Coursera is the world’s largest provider of massive open online courses (MOOCs). It’s one of the best online learning platforms in the space. Since its inception in 2012, they have partnered with 131 universities such as Princeton University, Yale University and Arizona State University.
What is Coursera?
As a massive open online course (MOOC) provider, Coursera allows anyone, anywhere, to access its courses, regardless of their educational background. MOOCs have become increasingly popular in recent years, with other well-known providers such as Udemy and edX offering similar services.
Coursera’s diverse catalog covers a wide range of subjects, from business and technology to arts and humanities. The platform offers different course formats, including self-paced courses, which learners can complete at their own pace, and scheduled courses that follow a specific timeline. This flexibility caters to the needs of adult learners and non-traditional students who may have varying schedules and commitments.
There are several benefits to choosing Coursera as an online learning platform. The company’s partnerships with prestigious universities and institutions ensure that learners receive high-quality education from expert instructors. Additionally, Coursera’s diverse course offerings and flexible formats make it an attractive option for individuals seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in various fields.
Why Choose Coursera?
As you’ll see further in this article, Coursera offers many different program formats in a variety of subject areas. Whether you’re looking to fill in some free time to learn about Modern and Contemporary Art Design or you’re looking to completely change careers, Coursera has something for everyone. Coursera is also a great option if you’re looking for an affordable pathway to earning a degree. Additionally, Coursera offers advanced-level courses that can possibly help you advance your career and get that promotion you’ve always wanted.
What Does Coursera Offer?
Currently, they offer thousands of courses in subject areas such as computer science, data science, business, medicine, liberal arts, and more. The course material includes a variety of academic levels including high school, undergraduate, and graduate levels. Many of the individual courses are free while a majority of the other courses can only be accessed when you enroll in Coursera Plus for a monthly fee.
Additionally, Coursera partners with popular colleges and universities around the world to provide a low-cost education pathway to earning an undergraduate degree and graduate degree. Coursera also offers a variety of certificate programs such as graduate certificates, professional certificates and specialized certificates. We will break down these credentials in more detail below.
Coursera has recently partnered with Google to offer professional certificates in high-demand fields such as Project Management, UX Design and IT Support.
How Do You Learn on Coursera?
The Coursera learning platform provides high-quality video lectures, resources, practice exams, projects, and exercises. These videos are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. While you engage in this rich multimedia content, you’ll also get hands-on experience working on realistic projects, and have access to instructors and peers who can offer personal support. Depending on the program you enroll in, you will either earn a degree, certificate, or a certificate of accomplishment—validated by a respected university—to showcase your achievements and use in your professional portfolio.
Coursera Programs
Coursera offers a variety of content including individual courses, guided projects, professional certificates, specialization certificates, degrees and micro-certificates.
One of Coursera’s strengths is its extensive range of subjects, offering popular courses in areas such as data science, business, and computer science, as well as niche or specialized subjects like archaeology, indigenous studies, and climate change. This variety ensures that learners can find courses tailored to their interests and career goals.
The structure of Coursera courses typically includes video lectures, quizzes, and assignments to provide a comprehensive learning experience. Additionally, peer assessments and grading allow learners to engage with one another, fostering a collaborative learning environment and enabling students to receive feedback from their peers.
The quality of Coursera courses is exceptional, thanks to partnerships with top universities and institutions worldwide. Instructors on the platform often hold impressive credentials, ensuring that learners receive expert guidance in their chosen subjects. This commitment to quality is evident in the success stories of learners who have taken Coursera courses, transforming their careers and personal lives.
Notable Coursera courses, such as “Learning How to Learn” and “Python for Everybody,” have had a significant impact on learners, equipping them with valuable skills and knowledge to advance their careers. These courses exemplify the platform’s dedication to providing accessible, high-quality education to learners worldwide.
Coursera’s Guided Projects
Coursera guided projects are useful if you’re looking to learn a new skill within a relatively short period of time. You’ll be guided by an expert in that subject and provided step-by-step instructions in order to complete the project. Some guided projects that Coursera offers include
Professional Certificates
Coursera partners with tech companies to offer professional certificate programs to help you gain skills needed in high-demand fields. Some of the companies that Coursera works with to offer these courses include Google, IBM, Facebook and Salesforce.
Specialization Certificates
Coursera offers specialization certificates that help you learn a skill specific to your current career or you can learn a skill that can be applied to a new career path. These certificates include a certain number of courses that you’ll need to complete to obtain the certificate. You can choose from a wide range of subjects including:
- Social Media Marketing
- Supply Chain Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Data Science
- Business Strategy
- Programming Languages
Coursera’s Master-Track Certificates
Coursera offers master-level certificate programs from accredited universities from around the Globe. This is a type of microcredential program that can be a stand-alone certificate or can be applied towards a master’s degree from that same university. You’ll need to apply to the school and be accepted in order to transfer the credit gained from the certificate.
Start dates vary by certificate program and may have an enrollment deadline. Some certificate programs they offer include subjects in:
- Social Work: Offered by University of Michigan
- Health Informatics: offered by Yale University
- Machine Learning for Analytics: Offered by University of Chicago
- Big Data: offered by Arizona State University
Each program will indicate which university degree program the certificate can be applied. For example, ASU’s Big Data Certificate program can be applied to their Master of Computer Science program.
Degrees Programs on Coursera
In partnership with accredited universities, Coursera offers both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees that you can complete online. While the university owns the course content, you will access the material on the Coursera learning platform. When you complete the program, your degree will come from the university that offered the program.
Application deadlines and start dates vary by program. If earning an online degree is what you’re looking to achieve, Coursera makes it easy and affordable for you to do pursue your goal. In order to be considered for admission, you will still need to apply on the school website. Some of the schools they partner with in the US include:
University of Michigan
- Master of Applied Data Science
- Master of Public Health
University of Colorado
- MS in Electrical Engineering
- MS in Data Science
University of Illinois
Offers Masters degrees in the following subjects
- MBA
- Management
- Accountancy
- Computer Science
- Masters in Data Science
Arizona State University
- MS in Computer Science
Penn State University
- MS in Computer and Information Technology
How much does Coursera cost?
Understanding the various pricing options on Coursera is essential for adult learners and non-traditional students seeking to make informed decisions about their education. Coursera offers a mix of free and paid courses, as well as subscription plans for learners who wish to access multiple courses within a specific field or subject area.
Several factors affect the cost of Coursera courses, including course content, duration, and the inclusion of certificates or specializations. Longer or more in-depth courses may have higher fees, while shorter or introductory courses might be more affordable or even free. Specializations, which consist of a series of courses focused on a specific skill or subject, typically come with a subscription fee.
To ensure that financial constraints do not hinder access to education, Coursera offers financial aid and scholarships for eligible learners. Eligibility criteria may include factors such as financial need, educational background, or geographic location. The process of applying for financial aid involves submitting an application detailing the reasons for seeking assistance and the applicant’s financial situation. Coursera’s commitment to providing affordable and accessible education options makes it a valuable resource for those seeking to advance their education and careers. Here’s the breakdown:
Free Courses on Coursera
A percentage of courses are free on Coursera. Some of these courses include subjects in the humanities, business, marketing, animal health and healthcare. The majority of the free courses focuses on both personal development and professional development. If you want to purchase a certificate so that you can include it on your resume and online profile, you can do so for a small fee.
Coursera Plus
Pricing is $49/month or $399/year. Coursera Plus includes some professional certificates and any other course that does not fall within the free category. You will not have access to any Master-Track Certificates or Degrees as they are separate costs. For a list of all the courses included in Coursera Plus, check out the complete list of courses.
Master-Track Certificates
Pricing varies by program. There’s a flat fee for each program. You can either pay in installments or all at once. There may be an incentive if you pay upfront. Some of the programs may require you pay a one-time fee to the school similar to an enrollment fee.
College Degree Programs
Pricing by degree. Federal financial aid is available for most of the degrees offered on the Coursera platform. Students are encouraged to seek tuition reimbursement from their employer. Depending on the school and program, you may also be eligible to pay in installments or pay-as-you-go based on number of credits enrolled in each semester.
Udemy vs Coursera
When comparing Udemy and Coursera, it’s essential to consider factors such as course offerings, pricing, quality, and the overall learning experience to determine the best platform for your needs. In terms of course offerings, both platforms cover a wide range of subjects, with Coursera focusing more on academic and professional courses, while Udemy offers a more diverse selection, including hobby and personal development courses. The course formats and structures may also differ, with Coursera offering scheduled and self-paced courses, while most Udemy courses are self-paced.
Pricing differences between Udemy and Coursera are evident in the cost of individual courses and subscription plans. Udemy courses are typically sold individually at varying prices, often with discounts available. In contrast, Coursera offers a mix of free and paid courses, with subscription plans available for specializations or access to multiple courses within a specific field.
Both platforms boast high-quality courses and experienced instructors. However, Coursera’s partnerships with top universities and institutions may give it an edge in terms of academic rigor and recognition. Nevertheless, both platforms provide valuable learning experiences, depending on the learner’s needs and preferences.
In conclusion, the choice between Udemy and Coursera for adult learners and non-traditional students depends on individual goals, learning styles, and budget considerations. Both platforms offer unique benefits and opportunities for personal and professional growth, making them valuable resources for those seeking to advance their education and careers.
edX vs Coursera
When comparing edX and Coursera, several factors should be considered to determine the best fit for adult learners and non-traditional students. In terms of course offerings, both platforms cover a wide range of subjects and partner with prestigious universities and institutions. However, edX, co-founded by Harvard University and MIT, may offer more courses in specialized fields, while Coursera provides a broader range of subjects. Both platforms offer self-paced and scheduled courses, catering to various learning styles and schedules.
The pricing differences between edX and Coursera can be observed in the cost of individual courses and subscription plans. While both platforms offer free and paid courses, edX has a more consistent pricing structure for individual courses. Coursera, on the other hand, offers subscription plans for specializations or access to multiple courses within a specific field, making it a more cost-effective option for learners seeking to explore a particular subject in-depth.
The quality of courses and instructors on both platforms is exceptional, thanks to partnerships with top universities and institutions. Learners can expect expert guidance and instruction on both edX and Coursera, ensuring a valuable and enriching educational experience.
Ultimately, the choice between edX and Coursera for adult learners and non-traditional students depends on individual preferences, learning styles, and goals. Both platforms offer high-quality education and diverse course offerings, making them valuable resources for those seeking personal and professional growth.
Key Takeaway about Coursera
Rather than spending loads of money on a formal institution when you want to learn something that can help meet your career goals, you should consider taking the courses provided on Coursera’s online learning platform at a much lower cost.
For a list of other top platforms, check out the article Best Online Learning Platforms for Career Growth