing societal needs, such as mental health awareness among teenagers. Whether you’re aiming to enter a new field or enhance existing expertise, these top online courses represent a gateway to personal and professional growth in today’s interconnected world. Embrace their opportunities and embark on a journey towards mastering new skills that will shape the future.