freeCodeCamp – Responsive Web Design
Learn HTML, CSS, Flexbox and Grid. Complete five projects to earn a certificate.
Grow your Skills
Free Skill-Building Resources for Students
This page is a hub for free and low-cost learning resources designed to help you build valuable skills beyond the classroom. Whether you’re exploring a new interest, preparing for an internship or getting ready to launch your career, the tools and trainings listed here can help you level up at your own pace.
Organized by skill area—from data and design to communication and cloud computing—each section includes links to programs from providers like Google, Microsoft, IBM and more. You don’t need prior experience to get started—just curiosity and a willingness to grow. Choose what interests you, learn when it works for you and start building skills that employers value.
Programming and Web Development
Harvard’s CS50x – Intro to Computer Science (edX)
Rigorous intro to computer science. Great for any major curious about coding.
IBM SkillsBuild: Web Dev and Software Skills
Explore self-paced paths in front-end development and agile workflows.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation
Elements of AI (University of Helsinki)
No-code introduction to AI theory and ethics. Great across majors.
ChatGPT for Excel (Great Learning Academy)
Learn to use AI in spreadsheet workflows (approx. 2 hrs).
IBM SkillsBuild: AI Basics
Free digital badges in AI foundations, responsible AI and automation.
Google Cloud – Machine Learning and AI Courses
Free digital paths on Vertex AI, BigQuery ML, TensorFlow and generative AI. Includes labs and demos.
Udacity – AI Fundamentals
Project-based intro to AI: computer vision, NLP and Azure ML. Free course with credential options.
Forbes List of Free AI Courses
More options highlighted by Forbes magazine.
Data and Analytics
Google Data Analytics Certificate (Coursera)
Beginner-friendly credential for career entry into data roles.
WorldQuant University – Applied Data Science Lab
Project-based, free curriculum for hands-on experience.
IBM SkillsBuild: Data Science
Short courses on analyzing, interpreting and presenting data.
Financial and Business
Google Digital Garage – Fundamentals of Digital Marketing
Comprehensive marketing, e-commerce and budgeting intro. Free cert.
FDIC Money Smart and Financial Literacy Tools
Practical, modular courses on personal finance and money management.
Research and Postgraduate Study
PubMed in Evidence-Based Practice (NIH)
Free training on searching and evaluating medical and scientific literature.
UC Davis EBP Self-Paced Modules
Focused on health sciences, but also useful for research majors.
The Open University – Succeeding in Postgraduate Study
Academic writing, source evaluation and analytical reasoning.
Career Readiness, Project Management and Communication
IBM SkillsBuild: Professional Skills
Free courses in communication, problem-solving and job readiness. Digital badges included.
Google Project Management Certificate
Learn agile, planning and team leadership. Valuable across disciplines.
UX/UI and Design Thinking
Microsoft Learn: UX Foundations
Short, beginner module covering key design thinking and UX principles.
Microsoft UX Design Professional Certificate (Coursera)
Four-course pathway with hands-on projects in Figma, UI prototyping and AI UX strategy.
Google UX Design Professional Certificate (Coursera)
Eight-course certificate with portfolio projects and high employer visibility.
IBM SkillsBuild: Principles of Design
Free, online course on the fundamentals of visual design.
Uxcel and CareerFoundry Intro Courses
Free, interactive mini-courses in UX writing and visual design.
Uxcel Courses
CareerFoundry Free UX Training
Juno School – UI/UX Design Mastery
Free 60-min course on mobile wireframing, prototyping and Figma tools.
Cloud Computing, Sustainability and Cybersecurity
Cloud Computing
Great Learning Academy
Cloud infrastructure and services.
Microsoft SkillsBuild Cloud Path
Core cloud concepts and credentials.
AWS Skill Builder
Free digital training and cert prep.
Sustainability and Digital Tools
IBM Sustainability Foundations
AI and data for sustainability.
FutureLearn Environmental Courses
Green strategy and auditing.
GPM Sustainable Project Management
Project planning with sustainability lens.
Cybersecurity
CyberUp LevelUp
Free CompTIA Security+ training.
CISA NICCS Portal
National cybersecurity training database.
Palo Alto CyberEd
SOC and network security training.
Microsoft Skills Hub
Microsoft Learn Student Hub and Certifications
Explore Microsoft 365, Azure, Power Platform and cybersecurity paths with badges and gamified progress.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) Student Resources
AWS Educate
Training, labs, credits and career pathways in AWS.
AWS Starter Account
Free cloud access with no credit card required.
AWS Cloud Quest
Gamified cloud fundamentals training with real-world challenges.
AWS re/Start
Full-time, cohort-based program with job readiness and placement.
Google Skills and Certifications
Google Cloud Skills Boost (Students)
Free access to labs, module-based paths, and skill badges on topics like Vertex AI, BigQuery ML, and generative AI, plus $200 in credits for Google Cloud services.
Google Career Certificates (Grow with Google)
Fully online, job-focused certificates in IT Support, Data Analytics, UX Design, Project Management, Cybersecurity and Digital Marketing.
Free audit plus financial aid available; industry-backed and part of a 150+ employer consortium.
Google Cloud Professional Certificate (edX)
Entry-level program in cloud fundamentals, networking/security and AI/ML, available with free audit and optional verified certificate.
Google Cloud on edX
edX Google Cloud Courses
