Top 10 Free Online Psychology Courses & Certificates 2025

Psychology is the study of human behavior, mental health, and overall how the brain works. It is an important field of study � one that requires a significant amount of schooling.

Most psychologists hold a doctoral degree, but for those who are simply curious about entering the field, there are various psychology classes online to explore. These courses can help you casually learn more about psychology without committing to a university degree or financial investment.

Are There Free Psychology Courses Online?

There are many free online psychology courses available through a variety of platforms. Some are even offered by top universities, such as Yale University, that partner with online learning platforms to teach beginner psychology courses. These free psychology courses are a great way to learn about psychology without the pressures of a university program.

Do Free Psychology Courses Include Certificates?

There are lots of free online psychology courses with certificates. These certificates do not equate a college degree, however, and practicing psychologists typically have at least a master's degree, if not their Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). Online psychology courses are perfect for curious learners who want to explore the field, but they do not necessarily create job opportunities.

Types of Free Online Psychology Courses

Free online psychology courses can vary in topics and areas of study. Some common courses include topics like introduction to psychology, clinical psychology, and social psychology. There are also specializations such as child psychology courses, classes on the psychology of addiction, neuroscience courses, and more.

These courses can either be offered asynchronously, where students learn at their own pace, or synchronously, with virtual instructor-led class meetings.

Top Free Online Psychology Classes

These highly-rated free psychology courses are beginner and working-adult-friendly. Most of them are asynchronous and allow students to complete the work in their own time, and come with a certificate once completed. Explore a range of topics, from introductory courses to child psychology courses online.

1. Coursera � Introduction to Psychology

This beginner-friendly course is offered through Coursera by Yale University and covers the foundations of psychology. Topics include human development, language, cognition, and more. The average rating is 4.9 out of 5.0 stars, with over 31,000 reviews and counting.

• Program length: 10 hours over one week
• Program cost: Free; $49 for your shareable certificate

2. eLearning College � Child Psychology

This robust online child psychology course covers many different kinds of development. Students will explore social and emotional development, personality development, language development, and more. This free online child psychology course comes with a certificate and is ideal for those who already have some experience in psychology research and have an understanding of the basic principles of psychology.

• Program length: Up to 10 months
• Program cost: Free

3. Alison � Introduction to Psychology

This introductory course covers an array of topics, including neuroscience, emotional intelligence, psychological disorders, and more. This course packs a lot of information into a short amount of time, so some prior knowledge of psychology could be helpful prior to enrollment. Graduates of the course appreciate the thorough detail in each module.

• Program length: Six to 10 hours
• Program cost: Free; $25 for a your digital certificate

4. Carnegie Mellon University � Introduction to Psychology

Through its Open Learning Initiative (OLI), Carnegie Mellon University offers a 100%-free introduction to psychology course available online. Topics covered include research methods, language development, social psychology, and more. While this course does not offer a certificate of completion, it does offer students the chance to study at a highly-rated university free of charge.

• Program length: 14 weeks
• Program cost: Free

5. Udemy � Introduction to Child Psychology

Udemy offers an online child psychology course with a certificate of completion upon receiving a grade of 80% or higher. Students will learn about parenting styles and how they impact children, developmental theories, and how the human mind grows and develops. This course can be accessed via laptop, TV, or mobile phone, making it ideal for adult learners who are on the go.

• Program length: Two hours
• Program cost: $89.99

6. MIT � Introduction to Psychology

Similar to Carnegie Mellon University, MIT offers several free courses through its OpenCourseWare program. This introductory course covers memory, language, psychopathology, and more. Students will have access to a full set of video lectures, a free online textbook, study guides, and a series of exams to test their knowledge.

• Program length: Self-paced
• Program cost: Free

7. edX � Positive Psychology

Online learning platform edX has partnered with the American Psychological Association (APA) to deliver this in-depth course on positive psychology. Positive psychology is the scientific study of how happiness, mindfulness, and gratitude can contribute to one's overall well-being. This evidence-based course discusses the research behind positive psychology, as well as its major criticisms and basic psychological principles.

• Program length: Eight weeks (two to five hours per week)
• Program cost: Free; $129 for graded assessments, lifetime access, and a certificate of completion

8. OpenLearn � Investigating a Murder with Forensic Psychology

OpenLearn's course on forensic psychology takes students through a fictionalized murder investigation through the lens of psychology. Students will learn about the psychology of interviews and confessions and apply their research to the investigation from start to finish. This course includes a free certificate of completion for students who create an OpenLearn account.

• Program length: Four weeks; 12 hours total
• Program cost: Free

9. The Great Courses Plus � Extreme Offenders: Psychological Insights

This forensic psychology course covers notorious true-crime cases through a psychological lens. Students will study real cases over the course of 12 distinct video lectures led by Katherine Ramsland, a renowned true-crime author and researcher.

• Program length: 12 episodes at apprimately 40 minutes each
• Program cost: $29.99

10. Oxford Home Study Centre � Child Psychology

This child psychology course covers the scope of child development, including the different stages and areas of development children go through over time. The focus of this course is on overall child wellness and how to best support children psychologically in everyday life. This course has a rating of 4.8 out of 5.0 stars, with over 76,000 ratings and counting.

• Program length: Self-paced
• Program cost: Free; $60 certificate

FAQs About Free Psychology Courses Online

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about earning a psychology certificate online, as well as how to become a psychologist after taking a free online course.

What Is the Cheapest Online Psychology Degree?

The cheapest online psychology degree is likely going to be a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. Many well-known universities offer this program, such as Eastern University, Arizona University, Southern New Hampshire University, and more.

Can I Use a Free Psychology Course for College Credit?

Free psychology courses typically cannot be used for college credit. They are a great way to explore the field of psychology and determine what specialization you may want to study � but most universities do not accept free courses as college credits.

Can I Become a Psychologist for Free?

No, but it is possible to earn a lower-cost degree through scholarships, grants, loan programs, and studying at a low-cost university. By enrolling in free introductory courses, it's also possible to gain fundamental skills to set you up for success should you choose to become a psychology student at a university.

Learn More: Financial Aid For Online Certificate Programs

Is Prior Knowledge Required To Take a Psychology Course?

Many free psychology courses do not require prior knowledge, especially introductory ones. Niche courses, such as those covering developmental psychology or the autism spectrum, may require some background knowledge that can be gained through free introductory courses.

Discover Online Psychology Programs

While these free psychology classes may not allow you to start seeing patients of your own, they are a great step into the world of studying psychology. If you plan to continue your psychology studies at a university, many online programs are both high-quality and low-cost. Jumpstart your career in psychology by discovering affordable online programs here on Learn.org.