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: New
Packt
Beginning Security
Skills you'll gain: Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), Secure Coding, Application Security, Data Security, Cybersecurity, Cyber Attacks, Threat Modeling, Web Applications, Threat Detection, Security Awareness, Vulnerability Management, Encryption, Authentications, Authorization (Computing), PHP (Scripting Language)
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
SkillUp EdTech
Social Media Management
Skills you'll gain:
Intermediate · Course
Google Cloud
Work with Gemini Models in BigQuery - Français
Skills you'll gain: SQL, Generative AI, Applied Machine Learning, Google Cloud Platform, Big Data, Customer Relationship Management, Jupyter, Workflow Management, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Python Programming
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Software Testing, Deployment, and Maintenance Strategies
Skills you'll gain:
Intermediate · Course
Status: New
Packt
Blender Lighting & Compositing for Beginners
Skills you'll gain: 3D Modeling, Computer Graphics, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Computer Graphic Techniques, Virtual Environment
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Packt
Web Application Security Testing with Google Hacking
Skills you'll gain: Penetration Testing, Security Testing, Vulnerability Scanning, Application Security, Vulnerability Assessments, Infrastructure Security, Web Applications, Data Security, Web Servers, SQL
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
O.P. Jindal Global University
M.A. Public Policy
Skills you'll gain: Econometrics, Surveys, Environmental Laws, Sampling (Statistics), Social Sciences, Public Policies, Political Sciences, Data Collection, Health Disparities, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Economic Development, Policy Analysis, Presentations, Diplomacy, International Relations, Economics, Complex Problem Solving, Research Methodologies, Socioeconomics, Governance
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Database Management and Core Application Development
Skills you'll gain: ASP.NET, Database Development, C# (Programming Language), Back-End Web Development, Database Management, Database Design, Object-Relational Mapping, Application Frameworks, Model View Controller, Web Applications, Software Design Patterns, Authentications, Maintainability, Business Logic, Authorization (Computing), Data Modeling, Performance Tuning, Data Migration, Data Mapping, Data Validation
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Google Cloud
Work with Gemini Models in BigQuery - Deutsch
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Google Cloud Platform, Applied Machine Learning, SQL, Prompt Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Big Data, Query Languages, Customer Relationship Management
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Google Cloud
Work with Gemini Models in BigQuery - Bahasa Indonesia
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Customer Relationship Management, Predictive Modeling, Workflow Management, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), SQL, Google Cloud Platform, Jupyter, Big Data, Business Solutions
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Google Cloud
Change Management for Google Workspace Português Brasileiro
Skills you'll gain: Change Management, Organizational Change, Stakeholder Engagement, Google Workspace, Process Development, Customer Success Management, Customer Communications Management, Organizational Strategy, Training and Development, Communication Strategies, Employee Engagement, Needs Assessment
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Meta
Introduction au Marketing des réseaux sociaux
Skills you'll gain: Social Media Marketing, Social Media, Target Audience, Marketing, Social Media Strategy, Instagram, Customer Analysis, Marketing Channel, Marketing Strategies, Facebook, Digital Marketing, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Goal Setting
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months