Exploring free online courses in criminal justice, law, or policy reform is a great way for high school students to gain foundational knowledge and showcase their dedication to social justice and legal studies. These courses allow you to demonstrate commitment, enhance your college applications, and build practical skills, giving you a competitive edge in both college admissions and future internship applications.

Engaging with these subjects before college highlights your interest in understanding complex societal issues and can even serve as a springboard for future research projects or advocacy initiatives. College admissions committees look for candidates who are driven and engaged in their fields of interest, making these free online courses a valuable addition to any academic portfolio. 

Here is a curated list of the top 10 free online criminal justice courses for high school students!

1. An Introduction to American Law

Platform: Coursera (University of Pennsylvania)

Cost: Free

Eligibility: Open to all high school students 

Application Deadline: None

Course Dates: Self-paced after enrollment

The ‘An Introduction to American Law’ course designed by the University of Pennsylvania on Coursera provides students with an overview of the key concepts and institutions that define the American legal system. It covers six major areas: constitutional law, criminal law, contract law, civil procedure, tort law, and property law. Through video lectures, assignments, and readings, you will learn about the structure of the U.S. court system, how laws are interpreted, and the foundational principles that guide legal proceedings in the United States. 

Each topic is led by professors from the University of Pennsylvania, who guide you through legal theory and practical applications, making this an ideal course for those looking to build a strong foundation in American law. This course is useful for students interested in understanding legal rights, court processes, and the broader justice system in the U.S.

2. Justice

Platform: edX (Harvard University)

Cost: Free

Eligibility: Open to all high school students 

Application Deadline: No formal application deadline—self-paced enrollment 

Course Dates: Self-paced. Modules distributed over a span of 12 weeks

The ‘Justice’ course from Harvard University delves into essential questions about justice, equality, democracy, and citizenship. Taught by Professor Michael Sandel, "Justice" challenges you to explore complex ethical dilemmas and societal debates. Through case studies, lectures, and readings, you will critically analyze topics like affirmative action, income inequality, and moral responsibility. 

The course encourages you to think deeply about what constitutes a fair society and the role of laws and policies in shaping it. With its philosophical approach, this course is ideal for students interested in social justice, ethics, or public policy, helping them develop critical thinking skills and a nuanced perspective on law and morality.

3. Introduction to International Criminal Law

Platform: Coursera (Case Western Reserve University)

Cost: Free

Eligibility: Open to high school students

Application Deadline: None (the course is self-paced and available for enrollment anytime)

Course Dates: Self-paced after enrollment

The ‘Introduction to International Criminal Law’ course offers an in-depth exploration of international criminal law, focusing on crimes that affect humanity on a global scale. You will learn about the frameworks and principles that guide international justice, including the role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the challenges of prosecuting international crimes. 

The course provides case studies and examines legal precedents, helping you understand how global justice systems address crimes that transcend borders. Through engaging lectures and resources, you will gain insights into human rights law, international treaties, and the ethical considerations in pursuing justice for international crimes. This course is ideal for those with a strong interest in law, global affairs, or human rights advocacy.

4. Forensic Psychology: Witness Investigation

Platform: FutureLearn (Open University)

Cost: Free

Eligibility: High school students 

Application Deadline: TBA

Course Dates: Self-paced (8 weeks)

This course, offered by Open University on FutureLearn, examines the role of psychology in criminal investigations, focusing on how forensic psychology helps evaluate eyewitness testimony. You will explore factors affecting memory accuracy, perception, and the reliability of witness accounts. 

The curriculum includes case studies, interactive activities, and expert insights to illustrate how psychology influences investigative processes and courtroom outcomes. Through real-life scenarios, you will gain a better understanding of the challenges in gathering reliable witness testimony and the psychological principles that impact decision-making in legal contexts. Ideal for those interested in criminal psychology or law enforcement, this course builds foundational knowledge about the intersection of psychology and the justice system.

5. Introduction to Criminology

Platform: FutureLearn (University of Hull)

Cost: Free

Eligibility: High school students 

Application Deadline: Ongoing enrollment

Course Dates: Self-paced (3 weeks)

This introductory course ‘Introduction to Criminology’ by the University of Hull, England, provides an overview of criminology, exploring the causes of criminal behavior and the impact of crime on society. You can learn about various types of crime, including white-collar crime and organized crime, as well as theories that explain why individuals commit crimes. 

The course also examines societal responses to crime, focusing on law enforcement, rehabilitation, and criminal justice policy. By analyzing real-world case studies and criminological research, you will gain insight into how criminal justice systems work and the social factors influencing crime rates. This course is a great choice for those interested in understanding crime’s root causes and the role of criminology in shaping public safety.

6. From Crime to Punishment: An Introduction to Criminal Justice

Platform: FutureLearn (University of York)

Cost: Free

Eligibility: High school students 

Application Deadline: Ongoing enrollment

Course Dates: Self-paced (4 weeks)

The ‘From Crime to Punishment: An Introduction to Criminal Justice’ course offers students an in-depth look at the criminal justice system, tracing the journey from crime to punishment. It covers each step of the justice process, including investigation, arrest, trial, sentencing, and rehabilitation. You will learn about the roles of various justice professionals, such as police officers, prosecutors, and defense lawyers, and the principles that guide fair treatment in legal proceedings. 

Through real-life case studies and interactive exercises, you will gain a practical understanding of how crimes are prosecuted and the challenges involved in ensuring justice. This course is ideal for those considering careers in law, criminology, or public policy, providing a foundation in criminal justice concepts.

7. Insights into cybercrime and electronic evidence

Platform: Udemy

Cost: Free

Eligibility: High school students 

Application Deadline: Ongoing enrollment

Course Dates: Self-paced 

This introductory course provides a basic understanding of cybercrime and electronic evidence for criminal justice professionals and students who are beginners in computers. The course covers key themes, threats, and challenges of modern cybercrime. It explores the solutions criminal justice has adopted to address these issues. It includes ten chapters, each containing videos and quizzes to check your understanding. This is an entry-level course for criminal justice professionals, students, or anyone interested in learning about cybercrime and electronic evidence, with no prior computer expertise required.

8. International Law in Action: Investigating and Prosecuting International Crimes

Platform: Coursera (Leiden University)

Cost: Free (with the option to pay for a certificate)

Eligibility: Open to all

Application Deadline: None

Course Dates: Self-paced after enrollment but starts on December 6, 2024

The International Law in Action: Investigating and Prosecuting International Crimes course, created by Leiden University's Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies, offers an in-depth exploration of international criminal law and the mechanisms used to address international crimes. It focuses on key institutions like the International Criminal Court (ICC), analyzing how they investigate and prosecute crimes such as crimes against humanity.

Through interactive lectures, case studies, and real-world examples, you will learn about the ICC’s role, jurisdiction, and the challenges of delivering justice for mass crimes. The course also examines the broader framework of international law and its relationship to global justice initiatives, making it ideal for those interested in law, human rights, and global governance.

9. Hot Topics in Criminal Justice

Platform: Coursera (Vanderbilt University)

Cost: Free

Eligibility: High school students 

Application Deadline: November 11, 2024

Course Dates: Self-paced

Hot Topics in Criminal Justice by Vanderbilt University on Coursera delves into some of the most pressing issues currently facing the criminal justice system, including police reform, mass incarceration, juvenile justice, and drug policy. Taught by experts from Vanderbilt University, the course encourages you to think critically about how these issues impact society and the ways in which policies can be reformed for fairer outcomes. Through case studies, expert interviews, and discussions, you will explore different perspectives on these "hot topics" and analyze the social, political, and ethical considerations behind criminal justice policies. This course is ideal for students interested in justice reform and careers in law, public policy, or criminology.

10. American Contract Law I

Platform: Coursera (Yale University)

Cost: Free

Eligibility: Open to all high school students

Application Deadline: Ongoing enrollment

Course Dates: Self-paced (7 weeks)

This introductory course on ‘American Contract Law I’ by Yale University covers fundamental concepts in contract law, a crucial component of legal studies. Topics covered include contract formation, enforcement, and remedies, which are applicable across many legal contexts. You will learn to interpret legal agreements and understand the obligations and rights that contracts entail. Although not strictly criminal justice, contract law is foundational for various legal fields and can be useful for students considering a broader legal education. The course provides practical skills in legal reasoning, making it a strong addition for any pre-law student.

One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.

Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.