Everything You Need to Know About Emeritus

  • Emeritus partners with top colleges and universities to offer affordable online programs.
  • Emeritus offers courses in data science, digital marketing, leadership and so much more.
  • While Emeritus itself is not an accredited institution, the colleges and universities it partners with are all accredited.

When you’re considering reskilling or want to start a new career, the challenge of finding the right job training programs or education pathways can be daunting.  Do you have to start afresh and go back to college? The short answer to that is no. Choosing to start a new career in tech doesn’t have to mean going back to basics. Certificate programs are increasingly respected by employers, and Emeritus works with some of the world’s top universities to provide job training programs. Here’s how it works.

What is Emeritus?

Emeritus is a platform that connects individuals looking to start a new career in tech with over 50 leading universities and education providers around the world. Founded by Ashwin Damera and Chaitanya Kalipatnapu in 2015, today its education partners include:

  • MIT Sloan
  • University of Cambridge Judge Business School
  • Columbia Business School
  • Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

It offers a variety of reskilling opportunities, including certificate programs and degrees. Courses can be as short as a few weeks, but Emeritus also offers longer, more intensive courses that provide in-depth knowledge and impressive professional opportunities for its graduates.

The range of courses and the flexible pricing models available make its job training programs accessible to learners from a huge range of socio-economic backgrounds and locations all over the globe. 

Comparing Emeritus to Other Online Course Providers

When considering online education platforms, it’s essential to evaluate how Emeritus stands up against other popular providers like Coursera and edX. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between these platforms in terms of course offerings, pricing, and certification.

In terms of course offerings and university partnerships, both Coursera and edX boast a wide range of courses from numerous prestigious institutions. While Emeritus also collaborates with top universities, its focus is on professional development and executive education, which may appeal to a more specific audience. Pricing and payment options vary among the platforms, with Coursera and edX offering many free courses and paid options for additional features, while Emeritus courses generally come with a higher price tag due to their specialized nature and university partnerships.

As for certification and accreditation, all three platforms provide certificates upon course completion, with varying levels of recognition and transferability. Coursera and edX offer a mix of professional certificates, MicroMasters, and even full degree programs, whereas Emeritus focuses on certificates and postgraduate diplomas. Ultimately, the choice between these platforms depends on your specific educational needs and goals, as well as the level of investment you’re willing to make in your professional development.

Emeritus vs. Coursera

Coursera is perhaps the best-known MOOC (massive open online course) provider in the U.S. However, Emeritus offers unique advantages that Coursera doesn’t, including:

  • More hands-on help from the team. Emeritus is more actively involved in facilitating education for its students and organizes bespoke courses in collaboration with universities — it’s not just a middle-man. For example, Emeritus has worked with Columbia Business School to create a 3-month online Digital Marketing course.
  • Academic and Examination Boards review the academic rigor of programs offered through Emeritus. This helps verify the quality of courses on offer and helps assure prospective employers of their value.
  • Specialization in reskilling to a career in tech. Coursera’s offering is massive, but Emeritus keeps its focus on providing the highest-quality programs for individuals looking to start a new career in tech, which is its specialization.

Benefits of Learning Through Emeritus’s Programs

Enrolling in Emeritus courses comes with several advantages that make it an attractive choice for adult learners and professionals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge. One of the most significant benefits is access to high-quality education from top institutions, ensuring the courses are comprehensive, up-to-date, and relevant to the current job market. Additionally, Emeritus courses are designed with flexibility and convenience in mind, enabling adult learners to balance their studies with work and personal commitments.

Another notable advantage of Emeritus courses is the opportunity to network with professionals from various industries. Interacting with fellow students and instructors can lead to valuable connections and insights that can boost your career prospects. Lastly, Emeritus provides career support and resources to help learners successfully navigate the job market and make informed decisions about their professional growth. This comprehensive approach to education makes Emeritus courses a worthwhile investment for individuals looking to take their careers to the next level.

Below we list some additional major benefits of using this course provider:

  • Flexibility. One of the greatest strengths of Emeritus’s reskilling programs is that however much time and money you have to invest in job training programs, there’ll almost certainly be a great option.
  • Most courses are online. This means that there’s no need to relocate or travel for learning. Other than the cost of college, this is a major reason many people don’t consider college once they’ve settled down. Many programs allow you to learn at your own pace and when you have time.
  • In-person tuition. One-to-one tuition is extremely valuable when you’re learning a new skill. You also have the opportunity to ask questions about life in the career you’re working towards. Some courses even offer on-campus tuition if that’s appropriate for you, which can be hugely beneficial.
  • Qualifications come from a respected provider. Emeritus is an increasingly recognized name in online education, but the courses it offers are taught and accredited by some of the biggest names in education. This means a lot to prospective employers and is a major reason more people choose to work with Emeritus.

Programs Offered

There are three main types of courses available on Emeritus: short courses, postgraduate diplomas, and custom programs for organizations. Short courses typically last a few weeks and cover specific topics in-depth, while postgraduate diplomas take several months to complete and provide a more comprehensive learning experience. Custom programs cater to the unique needs of organizations, helping them upskill their workforce and stay competitive in their respective industries. The diverse range of courses offered by Emeritus makes it an appealing option for adult learners and professionals looking to further their education and advance their careers.

Below we list the major types of programs offered by education providers. Check out individual courses to find out their specific length.

  • Short courses. These tend to last for between 6 weeks and 3 months. They teach the key skills needed to start a new career in a field like data analytics, coding, or data science and are a great way to begin your journey.
  • Professional certificate programs. These tend to last for several months and provide a professional certificate at the end. This qualification can be useful in finding your first job in a new field.
  • Senior executive programs. These can help you progress in your current field or learn skills that will allow you to take on a specialist role in a field like data science.
  • Degree programs. Emeritus designs courses with its partners such as Postgraduate Diplomas. These generally take over 6 months to complete and provide an advanced qualification that employers highly respect.

Selecting the Right Emeritus Course for Your Needs

To make the most of your investment in Emeritus courses, it’s crucial to choose a course that aligns with your educational needs and goals. Start by assessing your current skills and knowledge, as well as the specific areas you wish to improve or learn. This evaluation will help you narrow down the available courses and identify those that are most relevant to your objectives.

Next, consider the duration of the course and the level of commitment required. Be realistic about the time you can dedicate to your studies and ensure that the course fits well with your work and personal life. Review the course content and structure to ensure it covers the topics you’re interested in and provides an appropriate level of depth. This information can usually be found in the course syllabus or overview provided by Emeritus.

Lastly, pay attention to the reputation of the university partner associated with the course. While Emeritus collaborates with prestigious institutions, it’s essential to research the specific university and its expertise in the subject area. A well-regarded university partner can add significant value to your learning experience and improve the recognition of your completed course in the job market.

Subjects Offered

Emeritus offers subjects in many technology and business subject areas. Below are a few of the most popular subjects being offered through Emeritus.

Data Science & Data Analytics

Programs in data science include short courses and online certificate programs that teach how data science is used in different industries. This includes courses for data science in healthcare and business decision-making and courses that offer a more general overview. These programs also have overlap with courses in AI and machine learning.

Courses in data analytics include using data analytics for business and leadership. Some courses overlap with coding, for example, teaching Python for analytics. As decision-making in business becomes more data-oriented, these courses are a great start to finding a new career in tech.

Digital Marketing

There are several professional certificate programs on offer for digital marketing, typically lasting a few months each. There are also intensive courses geared towards helping you find a job in digital marketing soon after graduating. Digital marketing professionals are always in high demand, and these programs could give you a competitive edge over other applications.

Business Management

Acquiring an MBA from a top school isn’t an option for many of us — the time and money we’d need to invest are simply too great. However, programs in business management can teach you many of the skills you’d learn on a full MBA and provide you with a widely respected qualification. These short courses and certificate programs equip you with key skills and help you move forward in your organization.

Are There Prerequisites for Enrolling with Emeritus?

There are no prerequisites for enrolling in many of the programs offered by Emeritus. In addition, most certificate programs and short courses won’t require you to have any academic background in the area.

However, some programs such as postgraduate diplomas will require you to have some academic background in a subject or have relevant work experience. You can check the requirements of any program by clicking on the course.

Cost to Enroll in an Emeritus Program

The cost of enrolling in these programs varies dramatically. Longer courses are understandably more expensive — you can check the pricing of each course by clicking on the thumbnail.

Whether a course is closer to $1,000 or $5,000, it’s worth remembering what college degrees cost as a point of reference. The average cost of an undergraduate degree in the U.S. is over $35,000 per year. This is far more than most of us can afford when we’re considering reskilling or changing careers, which makes the programs offered by Emeritus excellent value for money.

Achieving Success in Emeritus Courses

To maximize your learning experience and achieve the best possible outcomes from your Emeritus course, consider implementing these tips for success. First, create a study schedule that accommodates your work and personal commitments, and make a conscious effort to stick to it. Consistency and discipline in your study habits will ensure steady progress and help you retain the information you learn.

Active participation in discussion forums and group projects is another essential aspect of success in Emeritus courses. Engaging with your peers and instructors not only enhances your understanding of the course material but also promotes the development of valuable networking connections. Make sure to utilize the available resources, such as webinars and career support, to gain additional insights and guidance throughout your learning journey.

Lastly, take advantage of the opportunity to network with fellow students and professionals in your course. Building relationships with like-minded individuals can lead to potential collaborations, job opportunities, and a support system that extends beyond the duration of the course. By implementing these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to achieving success in your chosen Emeritus course.

Why You Should Choose an Emeritus Program

No matter your background or resources, Emeritus has programs that can help you transition to a career in tech. By taking advantage of programs offered by top educators worldwide, you stand a great chance of moving to a new career path and finding your first professional role soon after graduating.

Check out the course list from Emeritus to explore your options!