These courses are available to independent learners. Many are free, but some carry a modest fee.
- Open & Free courses have no cost, no instructor, no schedule, and no scored assessments such as quizzes or checkpoints.
- Independent Paid courses have no instructor and no schedule. Some of them may include scored assessments such as quizzes or checkpoints, and some of them may include a certificate of completion for meeting the requirements. See course descriptions for details.
- Instructor-led courses for Independent Learners are paid courses run by an instructor. See course description for cost, meeting schedule, overall timeline, certificate of completion requirements, and other details.
If you’re an instructor looking for materials to use with your students (face to face, online, hybrid, etc.), see the OLI academic catalog here.
-
Transform AI into your new teaching partner. -
Spring 2026 registration is now open. Classes begin the week of January 12, 2026. 14 weeks of Zoom classes and online course materials. Less than $11.00 per class! This beginning Spanish language and culture course is designed for adult learners. The course is aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference. Learners who successfully complete this course will develop an A1 proficiency level, which is the first of six proficiency levels that are internationally recognized. Participants can earn a certificate of completion if they meet the requirements. -
Spring 2026 registration is now open. Classes begin the week of January 12, 2026. 14 weeks of Zoom classes and online course materials. Less than $11.00 per class! This advanced beginner Spanish language and culture course designed is for adult learners. This course is aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference. Learners who successfully complete this course will develop an A2 proficiency level, which is the second of six proficiency levels that are internationally recognized. It is recommended that learners who enroll in this course have previously taken A1 Spanish for Beginners, or its equivalent elsewhere. Participants can earn a certificate of completion if they meet the requirements.
-
Learn how to communicate with the sounds and music of American English. Improve your pronunciation in Standard American English by dealing with the sounds of the words that you speak. NOTE: This is a course on speaking American English, not learning the English language. Learn about Open & Free OLI courses by visiting the "Open & Free features" tab below. -
Approach the study of the body in an organized way to fully comprehend how all of the intricate functions and systems of the human body work together. Connect what you learn about anatomy and physiology to what you already know about your own body. Learn about Open & Free OLI courses by visiting the "Open & Free features" tab below. -
The Student Cognition Toolbox (SCT) is a short course companion (or “sidecar”) introducing and providing direct practice in study strategies that are informed by learning science research. This version of the SCT uses examples taken from the study of Anthropology, and gives study skills recommendations based on different topics in Anthropology. -
Spring 2026 registration is now open. Classes begin the week of January 12. 14 weeks of Zoom classes and online course materials. Less than $11.00 per class! Accelerated beginning level Arabic language and culture course for adult learners, developed by Carnegie Mellon University faculty for students with an intense desire to learn the language. Participants can earn a certificate of completion if they meet the requirements. -
Potentially useful to a broad range of students, Argument Diagramming provides an introduction to exploring and understanding arguments. This course will explain what the parts of an argument are and how to break arguments into their parts and create diagrams to show how those parts relate to each other. Learn about Open & Free OLI courses by visiting the “Open & Free features” tab below. -
Spring 2026 registration is now open. Classes begin the week of January 12, 2026. 14 weeks of Zoom classes and online course materials. Less than $11.00 per class! Beginning Chinese 1 is a course for adult learners who are new to learning Mandarin. This course is taught by Carnegie Mellon University faculty. This course is right for you if you have never learned Mandarin, or you have been trying to learn with an app and you would like to be able to practice speaking with an instructor. Participants can earn a certificate of completion if they meet the requirements. -
Beginning Mandarin Chinese course for independent learners to study Chinese language (pinyin and characters) and culture. -
Second level of the Beginning Mandarin Chinese course for independent learners to study Chinese language (pinyin and characters) and culture. Click here to learn more about the first level of the course, Elementary Chinese 1.
-
A molecular simulation environment lets students explore the effect of molecular interactions on the biochemical properties of systems. Biochemistry is an introductory course, designed for both biology and chemical engineering majors. Learn about Open & Free OLI courses by visiting the “Open & Free features” tab below. -
The Student Cognition Toolbox (SCT) is a short course companion (or “sidecar”) introducing and providing direct practice in study strategies that are informed by learning science research. In this version of the SCT, material from introductory biology is used to illustrate the application of the study strategies. This version draws from material in CMU OLI’s Introduction to Biology course.
-
An introduction to causal and statistical reasoning, this course is meant for students interested in critical thinking skills for daily life, students who will take a few statistics courses in service of a related field of study, and/or students interested in the foundations of quantitative causal models: called Bayes Networks. Learn about Open & Free OLI courses by visiting the “Open & Free features” tab below. -
The Student Cognition Toolbox (SCT) is a short course companion (or “sidecar”) introducing and providing direct practice in study strategies that are informed by learning science research. In this version of the SCT, material from introductory chemistry is used to illustrate the application of the study strategies. This version draws from material in CMU OLI’s General Chemistry course.
-
Learn about composites fabrication, assembly, repair; CNC machining; and composite manufacturing. Composites students are prepared for entry-level positions in industries including aviation, marine, recreation, green energy, and manufacturing. Learn about Open & Free OLI courses by visiting the “Open & Free features” tab below. -
Learn about PC hardware, software, and networking, as well as core skills for computing professionals. Cyber students are prepared for entry-level positions across the computing industry and in government, and have an opportunity to sit for nationally recognized certifications from Cisco and CompTIA. Learn about Open & Free OLI courses by visiting the “Open & Free features” tab below. -
Learn about electric vehicle development and maintenance. Electric Vehicle students are prepared for product development positions in the automotive, communications, solar, wind turbine, and smart grid industries and service positions in the automotive industry. Learn about Open & Free OLI courses by visiting the “Open & Free features” tab below. -
The first of two semesters on Mandarin Chinese that comprise CMU's Elementary Chinese course. Click here for Elementary Chinese 2. Learn about Open & Free OLI courses by visiting the “Open & Free features” tab below. -
A highly interactive and highly effective approach to learning Engineering Statics. Learn about Open & Free OLI courses by visiting the “Open & Free features” tab below. -
Learn about environmental technology in the contexts of HazMat, Safety, and Water Quality. Environmental students have the opportunity to earn nationally recognized federal certificates from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and are prepared for positions focusing on environmental issues, laboratory and field tests, and workplace safety. Learn about Open & Free OLI courses by visiting the “Open & Free features” tab below. -
Free to learners for a limited time, compliments of the Evidence Synthesis Institute and Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)! Learn about librarian and information specialist support of evidence synthesis with this comprehensive course compiled by experts in the library sciences. This course is for librarians, practitioners of library science, those working with research faculty and students, or anyone wanting to understand the core components of evidence synthesis. -
Strengthen your EBM skills and critical mindset to improve the quality of your decisions. -
Begin to strengthen your EBM skills and critical mindset to improve the quality of your decisions.
-
First-semester course teaching the French language and French culture, for self-starting students with an intense desire to learn the language. Learn about Independent Paid OLI courses by visiting the “Independent Paid features” tab below. -
Spring 2026 registration is now open. Classes begin the week of January 12. 14 weeks of Zoom classes and online course materials. Less than $11.00 per class! Accelerated beginning level French language and culture course for adult learners, taught by Carnegie Mellon University faculty for students with an intense desire to learn the language. Is French 1 or French 2 right for you? Participants can earn a certificate of completion if they meet the requirements.
-
First-semester course teaching the French language and French culture, for self-starting students with an intense desire to learn the language. Learn about Independent Paid OLI courses by visiting the “Independent Paid features” tab below.
-
14 weeks of Zoom classes and online course materials. Less than $11.00 per class! Accelerated beginning level French language and culture course for adult learners, taught by Carnegie Mellon University faculty for students with an intense desire to learn the language. Is French 1 or French 2 right for you? Participants can earn a certificate of completion if they meet the requirements. -
General Chemistry 1 is a highly interactive and engaging course that covers all topics typical of first semester General Chemistry. The course includes a multitude of formative practice problems that are scaffolded and include detailed feedback, . Learn about Open & Free OLI courses by visiting the “Open & Free features” tab below. -
General Chemistry 2 is a highly interactive and engaging course that covers all topics typical of second semester General Chemistry. The course includes a multitude of formative practice problems that are scaffolded and include detailed feedback. Learn about Open & Free OLI courses by visiting the “Open & Free features” tab below.
-
An introduction to essential terminology and ways of using causal graphs to represent causal systems. Learn about Open & Free OLI courses by visiting the “Open & Free features” tab below. -
This course is aligned to the general content contained in the Certified Associate in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CAHIMS®) certification administered by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), and includes expanded content related to the Healthcare and Healthcare IT industry. Depending on the option chosen, the course includes a certificate of completion and continuing education hours upon satisfactory completion. -
A course aligned to the Certified Associate in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CAHIMS) certification administered by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS). Learn about Open & Free OLI courses by visiting the “Open & Free features” tab below. -
An approach to Biology that helps students understand themselves and their environment. Learn about Open & Free OLI courses by visiting the “Open & Free features” tab below. -
Learn Java and be part of one of the largest programming communities. -
This course offers students an engaging, interactive introduction to the essential topics in psychology. Learn about Open & Free OLI courses by visiting the “Open & Free features” tab below. -
Learning to Learn Online is a short course companion (8 modules) to help set up online learners for success. -
An introductory logic course, designed for students from a broad range of disciplines, from mathematics and computer science to drama and creative writing. It is also designed to reflect aspects of the logical tradition (going back to Aristotle) as well as the practical applicability (for example for the construction of Boolean circuits). Below one finds a detailed description of the course with many of its special features. -
Introductory logic course designed for students from a broad range of disciplines, from mathematics and computer science to drama and creative writing. Learn about Open & Free OLI courses by visiting the “Open & Free features” tab below. -
Learn skills in electrical, mechanical, and computer technologies in a course mapped to the Siemens Mechatronic Systems Level 1 certification. Students are prepared for entry-level Mechatronics positions in almost every industry. Learn about Open & Free OLI courses by visiting the “Open & Free features” tab below. -
Non-computer science students can put computer programming in a relevant context by focusing on media, such as images, audio, and interactive systems. Learn about Open & Free OLI courses by visiting the “Open & Free features” tab below. -
PC Hardware helps students prepare for CompTIA A+ Hardware Exam 220-901. Learn about Open & Free OLI courses by visiting the “Open & Free features” tab below. -
PC Software helps students prepare for CompTIA A+ Software Exam 220-902. Learn about Open & Free OLI courses by visiting the “Open & Free features” tab below. -
The Student Cognition Toolbox (SCT) is a short course companion (or “sidecar”) introducing and providing direct practice in study strategies that are informed by learning science research. In this version of the SCT, material from introductory physics is used to illustrate the application of the study strategies. This version draws from material in CMU OLI’s College Physics 1 course.
-
Get an introduction to programming with one of the hottest languages, Python. Learn about Open & Free OLI courses by visiting the “Open & Free features” tab below. -
Introductory-level course teaches students the basic concepts of statistics and the logic of statistical reasoning. Designed for students with no prior knowledge in statistics, its only prerequisite is basic algebra. Includes a classical treatment of probability. Learn about Open & Free OLI courses by visiting the “Open & Free features” tab below. -
Understanding the intersection of engineering and public policy can help engineers be more effective. Learn about Open & Free OLI courses by visiting the “Open & Free features” tab below. -
Learn spanish in a media-rich and interactive environment, driven by video that was shot on-site in Guadalajara, Mexico. -
Learn Spanish 2 at your own pace in a media-rich and interactive environment, driven by video that was shot on-site in Guadalajara, Mexico.
-
Sample OLI's Spanish I course in a media-rich and interactive environment, driven by video that was shot on-site in Guadalajara, Mexico. This Open & Free version features one unit of content. Learn about Open & Free OLI courses by visiting the “Open & Free features” tab below.
-
Introductory-level course teaches students the basic concepts of statistics and the logic of statistical reasoning. Designed for students with no prior knowledge in statistics, its only prerequisite is basic algebra. Learn about Open & Free OLI courses by visiting the “Open & Free features” tab below. -
The Student Cognition Toolbox (SCT) is a short course companion (or “sidecar”) introducing and providing direct practice in study strategies that are informed by learning science research. In this version of the SCT, material from introductory statistics is used to illustrate the application of the study strategies. This version gives examples and recommendations specifically for students studying Introductory Statistics.
-
This course offers practice using workplace communication, with activities designed to strengthen skills in preparation for entering a college program in a STEM career. Learn about Open & Free OLI courses by visiting the “Open & Free features” tab below. -
This course provides a refresher of a core skill related to STEM careers: Mathematics from arithmetic to beginning algebra. Students will be better prepared for success in post-secondary STEM related technical programs and ultimately in STEM related careers. Learn about Open & Free OLI courses by visiting the “Open & Free features” tab below. -
The Student Cognition Toolbox (SCT) is a short course companion (or “sidecar”) introducing and providing direct practice in study strategies that are informed by learning science research. In this version of the SCT, the material draws from material in CMU OLI’s Anatomy & Physiology course.
-
The Student Cognition Toolbox (SCT) is a short course companion (or “sidecar”) introducing and providing direct practice in study strategies that are informed by learning science research. In this version of the SCT, material from introductory psychology is used to illustrate the application of the study strategies. This version has been used in psychology courses and in courses from across the curriculum.
-
Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis: A Campbell Collaboration Online Course provides an overview of the steps involved in conducting a systematic (scientific) review of results of multiple quantitative studies. These steps include: problem formulation, searching for relevant literature, screening potentially eligible studies, coding and critically appraising studies, synthesizing results across studies using meta-analysis, reporting and disseminating results, and updating or re-analysis of data. -
Students in this mini-course are introduced to the basics of visual communication design and typography, and learn to analyze and produce effective printed documents, such as technical reports, proposals, and software documentation. Learn about Open & Free OLI courses by visiting the “Open & Free features” tab below.
