Best Free Engineering Courses & Certificates Online

Engineers design and maintain much of the critical infrastructure that allows society to run smoothly.

Free engineering courses can be a great way to introduce yourself to general engineering principles or gain knowledge in a specific area.

Completing free online engineering courses can help you decide which area of engineering you're interested in or prepare for future study.

Free Engineering Courses

Here are some great free engineering courses that you can complete online in 2024.

1. Brown University

Brown University's online course Introduction to Engineering and Design is available through the online platform EdX.

The class is self-paced and typically requires 2-3 hours of study for three weeks.

The class can be completed for free but students will need to pay if they wish to earn a certificate upon completion.

The course has no prerequisites and covers topics such as the design process, prototyping, and mechanical engineering.

2. MIT OpenCourseWare

The world-renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) hosts an extensive open courseware platform that makes many classes free online.

The MIT OpenCourseWare system offers hundreds of engineering modules in many different specialized areas of engineering.

Students can take free engineering courses like Dynamics and Control, Modelling Dynamics, and Mechanics and Materials.

3. Stanford University

Stanford University is another reputable institution that provides excellent free learning resources for aspiring engineers.

Available free classes include:

• Introduction to Probability Management
• Introduction to Haptics
• Introduction to the Internet of Things
• Digital Communication
• Digital Signal Processing
• Convex Optimization
• Probabilistic Graphical Models

Most classes are offered in a self-paced format with rolling enrollment, however, several classes also offer university credit.

4. Engineer4Free

Engineer4Free is a treasure trove of free online engineering resources and courses. Over 500 tutorials in 12 areas of engineering are freely available online.

Individuals can strengthen their grasp on fundamental engineering topics such as dynamics, calculus, circuits, structural analysis, and statics.

The resources available on core topics are perfect for current students or anyone who wants to learn more about engineering.

Classes are presented at an undergraduate level and are available for free through the voluntary donations of patrons.

5. Open Culture

Open Culture is another great option for free engineering courses. The platform hosts 1,700 courses on different engineering topics.

Students can search by subject or institution to find an engineering class that fits their interests.

Popular classes include Dynamics of Machines, Electromagnetic Fields, Signals and Systems, and Electronics and Communication Engineering.

6. The Open University

The Open University offers an excellent introductory engineering class through its OpenLearn platform.

Students will come to understand the roles of engineers, the decision-making process, and how to apply mathematical and technical principles to design.

Course contents include engineering design, engineering rules, production, and engineering innovation.

The course takes 15 hours to complete and is offered at an introductory level suitable for all students.

7. Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University is supporting independent learners through a free online engineering course.

Individuals can take Engineering Statics in an online format at no cost.

Students will learn how to quantify forces and gain an essential prerequisite for aeronautical, civil, mechanical, and biomedical engineering.

What Do Engineers Do?

Engineers use knowledge of the natural world and physical systems to solve problems in design, manufacturing, and maintenance.

Common subdomains of engineering include electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, software engineering, civil engineering, and biomedical engineering.

Each type of engineer will solve different problems but they will all use a solid foundation in the natural sciences to approach questions systematically and create lasting solutions.

Should I Study Engineering?

Engineering is a highly practical profession and skilled engineers are always in demand. Studying engineering can be a smart career choice.

Individuals who enjoy solving practical problems and applying mathematical and scientific principles to design problems are well-suited to engineering.

Engineering is a diverse field that has room for many different skills and personalities. Trying out an introductory engineering course can help students determine their interests and strengths.

How to Become an Engineer

Because engineers often design systems and structures that need to be safe, there is a rigorous professional qualification process.

Engineers must earn an accredited four-year degree in engineering, complete four years of work experience under a licensed engineer, and then pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam.

Licensed engineers can submit designs and plans to regulatory bodies for approval and must uphold an ethical standard in their work.

Find a Free Engineering Course Today

Free engineering courses can give you the foundation you build toward an exciting career as an engineer. Find a perfect engineering course today and start your engineering journey.