What are the best social work courses on Coursera?

Popular courses include Social Work Practice: Advocating Social Justice and Change from the University of Michigan and Using Public Policy for Social Change from the University of Michigan . These courses explore topics such as counseling techniques, trauma-informed care, public policy, and advocacy.

Can I learn social work for free on Coursera?

Yes. Many social work–related courses offer a free audit option, giving you access to video lectures and reading materials at no cost. To earn a certificate or complete assessments, you’ll need to pay or apply for financial aid.

What will I learn in a social work course?

You’ll learn about human behavior, case management, ethics , mental health , community development, and working with diverse populations. Some courses also explore social welfare systems, cultural competency, and techniques for supporting individuals and families in crisis.

Do I need a background in psychology or sociology to take a social work course?

Not necessarily. Many courses are beginner-friendly and introduce key social work concepts from the ground up. More advanced options may be better suited for learners with some experience in social sciences or community service.

Can Coursera’s social work courses help with career goals?

Yes. While Coursera doesn’t offer a full degree in social work, its courses can help you explore the field, build practical skills, and prepare for further education or roles in social services, counseling , nonprofit work , and community outreach.

Top Social Work Courses - Learn Social Work Online

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Find the Best Social Work Course for Your Goals

Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
Automize Monthly Report Creation with Power Automate
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Power Automate/Flow, Document Management, Microsoft Excel, Data Import/Export, Workflow Management, Email Marketing, Microsoft 365
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
22 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Learn to Teach Java: Inheritance and Recursion
Skills you'll gain: Java Programming, Java, Pedagogy, Debugging, Program Development, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Computational Thinking, Cultural Responsiveness
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
10 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
AI Ethics, Responsible Use, and Creativity
Skills you'll gain: Data Ethics, Legal Risk, Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, Risk Analysis, Business Risk Management, Business Ethics, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Environmental Issue, Corporate Sustainability, Regulation and Legal Compliance, Diversity and Inclusion
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
13 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
Particle Dynamics
Skills you'll gain: Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Analysis, Physics, Engineering Calculations, Differential Equations, Integral Calculus, Calculus, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
33 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Packt
Ultimate Graphic Design Course: Create 40 Practical Projects
Skills you'll gain: Graphic Design, Design Reviews, Design Elements And Principles, Typography, Portfolio Management, Animations, Marketing Materials, Marketing Design, Adobe Photoshop, Logo Design, Branding, Social Media Content, Instagram
Beginner · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
American Psychological Association
Social Psychology of Attraction and Relationships
Skills you'll gain: Psychology, Rapport Building, Interpersonal Communications, Cultural Diversity, Research
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
7 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo
La era digital en América Latina y el Caribe
Skills you'll gain: Digital Transformation, Public Policies, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Economic Development, Business Transformation, Technology Strategies, Entrepreneurship, Internet Of Things, Emerging Technologies, Governance, Telecommunications
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
29 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
Cómo crear tu marca personal usando Canva
Skills you'll gain: Canva (Software), Logo Design, Graphic Design, Branding, Graphic and Visual Design Software, Content Creation, Presentations, Social Media Content, Brand Strategy, Brand Awareness, Creativity, Social Media
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
38 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
University of Science and Technology of China
信息社会的机遇和挑战
Skills you'll gain: Lifelong Learning, Learning Strategies, Adaptability, Personal Development, Self-Awareness, Social Studies, Trend Analysis, Emerging Technologies, Open Mindset, Technology Solutions, Innovation, Digital Transformation
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
59 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Irvine
The Merkle Tree and Cryptocurrencies
Skills you'll gain: Blockchain, Cryptography, Data Integrity, Encryption, FinTech, Network Security, Transaction Processing, Data Structures, Emerging Technologies
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
26 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University at Buffalo
Capstone - Managing Board Change for Higher Levels of Leadership and Governance Effectiveness
Skills you'll gain: Peer Review, Governance, Consulting, Leadership and Management, Non-Profit Accounting, Philanthropy, Report Writing, Leadership, Performance Analysis, Organizational Change, Change Management, Organizational Effectiveness, Management Reporting, Analysis, Performance Measurement, Data Collection, Surveys
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
11 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Toronto
Stratégies de communication à l’ère du virtuel
Skills you'll gain: Presentations, Communication, Business Communication, Persuasive Communication, Meeting Facilitation, Public Speaking, Communication Strategies, Interpersonal Communications, Virtual Teams, Telecommuting, Negotiation, Non-Verbal Communication, Empathy
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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In summary, here are 10 of our most popular social work courses

Automize Monthly Report Creation with Power Automate: Coursera Project Network
Learn to Teach Java: Inheritance and Recursion: University of California San Diego
AI Ethics, Responsible Use, and Creativity: University of Michigan
Particle Dynamics: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
Ultimate Graphic Design Course: Create 40 Practical Projects: Packt
Social Psychology of Attraction and Relationships: American Psychological Association
La era digital en América Latina y el Caribe: Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo
Cómo crear tu marca personal usando Canva: Coursera Project Network
信息社会的机遇和挑战: University of Science and Technology of China
The Merkle Tree and Cryptocurrencies: University of California, Irvine

Social Work Courses