Harvard Online's Top Courses of 2024

Last Updated: December 20, 2024

We’re ringing in the new year by looking back on 2024 with a list of our most popular courses over the past year.

Our top courses from 2024 are as varied and interesting as our vast, global community of learners. From world-famous classics like CS50 and Rhetoric, there’s truly a course for everybody.

We’re thankful to our learners this year for constantly inspiring us to ask the big questions and tackle the tough challenges.

“These courses changed the way I see the world before and now. They awakened the skills that I didn't know I had.”
- Melissa O.

10. Health Care Strategy

Understand business strategy to facilitate health care success.

"It is super valuable to see health care from another perspective other than clinically, and to realize that clinical and financial goals CAN align with the right people working together."
—Holly, Physician Assistant

9. Data Privacy and Technology

Explore legal and ethical implications of one’s personal data, the risks and rewards of data collection and surveillance, and the needs for policy, advocacy, and privacy monitoring, in this Harvard Online course.

“This course provides a perspective into real-life privacy concerns and changes. I got to see just how crucial it is to guard against the innovation of technology that is non-compliant with data privacy laws.”
—Giscard K.

8. Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies

Explore how entrepreneurship and innovation tackle complex social problems in emerging economies.

“Thank you very much for your excellent training approach and content. I use your techniques to generate business ideas when I train future entrepreneurs. It is very rewarding. I am proud to be certified by Harvard.”
—Bamba F.

7. Managing Happiness

Through cutting-edge survey tools, the best research, and trends in social science, positive psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy, learners unlock the strategies to create a more purposeful life, full of long-lasting enjoyment and satisfaction.

“I feel a lot more in control of my own happiness. I left with an understanding that the things beyond my control can, and will, affect my happiness, but my reactions to these outcomes are more important.”
—Renée Onque, CNBC Health and Wellness Reporter

6. Data Science for Business

Designed for managers, this Harvard Online course provides a hands-on approach for demystifying the data science ecosystem and making you a more conscientious consumer of information.

“Upon successful completion of the course, I added this course to my LinkedIn and resume, and I can say that I have become more popular among HR. In addition, I gained confidence in myself as a specialist.”
—Jeannette V.

5. Innovations in Teamwork for Health Care

Experts from Harvard Business School and the T.H. Chan School of Public Health teach learners to implement a strategy for organizational teamwork in health care.

4. Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles

Mobilize people to tackle tough problems and build the capacity to thrive through the dangers of change.

3. Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking

Gain critical communication skills in writing and public speaking with this introduction to American political rhetoric.

2. Outsmarting Implicit Bias

Designed for individuals and teams, this course taught by preeminent Harvard Professor Mahzarin Banaji teaches the science of implicit bias and strategies to counter the impact of bias in the workplace.

1. CS50: Introduction to Computer Science

An introduction to the intellectual enterprises of computer science and the art of programming.

“This is the BEST course you can ever take. Period.
Take the course.
For your own good.”
- Nathan M.

So, which course will you tackle in 2025? Check out our full catalog of courses here and make sure to follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook to keep up with the latest course news.