Brown University is a prestigious Ivy League university in Providence, Rhode Island. It is known for accepting talented students and international students to pursue academic excellence in a graduate or undergraduate curriculum. Brown offers undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate degree programs. As well, students can also take advantage of many different Brown online courses.
Brown University offers non-degree programs and online courses to students who want to learn without formally attending Brown University. In addition, the Brown Pre-College Programs host participants from all over the world through in-person and online courses each summer. Learn more about the exciting learning opportunities that Brown online courses provide in this guide.
About Brown University Online Courses
Brown University serves a community of learners across the globe through online courses. Brown’s online programs provide more flexibility for students than location-based programs. Brown University’s pre-college programs are also helpful for high school students. Further, the university’s online courses cover a wide range of subjects.
In addition to other online courses, BrownX is an initiative by Brown University that offers a collection of online courses free of charge. The online courses are available through the online education company edX. Graduate students, career changers, and more can benefit from these executive education programs.
Does Brown University Offer Online Courses?
Yes, Brown offers a variety of online courses. Brown provides online courses for degree programs and free online courses for individuals who are not official Brown students. There are no program dates for these online courses, which means you can complete the academic program offerings in your own time. The low-cost, no-credit online programs are great for any student.
What Can You Learn in a Brown University Online Course?
In an online course from Brown, you will learn about humanities, engineering, medicine, and more. Brown University is recognized for nurturing curiosity and innovation in its students. The online programs and courses are curated to enhance collaboration and problem-solving. In addition, Brown hosts some of the best online graduate degree programs.
Does Brown University Offer Online Bootcamps?
No, Brown does not offer online bootcamps. However, the school does provide certificate programs and online courses on a variety of subjects. You can take additional science courses and computer science classes if you want to learn tech topics. The best coding bootcamps are a good choice if you want more accessible classes online that are not from a university.
5 Best Free Brown University Online Courses
Brown University delivers a select few high-value, non-credit courses for learners online. Free online courses from Brown University are self-paced and require students to learn for a few hours each week. Students do not get charged any tuition to complete the course but can earn a certificate after completion, upon paying a fee.
The no-cost, no-credit online courses are offered through the edX platform. The courses are conducted in English and, with Brown’s effort to provide accessible courses, they also include video transcripts. The courses cover different fields of study, including humanities, engineering, literature, and medicine.
| Course Title | Duration |
|---|---|
| Artful Medicine: Art’s Power to Enrich Patient Care | 3 weeks |
| Beyond Medical Histories: Gaining Insight from Patient Stories | 3 weeks |
| Introduction to Engineering and Design | 3 weeks |
| Fantastic Places, Unhuman Humans: Exploring Humanity Through Literature | 3 weeks |
| The Ethics of Memory | 3 weeks |
Artful Medicine: Art’s Power to Enrich Patient Care
This is a free contribution for the medical community where students learn how art can play a significant role in improving patient care. The course shares an innovative perspective for global medicine practice and healing. Students reflect on past practices and explore possibilities to infuse arts to enhance healing.
Beyond Medical Histories: Gaining Insight from Patient Stories
In this course, the instructors use creative storytelling for the benefit of better healthcare for patients. The course emphasizes communicating with patients in a more creative way. The focus is on telling stories to ask critical questions and share concerns as well as how to make the patient the center of the story.
Introduction to Engineering and Design
In this beginner course, you can learn about the process of designing in engineering. During the course, students try to solve engineering problems involving chemical, civil, or biomedical engineering. Students also learn how they would apply engineering concepts to designs to create solutions in mechanical, material, and electrical engineering.
Fantastic Places, Unhuman Humans: Exploring Humanity Through Literature
This is a course for anyone who enjoys fiction and has an interest in learning about human nature. In this course, students discuss what makes humans what they are. Gamers and literature fans will find the questions in the course to be both engaging and challenging. After completing a series of quests, students will end the course having many ideas of how to answer strange questions.
The Ethics of Memory
In this online course, you will learn about human memories, including personal and collective memories. Students in this course will also learn about the important ethical components when dealing with memories. You will learn about how memories are created, how memories can be interpreted, and our ethical responsibilities towards memories.
How to Choose an Online Course from Brown University
You can choose between Brown University’s online courses without the worry of choosing between rigid course paths. With Brown’s student-centered learning focus, students have the liberty to choose between subjects, follow their interests, and address issues and trends. Consider the tips below to select an online class that will get you the most value out of your class time.
- Interest. When choosing between Brown courses, it is best to pursue your own interests. Whether it be social sciences or a course that sets you up for a career in engineering, follow what intrigues you most.
- Impact. Explore what kind of work is being done by the program and the impact of research and teachings. Many college courses are all about preparing future leaders, so examine what impact the course will have on yourself and your greater communities.
- Course format. Check the curriculum and the course format for learning. Everyone learns in different ways. Be sure to choose acceptable courses that fit your personal model of learning.
- Instructors. Brown University is known for its world-class faculty and innovative teaching. However, there are many approaches to teaching. You can learn about the instructors’ teaching methods and choose courses with faculty researching in the fields of study that interest you.
Are Online Courses at Brown University Worth It?
Yes, online courses from Brown University are worth it. You will get the opportunity to learn through an open curriculum that gives you the intellectual freedom to explore interests and expand your knowledge. Since the courses are offered online, you don’t have to worry about class meeting times or navigating the Brown campus.
The best part of the online learning opportunities that Brown offers is that they are free. You can avoid application fees and the challenge of college and have a fun learning experience. You can get started on your undergraduate education and explore a wide variety of topics with Brown University’s online courses.
Brown University Online Courses FAQ
What kind of students go into Brown?
Brown University selects curious and innovative students with high GPAs and professional capabilities to attend. Students with diverse interests get the chance to explore their individual studies and contribute to interdisciplinary programs. Brown wants to empower reflective leaders and prepare them to make an impact in the broader community.
How hard is it to get into Brown University?
It is difficult to get into Brown University because only eight applicants out of 100 get accepted into the university. Applicants must submit transcripts, references, and showcase compelling personalities in their admission statements. However, the free online courses are much easier to get into.
What is the most popular major at Brown?
The most popular program at Brown is the liberal arts and science program. The school is also known for its science programs including its computer science, medicine, and mathematics departments. The Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) is a highly competitive program combining an undergraduate degree and medical school over eight years of education.
Is Brown a hippie school?
No, Brown is not a hippie school, but it does have the reputation of being open-minded. Brown University appreciates students with interests in liberal arts and emphasizes the diversity of perspectives. Unlike the other Ivy League schools, it has an open curriculum that is popular among liberal students.
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