Introduction to Financial Accounting � University of Pennsylvania

Wharton professor Brian J Bushee teaches the basics of accounting in this course.
By the end, you'll know how to confidently read an income statement, balance sheet,
and statement of cash flows.

It's one of four courses in Wharton's business foundation Coursera package, which
costs you $595 for the classes and a capstone project, all graded. If you don't
care about a certificate or being part of a cohort that can interact with each
other and the professors, you can work through each course for free.

An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python � Rice University

Python is one of the world's top five programming languages and is used at
organizations like Google, Yahoo, and NASA. It's a high-level language, but a
novice can learn the basics relatively easily.

Rice professors Joe Warren, Scott Rixner, John Greiner, and Stephen Wong keep the
course interesting by having students use Python to build simple games like Pong
and Asteroids.

Next session: January 9 - February 2

The Data Scientist's Toolbox � Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins professors Jeff Leek, Roger D Peng, and Brian Caffo use this two-part
course to give an overview of what exactly data scientists do, as well as to
introduce students to some of their tools: Version control, markdown, git, GitHub,
R, and RStudio.

It's one of nine courses in the data science introductory package, which costs $470
for full participation and a certificate of completion.

Next session: Current session still open, ends January 2

R Programming � Johns Hopkins University

This is another class in the Johns Hopkins data science package. It introduces
students to the R programming language, which is the world's most popular language
for data analysis.

Next session: Current session still open, ends January 2

Machine Learning � Stanford University

If you've been wanting to learn more about artificial intelligence, this is a great
place to start. Stanford associate professor and Coursera cofounder Andrew Ng uses
case studies and programming exercises to illustrate some of the ways machines
learn.

Next session: December 28 - March 21

Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) � University of Michigan

This is another Python course, from Michigan professor Charles Severance.

It's part one of five, so consider this one if you're looking for a more thorough
foundation.
Next session: Current session still open, enrollment ends December 21

Mastering Data Analysis in Excel � Duke University

Duke post-doctoral fellow Jana Schaich Borg and director of the Center for
Quantitative Modeling Daniel Egger teach students how to use Excel to understand
the concepts behind uncertainty-reduction and information-gain predictive models
that data scientists use.

It's one of four courses in Duke's data science package, which costs $395 for full
participation.

Next session: December 14 - February 1

Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects �
University of California, San Diego

Oakland University professor Barbara Oakley and Salk Institute professor Terrence
Sejnowski use studies of brain chemistry to determine the best ways to approach a
new subject, memorize facts, and deal with procrastination.

The instructors make a bold claim: "If you've ever wanted to become better at
anything, this course will help serve as your guide."

Next session: January 4 - February 7