Industry-recognized credentials to help you build your career profile!
FREE entry-level career certificates
Online learning at your own pace
Recognized skill credentials employers want
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Open to current students who have joined a Career Community within Hire-A-Niner. Join one now!
Coursera Career Academy is a program that provides students, faculty, and staff with free access to industry-designed courses and professional certificates from leading companies like Google, IBM, and Meta. The platform helps learners acquire job-ready skills for high-demand fields, earn digital microcredentials to enhance resumes and LinkedIn profiles, and explore potential career paths through structured learning programs.
The School of Professional Studies, The Career Center, and the College of Computing & Informatics have partnered to provide our students, faculty, and staff with free access to industry-recognized Professional Certificates. This partnership enhances our educational offerings and helps prepare you for the evolving job market. Access is available through June 2028 and may be extended based on student interest and funding availability.
What’s cool about the microcredential program is the digital badges you will receive that can easily be marketed in your LinkedIn profile, demonstrated on your resume, or your eportfolio. In addition to your Charlotte degee, micro-credentials are a great way to prove to an employer the knowledge and depth of experience with very specific skillsets and experiences that help showcase your expertise. These can help set you apart from the rest of the talent pool!
Coursera’s Career Academy provides access to online, self-paced certificates that are organized by role or occupation. There may be more than one certificate affiliated with one role. For example, if you want to learn the skills for a project manager role, you can choose from Professional Certificates from Google, Microsoft, or IBM. Each certificate varies slightly in the content and the assignments. The Professional Certificates are focused on teaching skills and are shorter than a degree or certificate offered for academic credit. The Professional Certificates allow you to start and stop based on your schedule.
To participate in Coursera courses, you'll need:
- A computer or mobile device (smartphone or tablet)
- Reliable internet connection
- Up-to-date web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge recommended)
- Ability to view PDF files
- Audio output capability (speakers or headphones)
- For some courses, specific software may be required (usually free or provided)
Most courses are accessible on mobile devices, but a computer is recommended for the best experience, especially for completing assignments and projects. Always check the specific course requirements before starting, as some may have additional technical needs.
To choose the most relevant certificates:
- Review the full list of available certificates
- Consider your major and career aspirations
- Look for certificates that align with your field of study or desired career path
- Explore certificates that offer skills complementary to your major
- Consult with your academic advisor or the Career Center for guidance
- Read the course descriptions and learning outcomes for certificates of interest
- Consider trying a course that introduces you to a new field you're curious about
The time to complete a certificate program varies depending on the specific certificate and your personal pace. However:
- Most Coursera Career Certificates are designed to be completed in 3-6 months
- This estimate assumes about 10 hours of study per week
- Some students complete programs faster by dedicating more time
- You can take longer if needed, as there are no strict deadlines
- Each certificate page on Coursera provides an estimated completion time
- Your actual completion time may vary based on your prior knowledge and study habits
Your new micro-credential can be listed under education, "other professional skills", or "training and certifications". Make sure to spell out the entire credential title.
On LinkedIn, these micro-credentials can be added as a badge and linked to provide verification of completion. Potential employers viewing your profile will be able to learn more about this badge and the requirements and outcomes from the skill development more indepth.
Charlotte has partnered with Coursera to provide students, faculty, and staff with new learning opportunities. As you jump in to learn and have questions, check out these FAQs that can help you along the way.
