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As the coronavirus continues to wreak havoc, it’s time for us to prepare for another few weeks (or months, depending on where you live) of quarantine. While it’s possible — and totally understandable! — that you feel upset or disappointed by adjusted or canceled plans/opportunities, now is the perfect time to knock out some credit hours and enroll in an online course or two.
After scouring the Internet, we compiled a list of some of the most interesting online courses to take this summer. Or, if you’re looking for something a little less costly, check out our list of completely free, resume-boosting summer courses!
Boston University: Literature of the Harlem Renaissance
Travel back in time to the 1920s: the age of fringe dresses, The Great Gatsby (yes, we’re major bookworms, but what else would you expect?) and, of course, the Harlem Renaissance, which established the booming Manhattan neighborhood as a cultural mecca. In this Boston University course, students will study works from W. E. B. Du Bois, Marcus Garvey, Claude McKay and other African American icons. Price: $2,800
Columbia University: Philosophical Reflections on Love, Loss
Are you just as obsessed with The New York Times’ Modern Love column as we are? If so, it’s time to put on your thinking cap and get to work. This three-credit Columbia University course encourages students to ponder on love, loss, fear, suffering and community — and how they all intersect. Price: $5,688
George Washington University: Women in Islam
If you’re curious about the intersection of gender and Islam, consider taking this three-credit course. Women in Islam examines how the religion defines gender roles, identity and male-female relationships. Price: $1,750 per credit ($5,250 total)
Georgetown University: Race, Rap, and Power
Race, Rap, and Power investigates the relationship between rap music and politics. Students will analyze literary texts and lyrics (as well as films and videos) to gain a better understanding of how hip-hop and rap are viewed across the US. However, if you hate public speaking, this may not be the course for you. Students will be required to participate in frequent debates and discussions with classmates. Price: $1,630 per credit ($4,890 total)
University of Miami: DNA & The Changing World
Whether you’re a health science major or you’re just fascinated by genetics after taking a 23AndMe test (we are, too!), this University of Miami course is right up your alley. DNA & The Changing World will equip you with plenty of in-depth knowledge on all things, well, DNA. Price: $6,300
University of Southern California: The COVID-19 Crisis: The Past, Present and Future of Global Health
This three-credit course from USC examines the economic, social and political impacts of COVID-19. (How will this pandemic end? When will a vaccine be developed? How can a single virus destroy the lives of millions and wreck the economy?) Students will also have the opportunity to learn from and network with esteemed guest lecturers who work in the public health field. Price: $5,784
Duke University: The Science of Cooking
Forget, boxed macaroni and cheese, frozen pepperoni pizza and dino nuggets. (Scratch that. Don’t ever forget about dino nuggets!) Take your quarantine cooking to the next level by enrolling in this Duke University course, in which you’ll learn how chefs utilize basic science to create edible works of art. Bon appétit! Price: $2,500
Yale University: Galaxies and the Universe
Students who enroll in this one-credit course will learn about the formation and evolution of the Milky Way (no, not the candy bar) along with other galaxies that make up the universe. While no prerequisite is required, it is helpful if you have a solid understanding of basic algebra. Price: $4,350
New York University: Corporate Finance
Calling all aspiring business professionals: don’t miss your chance to take this three-credit corporate finance course. It’s offered by NYU’s Stern School of Business, which is hailed as one of the top business schools in the country. Price: $5,568
University of Maryland: Why Good Managers Make Bad Decisions
This three-credit course will provide you with a deeper understanding of how professionals across all disciplines can — and should! — utilize data-driven, evidence-based decision-making techniques. Try saying that out loud three times. Price: $4,368
Washington University (St. Louis): Marketing Concepts
Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur with the greatest idea since sliced bread (or you’re just looking for an interesting business class to take to fulfill a requirement — no judgment!), this Washington University course is a worthwhile investment. Students will explore the concepts of market research, consumer behavior, product policy, branding, packaging, distribution, promotion and pricing. Price: $1,995
