8 Free Online Courses at UCLA

Are you looking to improve your skills, explore new interests, or get professional development? But maybe you also want more flexible and accessible learning opportunities? If you said yes to both questions, we present: free online courses at UCLA!

Below, we’ll list down some samples of the courses you can take at UCLA anywhere.

• What Are Free Online Courses at UCLA?
• 8 Free Online Courses at UCLA
• How to Enroll in Free Online Courses at UCLA
• Why Take Free Online Courses at UCLA?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Are Free Online Courses at UCLA?

Free online courses at UCLA are primarily offered through UCLA Extension’s UCLAxOpen, covering a wide range of subjects—from accounting and finance to writing. These courses are individual and non-bearing.

In contrast, there are also certificate courses, which are credit-bearing and can improve career prospects. Certificate courses can teach you faster than many traditional postgraduate degrees, but you’ll need to pay for a verified certificate.

Specializations are shorter, more focused series of courses designed to build knowledge and in-demand skills in a particular area quickly. They are less extensive than certificate programs since they aim for rapid skill acquisition for career advancement. Like certificates, specializations typically involve enrollment fees.

When looking for courses on UCLAxOpen, be aware of the descriptions and double-check if they’re available for free and online. However, some online courses will be live, meaning you’ll have to attend that class on Zoom at a specific time.

8 Free Online Courses at UCLA

The thought of going through all of UCLA’s online courses to find free classes can be overwhelming. To save you from that hard work, we’ve put together a few free online courses at UCLA Extension:

1. MGMT 733.691: AI Compliance

MGMT 733.691 is a free webinar that talks about how the intersection of generative AI and legal compliance is becoming more important as it continues to evolve. After all, as generative AI becomes more integrated into different business operations, it becomes more important to understand the relevant legal framework.

Being aware of that legal framework can help you avoid potential legal pitfalls, maintain ethical standards, and encourage responsible innovation.

In this webinar, you’ll:

• Learn the basic principles of generative AI and how it’s growing within businesses.
• Be up-to-date with the current and changing legal regulations regarding AI technologies and how to maintain compliance.
• Explore important laws and regulations that affect AI compliance.

2. MGMT 726.0: Commercial Property Overview: Downtown Los Angeles Office “Core Business District” (CBD)

This webinar gives you an overview of the commercial property market in the office sector within the “Core Business District” (CBD) of Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA). The webinar is designed to offer important information for individuals interested in commercial real estate.

Understanding the dynamics of the DTLA CBD office market can help you make informed investment or business decisions.

In this webinar, you’ll:

• Learn about traditional office buildings and the repurposing of old and outdated office supplies.
• Understand how political factors affect the transferability of office properties.
• Compare the future of urban core offices to those in other locations.
• Be updated on the present market, the effects of financing current products, and what you can expect in the future of office developments.
• Get insights into the DTLA’s office market and how it compares to other submarkets in LA.

3. MGMT 739.002: Artificial Intelligence in Real Estate

This free UCLA online course will talk about the rapidly evolving role of AI within the real estate industry. You’ll understand how AI technologies are currently being implemented and their potential impact on different aspects of the real estate sector. In fact, you’ll get to watch live demonstrations of how AI is applied to different real estate scenarios.

By the end of MGMT 739.002, you’ll:

• Understand the basics of AI concepts and technologies
• Learn how AI tools can improve market analysis
• Discover how AI can be applied in automation and the enhancement of property valuation

4. MGMT 790: Understanding Blockchain—Seminar Series

Blockchain technology is a rapidly evolving field with the potential to affect many different industries. MGMT 790 is a free online UCLA course that’s actually a seminar series that will break down the topic of blockchain technology into smaller, more understandable segments. Some important blockchain topics you can expect are:

• Artificial intelligence
• Cryptocurrency (including tokens, Bitcoin, and Ethereum)
• Regulations
• Smart contracts
• NFT’s
• Web3
• Metaverse

By the end of the series, you’ll have a basic understanding of blockchain and its real-world applications. You’ll also learn the history and trajectory of blockchain tech and the connection between certain aspects of blockchain and the ecosystem and the larger tech landscape.

5. ART 730.26: Choosing and Using a Digital Camera

Are you thinking of buying your first dedicated digital camera? Or do you already have a camera but want to get a better grasp of its settings? Either way, ART 730.26 is a free online course at UCLA that will help you.

In this course, you’ll:

• Learn about the different types of digital cameras
• Know about the factors to consider when looking for the right camera
• Be able to choose the right camera for you according to your creative goals

Aside from that, the course will also teach you about basic camera settings for certain considerations of digital photography—such as image quality and resolution, file formats, and image storage.

This free online UCLA course is a great starting point for those wanting to enter the world of photography. It offers clear explanations and practical advice on how to navigate digital photography and make the most of your camera.

6. Behavioral Health Support Specialist Program

The UCLA Extension Behavioral Health Support Specialist Program is a free online certificate program that trains individuals to become paraprofessionals who can provide support and care in behavioral health. This program specifically focuses on addressing the needs of the LGBTQ+ community in the Los Angeles area.

Courses in this program include:

• Fundamentals of Human Sexuality and Gender
• Working with Diverse Populations in Behavioral Health
• Communication Strategies in Behavioral Health Care: Navigating High-Stakes Conversations and Motivating Patients
• Capstone Project in Behavioral Health Support

By the end of this certificate program, you’ll learn to:

• Show cultural competency and humility
• Advocate for clients and their families in a behavioral health care setting
• Analyze substance abuse patterns in LGBTQ+ communities and those with trauma exposure
• Choose the right research-based treatment interventions according to the developmental life stage a client is in
• Understand how factors like intersectionality, medical mistrust, and discriminatory exclusion affect members of the LGBTQ+ community

7. In Conversation With…

In Conversation With… is a free online College Counseling Summer Speaker Series that brings together college admissions professionals, thought leaders, and other experts in the college counseling field to engage in online discussions.

Each webinar features distinguished guests who are leaders and experienced professionals in college admissions and counseling. Speakers for the previous 2024 series include NACAC Chair-elect Phil Moreno, test-preparation expert Akil Bello, and former Dean of Admission Peter Van Buskirk.

Each hour-long live webinar is led by an instructor from UCLA Extension’s College Counseling Certificate Program, who interviews the guest speaker. Afterwards, you and your fellow attendees will be able to directly engage with the panelists in a Q&A session.

8. Information Sessions

Information Sessions are a way for prospective students to learn more about specific certificate programs, courses, and the overall learning experience. You can get in-depth knowledge directly from program staff and instructors and get your questions answered.

Let’s take MGMT UL 722.24: Personal Financial Planning Information Session as an example. In this information session, you’ll get comprehensive information on how UCLA Extension’s CFP Board-approved Personal Financial Planning programs can help you reach your career goals.

Meanwhile, LAW UL 731: Free Student Information Session: Interpretation and Translation gives detailed information on the different interpretation and translation programs offered by UCLA Extension.

How to Enroll in Free Online Courses at UCLA

Interested in enrolling in free online courses at UCLA? Here’s how you can do so:

Step 1: Choose a course.

When you find a course you want to enroll in, just click on the title or relevant link to go to a page with more details about the offering. On the course description page, carefully read about the content, learning objectives, instructor, schedule (if it’s a live online event), and any technical requirements. Check that it aligns with your interests and availability.

On the course description page, click the “Enroll” button. This will add the course to your cart. You can continue browsing for more courses you want to enroll in or click “Checkout” or your cart when you’re done.

Step 2: Create an account or log in.

If you’re a new user, you’ll have to create a free account with UCLA Extension. If you’re a returning user, log in with your existing credentials. If you’re having trouble accessing your account, contact [email protected] or 800-825-9971.

Step 3: Complete the enrollment process.

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your enrollment. Since these are free courses, you won’t be asked for payment information.

Once you have successfully enrolled, you should receive a confirmation email with details about how to access the course materials or join the online sessions.

Why Take Free Online Courses at UCLA?

Wondering if taking free online courses at UCLA is worth it? Here are some reasons you should give these courses a chance:

1. Explore new interests without financial commitment

Free online courses are an excellent opportunity to get into subjects you’ve always been curious about without paying for anything. You won’t feel obligated to continue if you realize you’re not as interested in a certain topic as you once thought you were.

2. Flexible learning schedule

UCLA has live online and asynchronous classes. Both of them offer the flexibility of accessing materials wherever you are, and asynchronous classes let you study the course at your own pace. This is particularly great for those with busy lives, working professionals, or those with other commitments.

3. Learn from a reputable institution

UCLA is a highly respected and renowned university, ranking number 1 among public schools in the country. Even through these free offerings, you can benefit from the expertise of the school’s instructors or affiliated professionals. This association can also add credibility to your learning experience.

4. Low barrier to entry

Enrolling in these free courses is typically straightforward since all you need is a simple registration. This low barrier to entry makes it easy for anyone with an internet connection to start learning.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does UCLA have free online courses?

Yes, UCLA has free online courses and seminars through UCLA Extension’s UCLAxOpen. Thanks to this, you have access to learning opportunities for personal enrichment and professional development in a wide range of subjects.

2. Does UCLA have any online programs?

Yes, UCLA offers a variety of online programs (both paid and free) through UCLA Extension and other departments. These include online certificate programs and online degree programs.

3. How many UC Online courses can I take?

Most UC campuses typically allow students to take only one UC Online course per term. However, you may be able to enroll in more than one with advisor approval.

4. What are UCLA special programs?

UCLA special programs cover initiatives beyond standard academic courses. These include certificate programs through UCLA Extension for in-depth professional development, summer programs for high school students to explore academic fields, and support programs like the Academic Advancement Program for underrepresented students.

Takeaways

• UCLA offers free online courses through UCLA Extension’s UCLAxOpen. These courses encompass a variety of subjects, from accounting & finance to design & arts.
• It’s very easy to enroll in free online courses at UCLA: just choose a course, create an account or log in, and complete the rest of the enrollment process.
• There are many reasons to take free online courses at UCLA: exploring new interests without financial commitment, a flexible learning schedule, learning from a reputable institution, and a low barrier to entry.
• Do you think UCLA has an online course that can supplement your studies? Consult a private admissions expert for more guidance on how else you can boost your college application.