Intro to Psychology
Course Description
Why do we think, feel, and act the way we do? This question is at the heart of psychology, and this course gives you the tools to answer it. Udacity's Intro to Psychology takes you on a fascinating journey through the science of mind and behavior.
You'll explore key psychological concepts and principles, from the biological basis of behavior to memory, learning, development, social influence, and mental health. The course is designed to be engaging and accessible, with no prerequisites. Whether you're considering a career in psychology, want to understand yourself and others better, or are just curious about what makes people tick, this course is for you.
This free, self-paced course includes 34 lessons taught by experienced instructors. You can upgrade to a paid version if you want a verified certificate, but all the video content and learning materials are completely free to access. The course was last updated in March 2022, so the content is current and relevant.
Course Provider
Provider: Udacity, a leading online learning platform known for its tech and professional courses. This course, however, focuses on the social sciences and is taught by academic experts.
Instructors: The course is taught by three instructors: Susan Snycerski, Greg Feist, and Lauren Castellano. Unlike typical professors, Udacity instructors come from Fortune 500 and Global 2000 companies and have demonstrated leadership and expertise in their professions.
Platform: Udacity's online learning platform – fully online, self-paced, with video lessons and quizzes.
Course Syllabus (34 Lessons)
Learning Objectives
- Understand the major concepts, theories, and research findings in psychology.
- Explain the biological, cognitive, social, and developmental factors that influence behavior.
- Identify different psychological disorders and the treatments used to address them.
- Apply psychological principles to understand real-world behavior, including your own.
- Critically evaluate psychological claims in popular media.
- Build a foundation for further study in psychology, counseling, social work, or related fields.
Course Prerequisites
Academic: None. This course is designed for absolute beginners. No prior knowledge of psychology is required.
Language: You will need to be able to communicate fluently and professionally in written and spoken English. Videos are in English, and all materials are presented in English.
Technical: A web browser and an internet connection. That's it.
User Reviews
"I took this course out of personal curiosity, and I ended up loving it. The instructors are engaging, and the lessons are broken into bite-sized videos. The section on social psychology was eye-opening—I understand group dynamics at work so much better now. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to understand people."
"Good introductory course. Covers all the major areas of psychology. I appreciated the real-life examples and the quizzes. It's not as in-depth as a university course, but it's perfect for getting a solid overview. The certificate is a nice touch if you pay for it."
"I'm considering a career change into counseling, and this course confirmed my interest. The module on psychological disorders and treatment was fascinating. The instructors are clearly experts, but they explain things in a way that beginners can understand. A great starting point."
Based on 300+ ratings on Udacity.
💡 Final Thoughts
Psychology is one of those subjects that feels both deeply personal and broadly universal. This Udacity course captures that spirit perfectly. It's not overly academic or dry; instead, it's engaging, practical, and surprisingly fun. The instructors are passionate, and the 34 lessons cover everything from brain biology to social dynamics to mental health. You'll finish the course with not just knowledge but genuine insights into your own behavior and the people around you. Best of all, it's free to access all the video content. If you're even slightly curious about why humans do what they do, take this course. You won't regret it.
Intro to Psychology (Udacity) – FAQ
Is this course really free?
Yes, all video lessons and learning materials are completely free. Udacity offers a paid upgrade that includes a verified certificate and additional support, but the core educational content is free.
Do I need any prior knowledge?
None at all. This is a true introductory course. No psychology background is required. You just need curiosity about human behavior.
How long does the course take?
The course is self-paced with 34 lessons. Most learners complete it in 20-30 hours, but you can go faster or slower. There's no deadline.
Will I get a certificate?
Udacity offers a free certificate of completion if you complete all the lessons and quizzes. There's also a paid option for a verified certificate. Check the course page for current details.
Is this course for college credit?
No, this course is not for college credit. It's an introductory overview. However, many students take it to prepare for college psychology courses or to explore the field before committing to a degree.
How is this different from a psychology textbook?
This course is more engaging and accessible. The video format, real-world examples, and quizzes make it easier to absorb the material than a dense textbook. But it covers similar foundational topics.