Stanford Continuing Studies Spring Courses 2025
Summer 2025
Welcome Letter
Welcome Letter
Dear Friends,
S
ummer is a season of exploration—a time when we seek a break from routine, often through a change of scenery. While travel is perhaps the most obvious way to do this, taking a class is another great way to chart unexplored vistas.
I recently read an article about the value of openness, a personality trait coined by psychologists in the 1940s, which continues to be of interest to researchers as it plays a key role in well-being and resilience. Openness allows us to try new things. People who score high in it tend to be more creative and better problem solvers, receptive to feedback, adaptable, and capable of growth.
The good news? Openness can be cultivated. I’ve seen this firsthand in the writing courses I’m lucky to teach through Stanford Continuing Studies. Every quarter, some students arrive anxious about sharing their work with strangers. But within a session or two, those strangers become a community. Everyone is in the same boat—learning and writing, then making themselves vulnerable by putting their brand-new pages up for critique. As they take in the feedback they’ve received, putting it to use, their writing improves. This is one of the most satisfying parts of the process—and a big reason why students often return for more.
As people, we grow by pushing through resistance, embracing fresh perspectives, and stepping outside our comfort zones. This happens in any class you take, whether for fun, personal enrichment, or career advancement. You’ll encounter fresh viewpoints from instructors and fellow students, broadening your knowledge and skill set—and leaving you transformed in ways you couldn’t have predicted when you signed up.
This summer, we’re offering a range of courses designed to spark curiosity and encourage new ways of thinking. Here are just a few:
- Wild Precious Writing
- Farm to Palette: Watercolor Painting for Beginners
- Reimagining Democracy: AI and the Future of Civic Engagement
- Flashpoint Taiwan: US-China Tensions in the 21st Century
- Cultivating Calm: Exploring Spiritual Wellness
- Launching from Idea to Reality: A Practical Course for First-Time Startup Founders
Whether you’re traveling or staying close to home this summer, I encourage you to take a course. With so many now offered online, you can participate from anywhere. You’ll gain valuable knowledge, learn new skills, and have fun—expanding your openness along the way.
Warmly,
Malena Watrous
Writing Certificate Lead & Creative Writing Coordinator
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Liberal Arts & Sciences
Immerse yourself in the liberal arts to awaken your creativity, enhance your critical thinking abilities, and gain a deeper understanding of our complex world.
Art Studio
Reignite your capacity for creativity in an art studio course.
Food & Drink
Explore a curated selection of Stanford’s top courses across various disciplines, designed to provide an exceptional learning experience
Wellness & Health
Prioritize your health and wellness with courses designed to help you build healthy habits and support your mental and emotional well-being.
Creative Writing
Whether you’re just beginning to write or putting the finishing touches on your first novel, our writing courses offer expert instruction from accomplished authors, individual attention, and supportive feedback.
Communication
Hone your communication skills and learn how to convey a clear, compelling, and consistent message.
Design
Our business courses will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in building your career, launching a startup, or growing a business.
Business
Indulge your taste buds in a culinary journey through our Food & Drink courses.
Technology
Embark on a journey through artificial intelligence, master a new coding language, or dive into the world of data science.
Public Programs
Continuing Studies is pleased to offer a variety of free public programs and special events every year.
Master of Liberal Arts
Start your next chapter with a part-time, evening graduate degree in the liberal arts.
Featured Courses
Featured Courses
Online
On Campus
Nestor Maslej
Research Manager, Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, Stanford
AI inhabits a complex landscape of breathtaking potential and profound ethical dilemmas. With Nestor Maslej, the editor-in-chief of the rigorously vetted AI Index report, as our guide, join us for a journey into the pressing topics and relevant data shaping AI’s future. We will hear from a diverse group of policymakers, researchers, journalists, and executives as we discuss AI’s role in global investments, inequality, energy, and more. You won’t just learn about AI—you’ll gain the tools to become an active contributor.
Online
Alice Siu
Associate Director of the Deliberative Democracy Lab and Senior Research Scholar at the Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford
What role should AI play in democracy, and how do we balance its potential and risks? This course explores the intersection of AI and governance, as the technology reshapes how societies engage, deliberate, and make decisions. Through discussions of real-world examples, students will analyze how platforms like Meta, OpenAI, and Anthropic use AI to enhance civic engagement. They’ll come away with strategies for using AI in ways that foster more participatory and equitable governance.
Online
Kharis Templeman
Research Fellow, Hoover Institution, Stanford
As tensions escalate over trade, technology, military buildup, and human rights, Taiwan remains a flashpoint for conflict between the US and China. Could it spark a war? Join this course for discussions and analysis of Taiwan’s complex history, the US commitment to its defense, and China’s claim to the island’s territory. Students will acquire a deeper understanding of the economic and political trends shaping Taiwan’s future and its geopolitical significance amid the broad challenges underlying US-China relations.
Online
Patrick Crowley
Associate Curator of European Art, Cantor Arts Center, Stanford
What is Roman about Roman art? Join us in this sweeping survey of the art and architecture of the Roman world, from its humbling beginnings as a village of huts to the empire’s mind-boggling reach as a centripetal force through space and time. Students will explore an array of topics, from building techniques to politics and power, the rise of Christianity, the destruction and preservation of Pompeii, and the architectural marvels of the Colosseum and Pantheon, all in the context of historical, political, and cultural change.
Online
Rebecca Richardson
Advanced Lecturer, Program in Writing and Rhetoric, Stanford
Critics have long hailed Charles Dickens’s coming-of-age story about the pilgrimage of a solo, penniless child as a masterpiece. Join this journey into the world of David Copperfield, exploring its themes of ambition, family, and second chances, written by an author who made bildungsroman a genre of his own. The course will look at Dickens as a social critic, learning how his depictions of Victorian work, education, empire, and gender stretch into contemporary debates, and how modern adaptations such as Barbara Kingsolver’s Demon Copperhead give this classic new life.
Online
Erin Gleeson
Photographer and Cookbook Author
Cultivate your palette (and palate) in this introductory watercolor course on painting farmers’ market fruits, vegetables, and edible flowers. Designed for beginners, students will learn fundamental techniques such as wet-on-wet blending, color mixing, layering, and creating textures that bring botanical illustrations to life. Through guided exercises and projects, you’ll gain an understanding of tools and materials while building confidence in expressing yourself creatively through watercolor.
Image: Artwork © Erin Gleeson
On Campus
Kip Cranna
Dramaturg Emeritus, San Francisco Opera
Mozart’s operas have enchanted audiences for centuries, from The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, and The Magic Flute to lesser-known gems like Idomeneo. This course will trace Mozart’s evolution from a precocious child prodigy to the master of storytelling he became. Video and audio demonstrations will lead students to uncover the artistry behind his operatic masterpieces, which capture the essence of human nature through humor, drama, and depth.
Online
Tiffany Steinwert
Dean for Religious & Spiritual Life, Stanford
We could all use more calm amid life’s chaos. This course offers both a scholarly and practical exploration of spirituality, aimed at holistic well-being. Students will examine a range of contemplative practices for daily life in an effort to cultivate resilience, equanimity, and balance. They will deepen their self-understanding by examining diverse wisdom traditions and engaging with sacred texts, contemporary podcasts, interviews with spiritual leaders, and scholarly research on spirituality’s impact on well-being.
Online
David Armenta
COLLEGE Lecturer, Civic, Liberal, and Global Education Program, Stanford
Cancer will affect most families at some point—but there’s hope. In this course, we’ll dive deep into cancer biology to understand recent advancements in treatment and prevention. Students will examine the inner workings of cancer cells, the cellular environment around tumors, the nutrient requirements of cancer cells, the power of biomarkers, and how knowledge of these mechanisms can improve existing therapies and potentially lead to new, revolutionary treatments. Students will gain a solid understanding of cell biology, the way cancer operates, and how it might be stopped.
Online
Quinn Kennedy
Director of Aging Research, neuroFit
Just as we create a financial path toward retirement, we should also plan for our cognitively aging brains. Geared toward pragmatists, this workshop helps students craft individual plans to inspire everyday habits in middle age for maintaining cognitive function later in life. We’ll explore the importance of regular exercise, social connection, diet, and good sleep as well as evidence-based approaches to using and consuming brain-boosting supplements and products. By the end, students will have tools for creating and executing a retirement plan for the late-life brain.
Online
Caroline Goodwin
Author
Immerse yourself in your own creative process. This course fosters a supportive and dynamic community to help students explore their lives for poetic material. We’ll read works ranging from spiritual intensity (Gerard Manley Hopkins) to magnificent dreams (Anne Waldman) and meditations (Robert Hass) as we cultivate the small but powerful habits necessary for a sustained poetry practice. Every other day, students will receive an optional freewriting prompt. Through peer conversations and feedback, you’ll emerge with clear goals, connections to lively people, and a strong poetry-writing practice in place.
Image: Edward Hopper / Jo Sketching at Good Harbor Beach
Online
Malena Watrous
Writing Certificate Lead and Creative Writing Coordinator, Stanford Continuing Studies
The difference between a writer and an author is that the latter has published a book. But how do you get there? This course demystifies the publishing process. Students will find answers to common questions: Do you need an agent? A development editor? Should you self-publish? Students will discuss six books and hear directly from their authors. Think of each meeting as part book group, part informational session, with Q&A that will help you navigate your own path toward publication.
On Campus
Brendan Boyle
Founder, IDEO Play Lab
Play is a powerful catalyst that can fuel creativity, drive productive thinking, and lead to the best ideas. Under the instruction of a toy inventor, learn how to infuse your work with joy, trust, and engagement to transform the way we design products, services, and experiences. Students will work collaboratively, using creative prototyping to solve real-world design challenges. Open to all experience levels, the course will cultivate playful mindsets and provide practical strategies for moving abstract ideas into tangible designs.
On Campus
Angelo Farooq
Partner, AlphaX RE Capital
Stephanie Yi
Founder and CEO, AlphaX RE Capital
How can you turn real estate challenges into investment success? Join us as we explore actionable tools to acquire, manage, and grow real estate portfolios using an innovative “0-10-100” framework. With a particular focus on build-to-sell and build-to-rent models, the course will delve into tax-efficient investment approaches and in-depth analysis of California housing policies to help students identify market trends, apply real-world insights, and create business plans for thriving in today’s dynamic market.
Online
Nita Singh Kaushal
Founder, NSK Leadership and Miss CEO
Organizational success hinges on the ability to carefully manage relationships—at all levels. This course is designed for professionals, managers, and individuals who want to overcome relationship challenges with bosses, direct reports, and colleagues. We’ll study communication techniques, strategic lenses, and initiative required for achieving alignment and recognition from leadership. Students will also learn effective tactics for authentically building credibility and gaining trust from peers. Through lectures, discussions, and real-world assignments, you will develop a specialized set of leadership skills for establishing a meaningful career and legacy.
On Campus
Charlie Flanagan
Head of Applied AI, Balyasny Asset Management
Dima Timofeev
Research Engineer, 1X
Learn how to apply large language models for competitive business advantage. This course will foster a detailed understanding of LLMs for use in everyday life, from writing content to increasing productivity and simplifying tasks. Students will gain practical skills through prominent platforms such as Python, LangChain, OpenAI, and Hugging Face, and applications such as automatic text generators, language translators, and models for gauging consumer sentiment. Students will end the course with skills for applying these models in future work and research.
Liberal Arts & Sciences
Liberal Arts & Sciences
Immerse yourself in the liberal arts to awaken your creativity, enhance your critical thinking abilities, and gain a deeper understanding of our complex world. From fine arts to film, language to literature, philosophy to history, explore a rich array of courses in the liberal arts and sciences.
Archaeology
On Campus
Patrick Hunt
Former Director, Stanford Alpine Archaeology Project; Research Associate, Archeoethnobotany, Institute of EthnoMedicine
This course offers a fresh exploration of medieval Europe’s vibrant cultural legacy, moving beyond romanticized portrayals to examine recent archaeological insights and a wide range of artistic and architectural achievements. From majestic cathedrals and intricate illuminated manuscripts to luxurious textiles and finely crafted armor, students will discover how medieval artistry—often inspired by profound spiritual devotion—reached exceptional heights in both sacred and secular contexts.
Art History
Patrick Crowley
Associate Curator of European Art, Cantor Arts Center, Stanford
This course provides an in-depth survey of Roman art and architecture, tracing Rome’s evolution from a small village to a vast empire. Explore diverse topics such as Roman building techniques, the influence of Greek art, the politics of portraiture, the destruction of Pompeii, and architectural masterpieces like the Colosseum and the Pantheon while considering how these elements reflect broader historical and cultural changes.
Classics
Patrick Hunt
Former Director, Stanford Alpine Archaeology Project; Research Associate, Archeoethnobotany, Institute of EthnoMedicine
Few military leaders have shaped history like Hannibal Barca of Carthage. This course explores the life of this legendary general and his daring—though ultimately unsuccessful—campaign against Rome during the Second Punic War. By examining key battles, ancient texts, and the historical context, students will gain insight into Hannibal’s tactical brilliance, the reasons behind Rome’s victory, and how his strategies influenced military leaders from Napoleon to Patton.
Cultural Studies
Miles Osgood
Lecturer, Structured Liberal Education (SLE), Stanford
This course aims to introduce those interested in pursuing a degree in the Stanford Master of Liberal Arts Program to the kind of seminar they would likely encounter in the program. In this course, we will consider not only how novels, films, and artworks captured the chaos of two world wars, but also how writers and artists took up arms themselves in political and cultural conflicts.
Current Events
Alice Siu
Associate Director of the Deliberative Democracy Lab and Senior Research Scholar at the Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford
This course investigates how AI intersects with democracy—exploring ways AI can enhance informed public deliberation, civic engagement, and equitable decision-making. Through case studies of platforms like Meta, OpenAI, and Anthropic, students will examine both the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into governance and develop strategies to guide the use and regulation of AI technologies responsibly.
Dance Studies
On Campus
Ronnie Reddick
Lecturer, Department of Theater & Performance Studies, Stanford
Have you ever been interested in dancing hip hop but felt afraid to give it a go? Here’s a chance to learn one of the world’s most popular dance forms effortlessly and enjoyably with a renowned teacher and choreographer. This course is designed to introduce beginning students to hip hop’s vibrant expression of creativity, rhythm, and individuality in a fun and interactive setting.
On Campus
Ronnie Reddick
Lecturer, Department of Theater & Performance Studies, Stanford
Ready to take your hip hop dance skills to the next level? This course builds on the foundation of “Introduction to Hip Hop Dance: Part I,” offering a faster-paced, choreography-focused experience while still emphasizing individual expression and style. Each session begins with a choreographed warm-up and stretch, preparing dancers to refine their technique, enhance their musicality, and develop confidence in their performance.
Film Studies
Elliot Lavine
Film Historian and Filmmaker
This film course explores Hollywood’s groundbreaking shift in the 1960s, when filmmakers boldly defied long-standing censorship norms established by the Hays Production Code, sparking a cultural and artistic revolution. Through weekly viewings and discussions of influential films such as Psycho, The Apartment, Midnight Cowboy, and The Graduate, students will examine how provocative storytelling and explicit imagery transformed cinema and society.
On Campus
Mick LaSalle
Film Critic, Hearst Newspapers
Discover the rich history and evolving dialogue between French and American cinema, with particular attention to France’s enduring emphasis on personal, emotional storytelling in contrast to America’s focus on external conflict and spectacle. Students will analyze influential French films—from Jean Renoir’s The Grand Illusion to contemporary works by Patrice Leconte and Mia Hansen-Løve—and trace how cinematic movements like French New Wave and Poetic Realism have profoundly shaped filmmaking.
History
Jonathan Lear
Independent Scholar
Explore Japan’s rapid transformation from an isolated feudal society to a modern industrial and imperial power between 1868 and World War II, with a focus on the political, social, and economic factors behind its dramatic rise. Through primary sources, scholarly debates, and firsthand accounts, students will analyze the Meiji-era reforms, Japan’s imperial ambitions, and the profound consequences of its conflicts with Western powers.
Kristen Edwards
Independent Scholar
This course examines Joseph Stalin’s dramatic impact on the Soviet Union and global history, tracing his journey from Marxist revolutionary to ruthless Soviet leader. Students will explore Stalin’s policies, including forced industrialization, collectivization, cultural propaganda, and the Gulag system, while analyzing his complex legacy through historical texts, films, music, and primary sources to understand how his brutal rule continues to influence contemporary debates.
International Studies
Online
Marwan Hanania
Historian
This course explores key historical events and themes that have shaped the modern Middle East from World War I to the present, including colonial legacies, the formation of nation-states, regional conflicts, and major political movements such as the Arab Spring. Students will examine critical topics like the creation of Israel, Pan-Arab nationalism, political Islam, U.S. involvement, and regional wars, using an interdisciplinary approach to understand the region’s complex ethnic, religious, and national identities.
Kharis Templeman
Research Fellow, Hoover Institution, Stanford
This course explores Taiwan’s critical role in East Asian security and its potential as a flashpoint in US-China relations, focusing on its historical trajectory, ambiguous political status, and shifting cross-Strait dynamics. Through case studies and current-event analysis, students will examine China’s rise, US strategic interests, and the geopolitical tensions shaping regional stability and global governance in the 21st century.
Languages
On Campus
Heather Howard
Lecturer in French, Stanford
Designed for students with little to no knowledge of French, this course focuses on acquiring basic communication skills using a creative, all-in-French, conversational approach in a fun and relaxed class atmosphere.
Online
Giovanni Tempesta
Advanced Lecturer in Italian, Stanford
Learn how to speak Italian in this introductory course. Engage in simple Italian conversations covering everyday topics and develop practical skills to handle common transactions such as renting a car, making hotel and restaurant reservations, and ordering food.
Online
María Cristina Urruela
Former Lecturer in Spanish, Stanford
It’s time to speak Spanish with confidence! This immersive course is your gateway to oral proficiency and comprehension, offering a vibrant exploration of the Spanish-speaking world and its rich cultures.
Online
María Cristina Urruela
Former Lecturer in Spanish, Stanford
This course welcomes students who can meet and greet others, express likes and dislikes, and talk about daily activities in present-tense Spanish. This course emphasizes interpersonal communication through class activities such as role-plays, conversational exchanges, and short presentations where students share their passions and interests.
Literature
Rebecca Richardson
Advanced Lecturer, Program in Writing and Rhetoric, Stanford
This course explores David Copperfield, Dickens’s autobiographical masterpiece, examining its themes of ambition, family, and redemption within their Victorian context. Students will analyze Dickens’s innovation of the coming-of-age novel, his incisive social criticism, and contemporary adaptations—including recent films and novels—to understand the enduring impact and relevance of this beloved literary classic.
Music Studies
Joel Phillip Friedman
Composer and Music Scholar
Sixty years after they exploded onto the music scene, The Beatles continue to capture our imagination. This course examines the band’s career, development, and songwriting process through their first four extraordinary albums. Listen closely to individual tracks as we examine the studio process, equipment, techniques, and songwriting craft that brought these albums to life.
On Campus
Kip Cranna
Dramaturg Emeritus, San Francisco Opera
Experience the magic of Mozart’s operas and discover why his brilliant storytelling still captivates audiences today. Journey through masterpieces like The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, and The Magic Flute, exploring their humor, drama, and timeless insight into human nature while uncovering hidden gems from Mozart’s extraordinary career.
Theresa Michelle Iker
Lecturer, Department of History, Stanford
Whether you love her or criticize her, it’s undeniable that Taylor Swift has become a cultural, economic, and political powerhouse. This course, modeled on one offered to Stanford undergraduates, takes a historical approach to Swift’s career. We’ll explore the forces behind her rise to superstardom and her impact on millennial America, covering topics such as the politics of country music, race and class dynamics, and feminist critiques.
Music Studio
On Campus
Greg Vaughan
Instructor, Gryphon Stringed Instruments
Unleash your inner musician and dive into the enchanting world of the ukulele. This introductory course will equip you with the essential skills to play this fun instrument, from mastering uke chords and strumming techniques to exploring basic fingerpicking and rhythm.
Philosophy
Stephen Friesen
Adjunct Professor, Department of Philosophy, University of San Francisco
This course explores how Pragmatism, a distinctly American philosophy emerging in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, transformed philosophy by shifting debates on science, religion, education, and democracy. From Peirce’s concept of truth as a “habit of action” to James’s defense of religious belief and Dewey’s vision of learning as experimentation, Pragmatism connects philosophy to everyday life and remains highly relevant today.
Frederick Dolan
Professor of Rhetoric, Emeritus, UC Berkeley
Explore one of humanity’s most profound questions: What is the meaning of life? Through engaging with influential thinkers such as Kierkegaard, Heidegger, and Nietzsche, discover philosophical perspectives ranging from existential authenticity to creative self-expression, empowering you to craft your own thoughtful responses to life’s deepest questions.
Psychology
Natalie Solomon
Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford Medicine
Discover the transformative power of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in understanding and managing emotions. This course explores the principles and theory behind CBT, equipping you with invaluable tools to navigate distressing emotions and break free from negative thought patterns.
Marwa Azab
Adjunct Professor of Psychology, CSU Long Beach
This course examines the rise in anxiety among Americans since the pandemic, teaching students to define anxiety, distinguish it from other emotions, and manage it to improve performance. It explores clinical diagnoses, risk factors, cognitive habits, neuroscientific insights, and evidence-based treatments, highlighting the roles of community, connection, and compassion in achieving greater calm and contentedness.
Religious Studies
Tiffany Steinwert
Dean for Religious & Spiritual Life, Stanford
Discover how spiritual wellness can create a foundation for resilience, inner calm, and balance amid life’s challenges. Through engaging with mindfulness meditation, poetic reflection, sacred texts, and contemporary spiritual teachings, you’ll find practical, accessible ways to nurture inner peace, deepen your self-awareness, and create your own personalized path toward holistic well-being.
Science
Bruce Fogel
Adjunct Professor, Division of Clinical Anatomy, Department of Surgery, Stanford Medicine
Jamie Tung
Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of General Surgery, Stanford Medicine; Surgeon, Stanford Health Care Chest Wall Surgery Program
Cheyenne Sonntag
Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of General Surgery, Stanford Medicine
This course offers an immersive exploration of anatomy using cadaver specimens and advanced digital technologies, including 3D visualization tools and haptic simulations. Students will learn how to identify anatomical structures and common clinical conditions affecting the organs of the thorax and the chest wall. Combining traditional and cutting-edge methods, the course provides a unique insight into how anatomy is taught and applied at Stanford.
Clyde Wilson
Research Associate, Biochemistry, UC San Francisco
Dig into the scientific literature surrounding the impact of human movement on various aspects of health and fitness, including immunity, sleep, energy, metabolism, and psychological well-being. Learn how to tailor exercise routines to specific goals, and develop personalized programs based on a deeper understanding of anatomy, neural control of movement, muscle physiology, and recovery processes.
Parky Lau
Postdoctoral Scholar, Stanford Sleep Health and Insomnia Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford Medicine
Sleep is one of the most powerful tools for cognitive function, emotional resilience, and physical health, yet for many, a good night’s rest feels elusive. This course provides an evidence-based exploration of sleep science, focusing on understanding and effectively treating chronic insomnia through proven methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based strategies.
David Armenta
COLLEGE Lecturer, Civic, Liberal, and Global Education Program, Stanford
This course explores the biology of cancer and recent breakthroughs in treatment and prevention. Students will investigate how cancer cells grow and survive, the tumor microenvironment, biomarkers, and the role of nutrients in cancer progression. Discover how current therapies work—and how future innovations might stop cancer in its tracks.
Lucia Aronica
Lecturer, Stanford Genetics and Genomics Certificate Program
This course introduces the science of epigenetics, which explores how lifestyle choices can influence gene activity without altering DNA. Students will learn how food and nutrients can impact gene expression and will have the opportunity to interact with renowned experts in the field. By applying the knowledge gained, students will be able to create a personalized nutrition plan to improve their gene expression and overall health.
Art Studio
Art Studio
Reignite your capacity for creativity in an art studio course. From drawing and photography to creating your own podcast or video, our courses will help you develop your skills and find inspiration that will truly elevate your creative expression.
Audio, Video & Film
Digant Kasundra
Founder, Dead Set Films
This course is designed for beginners to learn the fundamentals of video creation, covering scriptwriting, storyboarding, shooting, and editing techniques using DaVinci Resolve. Students will analyze professional films and commercials, apply filmmaking strategies, and ultimately produce and publish their own short video.
Online
Laura Joyce Davis
Lecturer and Managing Editor, Stanford Storytelling Project
Have you ever marveled at the mesmerizing narratives in your favorite podcasts and wondered how they’re crafted? Learn how to transform stories into captivating podcast episodes through the use of scriptwriting, narration, audio editing, and sound design. Gain hands-on experience with audio editing tools and leave the course with a toolkit of techniques to enhance your future podcasting projects.
Drawing, Painting & Other Media
Ann Miller
Artist
Develop a deep understanding of the art of calligraphy as you master formal scripts and explore the expressive nature of letterforms. From the fundamentals of stroke techniques and page layout to contemporary freehand writing, you’ll build confidence in your ability to write diverse scripts.
Online
Trevor Tubelle
Artist
Held in a supportive and relaxed atmosphere, this course approaches drawing as a powerful method of expression involving physical dexterity, mental flexibility, and emotional courage. It covers pencil techniques, such as crosshatching and gradation, and subjects from landscape to still life, equipping you with essential skills for your drawing journey.
On Campus
Lauren Toomer
Lecturer, Department of Art & Art History and Division of Clinical Anatomy, Stanford
Drawing inspiration from the Art and Anatomy courses offered to Stanford medical students, this course presents a distinctive chance to study the human face through an artistic lens. With practical drawing sessions and detailed guidance, you will enhance your artistic abilities alongside your understanding of anatomy, gaining insight into accurately portraying both the internal and external aspects of the face.
On Campus
John Robert Peck
Instructor, Triton Museum of Art
Join us on a journey where we strive to master the art of capturing the human form with unparalleled realism, harnessing people’s essence, strength, and elegance. Skillfully sketch the human figure as you immerse yourself in the world of observation, where every stroke of the pencil unveils a deeper understanding of our intricate selves.
Erin Gleeson
Photographer and Cookbook Author
This hands-on course introduces beginners to the art of watercolor painting through the vibrant colors and forms of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and edible flowers. Students will learn foundational techniques—like wet-on-wet blending, color mixing, layering, and texture-building—and apply them to create expressive, nature-inspired compositions rooted in the beauty of seasonal produce.
Online
Katie Hawkinson
Artist
Learning to paint consists of two main endeavors: knowing how to manipulate the medium and knowing what subjects to paint. Whether the approach is realism or abstraction, these two aspects are best learned in tandem. In this course, we will paint from still life, interior spaces, and the landscape, learning how to make strong and compelling compositions, mix colors, work with light and shadow, and create texture.
Photography
Online
Joel Simon
Documentary and Fine Art Photographer
John Lambert
Photographer
Unlock the creative potential of your digital camera with this introductory course that covers both the artistic and technical aspects of photography. Learn the fundamentals of storytelling, composition, and light while gaining a deep understanding of your camera’s features and their creative applications.
Joel Simon
Documentary and Fine Art Photographer
John Lambert
Photographer
Learn to transform fundamental photographic techniques into compelling images that capture the essence of a destination. Explore how focal lengths, shutter speeds, apertures, and compositional rules can shape expressive landscapes, dynamic environmental portraits, and engaging photo essays. Develop practical skills for preparation, improvisation, capturing action, and refining your photographic vision.
Yoni Mayeri
Photographer, Artist, and Educator
Learn to turn your everyday iPhone photos into stunning pictures. Explore the built-in Photos app for editing and enhancing images, optimize the features of the native camera, and discover third-party editing applications and accessories to enhance your images.
Food & Drink
Food & Drink
Indulge your taste buds in a culinary journey through our Food & Drink courses. From wine and coffee to chocolate and cheese, our courses are designed to broaden your knowledge and feed your curiosity.
Food & Drink Courses
Trevor Ring
Founder, Community Cultures
Preserve the vibrant tastes of summer by creating fermented foods and drinks like kombucha, kimchi, and hot sauces. This course combines practical, hands-on learning with insights into fermentation’s global cultural significance, ensuring you can safely and skillfully extend the life of seasonal produce, enhance flavors, and reduce food waste.
Wellness & Health
Wellness & Health
Prioritize your health and wellness with courses designed to help you build healthy habits and support your mental and emotional well-being. Explore courses taught by psychologists, physicians, health advisors, and other experts in their field.
Emotional & Mental Health
Meghan Vinograd
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Explore the science behind positive emotions and how practical strategies like social interaction, mindfulness, and gratitude offer insights into their role in mental health and psychotherapy. Gain hands-on experience with science-based methods to cultivate positive affect in your life, through lectures, guided activities, and personal reflection, equipping you with both the understanding and tools to live a more fulfilling life.
Life Design
Denise Jacobs
Founder and CEO, The Creative Dose
This course offers practical, research-based techniques to quiet your inner critic, reduce self-doubt, and develop confidence and creativity. Through neuroscience-informed strategies, mindfulness, and self-compassion exercises, you’ll learn to overcome perfectionism, build resilience, and unlock your full potential.
Mindfulness
Ted DesMaisons
Founder and Principal, ANIMA Learning
Embark on a journey toward a more mindful, joyful life. This immersive course fuses mindfulness-based stress reduction and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy with the spontaneity of improvisational theater. Dive into engaging topics such as embracing failure, cultivating curiosity and kindness, understanding the mind as a storyteller, and shifting from reactivity to response.
Nutrition
Rosane Oliveira
President & CEO, Plant-Based Life Foundation
Plant-based nutrition is one of the most powerful ways to improve your health, lose (or maintain) weight, and contribute to a more sustainable world. Learn the fads, facts, and fiction surrounding different plant-centered diets, including Mediterranean, Blue Zones, vegetarian, vegan, and whole-food plant-based. Discover what foods to eat and what foods to avoid to promote health, vitality, and longevity.
Lucia Aronica
Lecturer, Stanford Genetics and Genomics Certificate Program
This course introduces the science of epigenetics, which explores how lifestyle choices can influence gene activity without altering DNA. Students will learn how food and nutrients can impact gene expression and will have the opportunity to interact with renowned experts in the field. By applying the knowledge gained, students will be able to create a personalized nutrition plan to improve their gene expression and overall health.
Physical Health & Well-Being
Quinn Kennedy
Director of Aging Research, neuroFit
This course focuses on the often-overlooked aspect of retirement planning: maintaining cognitive health into our later years. We will explore pragmatic, evidence-based strategies for enhancing brain health through physical exercise, social connections, diet, and sleep; critically evaluate brain-training products and supplements; and create a personalized plan for integrating cognitive-boosting activities into our daily routines for a mentally active retirement.
Clyde Wilson
Research Associate, Biochemistry, UC San Francisco
Dig into the scientific literature surrounding the impact of human movement on various aspects of health and fitness, including immunity, sleep, energy, metabolism, and psychological well-being. Learn how to tailor exercise routines to specific goals, and develop personalized programs based on a deeper understanding of anatomy, neural control of movement, muscle physiology, and recovery processes.
Creative Writing
Creative Writing
Whether you’re just beginning to write or putting the finishing touches on your first novel, our writing courses offer expert instruction from accomplished authors, individual attention, and supportive feedback. Choose from courses in creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry, memoir, travel writing, the short story, and more.
Creative Nonfiction & Memoir
Mike Scalise
Author
Writing about our personal lives can feel overwhelming. This course is designed to help personal essayists and memoirists focus on daily routines, practices, and meaningful objects as a way to write about complex experiences, light topics that invite a deeper consideration, and everything in between. Students will study the personal writing of authors who managed to connect life’s most specific moments and the largesse of the world.
Rachel Howard
Author
Dive into the works of master essayists like Grace Paley and James Baldwin to discover how small moments can illuminate profound human experiences. Students will learn to harness compelling imagery, meaningful structure, and resonant endings to ultimately develop their own distinctive voices.
On Campus
Marisa Handler
Author
This course uses the metaphor of the “memory palace” to help writers excavate meaningful personal memories and transform them into vivid memoir pieces. Through guided exercises and workshops, you’ll learn techniques for shaping powerful experiences into compelling narratives.
David King
Author
How do you transform a vast chaos of raw data, much of it obscure and contradictory, into vivid prose that resonates with your audience? This course explores the foundations and frontiers of the complicated and thrilling world of creative nonfiction. Whether you are writing memoirs, true crime, or popular science, learn how to discover provocative stories, fashion the material into a compelling narrative, and find your way through the shifting landscape of modern publishing.
John Evans
Phyllis Draper Lecturer of Creative Nonfiction, Department of English, Stanford
In this memoir-writing course, students will examine contemporary and historical memoirs—including works by Leslie Jamison and Joan Didion—to learn diverse narrative techniques and craft their own personal stories. Through weekly exercises, discussions, and structured workshops, students will produce shorter memoir sketches and a substantial memoir essay or chapter.
Genre
Deborah Johnson
Author
This hands-on course guides you in crafting a historical novel by studying exemplary works and employing research and plotting techniques to write the first chapter, receiving feedback in workshops to refine your narrative. By the end, you’ll have completed a chapter of 10–25 pages and laid the groundwork for your larger project, exploring the allure of the past through storytelling.
Jeanne De Vita
Author and Editor
Do you have a love story in mind and want to try your hand at writing a successful romance novel? Learn to avoid common mistakes and follow what the pros do to make their stories stand out. Study the current romance publishing landscape and explore the concepts of genre, sub-genre, and niche, reading and analyzing examples of best-selling works by authors such as Emily Henry, Casey McQuiston, and Jasmine Guillory.
Jessie Weaver
Author
In this workshop, learn how to craft an authentic, compelling teen voice for your YA novel by mastering key narrative techniques such as dialogue, internal thought, and vivid description. Engage with best-selling YA authors, refine your writing through weekly prompts, and complete a polished first chapter ready for feedback and publication potential.
Narrative Craft
Angela Pneuman
Author
In this fiction-writing course, you’ll explore a variety of narrative styles and techniques to expand your creative range and strengthen your storytelling. Through weekly writing exercises, freewriting, and workshops, you’ll experiment with new approaches while developing your own unique voice to bring greater depth and polish to your fiction projects.
Ellen Sussman
Author
Great scenes make the reader lean into the story. This course will explore what “show, don’t tell” really means in the books we love—and in our own writing. We will aim to create unforgettable scenes that pull our readers into the story and don’t let go and examine all the elements that go into great scenes: gripping narrative, revealing inner thoughts, sensory detail, pitch-perfect dialogue, great backstory, and flawless prose.
Sarah Stone
Author
Each writer has a particular voice—or sometimes a chorus of voices—that takes a reader deeply into characters’ lives and worlds: setting the tone, revealing the point of view, establishing a guiding presence, and determining meaning. Our decisions about dialogue weave the voice of the novel with the voices of the characters, along with their actions, gestures, and ideas. Gain a deeper sense of how your point of view and style decisions can transform your fiction and help bring your writer’s voice more vividly, distinctly alive.
Daniel Schifrin
Founder, StoryForward
Dialogue is one of the trickiest elements to master in creative writing. Explore how masters across genres use dialogue to convey information, character, and drama with remarkable concision and texture. Dive into the art of eavesdropping, comparing real speech with published work to uncover the magic of authentic, distinctive, and lively dialogue. Learn how to write your own compelling dialogue that brings characters to life.
Rachel Smith
Writer
Literature is profoundly concerned with character change. Explore the keys to crafting compelling, believable, and surprising character arcs. Drawing insights from Nancy Kress and Donald Maass, you’ll examine character change in its various forms—explicit, implicit, subtle, and dramatic—and come away with new pages of writing, enhanced skills, and greater self-awareness as a writer.
Novel
Ron Nyren
Author
This course offers practical tools to help fiction writers tackle the structural challenges of their books, including plotting, sequencing, handling multiple POVs, and managing time and backstory. By participating in focused writing exercises and receiving workshop feedback, you’ll clarify your book’s structure and leave with a clear roadmap to confidently continue your project.
Taylor Larsen
Author
Learn how to build urgency and raise the stakes in your novel, making your scenes compelling and your characters’ desires vividly felt on the page. Gain practical techniques to boost narrative tension, deepen characterization, and confidently shape your novel with joy and clarity through focused workshops and craft exercises.
Poetry
Caroline Goodwin
Author
Immerse yourself in your own creativity as you explore personal experiences and memories to uncover poetic inspiration in this dynamic, supportive course. Develop sustainable writing habits, connect deeply with fellow poets, and expand your sense of what’s possible in poetry—leaving the course with renewed confidence, clarity, and a vibrant poetry practice.
Jade Cho
Author
What are the words, stories, and experiences that only you can tell? How can you translate them into compelling poems? In this course, study contemporary poets who draw from everyday life to reveal insights about selfhood, death, love, and family. Experiment with these craft tools through weekly writing exercises and leave the course with four new poems.
Prompt-Driven Writing
Ammi Keller
Novel Writing Certificate Instructor, Stanford Continuing Studies
Engaging in creative activity lightens our hearts, sharpens our senses, and helps us make peace with our experiences. This course combines daily writing prompts with inspiring information about why and how to make creativity a part of your life, encouraging you to try fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.
Online
Annmarie Kelly
Author
From poetry to prose, micro to memoir, this course is designed for writers at any stage looking to jumpstart their practice and write with joy and freedom. You’ll leave with a dozen drafted pieces and a renewed sense of what draws you to the page, learning how to make writing easier, more fun, and manageable—even on the busiest days.
Publishing
Malena Watrous
Writing Certificate Lead and Creative Writing Coordinator, Stanford Continuing Studies
Are you an aspiring author looking to navigate the complex world of publishing? Join our six-week course where you’ll gain invaluable insights from successful authors and industry professionals. From finding an agent to self-publishing, we’ll demystify the publishing process. Each week, we’ll explore a different book by a published author, with live online sessions featuring the author and their team. Part book group, part information session, this course will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to take your manuscript to the next level.
Shirin Yim Leos
Author and Editor
Lisa Manterfield
Author and Book Coach
In this highly interactive course, fiction writers will learn to craft essential pitching materials—query letter, synopsis, and elevator pitch—through step-by-step instruction, peer workshops, and personalized feedback. By the end of the course, students will leave with polished pitch tools, a clearer focus for their novel, and the opportunity to present their work to a guest agent, author, or editor.
Reading Like a Writer
Jonah Willihnganz
Director, Stanford Storytelling Project
One of the best ways to become a skilled writer is to become a skilled reader. In this immersive seminar, you will learn to read in a way you were probably never taught in literature courses—not as a critic but as a craftsperson, an apprentice in the guild. Examining contemporary masters like Joan Didion and George Saunders, discover what makes a particular physical description effective and how to advance plot with dialogue.
Short Story
Christine Sneed
Author
This workshop supports fiction writers of all levels in crafting dynamic short stories with vivid scenes, memorable characters, and emotional depth. Through focused craft lessons, hands-on exercises, and guided feedback, you’ll develop key skills in drafting, revising, and shaping compelling narratives from start to finish.
Communication
Communication
Hone your communication skills and learn how to convey a clear, compelling, and consistent message. Our courses in public speaking, interpersonal communications, and more will help you succeed in business and personal settings.
Communication Courses
Online
Lorraine K. Lee
LinkedIn Learning Instructor and Global Keynote Speaker
Feeling uneasy about an upcoming business presentation or speaking on the fly? You are not alone. This course provides a practical, hands-on introduction to the theory and methods of effective public speaking. It will focus on the three pillars of speechmaking: organization, delivery, and oratorical style—skills that shine in job interviews, sales pitches, and business meetings.
Jenny Hopf
Learning Design Senior Manager for Global Enablement, Salesforce
This course teaches you to create engaging, impactful presentations by incorporating narrative structure, visual design principles, and audience-focused messaging. You’ll also discover practical strategies to leverage AI, refine your delivery skills, and build adaptable slide decks suited for diverse professional contexts.
Amy Eliza Wong
Conversational Intelligence Certified Executive Coach
Ready to transform your communication skills and boost your confidence? While effective communication may come naturally to some, it can be a journey of self-discovery and growth for others. This course invites students to become empowered and confident communicators by unraveling the threads of cultural influence, exploring the psychology of interaction dynamics, and fostering a constructive and supportive community of growth.
Debra Schifrin
Lecturer, Stanford Graduate School of Business
Daniel Schifrin
Founder, StoryForward
Become proficient in thinking quickly and be empowered to handle unexpected situations with ease, inclusiveness, and humor. Boost your confidence and communication skills by cultivating curiosity, embracing spontaneity, and engaging your audience with energy and delight. By developing a stronger and more intuitive communication style, you’ll prevent missteps and forge authentic connections with your audience.
Carmen Simon
Cognitive Neuroscientist
Leveraging insights from neuroscience and decision-making, this course tackles the challenge of making your communication not just heard, but memorable and actionable, in light of the fact that audiences forget 90% of content within two days. It offers strategies to craft an impactful “10 percent message” and employs persuasive techniques and decision drivers that effectively imprint your message on long-term memory, guiding audiences toward desired actions.
Marianne Neuwirth
Communication Consultant and Coach
Stories and storytelling are integral to every culture on Earth. Learn the art of storytelling by exploring story listening, story construction, and oral delivery techniques. Gain skills to craft compelling, relatable stories with clear plotlines, vivid details, and engaging delivery through voice and body language.
Susan Neville
Facilitator, Interpersonal Dynamics and LEAD Program, Stanford Graduate School of Business
Campbell Frank
Facilitator, Interpersonal Dynamics, Stanford Graduate School of Business
Embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and relationship building with this unique course inspired by the renowned “Interpersonal Dynamics” program at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Through immersive T-group experiences, small group collaborations, and engaging class exercises, you will develop a profound understanding of yourself and others.
Jeff Cabili
Founder and Principal, How2Captivate
Discover the keys to effective nonverbal communication and master the “how to say it” aspect rather than solely focusing on “what to say.” Explore the nuances of expression, encompassing gestures, body language, vocal techniques, eye contact, and the strategic use of silence. Gain insights into leveraging nonverbal communication as a powerful tool for influencing others, even in challenging situations.
Online
On Campus
Neil Jacobs
Professor of Germanic Languages and Literatures, Emeritus, Ohio State
Take your English proficiency to the next level with this comprehensive accent reduction course. Through a combination of theory, practical exercises, and personalized feedback, you will gain a deep understanding of English speech sounds, tackle pronunciation challenges, master word stress and intonation, and navigate the nuances of formal and casual speech.
Design
Design
Design is more than aesthetics—it’s a powerful approach to shaping how we live, work, and solve problems. Whether you’re interested in designing a more fulfilling personal path or applying design thinking to real-world challenges, these courses offer practical tools and inspiring frameworks. With an emphasis on creativity, collaboration, and innovation, you’ll learn to approach problems—and possibilities—with a designer’s mindset.
Design Courses
Brendan Boyle
Founder, IDEO Play Lab
This course, taught by a Stanford d.school instructor and toy inventor, explores how play can transform the way we design products, services, and experiences. Through interactive workshops and collaborative prototyping, students will move from abstract ideas to tangible solutions—whether building a toy, designing an app, or reimagining a customer experience—with creativity, resilience, and joy.
Jenny Hopf
Learning Design Senior Manager for Global Enablement, Salesforce
This course teaches you to create engaging, impactful presentations by incorporating narrative structure, visual design principles, and audience-focused messaging. You’ll also discover practical strategies to leverage AI, refine your delivery skills, and build adaptable slide decks suited for diverse professional contexts.
Business
Business
Our business courses will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in building your career, launching a startup, or growing a business. Taught by industry leaders from Silicon Valley and beyond, our courses cover product management, marketing, finance, leadership, and more.
Entrepreneurship & Innovation
James Terranova
Managing Director, Emeritus, WS Investment Company, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
Ready to launch your new enterprise? This course offers a comprehensive overview of venture capital and angel financing, covering topics such as risk assessment, funding organization, negotiation strategies, and current industry trends. Gain valuable perspectives from both the startup and investor sides—essential for anyone navigating the world of entrepreneurship and seeking funding for their ventures.
Angela Chen
Founder, Stanford Education Entrepreneurship Hub
Transform your startup idea into a tangible venture in this hands-on course designed to guide first-time aspiring entrepreneurs through every step of launching a business, from -1 to 0. Learn to validate your idea through customer discovery and market research, build a minimum viable product (MVP), craft effective go-to-market strategies, develop a sustainable business model, and perfect your pitch for investors or accelerators.
Paul Weinstein
Founder and Managing Director, Paul V. Weinstein & Associates
This course teaches founders and executives how to strategically position their startups for acquisition, emphasizing how to identify, articulate, and communicate the unique competitive advantages attractive to potential acquirers. Students will explore the three essential components of strategic value—positioning, engaging key stakeholders, and providing compelling evidence—to maximize valuation and acquisition opportunities.
Eugene Shteyn
Inventor and Venture Capitalist
This course explores how innovative technologies succeed through well-designed, adaptable business models that clearly define monetization, distribution, pricing, and customer service strategies. Through case studies and hands-on exercises, students will learn to create, test, and refine business models that effectively leverage technological innovations and meet evolving market demands.
Finance & Investing
Angelo Farooq
Partner, AlphaX RE Capital
Stephanie Yi
Founder and CEO, AlphaX RE Capital
This course provides investors with practical strategies to build, manage, and scale successful real estate portfolios using the innovative “0-10-100” framework, emphasizing adaptability in dynamic market conditions. Students will learn how to leverage market trends, tax-efficient approaches, and California-specific housing policies to strategically transform challenges—such as housing shortages and shifting regulations—into profitable investment opportunities.
On Campus
Christopher Canellos
Certified Public Accountant
It’s not how much you make—it’s what you keep. This course dives into advanced financial planning strategies, emphasizing the critical role of taxes in wealth accumulation. Explore sophisticated tax-saving measures, gain insights into recent changes in the US income tax code, and learn how to integrate this knowledge into your financial planning to optimize wealth generation and minimize tax liabilities.
On Campus
Kurt Carrasquilla
Financial Advisor
Designed for beginners feeling overwhelmed by financial decisions, this course offers a foundational understanding of key concepts such as goal setting, investment strategies, risk assessment, and retirement planning. Learn to navigate the complexities of personal finances, make informed choices, and confidently plan for your financial future amid market fluctuations.
Leadership & Management
Heather Meeker Green
Co-Founder and Senior Consultant, Accordence
Mastering negotiation is essential for success, whether you’re dealing with colleagues, clients, friends, or family. Discover the core principles that underlie successful negotiations, including trust-building, clear communication, and the delicate balance between collaboration and assertiveness.
Amit Mohindra
CEO, People Analytics Success
This course provides an accessible introduction to people analytics and is designed for individuals new to the field or HR professionals seeking to better leverage their organization’s people analytics capabilities. Gain a solid foundation in how people analytics supports decision-making in areas including talent acquisition, employee engagement, and resource allocation.
Babak Dehnad
Founder and Chief Partner, Forte Search Partners
This course offers a science-backed, practical approach to defining, building, and sustaining a high-performance culture that drives long-term growth. Using the proven 4S framework, you’ll learn to assess your current culture, align it with organizational goals, foster leadership behaviors and organizational structures that promote resilience and collaboration, and integrate culture effectively into talent programs with measurable impact.
Online
Danielle Harlan
Founder and CEO, The Center for Advancing Leadership and Human Potential
Step into your full leadership potential with practical, evidence-based frameworks designed to cultivate purpose-driven, transformational leadership within your team or organization. Gain actionable strategies to foster authenticity, motivate teams, and shape a thriving organizational culture—all while delivering exceptional business outcomes. Whether you’re a seasoned leader, team manager, or aspiring leader, this course will empower you to lead with purpose, integrity, and impact.
On Campus
Mitchell Gurick
Member of HR Staff, OpenAI
AI is redefining how organizations understand behavior, enhance employee engagement, and make critical decisions. This course equips professionals with the knowledge and tools to leverage AI, optimize team performance, and foster a culture of innovation and collaboration—empowering them to navigate change and thrive in the future of work.
Tiffany Teng
Product and Marketing Executive
Imagine reframing workplace conflicts as opportunities for growth and connection. Drawing from conflict mediation, psychology, and neurobiology, you’ll gain practical tools and frameworks to effectively manage workplace and interpersonal conflicts, from identifying needs and de-escalation techniques to fostering psychological safety and navigating power dynamics.
Nita Singh Kaushal
Founder, NSK Leadership and Miss CEO
This two-day leadership workshop tailored for women focuses on honing professional communication skills, advocating for career goals, and gaining support from key stakeholders. Learn to build trusted relationships with sponsors, manage time effectively, and enhance your overall professional impact. Leave the course equipped with practical tools and strategies to maximize career potential.
Nita Singh Kaushal
Founder, NSK Leadership and Miss CEO
Learn how to cultivate powerful connections with superiors, colleagues, and direct reports in today’s fast-paced work environment. Master crucial communication and leadership techniques, enabling you to establish credibility, nurture trust, and secure support across your organization.
Marketing
Ashley Faus
Head of Lifecycle Marketing, Portfolio, Atlassian
Learn how to create content that captures attention, builds trust, and sets you apart in your field. This course focuses on developing a strong, authentic voice and producing engaging content—from thought-provoking posts to compelling stories—that resonates with your audience. Through interactive exercises and real-world examples, you’ll also explore the platforms best suited to your goals and begin shaping a brand strategy that supports your visibility, credibility, and professional growth.
Jason McDonald
Director, JM Internet Group
Gain a thorough grasp of the contemporary digital marketing landscape and the proven strategies that engage consumers during pivotal decision-making moments. Enhance your expertise in key topics such as social media, search engine optimization, content marketing, and online advertising.
Product Management
Lindsay Oishi
Senior Product Manager, Indeed
Curious about product management but unsure how to break in without a related degree or experience? This beginner-friendly course will help you explore software product management, determine if it’s right for you, and craft a personalized career plan. Learn what it’s really like to be a PM—especially in an industry being transformed by AI.
Min Liu
Product Management and Marketing Lead, Airbnb
This course tackles the unique challenges product managers face when leading teams and driving product growth. You’ll learn how to balance short-term priorities with long-term strategy, foster alignment among cross-functional teams and stakeholders with diverse perspectives, successfully manage challenging launches, and effectively lead your team through both successes and setbacks.
Roshan Agrawal
Product Management Director
AI is revolutionizing product management—not by replacing product managers, but by amplifying their impact and effectiveness. In this interactive, practical course, you’ll master AI-driven tools and techniques to streamline customer discovery, generate high-confidence, data-driven roadmaps, and craft compelling user stories and messaging, positioning you to lead at every stage of the product lifecycle.
Technology
Technology
Embark on a journey through artificial intelligence, master a new coding language, or dive into the world of data science. We offer courses designed for all skill levels, from novices to seasoned programmers.
AI
Online
On Campus
Nestor Maslej
Research Manager, Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, Stanford
Explore the complex world of AI, a realm of both breathtaking potential and profound ethical dilemmas. This course explores some of AI’s most pressing topics: global investment trends and how they drive AI development, AI’s role in both fighting and perpetuating inequality, and the hidden energy footprint of these complex systems. Gain not only insights into AI but also the tools to actively shape its future toward prioritizing human well-being and societal benefit.
Ronjon Nag
Adjunct Professor in Genetics, Stanford Medicine
Whether you’re a product manager seeking to collaborate with data scientists, a software engineer craving AI exposure, or simply curious about the world of AI, this crash course is your gateway to unlocking the potential and unraveling the complexities of AI. Topics covered include neural networks, generative AI, large language models, and the societal and ethical aspects of AI applications.
Giancarlo Mori
CEO and Chief Architect, Movyl Group
Gain clarity amid the AI hype and unlock the potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning to drive your business forward. Join us for a comprehensive workshop where you’ll explore real-world applications, tools, and business cases that optimize pricing, marketing, sales, customer service, financial analysis, risk assessment, and more.
Charlie Flanagan
Head of Applied AI, Balyasny Asset Management
Dima Timofeev
Research Engineer, 1X
Learn to build large language model applications for text generation, translation, sentiment analysis, and more. Explore how to choose the right model architecture, fine-tune it effectively, and evaluate performance with key metrics. Gain hands-on experience using Python, LangChain, OpenAI, and Hugging Face.
Ishaani Priyadarshini
Data Science Course Facilitator, Cornell
Machine learning is becoming essential for business leaders making data-driven decisions. This course provides a practical foundation in key techniques—including regression, classification, and neural networks—through hands-on projects and real-world case studies from industries like finance, healthcare, ecommerce, and marketing. You’ll apply over 15 methods to build a versatile toolkit for strategic problem-solving.
Grant Writing
Online
Ronjon Nag
Adjunct Professor in Genetics, Stanford Medicine
Graham Erwin
Assistant Professor, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine
AI is revolutionizing the grant writing process—streamlining research, boosting efficiency, and helping writers craft more strategic, persuasive proposals. In this hands-on course, you’ll learn how to integrate AI tools into every stage of grant writing, from identifying the right funders to aligning your narrative with their priorities. Designed for grant writers, researchers, and nonprofit professionals, the course balances the power of AI with the creativity and authenticity essential to successful fundraising.
Programming
Amit Bihari
IT Lead, Stanford
This course provides a beginner-friendly introduction to programming concepts using Python, designed for anyone curious about computer science, regardless of their technical background. Through hands-on projects and guest lectures by industry veterans, students will gain practical skills to communicate in coding terms and apply Python programming to solve real-world problems.
Scott Simpson
Software Developer
Learn the fundamentals of Python in this beginner-friendly course—and build valuable programming skills. Discover how to design and create a basic terminal-based note-taking application using foundational Python concepts such as variables, control structures, and collections.
Writing Certificates
Writing Certificates
Have you always wanted to write a book? Our Novel Writing Certificate and Memoir Writing Certificate are designed to take you from initial inspiration to a polished manuscript.
Each certificate consists of six courses and is facilitated completely online. The two-year format of each program allows you to access courses from anywhere, participate in classes on your schedule, and receive invaluable feedback and encouragement from instructors and peers as you work toward completing your novel or memoir. Because the programs rely on dedicated, dynamic cohorts, admission is by application only.
Applications for the Fall 2025 cohort of each certificate are being accepted now through June 6.
To learn more about the curriculum, admission process, tuition, and instructors,
Public Programs
Public Programs
Continuing Studies is pleased to offer a variety of free public programs and special events every year, including lectures, readings, and webinars covering a broad range of subject areas from current affairs to the creative arts.
Master of Liberal Arts
Start your next chapter with a part-time, evening graduate degree in the liberal arts.
Stanford’s Master of Liberal Arts Program (MLA) offers an extraordinary opportunity to pursue an interdisciplinary course of study in the liberal arts and earn your master’s degree at one of the world’s great centers of learning. Designed with busy adults in mind, this part-time graduate degree program holds classes in the evenings and offers a flexible academic schedule.
S
tanford’s Master of Liberal Arts Program (MLA) offers an extraordinary opportunity to pursue an interdisciplinary course of study in the liberal arts and earn your master’s degree at one of the world’s great centers of learning. Designed with busy adults in mind, this part-time graduate degree program holds classes in the evenings and offers a flexible academic schedule.
In the MLA program, students form a close-knit cohort that takes courses taught by Stanford faculty. Areas of study include history of science, philosophy, literature, environmental studies, political science, history, and more. Students will hone their ability to write persuasively and creatively, develop compelling arguments, conduct original research, and integrate thinking from multiple disciplines. For many students, these are ends in themselves. For others, these skills serve them well in their professional lives.
MLA applications are accepted from September through January, with classes beginning in September of the following academic year. For more information on the program and admissions details, please visit: mla.stanford.edu.
Taking Stanford Continuing Studies courses can be excellent preparation for applying to the MLA program. Each quarter, the MLA program recommends courses that are similar in subject and format to seminars you would find in MLA study.
© Robert Siegel
Whether you prefer the flexibility of online classes or the vibrant atmosphere of in-person sessions, we look forward to seeing you this Summer Quarter!
Registration opens May 19, and the quarter begins the week of June 23.
