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

Google Cloud
Work with Gemini Models in BigQuery - Português Brasileiro
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Google Cloud Platform, Customer Relationship Management, Predictive Modeling, SQL, Big Data, Applied Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Python Programming
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Finalizing, Rendering & Advanced Lighting
Skills you'll gain: 3D Modeling, Computer Graphics, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Computer Graphic Techniques, Animations, Color Theory
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Google Cloud
Change Management for Google Workspace - 日本語版
Skills you'll gain: Change Management, Organizational Change, Culture Transformation, Business Transformation, Google Workspace, Training and Development, Process Analysis, Needs Assessment, Stakeholder Communications, Stakeholder Engagement, Communication Strategies, Employee Engagement
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Coursera
YouTube Strategy: Effective Content
Skills you'll gain: Content Strategy, Video Production, Content Development and Management, Social Media Strategy, Content Creation, Content Performance Analysis, Calendar Management, Google Analytics, Ideation, Target Audience, Operational Efficiency
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Coursera
Facebook Growth: Boost Your Engagement
Skills you'll gain: Facebook, Social Media Management, Content Strategy, Social Media Marketing, Social Media Strategy, Drive Engagement, Live Streaming, Social Media Campaigns, Content Management, Community Development, Content Creation, Scheduling
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP)
Coordinating and Conducting Interviews
Skills you'll gain: Interviewing Skills, Coordinating, Recruitment, Professional Networking, Rapport Building, Labor Compliance, Communication, Compensation Management, Branding
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP)
Tracking and Reporting
Skills you'll gain: Process Improvement, Change Management, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Recruitment, Performance Analysis, Performance Measurement, Business Metrics, Talent Acquisition, Benchmarking, Data-Driven Decision-Making
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Google Cloud
Work with Gemini Models in BigQuery - 日本語版
Skills you'll gain: Customer Relationship Management, Google Cloud Platform, Generative AI, Big Data, Predictive Modeling, Prompt Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), SQL, Data Analysis
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Google Cloud
Work with Gemini Models in BigQuery - 繁體中文
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Google Cloud Platform, Big Data, Customer Relationship Management, SQL, Business Modeling, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Data Analysis, Natural Language Processing
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Google Cloud
Work with Gemini Models in BigQuery - 한국어
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Customer Relationship Management, Workflow Management, Google Cloud Platform, Applied Machine Learning, Big Data, Business Modeling, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), SQL, Predictive Modeling, Python Programming
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Coursera Instructor Network
Alteryx Mastery: Data Analytics & Workflow Automation
Skills you'll gain: Data Import/Export, Alteryx, Data Visualization, Business Analytics, Data Governance, Workflow Management, Operational Efficiency, Data Cleansing, Data Management, Data Manipulation, Data Transformation, Data Analysis, Business Process Automation, Data Integration, Automation
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Certificado en Gestión y Políticas en Salud Pública
Skills you'll gain: Epidemiology, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Descriptive Analytics, Business Analytics, Biostatistics, Gerontology, Health Policy, Healthcare Ethics, Digital Transformation, Descriptive Statistics, Health Equity, Assertiveness, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Telehealth, Health Disparities, Public Health, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Program Evaluation, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Health Systems
Credit offered
Mastertrack · 6 - 12 Months