Senior high is the best time to discover how various disciplines intersect. Interdisciplinary learning encourages curiosity, imagination, and problem-solving, all of which are essential in college and the contemporary workforce. Rather than seeing subjects such as biology, psychology, or computer science in isolation, interdisciplinary studies allow you to understand how they relate to one another. For example, learning about climate change is not only about the environment, but also needs to involve data interpretation, public health, policy, and human behavior. Likewise, areas of study such as artificial intelligence or behavioral economics combine knowledge from programming, math, ethics, and psychology.
Each of the following courses is:
100% free to audit
Open to high school students
Offered by a top university
Designed to combine insights from multiple fields
1.The Science of Well-Being – Yale University
Disciplines: Psychology + Neuroscience
Platform: Coursera
Cost: Free (optional certificate available)
This course introduces students to psychology and behavioral science. You’ll explore the cognitive biases that prevent us from being happy, along with evidence-based strategies to improve emotional well-being and productivity. Through weekly assignments and readings of scientific papers, this course encourages students to apply psychological insights to their daily lives.
2.Medical Neuroscience – Duke University
Disciplines: Biology, Psychology, Medicine
Platform: Coursera
Cost: Free
For students interested in medicine or brain research, this is an in-depth course that explores the structure and function of the human central nervous system. Through video lectures and case studies, you’ll learn how neural pathways work, how neurological disorders are diagnosed, and how neuroscience connects with psychology and anatomy. The course provides experience that helps in your preparation for pre-medical or biological studies which ultimately helps in cracking entrance exams like ESAT.
3. Data Science: R Basics – Harvard University
Disciplines: Computer Science + Math + Statistics
Platform: edX
Cost: Free (paid upgrade for certificate)
The course also covers essential programming concepts like vectors, indexing, and data types, building a strong foundation for more advanced analytics. Through hands-on exercises, learners gain practical skills in manipulating real-world data sets, preparing them for future studies in machine learning, bioinformatics, or quantitative social sciences.By the end of the course, students will be able to write clean, reproducible R code and interpret statistical results with confidence, skills highly valued in both academic research and industry.
4.AI for Everyone – Stanford University (via Coursera)
Disciplines: Artificial Intelligence + Ethics + Business
Platform: Coursera
Cost: Free
This course is created by AI specialist Andrew Ng, this course is a friendly introduction to artificial intelligence for those who are new to programming and ML. You'll learn about the capabilities and limitations of AI, how it's applied in fields such as healthcare and finance, and the ethical issues raised by AI's effects on employment, data privacy, and decision-making. High school students will enjoy seeing technical concepts linked to real-world policy and social concerns, making this course a good stepping-off point for careers in tech or ethics.
5.Introduction to Environmental Science – Dartmouth College
Disciplines: Ecology + Policy + Chemistry
Platform: edX
Cost: Free
Environmental science is a deeply interdisciplinary field, and this course captures that beautifully. Students will examine the chemistry of pollutants, the physics of climate change, and the global policies designed to address environmental degradation. Interactive simulations, case studies, and readings help learners connect classroom science with real-world environmental justice and sustainability issues. An excellent choice for students passionate about Earth science or public policy.
6.Global Health and Humanitarianism – University of Manchester
Disciplines: Public Health + Sociology + International Policy
Platform: Coursera
Cost: Free
This course offers real-world case studies and expert insights into how global crises from pandemics to refugee emergencies are managed through coordinated health and humanitarian responses. It also delves into the role of international organizations, public policy, and community led interventions in shaping equitable healthcare access worldwide. Learners will also explore how cultural, economic, and political factors intersect to influence health outcomes and humanitarian strategies across different regions.
7.Social Psychology – Wesleyan University
Disciplines: Psychology + Sociology + Behavioral Economics
Platform: Coursera
Cost: Free
This course dives into how people influence and interact with one another. You’ll study theories related to conformity, aggression, prejudice, leadership, and persuasion, all supported by historical experiments and case studies. The course shows how psychology connects to marketing, law, education, and social activism, making it highly relevant for high schoolers interested in society and human behavior.
8.The Hidden Influence of Social Networks – University of California, San Diego
Disciplines: Data Science + Sociology + Psychology
Platform: Coursera
Cost: Free
Explore how networks shape human behavior from how diseases spread to how ideas go viral online. This course teaches basic network theory while applying it to real-life situations like social media trends, epidemiology, and organizational dynamics. High school students with interests in tech, human behavior, or public health will find it an excellent way to combine theory with digital-age relevance.
9.The Ethics of AI and Big Data – University of London
Disciplines: Philosophy + Computer Science + Law
Platform: Coursera
Cost: Free
As digital technology grows, so do the questions around its ethical use. This course addresses major concerns including algorithmic bias, surveillance, consent, and AI accountability. By combining technology and moral philosophy, it encourages students to think deeply about fairness, transparency, and justice in the digital age.
10.Climate Change and Health – Yale University
Disciplines: Environmental Science + Public Health + Data Analysis
Platform: Coursera
Cost: Free
This course connects climate science with health outcomes, showing how pollution, heatwaves, and ecosystem collapse affect human well-being. You’ll learn to analyze climate data, assess global risk patterns, and consider policy responses. With real case studies and expert insights, this program is ideal for students drawn to Earth science, health sciences, or global policy.
If you are a high school student pushing yourself to stand out in college applications, RISE Research offers a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities around the world.
Through personalized guidance and independent research projects that can lead to prestigious publications, RISE helps you build a standout academic profile and develop skills that set you apart. With flexible program dates and global accessibility, ambitious students can apply year-round. To learn more about eligibility, costs, and how to get started, visit RISE Research’s official website and take your college preparation to the next level!
Read More
