Free courses for Purdue alumni

Expand your knowledge with the flexibility of free online instruction. Check out the course descriptions below.

To sign up, follow these directions:

  1. Access the Purdue for Life portal. You will need to create an account if you haven’t done so already.
  2. Locate the banner that mentions free courses on your homepage.
  3. Use the code “AlumniFree” when registering.

Build the foundational skills needed for entry-level cybersecurity roles while preparing for the CompTIA Security+ exam. This fully online program teaches core concepts in security operations, incident response and threat detection using tools like Python, Linux, SQL, SIEM platforms and intrusion detection systems. Learners gain hands-on experience that supports career advancement in a fast-growing field. 

Develop practical skills in spreadsheets, SQL, Tableau, and R to support the full data lifecycle, from framing business questions to presenting clear, actionable insights. This fully online program prepares learners for entry-level roles in data analytics with hands-on experience in data exploration, analysis, and visualization. Gain the foundational knowledge needed for various roles, including data analyst, operations analyst, and business systems analyst.

Gain the skills needed for entry-level roles in digital marketing and e-commerce through hands-on experience with widely used tools, such as Canva, Google Ads, Google Analytics, HubSpot, Mailchimp, and Shopify. Endorsed by the American Association of Advertising Agencies and the American Advertising Federation, this fully online certificate covers strategy development, customer engagement across digital channels, and marketing analytics. Additionally, explore how to build and manage e-commerce stores and apply insights to drive growth and customer loyalty. 

Build the foundational skills needed for entry-level IT support roles through a fully online program that covers troubleshooting, networking, operating systems, and system administration. Gain practical experience assembling hardware, managing software, writing support documentation, and working with Linux, cloud platforms, and command-line tools. The program prepares graduates for roles such as IT specialist and technical support specialist in a high-demand field. 

Gain practical experience managing traditional and Agile projects, using templates, schedules, and budgeting tools to support real workplace scenarios. During this program, build strong foundations in process improvement, stakeholder communication, risk management, and leadership. Earn more than 100 education hours that can be applied toward Project Management Institute (PMI) certifications.

This introductory microcredential equips learners with a clear, real-world understanding of how artificial intelligence (AI) works and how it is reshaping technology, society, and the economy. The course breaks down core and advanced AI concepts in accessible, nontechnical terms while examining both speculative and immediate risks through practical examples. No prerequisites are required, making it an ideal starting point for anyone seeking to understand AI’s history, impact, and future direction.

Questions?

Please contact Leslie Fernung, sr director of lifelong learning, at lafernung@purdueforlife.org.