Free Online Courses (MOOCs)

Gain a deeper understanding of the latest aviation trends through an Embry Riddle Aeronautical University MOOC (Massive Open Online Course). Available for free to anyone with online access, these complimentary, non-credit courses deliver specialized instruction from subject-matter experts on a variety of topics, ranging from aircraft maintenance to passenger safety. Courses include readings, practitioner interviews, discussions, quizzes and surveys. Register today to discover new horizons with the global leader in aerospace education!

Combating Human Trafficking: Understanding, Prevention, and Action MOOC

Participants have the option of earning a certificate of completion and also a credential (digital badge).

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Worldwide Campus MOOC emphasizes the importance of raising awareness and action, empowering learners to advocate for change in their communities. It offers a unique online course that comprehensively explores the threat posed by human trafficking around the world and how to respond to it.

Globally distributed, the course promotes responsible global citizenship. The course is provided by the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Emergency, Disaster and Global Security Studies

The three-module Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) is designed for all knowledge levels and will be available online, free of charge, from January 11, 2026 (Wear Blue Day), until February 08, 2026. Everyone from across the world who is interested in learning more about human trafficking is encouraged to sign up. 

• Defining: Introduction to Human Trafficking Crisis
• Exploring: Risks, Vulnerabilities, and Indicators of Human Trafficking
• Acting: Human Trafficking Prevention, Intervention & Support: Research and Practice to Combat Human Trafficking
• Webinar with U.S. Department of Homeland Security Center for Countering Human Trafficking experts and a survivor's story

To earn the certificate of completion and credential (digital badge), participants complete optional assignments, for example:

• Scenario study to counter misinformation or disinformation about human trafficking
• Human trafficking indicators training scenario study
• Develop human trafficking awareness content for the World Day against Trafficking in Persons

• Participants have the option of earning a certificate of completion and also a credential (digital badge with 1.5 CEUs).

Course Description:

This course investigates the dynamic dimensions of human trafficking, exploring its underlying causes and far-reaching effects on both individuals and communities globally. Through engaging lessons, case studies, interviews with community partners, and interactive discussions, participants will learn to identify key indicators of human trafficking, to understand how to best support survivors, and to focus on prevention efforts. 

Focused on a worldwide perspective, the MOOC will also cover the aviation sector-focused Blue Lightning Initiative (BLI) which is an element of the Blue Campaign, which is led by the U.S. Department of Transportation and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The BLI trains aviation industry employees to identify potential traffickers and victims and to report their suspicions. Resources are also available to the broader global community of air travelers through the DHS Blue Campaign, of which BLI is an element. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a proud partner of the Blue Lightning Initiative (BLI).