The number of online courses is increasing rapidly, however, so is the number of people who are looking for affordable online programs that could help them to improve their knowledge and take their career to the next level.
The main question is, how to know which courses to pick when there are thousands of available options?
One of the recommended ways to do that is by taking advantage of Best National University rankings. These rankings include the most elite universities, such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and others.
According to 2023 rankings, Princeton University takes the very first place. It’s a good thing that you came looking for the best Princeton online courses!
Established in 1746, Princeton is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States. The reason why so many students want to be accepted to Princeton is because it opens up future opportunities, provides a general financial aid package, and an opportunity to learn from the very best in their field.
Now, it’s not a secret that Princeton accepts only a small percentage of students, however, it doesn’t mean that you do not get an opportunity to enroll in Princeton University online courses.
While Princeton online courses are highly accessible on some of the most popular online learning platforms, I performed thorough research to find the most recommended ones. That said, here’s the list for the best classes at Princeton that you can find on Coursera and edX:
- Computer Science: Algorithms, Theory, and Machines
- Algorithms, Part I
- Buddhism and Modern Psychology
- Effective Altruism
- Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies
- Constitutional Interpretation
- Global History of Capitalism
I know that you can’t wait to find out more about each of the courses, however, first things first.
Table of Contents
- 1. Princeton University Online Courses: Why Choose to Study Online?
- 2. Computer Science: Algorithms, Theory, and Machines (Enroll HERE)
- 3. Algorithms, Part I (Enroll HERE)
- 4. Buddhism and Modern Psychology (Enroll HERE)
- 5. Effective Altruism (Enroll HERE)
- 6. Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies (Enroll HERE)
- 7. Constitutional Interpretation (Enroll HERE)
- 8. Global History of Capitalism (Enroll HERE)
- 9. Conclusions
Princeton University Online Courses: Why Choose to Study Online?
Even though people truly value the whole on-campus experience - meeting new people, going to the library, partying, and so on, an increasing number of people are choosing online courses. There are a few reasons for that.
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The very first and most apparent one is the COVID-19 pandemic. As the situation is getting worse, many universities and schools decide to transfer classes online due to security concerns. Needless to say, this is the only way to ensure minimal contact and stay safe.
This is obviously not the only reason why it’s recommended to choose Princeton online courses. Another important aspect is the price. Yale University is one of the most expensive ones. Needless to say, not many people can afford to pay tens of thousands of dollars per year. When it comes to learning online, though, you’ll find that there are many Princeton free online courses to choose from.
The final but not less important reason for choosing Princeton University online courses is that you can learn anywhere and anytime. If you have time after work, on a way home or during the break - you can spend that time learning.
Therefore, when there are so many Princeton University online courses, it wouldn’t be smart to let this opportunity slip through your fingers. Below, you’ll find the most recommended Princeton University online courses, so make sure to choose at least one of them and gain new knowledge.
Note: there are no Princeton certificate programs that could be completed entirely online at the moment. So, none of the courses will provide you with a certificate. However, the good news is that they’re all completely free.
Computer Science: Algorithms, Theory, and Machines (Enroll HERE)
- Price: FREE
- Length: ~10 weeks
- Level: Intermediate
If you’re into computer science and want to find one of the most recommended Princeton University online courses, this one is perfect for you. The Computer Science course offered by Princeton University aims to introduce the broader discipline of computer science and is suitable for those who are at least slightly familiar with Java programming.
In this course, you’ll be introduced to classic algorithms together with different scientific techniques that help to evaluate performance. What is more, you’ll understand classic theoretical models that allow you to address fundamental questions about computations.
At the very end of this course, you’ll be learning about a computing machine, Von Neumann machines, combinational circuits and central processing units. As I said, this course is not suitable for beginners, however, if you have Java programming basics, you should definitely check it out.
This course will be taught by two instructors: Robert Sedgewick and Kevin Wayne. Both of them teach Computer Science at Princeton University. Needless to say, you’ll be learning from specialists in the field.
Algorithms, Part I (Enroll HERE)
- Price: FREE
- Length: ~10 weeks
- Level: Intermediate
This course is taught by the same lecturers as the previous one - Robert Sedgewick and Kevin Wayne. It’s highly evaluated among aspiring programmers who want to know more about algorithms and data structures.
This course should take you about 5 weeks to complete, however, since you can learn at your own pace, it completely depends on you. The course is an intermediate level, so you need to have some previous knowledge of programming before enrolling.
The Algorithms Part I course covers all the basics, including the fundamental approach to creating and analyzing algorithms by considering the dynamic connectivity problem.
Moreover, you’ll be analyzing the performance of algorithms using scientific methods as well as perform computational experiments that will help to measure the running times of different programs.
After completing this course, you’ll have so much more knowledge in the data structure, algorithms and Java programming. This is one of Princeton free online courses, so it’s available to everyone!
Buddhism and Modern Psychology (Enroll HERE)
- Price: FREE
- Length: ~6 weeks
- Level: Beginner
The Buddhism and Modern Psychology course is one of the most popular and best evaluated Princeton University online courses. If you’re interested in psychology, philosophy, mindfulness and meditation, you should find it one of the best classes at Princeton.
This course will answer a variety of questions about meditation, its spiritual significance and physical explanations. Moreover, you’ll find out about Buddhist claims about the human mind, focus on some highly counterintuitive doctrines, and so much more.
After completing this course, you’ll have a deeper understanding in modern psychology, meditation and happiness. Even though the course should take about 6 weeks to complete (depending on your pace), it’s completely worth it.
Robert Wright, the instructor of this course, has written multiple books. The most recent one is called “Why Buddhism is True: The Science and Philosophy of Meditation and Enlightenment”. Moreover, he’s a visiting professor at Princeton University and has also taught in the psychology department at Penn. Students seem to be really happy with this instructor, so you should like his teaching methods as well.
Effective Altruism (Enroll HERE)
- Price: FREE
- Length: ~6 weeks
- Level: Beginner
Altruism is the moral principle that focuses on making other people happy and doing the best you can, sometimes, at your own expense.
The Effective Altruism course will not only introduce you to altruism and explain its main truths but will also provide you with multiple examples - people who completely changed their lives based on this principle.
What is more, you’ll take a look at consequentialist ethics, effectiveness of aid programs, poverty as human rights violation, the difference between multiple charities, as well as the relationship between rationality, self-interest and ethics.
Multiple reviews claim that it’s one of the best Princeton University online courses that’s recommended for everyone. The good news is that this course is completely free and doesn’t require any previous knowledge, so anyone can start learning.
Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies (Enroll HERE)
- Price: FREE
- Length: ~11 weeks
- Level: Beginner
Whether you’re already familiar with cryptocurrencies and how they work or have no previous knowledge about it, the Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies course is suitable for everyone.
In this course, you’ll be introduced to crypto and cryptocurrencies, including building blocks, aspects regarding security, etc. What is more, you’ll find out how Bitcoin achieves decentralization, the mechanics of Bitcoin as well as how to store and use them. That’s only some of the topics that will be covered in this course.
If you’re interested in cryptocurrencies, investing and mining, as well as Bitcoin's future predictions, this is one of the most recommended Princeton free online courses for you.
While the course might take you about 11 weeks to complete when learning about 2 hours per week, you might want to do some extra work and finish it much faster.
Constitutional Interpretation (Enroll HERE)
- Price: FREE
- Length: 7 weeks
- Level: Intermediate
The Constitutional Interpretation course focuses on examining the major questions in American Constitutional interpretation. The course is an intermediate level, meaning that it’s recommended to have at least some knowledge of this topic.
This is one of the best classes at Princeton University as you’ll be learning not only theoretical material but also have hands-on experience. You’ll get a way better understanding of the topic through Supreme Court cases, various quizzes, discussions and readings.
After completing this course, you’ll have a good understanding of the power of judicial review, historical development, the role of courts in ensuring the rights of property, freedom of speech and religion. What is more, you’ll be aware of the fundamental alternatives in approaching the interpretation of the Constitution.
Robert P. George, the instructor of this course, is McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and Director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University. Moreover, he has served as chairman of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), and has even more great achievements.
Since you can enroll in this course completely free, you can start learning whenever you’re ready. The only problem is that there are no Princeton certificate programs available online, so you won’t be getting it for this course as well.
Global History of Capitalism (Enroll HERE)
- Price: FREE
- Length: 6 weeks
- Level: Introductory
The final Princeton University online course on this list is the Global History of Capitalism. This is an introductory level course, so if you have very minimal knowledge, however, want to find out more about Capitalism, you can start learning immediately.
The course will cover the very basics, including the definition of capitalism, how it changed over time as well as its development and impact. Moreover, you’ll find out the relation between capitalism and globalization, what are the most important institutions of global capitalism, why labor markets develop, and multiple other important questions.
This is one of those Princeton University online courses that’s recommended for people who want to deepen their personal knowledge and grow as individuals. That being said, I’d recommended it for everyone, especially since it’s completely free.
The reason why this course is different from others is because you’ll be taught by multiple instructors from Princeton University. This means that you’ll be able to understand this topic from different perspectives which is always better.
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Conclusions
Therefore, Princeton is known as one of the most prestigious universities in the US. Many young individuals are dreaming of being accepted to Princeton due to future opportunities.
However, since only a small percentage of individuals get a chance to have the whole Princeton experience, there are multiple Princeton University online courses that will let you become a part of the entire education process.
The majority of Princeton University online courses are available on edX and Coursera that are known as top-tier online learning platforms. All courses can be accessed completely free! Find the most recommended options below:
- Computer Science: Algorithms, Theory, and Machines
- Algorithms, Part I
- Buddhism and Modern Psychology
- Effective Altruism
- Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies
- Constitutional Interpretation
- Global History of Capitalism
Even though every course is completely different, each of them can teach you valuable knowledge.