Test Drive Grad School Online with a MicroMasters

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MicroMasters From EdX

MicroMasters online courses offered by EdX are a set of masters-level online programs that offer an alternative to a traditional masters degree.

You may choose to take these courses and earn the credential on it’s own, or, potentially earn credits toward a full degree. Created by, and offered at, many top-ranked graduate schools, these micro certifications are gaining traction in higher education.

While courses offer the same challenge as a masters degree program, MicroMasters programs are designed for distance learning. They are shorter than a full degree program and hyper focused on a specific topic such as supply chain management or artificial intelligence. Most programs consist of five or six courses and a final capstone project.

written by Rana Waxman

Work to Successfully Complete a Series of Classes

Each student takes and works to successfully complete their series of classes on edX.org. Then, to show their mastery over the subject matter, students may have to take one or more proctored exams.

Earn a Micro MicroMasters Credential

To earn a Micro MicroMasters credential from their university, students need to pass these exams and meet any other criteria of their program. For instance, you may have to achieve a university-set minimum grade.

Pursue Your Career or Earn a Full Masters Degree

MicroMasters programs are validated by top tier companies to ensure a competitive advantage. Additionally, you can apply to a university that accepts your MicroMasters certificate for credit and, if accepted, the certificate will accelerate your Master’s degree.

Top 5 Reasons To Consider a MicroMasters Program

The MicroMasters could provide a faster path to a masters degree. Completion does not guarantee admission to a full master program but it could make it simpler. Once you have achieved your certificate, you may apply to the university that honors it, for credit. If you are accepted, the credit weight has the potential to accelerate your masters. Note that each MicroMasters Credential may have a different credit weight, so this is not a one size fits all process. However, in the program notes, there is usually a list of possible next steps for those who do want to apply their credits to a masters degree. Be sure to speak with your intended graduate program to make sure it will honor your micromaster program for credit.

1. Save Time and Money

If you are a professional and can’t take time off to earn a traditional masters degree, the MicroMasters program may be an accessible and affordable option. You may choose to take the Certificate on its own. Some programs are supported by well-established companies for the industry-relevant skills they might provide . Or, as an alternative, use the MicroMaster to potentially reduce the credits, time and money you invest on a full graduate degree associated with your studies.

2. Accelerate Your Masters

The MicroMasters could provide a faster path to a masters degree. Completion does not guarantee admission to a full master program but it could make it simpler. Once you have achieved your certificate, you may apply to the university that honors it, for credit. If you are accepted, the credit weight has the potential to accelerate your masters. Note that each MicroMasters Credential may have a different credit weight, so this is not a one size fits all process. However, in the program notes, there is usually a list of possible next steps for those who do want to apply their credits to a masters degree. Be sure to speak with your intended graduate program to make sure it will honor your micromaster program for credit.

3. Study Key Concepts

Many of the MicroMasters programs are put together with a series of courses recognized by industries as being relevant. While not a guarantee of employment, the courses are often planned-out to help students study key concepts and/or gain skills.

4. Refresh Your Resume

Perhaps you earned your bachelors degree a while ago and want to bolster your skills and resume. Maybe you are in a career and hope to transition or enhance it. A MicroMasters may be a great solution to keep abreast of recent techniques, research and technology. Study topics that might help you gain a competitive edge in fields such as cybersecurity, business management, artificial intelligence and more.

5. Update Your Academic Portfolio

Not ready for a masters program? A MicroMasters credential is also a stand-alone addition to your academic portfolio. It offers a potential pathway to university credit that could add value to your present skills and knowledge base.

How a MicroMaster Program Works

Admissions Process

In some universities, admissions to a MicroMasters program could be described as ‘inverted’. Why inverted? Well, in traditional masters programs, students begin their courses once they are admitted. By contrast, in a MicroMasters program, learners may get started on their online courses without the need to apply for admission. That said, there could be prerequisites for some programs.

Enroll Online

If you are someone who cringes at the thought of lengthy paperwork, you might find it simple to enroll in a MicroMasters program. Typically, all you do to begin is create an account and fill in the online form. Then you could register for each individual course and the capstone project from this account.

Apply to a Masters Program

Students who successfully complete their MicroMaster Credential and decide to apply to the related masters program must then apply to the school and program for consideration . Usually they will have to submit a standard graduate application at their school of choice and meet entry requirements.

Choose Your EdX MicroMasters Program

To get started, check out the featured MicroMasters programs below. Click on the icon to learn more about each program. The enrollment process is simple, and you could be on your way to continued education in no time! Drive your career and your knowledge in a new direction. Take the next step towards your MicroMasters now.

Analytics

The Georgia Institute of Technology

A MicroMasters in Analytics: Essential Tools and Methods program could help you become proficient with data collection, storage, analysis, and visualization tools like R, Python and SQL. Study how and when to apply these tools in a business context. 

Number of Courses in MicroMasters Program: 3

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Artificial Intelligence

Columbia University

The MicroMasters in Artificial Intelligence program could help you develop a grasp of basic A.I. concepts and how to apply them to real-life problems. Work to master the essentials of machine learning and algorithms through a variety of courses, like robotics, animation and CGI motion.

Number of Courses in MicroMasters Program: 4

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Big Data

University of Adelaide

The Big Data MicroMasters program discusses the analytical methods used to transform data into decisions that inform change within organizations. Students could work to build technical and computational skills. 

Number of Courses in MicroMasters Program: 5

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Biobased Sciences for Sustainability

Wageningen University & Research

The MicroMasters Program in Biobased Sciences is aimed at current energy, chemical and biotech industry professionals. It is likely to focus on the use of chemical and biotechnological tactics to produce energy-carriers, chemical building blocks and more.

Number of Courses in MicroMasters Program: 6

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Bioinformatics

UMUC, University System of Maryland

Potentially acquire the ability to include bioinformatics tools in your laboratory as you work to earn your MicroMaster in Bioinformatics. In this program, you are likely to explore the dynamic blend of biology, computer science and mathematics.

Number of Courses in MicroMasters Program: 3

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Business Analytics

Columbia University

A MicroMasters in Business Analytics is designed to empower learners to make data-driven business decisions and predict outcomes. Coursework often delves into data, statistics, mathematical modeling and computing tools.

Number of Courses in MicroMasters Program: 5

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Business Management

Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore

Students who work to achieve a MicroMasters in Business Management could develop a keen sense of the management process. Study key functional areas that could be critical to a successful manager. 

Number of Courses in MicroMasters Program: 6

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Cybersecurity

Rochester Institute of Technology

Students in a Cybersecurity MicroMasters programs could develop their grasp and expertise in network security, forensics and risk analysis. Study how to perform digital forensic analysis of cybercrime, as well as protect computer networks from breaches.

Number of Courses in MicroMasters Program: 5

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Data Science

The University of California, San Diego

Explore statistics, probability and machine learning in a Data Science MicroMasters program. Study how to collect, clean and analyze big data. In this unique series of courses, you might develop a grasp of mathematical and computational tools..

Number of Courses in MicroMasters Program: 4

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Digital Leadership

Boston University

The Digital Leadership MicroMasters program explores strategies to drive and transform businesses in today’s digital economy. You could work to develop the knowledge and skills to lead organizational change, people, and teams. 

Number of Courses in MicroMasters Program: 5

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Digital Product Management

Boston University

A Digital Product Management MicroMasters program is oriented to the ins and outs of how to create product roadmaps. Coursework spans marketing a product on social media, business analytics, systems design thinking, and more. 

Number of Courses in MicroMasters Program: 5

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Entrepreneurship

Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore

The MicroMasters in Entrepreneurship program embraces the point of view that leadership can be taught. Coursework could help students gain skills in finance, accounting, marketing and human resources..

Number of Courses in MicroMasters Program: 4

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Human Rights

Curtin University

The MicroMasters in Human Rights program takes an in-depth look at human rights as a multidisciplinary field covering history to activism, development, and more. Explore key and current issues like: poverty, inequality, climate change, and social justice. 

Number of Courses in MicroMasters Program: 3

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Instructional Design & Technology

UMUC, University System of Maryland

The Instructional Design and Technology MicroMasters program could help you learn how to design and operate digital and mobile learning platforms. Coursework is likely to discuss educational theory, data analytics and more. 

Number of Courses in MicroMasters Program: 4

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International Business Management

Thunderbird School of Global Management

The International Business Management MicroMasters program could help you develop management skills and knowledge that are key for those who conduct global business. Students may gain the ability to lead, identify risk, and communicate effectively. 

Number of Courses in MicroMasters Program: 4

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International Hospitality Management

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

The MicroMasters in International Hospitality Management could help students gain in-depth insight into the global hospitality industry. Coursework is likely to address topics such as marketing for the luxury traveler, technology, human resources, and strategy. 

Number of Courses in MicroMasters Program: 4

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International Law

Université catholique de Louvain

The International Law MicroMasters program could help you master the language and institutions of international law. Courses may address domestic governance, human rights, war, investment law and more. 

Number of Courses in MicroMasters Program: 4

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Leadership in Global Development

The University of Queensland

A balance of theory and practical skills, the Global Development MicroMasters program could bolster technical and managerial abilities to tackle challenges in development. Students may study how to analyze and respond to problems with an adaptive mindset. 

Number of Courses in MicroMasters Program: 5

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Leading Educational Innovation

The University of Michigan

Students in the Leading Educational Innovation and Improvement MicroMasters program could study how to work with and improve classrooms, schools and educational systems.

Number of Courses in MicroMasters Program: 5

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Managing Technology & Innovation

The RWTH Aachen University

The MicroMasters in Managing Technology and Innovation focuses on how to deal with disruptive change in the marketplace. Explore tools to assess risk and position an organization in times of uncertainty. 

Number of Courses in MicroMasters Program: 6

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Marketing in a Digital World

Curtin University

The Marketing in a Digital World MicroMasters program could help learners develop a grasp of the key concepts and practical skills at play in today’s marketing profession. Coursework may address how to create and sustain a brand.

Number of Courses in MicroMasters Program: 5

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Professional Android Developer

Galileo University

The MicroMasters in Professional Android Developer program could help you explore aspects of Android Application Development, like JAVA, app development, AdMob and more. Students could also prepare to take the Google Associate Android Developer Certification Exam. 

Number of Courses in MicroMasters Program: 5

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Project Management

Rochester Institute of Technology

The MicroMasters in Project Management could help learners develop the in-depth knowledge to lead teams and manage various projects. Take courses that could help you acquire the tools and techniques to oversee a project through its lifecycle. 

Number of Courses in MicroMasters Program: 4

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Robotics

University of Pennsylvania

Students in a Robotics MicroMasters program could refine their grasp of automation and sensing. Explore key mathematical concepts and research. You might acquire the tools to design, build and program robots that could solve real-world problems.

Number of Courses in MicroMasters Program: 4

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Social Work

The University of Michigan

The MicroMasters in Social Work program could provide students with a greater grasp of professional social work. Coursework is likely to address the impact of policy on social services and how social policies affect practice with individuals, families and communities. 

Number of Courses in MicroMasters Program: 6

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Software Development

University of British Columbia

Students in a Software Development MicroMasters could learn about new technologies (e.g. Java, JUnit, IntelliJ IDEA, Typescript) and new software systems. Study how to write programs using a systematic approach, and to design programs that are easy to maintain.

Number of Courses in MicroMasters Program: 6

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Software Testing

UMUC, University System of Maryland

The Software Testing and Verification MicroMasters program is designed to help you gain key knowledge about software testing concepts and techniques. You could study how to plan, execute and manage software testing as you explore software test cases.

Number of Courses in MicroMasters Program: 3

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Solar Energy Engineering

Delft University of Technology

Aim to master technical knowledge in a Solar Engineering MicroMasters program. Some of the topics you explore include systems design, solar systems installation and quality assurance through videos, readings, exercises and real-world cases.

Number of Courses in MicroMasters Program: 5

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Supply Chain Management

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The MicroMasters Program in Supply Chain could help students understand key concepts like supply chain analytics, design, technology, dynamics and end-to-end supply chain management.

Number of Courses in MicroMasters Program: 6

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UX Research & Design

The University of Michigan

Learners in a UX MicroMasters program could study how to understand user needs and factor them into product design. Coursework may cover human behavior, usability tests, project design, UX surveys and more.

Number of Courses in MicroMasters Program: 9

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