Stanford University Best Courses

Stanford University | An Overview

Stanford University is one of the most well-known universities in the heart of Silicon Valley. Stanford University was founded in 1885 by California senator Leland Stanford and his wife. It has one of the largest campuses in the USA, with 18 research institutes and seven schools: Earth, Education, Business, Energy & Environmental Sciences, Humanities & Sciences, Law, Engineering, and Medicine. The university has some of the best things to offer, from world-class faculty members to diverse career opportunities.

Stanford University’s best courses can be academically challenging and engaging but will offer excellent learning opportunities. The acceptance rate of the university is just 5%. But it is known for providing an encouraging and innovative learning environment.

Also, Read: Top 7 reasons to join Stanford University’s campus!

Top Stanford University Courses and Fees

There are several undergraduate and postgraduate courses, along with hundreds of online classes that are both free and paid. Here are some of Stanford University’s best courses.

1. Computer Science 

Stanford University computer science courses aim to provide students with the necessary knowledge and abilities to help them build a professional career with their bachelor’s or master’s program. In 1965, the university started a system where students specialize in programming, artificial intelligence, algorithms, network security, and more. It is also one of the most preferred courses in the university, where students have switched from other courses to computer science. Students get excellent career opportunities, and they can work as web developers, software engineers, IT specialists, product managers, and data scientists.

Also Read: Stanford GMAT scores | Everything you need to know

2. Human Biology

Among several Stanford University courses, human biology is one of the most popular courses in life sciences. It teaches students to understand humans from different perspectives, such as biological, behavioral, social, and cultural. There are some of the best laboratories and a library with various books and journals to provide a better learning environment. Also, there are opportunities for students to indulge in various research projects, promoted through the senior synthesis program, Research Exploration (HB-REX) and honors thesis. Students are assigned advisors before starting the undergraduate major, who help them make a detailed study plan based on several factors.

3. Electrical Engineering

One of the various courses offered at Stanford University is Electrical Engineering that most students choose to pursue. The curriculum of this course consists of a diverse range of areas: computer hardware, circuits, bioelectronics, signal processing, electromagnetics, and more. The electrical engineering undergraduate program is divided into three disciplinary areas:

• Hardware and Software Systems
• Information Systems
• Science and Physical Technology

The program also aims to assist students in improving their abilities to undertake and design various experimental projects. Students in the master’s degree can enrol as part-time or full-time students.

4. Mathematics

Mathematics is one of the most popular Stanford University courses, where students can enroll in an undergraduate program, a master’s program, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics. One significant part of the course is that it allows students to choose a career in the public or private sector. For the duration of the program, students are provided with free tutoring sessions twice a week. Some of the best career opportunities include market research analyst and data scientist.

Also, Read: TOEFL score for Stanford |  A guide to university admissions

5. Game Theory

Game Theory is one of the best Stanford University online courses, which requires students to be confident with intensive arguments and mathematical thinking. There are two levels of courses available: basic and advanced. Each week, students are required to watch 1.30 hours of lecture videos. It teaches about how things go far beyond a game, as it can involve business conflict, competition, and political campaigns. Some of the important topics covered in the program include Coalitional Games, Mixed-Strategy Nash Equilibrium, Extensive-Form Games, Bayesian Games, Alternate Solution Concepts, and Repeated Games.

6. Machine Learning 

Stanford University’s Machine Learning program is ideal for those interested in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. This course can last up to three months and is designed for beginners. Students receive lectures for up to nine hours per week. It is one of the university’s free online courses that teach about various machine learning techniques and their potential applications. Also, students have to complete a hands-on project throughout the course in order to earn the certificate.

7. Cryptography 

Cryptography is among the top Stanford University free online courses where students get an eye-opening learning experience about cyber security. It opens great career opportunities in the field of data security. This online course is divided into two parts, which include cryptography-1 and cryptography-2 (advanced level). Students enrolled in this course have to complete all the programming assignments and standalone homework along with passing the final exam with 70%. Encryption, message integrity, basic key exchange, and public key encryption are just a few of the real-world topics covered.

8. International Relations

International Relations is among the popular Stanford University courses where students get the chance to study in-depth economics,  history, environmental policy, languages, political science, and various other fields. It also teaches about important international organizations such as the World Bank, United Nations, International Monetary Fund, and more. Students have the option of enrolling in any of three degrees, which include a bachelor of arts, minor, and honors.

9. Organizational Analysis

One of the most popular and free Stanford University online courses is Organizational Analysis, which teaches students about the working styles of organizations and how to manage them. The course takes around 25 hours to complete, with students receiving two 2-hour lectures every week. Students enrolled in this course will complete many assessments, one of which will be to write short papers and evaluate the work of other students.

10. Economics

Economics is one of the best Stanford University courses to pursue, through which students can choose a wide range of career possibilities, such as positions in private and public companies. Students can collaborate with other departments, such as political science, mathematics, computer science, and statistics. In addition, the department of economics provides financial support for student-led research projects. Students in master’s programs and Ph.D. programs can enroll for joint degrees with Stanford Law School.

Also Read: How to get admission to Stanford | A comprehensive guide

Stanford University free courses

Stanford University offers a variety of free online courses in the fields of:

• Health and Medicine 
• Education 
• Engineering 
• Arts and Humanities

Some of the free online courses are: 

1. Databases: Relational databases and SQL
2. Computer science 101
3. Statistical learning with Python
4. Compilers 
5. Language, proof and logic
6. The threat of nuclear terrorism 
7. Antimicrobial stewardship: Improving clinical outcomes by optimization of antibiotic practices 
8. Communicating with presence 
9. CSI: ME case studies in medical errors 
10. Giving 2.0: The MOOC
11. How to taper patients off of chronic opioid therapy 
12. Performance assessment in the NGSS classroom: course 1
13. Developing instructionally – embedded performance assessment for the NGSS classroom: course 2 
14. America’s poverty and inequality course
15. Defining the string quartet II: Beethoven 

Read more: How to write a winning SOP for Stanford University’s MS program?

Stanford University Online Courses with Certificates

Stanford offers a lot of opportunities to excel in your field without having to go anywhere. It has a plethora of online certificate courses in the fields of:

1. Innovation and design thinking 

• Leading Innovation
• Mastering generative AI for product innovation
• Leading product organizations and beyond

2. Cybersecurity 

• Cybersecurity and executive strategy
• Writing secure code 
• Using cryptography correctly 

3. Artificial intelligence

• Artificial intelligence: Principles and techniques 
• Data foundations for machine learning in medicine
• Human-centered generative AI

4. Digital transformation

• Digital transformation program

5. Product management

• Product management program 

6. Business and management

• Strategies for sustainability 
• Amplify your persuasive impact 
• Business model innovation

7. Medicine and health 

• Biology and applications of the CRISPR/Cas system 
• Epigenetics and microbiomics in precision health 
• Genetic engineering and biotechnology

8. Energy and sustainability 

• Championing sustainability from the boardroom 
• Economics of the clean energy transition 
• Energy storage 

Read more: Cost of studying in the USA for Indian students 2025

Key Takeaways

• Stanford, as one of the world’s top universities, provides its students a wealth of valuable knowledge.
• Students can choose from a wide range of Stanford University courses and build a good career path in the future thanks to a cutting-edge learning environment and renowned faculty.
• Research projects help students better understand the subject as well as career opportunities.

If you are passionate about studying one of the courses mentioned above but unsure how to go about it, feel free to contact our experts. 

Like this blog? Then read next: Stanford University | Ranking, courses, and more

FAQs

Ques 1: What is the duration of the cryptography course offered at Stanford University?

Answer 1: The cryptography course offered at Stanford University is 7 weeks long.

Ques 2: Is IELTS necessary for an Indian student to apply to Stanford University?

Answer 2: Indian Students applying for Stanford University must score well on the IELTS test.

Ques 3: Will I get certificates for free online courses at Stanford University?

Answer 3: Students who have passed any free online course at Stanford University will get a certificate.

WRITTEN BY

Aastha

Sr. Content Writer

Aastha Arya is a Senior Content Writer at iSchoolConnect who writes about topics covering study abroad trends, exclusive news updates and prolific college courses. She has a 4-year of experience in this field and also likes to keep tabs on recent events, visa policy changes, and many other concerns that affect international students.

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