HarvardX: Machine Learning and AI with Python
Learn how to use decision trees, the foundational algorithm for your understanding of machine learning and artificial intelligence.
HarvardX: Machine Learning and AI with Python is a beginner-level online course from edX in Machine Learning. It is structured in 5 stated learning outcomes, over 6 weeks. It is free to enrol, and a certificate is available on completion. Learners rate it 4.1/5 from 49 ratings on edX.
Part of our Machine Learning courses collection, where we compare it against 20 other courses.
Course highlights
| Provider | edX |
| Duration | 6 weeks |
| Level | Beginner |
| Mode | Self-paced |
| Language | English |
| Certificate | Yes — shareable certificate |
| Rating | 4.1★ (49 reviews) |
| Price | Free Free |
What you’ll learn
Level and time commitment
- Learners should have experience in Python and statistics in order to be successful in the course. You should also be comfortable with bootstrapping, multilogistic regression, the use of hyperparameters, and the basics of how to handle missing data. All of that is covered in HarvardX’s Introduction to Data Science with Python.You may also wish to explore other Python prerequisites such as CS50’s Introduction to Programming with Python and statistics prerequisites, which can be met via Fat Chance or Stat110 offered through HarvardX.
What learners rate it
Rated 4.1/5 by 49 learners on edX (checked 25 Aug 2026).
This rating is collected by edX from its own enrolled learners. We reproduce it as reported and do not accept paid or incentivised reviews. See it on edX →
Compiled by the 10courses editorial desk. Fees, ratings, duration and certificate details for the 1 course shown are read directly from edX course pages — we never estimate a price or a rating. Last verified 25 August 2026.
How we compare and rank courses · Our review policy · Affiliate disclosure
Compare with alternatives
Same topic, different trade-offs — here's who runs each one and what it's best at.
| Course | Provider | Rating | Price | Duration | Why pick this one |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HarvardX: Machine Learning and AI with Python This |
|
4.1★ | Free | 6 weeks | Free — and still gives a certificate |
| Machine Learning |
 Coursera
|
4.9★ | Check price | 2 months | Highest rated (4.9★ from 39.2K reviews) |
| Machine Learning with Python |
Coursera
|
4.7★ | Check price | 20h 26m | Quickest to finish (20h 26m) |
| Machine Learning: Classification |
Coursera
|
4.7★ | Check price | 21h 25m | Beginner-friendly · 21h 25m |
Where Machine Learning leads
Roles we map to Machine Learning on 10courses. This is our own mapping of subject to job, not a placement claim by edX.
Browse every course we track for one of these — courses for data scientists.
Common questions
Is HarvardX: Machine Learning and AI with Python free?
Yes. edX lists it as free to enrol. A certificate is available on completion — providers often charge separately for the certificate even when the course itself is free, so check the fee on the provider page before you count on it.
Does HarvardX: Machine Learning and AI with Python come with a certificate?
Yes — edX lists a certificate on completion. It is a course certificate, not a formal qualification or university credit.
How long does HarvardX: Machine Learning and AI with Python take?
edX lists it at 6 weeks. It is self-paced, so that is the volume of material rather than a deadline — how long it actually takes depends on the hours you put in each week.
Is HarvardX: Machine Learning and AI with Python suitable for beginners?
Yes. edX lists it at Beginner level, so no prior experience in the subject is assumed.