Best University of Michigan Online Courses

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Contributor, Benzinga
August 31, 2020

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The University of Michigan prides itself on delivering an exceptional learning experience that develops leaders and productive citizens. If you want to experience all that the University of Michigan has to offer, consider an online course from Coursera

You’ll find opportunities for individuals with varying interests and skillsets. Even better, you can enroll for free if money’s tight or upgrade your registration if you want the course to count toward a certificate or degree program. 

Ready to get started? Let Benzinga help you find the perfect fit. 

Quick Look: University of Michigan Online Courses

Take a look at the top University of Michigan online courses found on Coursera: 

What Makes a University of Michigan Online Course Great?

Here are a few features that distinguish online courses from the University of Michigan found on Coursera

Instructed by Subject-Matter Expert

When you review the course descriptions, you’ll notice that all classes are taught by subject-matter experts from the university. Experts can offer extensive experience in the classroom and know which teaching approaches are most suitable for learners.

Includes Supplementary Resources 

Video lectures are an ideal way to learn the essentials, but supplementary resources help ensure you fully comprehend the material. Most Coursera offerings from the University of Michigan include readings and quizzes to give you additional insight and the opportunity to test your knowledge. 

Self-Paced

You can work through these courses any time of the day or night at a pace that complements your busy schedule. Plus, you can spend as much time as you need on challenging lessons. 

Our Top Picks

We’ve compiled a list of the best University of Michigan online courses on Coursera. Below, you will also notice a description of each class and who it’s best suited for. This information is present to help you make an informed decision. 

University of Michigan Online Courses

Here are the best University of Michigan online courses from Coursera. 

1. Problem Solving Using Computational Thinking 

Who it's for: New or aspiring programmers 

Price: Free

This course introduces core computational thinking components and caters to individuals who are new to programming or seek alternative methods to approach problem solving. You will discover how computational thinking is applied to resolve complex issues through several real-world case studies. 

  • Foundations of Computational Thinking
  • Case Study: Airport Surveillance and Image Analysis
  • Case Study: Epidemiology
  • Case Study: Human Trafficking 
  • Final Project 

Each module includes video lectures and readings to supplement the lessons. You will also take a series of quizzes to test your comprehension of the material. Expect to spend 11 hours working through the course.

Instructor Chris Quintana is an associate professor in the school of education. 

2. Instructional Methods in Health Professions Education 

Who it's for: Healthcare educators 

Price: Free

Are you a healthcare educator seeking tips to improve your approach to teaching? Consider this 19-hour course as it includes lessons on educational theory, applied teaching techniques and more. You will also learn how to identify instructional methods that are most suitable for your targeted educational outcomes. 

Instructional Methods in Health Professions Education is led by Caren Stalburg, associate professor at the University of Michigan Medical School and includes:

  • Unit 1: Adult Learning Theory 
  • Unit 2: Intended Learning Outcomes
  • Unit 3: Instructional Design and Individual Assessment 
  • Unit 4: Instructional Techniques: Knowledge Transfer 
  • Unit 5: Instructional Techniques: Skill Development 
  • Unit 6: Instructional Techniques: Attitudes
  • Unit 7: Instructional Techniques: Teaching with Technology 

Instruction is provided through video lectures, bonus readings and quizzes. 

3. Police Brutality in America Teach-Out 

Who it's for: Individuals interested in learning about the history of police violence in America 

Price: Free

Police Brutality in America Teach-Out is a 37-segment course that sheds light on the history of police violence in America and the laws that make it difficult to hold law enforcement officers accountable.

It also examines the demands of protestors that have recently spoken out in light of the events surrounding the untimely deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd. Michigan Online Teach-Out Experts also share tools activists can use to advocate for change in their local communities. 

You’ll watch 243 minutes of video content and take advantage of 20 bonus readings with the course.

4. Resilient Teaching Through Times of Crisis and Change 

Who it's for: Education faculty, lecturers and graduate student instructors

Price: Free

Learn how to deliver an exceptional learning experience that adapts to changing disruptions and conditions. The intermediate course is tailored to fit the needs of education faculty, lecturers and graduate student instructors. You will also find this class useful if you work in a different role in an instructional environment. 

Rebecca Quintana, learning experience design lead in the Center for Academic Innovation, categorizes the lessons as follows: 

  • Towards a Resilient Pedagogy 
  • Principles of Resilient Design for Learning 
  • A Worked Example
  • Case Studies of Resilient Teaching 

It takes 25 hours to complete the class.  

5. Service Transformed: Lessons in U.S. Veteran Centered Care 

Who it's for: Medical students, resident physicians, dental students, nursing students, advanced practice nurses, social work students, pharmacy students, graduate-level learners and health professionals interested in veteran-centered care

Price: Free

Service Transformed: Lessons in U.S. Veteran Centered Care introduces learners to the Academic Medical Centers and Veterans Administrations affiliations. It also delves into the biases that impact U.S. military veterans and how they can be effectively managed. 

Here’s what you can expect to learn in the course:

  • Unit 1: The Relationship Between Academic Medical Centers and Veterans Health Administration
  • Unit 2: Conceptual Differences Between Determinants of Health and Health Disparities 
  • Unit 3: Principles of Patient-Centeredness and Cultural Competence
  • Unit 4: The Role of Empathy in Health Care Delivery 
  • Unit 5: Dealing with PTSD and TBI Patients
  • Units 6 and 7: The Significance of Partnership and Collaboration Across Professional Disciplines Serving Veterans

It’s co-facilitated by Monica Lypson, associate chief of staff for education, Ann Arbor Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, and Paula Ross, director of advancing scholarship and medical sociologist. 

6. Thoracic Oncology 

Who it's for: Individuals with basic medical training in a field related to thoracic oncology 

Price: Free

Gain an in-depth introduction to innovative treatment options for patients with thoracic malignancies, like esophageal and lung cancer, with this advanced course. It’s designed for individuals with basic medical training in a field related to thoracic oncology and includes lessons on screening and diagnosis, epidemiology, imaging, staging, radiation therapy, surgery, systemic therapy and more. 

Here’s a look at the course syllabus: 

  • Lung Cancer Overview
  • Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Differential Diagnosis and Diagnostic Work-up
  • Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Staging 
  • Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Tracheal Cancer: Therapeutics
  • Small Cell Lung Cancer
  • Esophageal Cancer
  • Patient Support Issues

Expect to spend 21 hours watching video lectures, reading supplementary material and taking quizzes.

7. Securing Digital Democracy 

Who it's for: Individuals interested in learning more about the risks posed by electronic voting 

Price: Free

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Associate Professor J. Alex Halderman presents this comprehensive course on security risk and the future potential of both internet and electronic voting. It also examines the past, present and future technologies that relate to elections. 

Securing Digital Democracy features 5 segments:

  • Voting as a Security Problem
  • Computers at the Polls 
  • Security Procedures and Voting Around the World
  • Human Factors and Internet Voting 
  • New Technology and Policy

It spans 15 hours and instruction is delivered through video lectures, readings and quizzes. 

8. The Science of Success: What Researchers Know that You Should Know 

Who it's for: Individuals who want to maximize their potential and reach success in all areas of their lives 

Price: Free

The Science of Success: What Researchers Know That You Should Know teaches you how to alter your mindset to attain the level of success you dream of. You will discover tactics you can use to improve your results at work, land promotions and lead a happier, purpose-filled, healthier life. 

It is facilitated by Paula Caproni, Lecturer of Management and Organizations in the Ross School of Business and includes 7 modules:

  • Introduction to the Science of Success: What Researchers Know that You Should Know
  • The Power of Beliefs 
  • The Power of Expertise
  • The Power of Self-Motivation 
  • The Power of Relationships
  • The Power of a Plan: Creating Your Action Plan
  • Your Personalized Action Plan 

Ultimately, you will walk away from the course, knowing how to unlock all life offers by taking baby steps each day. You will also know how to cultivate an action plan to make your wildest dreams a reality. 

9. Data Science Ethics 

Who it's for: Aspiring and new data scientists 

Price: Free

Are you interested in exploring the privacy and ethical implications of collecting and managing big data? This course has you covered as it dives into data ownership, how privacy is valued, informed consent and more. It also examines how data science impacts modern society. 

Data Science Ethics includes 10 modules: 

  • What are Ethics?
  • History, Concept of Informed Consent
  • Data Ownership
  • Privacy 
  • Anonymity
  • Data Validity
  • Algorithmic Fairness
  • Societal Consequences
  • Code of Ethics 
  • Attributions 

The course is instructed by H.V. Jagadish, a Bernard A. Galler Collegiate professor in the electrical engineering and computer science department. 

Get Started with a University of Michigan Online Course

Whether you want to level up your knowledge to work more effectively, earn a promotion or meet an educational goal, these online courses are worth considering. Start by reviewing the options from our list to take the guesswork out of finding the perfect fit. You can get started in minutes without spending a dime of your hard-earned money and reach the finish line in record time.

Southern New Hampshire University Online

SNHU Online Offers:

  1. Flexible schedules
  2. Affordable tuition
  3. Online tutoring
  4. Access to electronic research materials
  5. Specialized academic advising
  6. Supportive online community