For high school students interested in pursuing engineering majors, online courses can be an exciting way to take your theoretical and technical skills to the next level! Engineering combines creativity, problem-solving, and technical expertise, and exploring it early can provide invaluable experience and insight. Online courses allow you to dive into specialized areas like mechanical, electrical, civil, or even aerospace engineering, equipping you with skills that will set you apart when it comes to college applications.

The courses on this list are designed to offer more than just theoretical knowledge; they provide hands-on projects, real-world applications, and opportunities to work with advancing technologies. From beginner-friendly introductions to rigorous, in-depth programs, these courses can help you build a solid foundation in engineering, discover potential career paths, and bolster your academic profile. Additionally, we’ve highlighted a few free yet highly reputable programs for students seeking accessible learning opportunities without compromising on quality.

Here are 11 online engineering courses tailored for high school students eager to explore the world of engineering and gain an edge in their future studies!

1. ENSC S-138: Introduction to Probability for Engineering and Data Science at Harvard University

Cost: $3,850. Financial aid is available.

Dates: 7 weeks in the summer. 2024 dates ran from June 24 – August 9, 2024

Application Deadline: Applications open December and typically close in June

Eligibility: Open to all high school students

Credits: 4

The Introduction to Probability for Engineering and Data Science course at Harvard Summer School provides a comprehensive foundation in probability theory and statistics tailored for applications in engineering, data science, and artificial intelligence. The course will enable you to delve into concepts such as random variables, probability distributions, conditional expectations, statistical sampling, and Markov chains. 

Admission to this course is competitive, as only 45 students are accepted. You will require prior knowledge of topics such as set theory, Venn diagrams, basic algebra, basic differential and integral calculus, and matrices to participate effectively in this course. Although programming knowledge in Python or R is not required, familiarity with it can be beneficial.

2. ENSC S-135: Biochemical Engineering and Synthetic Life at Harvard University

Cost: $3,850. Financial aid is available.

Dates: 7 weeks in the summer. 2024 dates ran from June 24 – August 9, 2024

Application Deadline: Applications open December and typically close in June

Eligibility: High school students with a background in biology and chemistry.

Credits: 4

The Biochemical Engineering and Synthetic Life course at Harvard Summer School at Harvard University provides students with a comprehensive introduction to biochemical and genetic engineering. This online course covers fundamental biochemical processes and explores how engineers use synthetic biology to create new cell lines, focusing on the applications of engineered organisms in sustainability, global health, and pharmaceuticals. Topics include metabolic and genetic engineering, cellular pathways and control mechanisms, and the production of synthetic molecules for real-world applications, such as biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and biodegradable plastics.

This course is intended for students with a strong foundation in biology and chemistry and is ideal for those interested in exploring the intersections of biotechnology, genetic engineering, and environmental science.

3. DGMD S-17: Robotics, Autonomous Vehicles, Drones, and Artificial Intelligence at Harvard University

Cost: $3,850. Financial aid is available.

Dates: 7 weeks in the summer. 2024 dates ran from June 24 – August 9, 2024

Application Deadline: Applications open December and typically close in June

Eligibility: High school students with knowledge of algebra, geometry, and programming languages (Python, R, Java, C/C++) can apply. No background is needed in machine learning, computer vision, or wearable devices.

Credits: 4

The Robotics, Autonomous Vehicles, Drones, and Artificial Intelligence course at Harvard University’s Summer School introduces students to the core technologies behind robotics and autonomous systems. Participants explore foundational concepts in sensor technologies, machine learning algorithms, vision-based perception, and engineering design, with hands-on exercises and simulations for real-world applications like self-driving cars, robotic assistants, and drone delivery systems. While these domains are still relatively new, market projections predict steep growth in the sectors in the coming decades with 10-15% annual investment expansion.

Prior background in machine learning or robotics is optional, but students are expected to be familiar with programming (in languages such as Python, R, Java, or C/C++) and have a strong foundation in algebra and geometry. You will also learn about current technologies’ scope and limitations, ultimately gaining insights into real-world applications of AI and robotics in diverse key sectors.

4. DEA 1112: Change-making: Designing Healthy and Hospitable Environments by Cornell University 

Cost: $5,520

Dates: January 2 - 18, 2025

Application Deadline: December 2, 2025

Eligibility: High School juniors and seniors who are at least 15 years of age and can demonstrate the ability and intellectual curiosity to undertake college-level coursework

Credits: 3

The Designing Healthy and Hospitable Environments course at Cornell University’s Precollege Program introduces high school students to human-centered design and socially responsible practices across fields like hospitality, healthcare, senior housing, and environmental design. This 3-week intensive course focuses on the social implications of design. It is a great option for students interested in environmental and civil engineering or those pursuing careers in health, hospitality, and urban planning. 

Students explore how thoughtful design can enhance well-being, comfort, and functionality in various settings. Using case studies, design-thinking exercises, and guidance from industry professionals, students learn about service design principles and impactful innovations. For aspiring engineers, this course offers industry insights into how thoughtful design can shape sustainable and inclusive environments.

5. Explore Engineering Innovation: Online (EEI) at John Hopkins University

Cost: $3,575 as of 2024, excluding application fee of $50 and lab kit fee of $247.12. Check here for any changes! Financial aid is available.

Dates: June 30 – August 1, 2025

Application Deadline: Applications are yet to open. Check here for 2025.

Eligibility: Current High School students and recent graduates with:

• As and Bs in high school math and science classes

• Completion of Algebra II and a full year of chemistry and/or physics with lab

• Familiarity with trigonometric functions (sine, cosine, tangent)

Credits: 3

The Explore Engineering Innovation (EEI) program, offered by Johns Hopkins University, is a 5-week online course that introduces high school students to a range of engineering disciplines, including civil, mechanical, materials science, and chemical engineering. In this course, you will have the chance to undertake projects such as designing and building a stable bridge out of spaghetti, designing a bioreactor, or developing an electronic device to improve user well–being. Each participant will complete lab activities using a specialized lab kit.

EEI also allows students to prepare a presentation to pitch their projects to the class, giving them experience in communicating technical concepts — a crucial skill in engineering. 

6. Biomedical Engineering Innovation: Online at John Hopkins University 

Cost: $3,575 as of 2024, excluding application fee of $50 and lab kit fee of $296.20. Check here for any changes! Financial aid is available.

Dates: June 23 – August 1, 2025

Application Deadline: Applications are yet to open. Check here for 2025.

Eligibility: Current High School students and recent graduates with:

• As and Bs in high school math and science classes

• Completed Algebra II

• Familiarity with trigonometric functions (sine, cosine, tangent) 

• Completed a full year of high school physics, including a lab; students need to be comfortable with drawing and calculating forces in free-body diagrams, equations of motion, and principles of electric circuits prior to taking BMEI.

Credits: 3

The Biomedical Engineering Innovation (BMEI): Online program by Johns Hopkins University is a six-week course designed for high school students interested in exploring the intersection of engineering, biology, and healthcare. Students gain hands-on experience with biomedical projects, including designing a biosensor, modeling the human circulatory system, and simulating the mechanics of the human arm. As a student in this course, you will have the opportunity to model biological systems and design experiments to test these models. You will also be learning and using key engineering principles to address biological, physiological, and/or medical design challenges.

Through this program, students conduct independent projects, develop research skills, and present their findings in a final poster session. The course is highly practical and a great opportunity for hands-on experience in biological engineering if you plan on pursuing it at university.

7. Introduction to Computational Mathematics and Big Data Visualization at Brown University

Cost: $5,998. Financial aid is available.

Dates: June 17 – July 26, 2024

Application Deadline: May 10, 2024

Eligibility: High School students between the ages of 14-18

Credits: Not available

Summer@Brown’s Introduction to Computational Mathematics and Big Data Visualization is a great opportunity for STEM-oriented students who wish to learn how to analyze and interpret large datasets, utilizing tools for 3D data modeling and software for scientific computation. Topics include numerical simulations, parallel computing, and data analysis methods, equipping students with skills that are valuable across various fields, from engineering and finance to environmental science and healthcare. 

Students will engage with practical applications of data science, focusing on visual representation and algorithm design.

8. DelftX: Introduction to Aeronautical Engineering

Cost: Free; $139 for a certificate.

Dates: Self-paced; typical course duration is 7 weeks.

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Eligibility: High school students with knowledge of mathematics and physics.

Credits: Not available

The Introduction to Aeronautical Engineering course by Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), offered on edX, is a seven-week online course covering the fundamentals of aeronautics. This self-paced course is structured to provide students with a foundational understanding of topics like aerodynamics, aircraft stability, propulsion, flight mechanics, and navigation. Beginning with a historical overview of flight, the course progresses through technical aspects of aircraft design and the principles that govern modern aviation.

If you possess a basic understanding of physics and mathematics, this course can be a great step in building your foundation in the practical aspects of aerospace engineering. Students can enroll for free, with an option to purchase a certificate upon completion.

9. MITX: Circuits and Electronics 1: Basic Circuit Analysis

Cost: Free; $189 for a certificate

Dates: Self-paced; typical course duration is 5 weeks.

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Eligibility: High school students with a strong background in math and physics

Credits: Not available

The MITx Circuits and Electronics 1: Basic Circuit Analysis course on edX will help you learn key concepts in electrical engineering, specifically circuit design and analysis. Taught by MIT faculty, this course covers techniques such as node analysis, superposition, Thevenin and Norton methods, and MOSFET switch modeling. The course also includes lab exercises that teach students how to measure circuit variables using virtual tools like oscilloscopes and signal generators. 

This course is self-paced, allowing students to work through weekly interactive video lectures, homework assignments, and online laboratories at their convenience. The course is part of a series that builds up to more advanced topics in electronics and circuit design.

10. Coursera’s ‘Fundamental Skills in Engineering Design’ offered by the University of Leeds

Cost: Free (without certificate); $29 with a certificate.

Dates: Self-paced; the course takes 6 hours to complete.

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Eligibility: Open to high school students. 

Credits: Not available

University of Leeds’ Fundamental Skills in Engineering Design introduces students to the engineering design process and essential skills like requirement gathering, problem-solving, and project management. This self-paced, beginner-level course offers practical exercises in conceptual design and product lifecycle management. 

The course will also introduce you to real-world design scenarios and challenge your analytical thinking skills through hands-on projects. Participants gain insights into the design profession, examining how engineers approach problem abstraction, brainstorming, and collaboration within teams. 

11. Coursera’s ‘Introduction to Thermodynamics: Transferring Energy from Here to There’ offered by the University of Michigan

Cost: Free (without a certificate); $29 (with a certificate)

Dates: Self-paced; the course takes 15 hours to complete.

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Eligibility: Open to high school students with a background in chemistry, physics, and calculus.

Credits: Not available

University of Michigan’s Introduction to Thermodynamics: Transferring Energy from Here to There course on Coursera covers key themes in mass and energy conservation, control volumes, and the properties of substances, along with how these concepts apply to energy systems such as engines and solar panels. Students gain insight into how energy is transformed and conserved, learning to apply thermodynamic concepts to practical systems. 

Topics covered include steady-state thermodynamic systems, first-law analysis, and energy transfers, providing a strong foundation for further studies in engineering and physical sciences. While the course is self-paced, it is recommended to attempt the additional quizzes at the end of each section and adhere to deadlines to stay on track with the study materials.

If you’re looking to build a project/research paper in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI! 

Veritas AI is founded by Harvard graduate students. Through the programs, you get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn AI & ML with us. You can apply here!

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