Online learning has become increasingly popular over the last few years. This has to do with the fact that people are looking for new opportunities and ways to improve their knowledge and get better job offers. Moreover, due to COVID-19 pandemic, people choose to stay safe and learn from home.
While there are many different online classes and programs to choose from, the majority of people are looking for university-level courses that are taught by experts in their field. This way, you have an opportunity to gain the same knowledge as students at prestigious universities, such as Columbia,
Columbia is one of the leading institutions of higher education. It was established in 1754 and is a private Ivy League research university in New York City. Columbia has been ranked as one of the top universities for around 250 years already. Needless to say, a significant number of students want to become a part of the Columbia community.
While not everyone has an opportunity to join Columbia University, every person can enroll in free Columbia online courses that are available on multiple online learning platforms, such as Coursera and edX.
After investing some time and effort, I managed to find the most popular and highest-evaluated Columbia University online courses available. Here are the top 7 options that we’ll discuss further in this article:
- Financial Engineering and Risk Management
- Statistical Thinking for Data Science and Analytics
- Construction Management Specialization
- Economics of Money and Banking
- The Age of Sustainable Development
- Machine Learning for Data Science and Analytics
- Introduction to Corporate Finance
However, there are a few important aspects that we have to discuss before that.
Table of Contents
- 1. Columbia University Online Courses: The Perks of Learning Online
- 2. Financial Engineering and Risk Management Part I (Enroll HERE)
- 3. Statistical Thinking for Data Science and Analytics (Enroll HERE)
- 4. Construction Management Specialization (Enroll HERE)
- 5. Economics of Money and Banking (Enroll HERE)
- 6. The Age of Sustainable Development (Enroll HERE)
- 7. Machine Learning for Data Science and Analytics (Enroll HERE)
- 8. Introduction to Corporate Finance (Enroll HERE)
- 9. Conclusions
Columbia University Online Courses: The Perks of Learning Online
So many people are looking for Columbia University online courses, however, what’s so great about them?
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Well, there are a few major reasons why people are looking for Columbia online courses instead of traditional institutions of education.
First of all, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple schools and universities are transferring classes online. Even though you do not get to have that on-campus experience, at least you’re staying safe at home.
While the COVID-19 pandemic is one of the reasons for choosing Columbia University online courses, there are other reasons that should be taken into consideration.
One of the most obvious ones is pricing. Columbia’s yearly fees are almost $60,000. Needless to say, the minority can afford such a price. When it comes to Columbia University online courses, on the other hand, many of them can be accessed completely free, especially if you don’t need a certificate of completion.
One more factor that should be taken into consideration is flexibility. If you have a full-time job, attending day school is not a possibility. However, as you probably know, online learning platforms provide you with flexibility, meaning that you can learn at your own pace, whenever you want. That said, if you have a free day or spend an hour traveling to work, you can use that time for self-improvement.
Thus, while learning online you won’t get the same experience as in university, there are multiple reasons why it’s recommended to choose Columbia University online courses, so be aware of them when picking from the top-rated courses.
Now, let’s check out the most recommended Columbia Online courses.
Financial Engineering and Risk Management Part I (Enroll HERE)
- Price: FREE
- Certificate: $49
- Length: 8 weeks
The Financial Engineering and Risk Management course is recommended for those who are interested and have knowledge in mathematics, finance and economics, statistics as well as engineering and computational methods. That’s because Finance Engineering is a multidisciplinary field that includes all of the previously mentioned subjects.
This course is created not only for those who want to deepen their knowledge in financial engineering but also for those who are thinking about starting a new career. According to Coursera’s statistics, 40% of students who completed this course, managed to start a new career, whereas 38% got some real career benefits.
This course is created with an intention to provide students with an understanding of rocket science behind financial engineering. You will be introduced to derivative securities, including futures, forwards, options, and swaps. Moreover, you’ll learn calibration of term-structure models, basic mortgage mathematics, and so much more.
The course should take you about 8 weeks to complete when learning about 2 hours every week. You can enroll in this course completely free, however, if you want to get a certificate of completion that you can add to your portfolio, it will cost you $49. The price is completely fair considering all the knowledge you get.
Statistical Thinking for Data Science and Analytics (Enroll HERE)
- Price: FREE
- Certificate: $99
- Length: 5 weeks
Are you into statistics and data science? If so, the Statistical Thinking for Data Science and Analytics course is exactly what you need. It’s an introductory-level course that will provide you with the basics on the topic.
Within a short period of time, you’ll be able to gain valuable knowledge that will open up new future opportunities. That’s the main reason why it’s considered to be one of the best Columbia University online courses.
After completing all classes, you’ll have a pretty good understanding of data collection, analysis and interference. What is more, you’ll know how to judge the probability based on specific conditions as well as how to create compelling graphics, and so much more.
Even though this course is self-paced, you should be learning 7-10 hours per week if you want to complete it within 5 weeks. The Columbia University online certificate for this course costs $99. It’s official, verified and easily shareable, so you can add the certificate to your CV or resume.
Construction Management Specialization (Enroll HERE)
- Price: 7-day free trial
- Certificate: $49
- Length: 5 months
Unlike other Columbia University online courses, Construction Management is a specialization, meaning that it includes multiple courses after which you’ll have very wide knowledge in the field.
This specialization includes four courses: Construction Project Management, Construction Scheduling, Construction Cost Estimating and Cost Control, Construction Finance. All of them include Columbia University online certificates.
The reason why specialization is different from regular courses is not only because of the multiple courses it includes but also because it involves a hands-on project that you will have to successfully complete if you want to get a certificate. While this specialization will take time and effort to complete, everyone who managed to finish it will tell you that it’s worth it.
You can start learning for free, however, after 7 days, the subscription will cost $49/month. You will also geta shareable certificate of completion.
Economics of Money and Banking (Enroll HERE)
- Price: FREE
- Certificate: $49
- Length: 13 weeks
The Economics of Money and Banking course is one of the most recommended Columbia University online courses for those who are interested in finance and banking systems.
The course will introduce to you the monetary system, a major analytical tool as well as the balance sheet approach that will be used throughout the entire course. What is more, you’ll be analyzing banking as a payment system and market making.
After completing about half of the classes, you’ll have a midterm review and exam that will show how much you learned. Then, you’ll continue learning about international money and banking, banking as advance clearing, money in the real world, etc.
At the very end of these Columbia University online courses, you’ll have a final exam that you’ll need to pass in order to get a certificate. The certificate costs only $49.
The Age of Sustainable Development (Enroll HERE)
- Price: FREE
- Certificate: Not available
- Length: 14 weeks
Are you interested in sustainable energy and environmental protection? If so, The Age of Sustainable Development course is exactly what you need. The course focuses on explaining the major challenges and pathways to sustainable development.
You’ll find out more about inequality around the world when it comes to sustainable development. Moreover, you’ll be introduced to a short history of economic development as well as a history of inequality and how to deal with extreme poverty. However, the course doesn’t end here.
The Age of Sustainable Development course also covers human rights and gender equality. What is more, it includes an overview of modern education and the aspects needed to achieve sustainable development.
Even though you won’t get a Columbia University online certificate for this course, students claim that it’s completely worth it. This course is highly recommended for those who want to improve their general knowledge and grow as individuals.
The only issue is that some data included in this course might be outdated, so it’s crucial to check facts.
Machine Learning for Data Science and Analytics (Enroll HERE)
- Price: FREE
- Certificate: $99
- Length: 5 weeks
When looking for the best Columbia University online courses, you probably came across a few different options, however, the Machine Learning for Data Science and Analytics course is among the most recommended ones.
In this course, you’ll be introduced to the basics of machine learning, find out how it’s related to statistics and data analysis. Moreover, you’ll know how computer algorithms are used to search for patterns in data as well as how to deal with misleading data and create custom data analysis solutions.
This course is taught by six different lecturers, which is not that common. All of them are working at Columbia University and have expertise in their field. That being said, you’ll acquire some new and valuable information in every class.
The course is self-paced, however, it should take you about 5 weeks to complete when learning about 7-10 hours per week or 1 hour per day. Needless to say, you will have to put in some effort if you want to get a certificate.
Introduction to Corporate Finance (Enroll HERE)
- Price: FREE
- Certificate: $225
- Length: 4 weeks
It doesn’t matter if you’re working in business and management or any other field, the Introduction to Corporate Finance course is recommended for everyone. You should know that all first-year MBA students at Columbia Business School have to complete it.
The course covers the finance basics, you’ll find out how to value any asset, decide which projects are worthy of your time, how to evaluate the project value and return, and so much more.
This is one of the self-paced Columbia University online courses, so even if you don’t have much free time for studying, this won’t be an issue. It’s recommended to complete one class per week, meaning that you should learn about 3-4 hours per week and complete it within 4 weeks.
The certificate for this course costs $225, however, if you think that it’s not needed, you can enroll in the course completely free.
Did you know?
Have you ever wondered which online learning platforms are the best for your career?
Conclusions
Therefore, if you thought that your possibilities are limited when it comes to Columbia University online courses, you should think again. Both Coursera and edX are offering a good amount of options to choose from. Here are the top 7 courses offered by Columbia:
- Financial Engineering and Risk Management
- Statistical Thinking for Data Science and Analytics
- Construction Management Specialization
- Economics of Money and Banking
- The Age of Sustainable Development
- Machine Learning for Data Science and Analytics
- Introduction to Corporate Finance
While all of these courses are highly recommended, you should take into account your personal wants and needs. If you’re into machine learning, finance, construction management, or simply want to find out more about sustainability, you should definitely give these courses a try.
What’s important to mention is that most Coursera and edX courses can be accessed completely free online, except for specializations that include multiple courses with certificates. That being said, choose at least one or a few courses from the list and improve your knowledge.