Coursera provides UNC Charlotte students, faculty, and staff with free access to job-ready training from industry leaders like Google, IBM, and Meta.
- Earn Industry Credentials: Gain Professional Certificates or complete courses to enhance your resume and LinkedIn profile for any major.
- Build Transferable & Specialized Skills: Learn skills at your own pace in areas including project management, data analysis, coding, medical systems management, marketing, and much more.
Stand Out to Employers: Showcase initiative and practical expertise that sets you apart, whether you're pursuing a career in your field of study or exploring new paths.
96%
of employers agree that micro-credentials strengthen a candidate's job application
80%
of students say micro-credentials boost their confidence in skills
83%
of employees worried about rapid changes in their industry say micro-credentials will help them adapt
The time it takes to complete learning on Coursera depends on your personal goals and how deep you want to dive. Because the platform is entirely self-paced, you can easily find short or long options that fit into a busy schedule. More information and average hours to complete include:
- Modules (2-5 hours): These are individual units focused on a single, specific topic. They're helpful for exploring a topic or freshening up a skill.
- Courses (10-20 hours): These are made up of several modules and offer a broader understanding of a topic. All courses offer a certificate of completion.
- Professional Certificate (45-60 hours): A series of several courses that form a full micro-credential designed to equip you with a broader range of skills and knowledge.
Unlike a Major, Minor, or Certificate, Coursera does not grant academic credit at UNC Charlotte or impact your graduation requirements. Instead of being a course taught by faculty, these programs are 100% self-paced and focus on specific skills instead of broader knowledge. Coursera doesn't replace your degree, but can help give you a competitive edge in your early career.
Coursera provides recommendations based on current roles. However, we also recommend considering the following:
- What certificates or courses are available? Do any align with your desired career?
- Are there any certificates that complement your major? (project management or data skills are highly transferable)
- Consider trying a course that introduces you to a new field you're curious about
If you're unsure of which to choose, we recommend utilize the Career Center's drop-in hours to talk with a Career Coach.
Yes! For a resume, your micro-credential could be listed under several different sections such as Education, Professional Skills, or Training and Certifications. We recommend spelling out the entire credential and including the amount of hours it required to complete
On LinkedIn, your micro-credential can be added to your profile and linked to provide verification of completion. This lets employers looking at your profile check out the micro-credential and better understand the skills and knowledge you have related to it.
You keep access to the platform as long as you keep access to your student email (@charlotte.edu). If you are about to graduate and you're in the middle of completing a program, be sure to complete it as soon as possible.
You may connect a personal email to your account, which will let you keep access to completed credentials and any progress. If you'd like to continue learning after graduating, we recommend utilizing our Alumni program.
Check out either of the help guides below for common issues. If you're still having trouble, reach out to the Career Center at career@charlotte.edu
Looking to strengthen a skill or shift industries? Coursera can be a great tool for continued professional development. As an alumn, you can gain access to Coursera for 90 days for $49. All funds generated through this program are reinvested to support internship access and experiential learning opportunities for current UNC Charlotte students!
Disclaimer: Participation in Coursera Career Academy for Alumni is optional. The $49 access fee is non-refundable with the option to purchase additional 90-day access. This program does not provide academic credit and is not connected to any UNC Charlotte certificate or degree program. Coursera Career Academy is offered solely to support alumni continued professional development and lifelong learning.