Yes, Coursera courses are valid and recognized worldwide. In fact, you can get a high-paying job with a valid Coursera certificate. Here is why: You can trust a Coursera certificate for reasons such as the platform’s partnership with top world-class universities, the millions of registered Coursera students and the prompt award of accredited certificates on any day.
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Moreover, by partnering with reputable tech companies like Google, Intel, IBM, Meta and Amazon to bring in-demand IT skills training to millions of learners across the globe, Coursera is able to give additional clout and legitimacy to its certificates, diplomas and university degrees.
With that being said, I still believe that only you can decide for yourself if Coursera courses and certificates are worth the investment.
All I want to do in this Coursera review is to provide you with the key facts about Coursera.
I do not doubt in my mind that by the time you get to the conclusion stage of this Coursera review, you will be in a good position to decide on the validity or otherwise of the Coursera certificate course you’re interested in.
What You Must Expect
I will make this Coursera review post as straight to the point as possible. Therefore, I am not going to bore you with a lengthy Coursera review article that you can do without.
Here are the highlights of what you will learn in this Coursera review to help you decide whether Coursera courses are worth it.
- What is Coursera
- Reasons Why You Might Need a Coursera Certification
- Types of Courses on Coursera
- University Degree Courses on Coursera
- Major Coursera Subjects
- List of Universities that Partner with Coursera
- List of Social Impact Organizations that Partner with Coursera
- How to start learning on Coursera and when
- How to Pay for Courses and Certificates on Coursera
- How to obtain a certificate on Coursera
- Coursera Pros and Cons
- Other Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Coursera
- What others are saying about Coursera courses
- Useful Links for Further Investigation
Without further ado, let’s dive in.
What is Coursera?
Coursera is a global online learning platform. It offers anyone, anywhere access to job-relevant online courses and degrees from world-class universities and companies.
Coursera is counted among the largest online learning platforms in the world.
In fact, as of September 30 2022, the total number of registered learners on Coursera stood at a whopping 113 million.
Who founded Coursera?
Coursera was founded in 2012 by two Stanford Computer Science professors, Daphne Koller and Andrew Ng.
Their vision was to provide universal access to world-class learning. Coursera is now a global online learning platform with 113 million registered learners.
Coursera partners with over 275 leading university and industry partners to offer a broad catalog of content and credentials, including Guided Projects, courses, Specializations, certificates, and bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Institutions around the world use Coursera to upskill and reskill their employees, citizens, and students in many high-demand fields, including data science, technology, and business.
– Coursera
Coursera’s Founding Principles
The founders of Coursera believe that:
- Learning is the source of human progress.
- It can transform the world to conquer disease, poverty and conflicts.
- Learning has the power to change individual lives, families, communities and nations.
- Access to quality education is a right, not a privilege.
- Learning can positively impact people from all backgrounds.
Coursera’s Mission
Coursera says it is on a mission to partner with the best institutions of learning to empower anyone anywhere to transform their life by bringing the best learning to all people everywhere.
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Is Coursera legit?
Coursera touts itself as a globally recognized online learning platform. The Coursera courses are offered by accredited internationally recognized institutions of higher learning and giant tech companies like Google and Amazon.
Coursera received B Corp certification in February 2021, which means that we have a legal duty not only to our shareholders but to also make a positive impact on society more broadly, as we continue our efforts to reduce barriers to world-class education for all.
– Coursera
Reasons Why You Might Need a Coursera Certification
Is it worth paying for Coursera? I honestly think so.
It is worth paying for a valid Coursera certificate because it can help you get a job or advance in your current career.
Here are the goals successful Coursera students have achieved over the years.
- Take a free course
- Earn a degree
- Obtain a certificate
- Advance your career
- Find a new career
Are Coursera certificates valuable?
Yes, Coursera certificates are valuable. So it is worth paying for a valid Coursera certificate or degree.
There are many reasons why you might need a Coursera certification.
Here are some benefits you stand to gain by studying to earn a Coursera certificate. They are advantages of enrolling to study with Coursera that you might not find with some other online learning platforms.
- Earn additional qualifications with absolute flexibility. With Coursera, you might not find the need to go back to a brick-and-mortar school to earn your next professional certificate.
- Get a job with a high-paying reputable organization.
- The certifications you achieve with Coursera are officially recognized by top, world-class institutions of higher learning.
I mean, who wouldn’t have an academic or professional qualification in degrees taught by professors from Stanford University, Yale University, Imperial College, London, Harvard University or Johns Hopkins University?
A good number of Coursera’s skill-based professional specializations are backed by hi-tech companies such as Alphabet Inc, Meta Platforms and Amazon.
- Build your resume and brighten your career prospects
- Move a step further in your quest for personal development via lifelong learning.
Types of Courses on Coursera
There are 6 different types of courses on Coursera
Guided Projects
Quickly learn job skills and industry tools.
The average time commitment is 1 to 2 hours.
Cost starts at $9.99 USD. VIEW GUIDED PROJECTS
Courses
Gain new knowledge.
The average time commitment is 4 to 12 hours.
Cost starts at FREE. VIEW FREE COURSES
Specializations
Master a specific skill.
The average time commitment is 1 to 3 months.
Cost starts at USD 39 per month.
Professional Certificates
Learn stuff that prepares you for today’s job market.
The average time commitment is 1 to 6 months.
Cost starts at $39 USD per month.
View Coursera Professional Certificates.
MasterTrack Certificates
Learn to earn a university-issued certificate and credit for a college degree.
The average time commitment is 4 to 6 months.
Cost starts at $2,000.
Degrees
Learn online to earn your bachelor’s or master’s degree.
The average time commitment is 2 to 4 years.
Cost starts at $9,000 USD.
Valid Coursera Certificates and Degrees
Can Coursera give you a degree? Definitely yes.
Coursera offers bachelor’s and master’s degree courses. Have a look at some of the popular university degree courses on Coursera. These degree programs on Coursera are offered by top North American and European universities.
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Bachelor’s Degrees
Bachelor of Science in Marketing
BSc in Business Administration
Bachelor of Science in General Business
BSc in Computer Science
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies: Georgetown University
Master’s Degrees
MA in International Relations, Security and Strategy
MA in Public Policy
Master of Business Administration (iMBA)
Master of Science in Machine Learning and Data Science
Global Master of Public Health
Master of Applied Data Science
Master of Computer Science in Data Science
MSc Applied Data Analytics
Master of Science in Business Administration
Valid Coursera Postgraduate Certificates
Post Graduate Certificate in Machine Learning for Finance
Post Graduate Certificate in Digital Manufacturing
English Proficiency for Graduate Studies Certificate
Graduate Certificate in Digital Marketing
Post Graduate Certificate in Natural Language Processing
Product Management Certificate
Graduate Diploma in Computer Science
Graduate Certificate in Computer Science
Certificate in Strategic Leadership
Engineering Management Graduate Certificate
Accounting Foundations Graduate Certificate
Data Science Graduate Certificate
Digital Transformation Certificate
Business Management Certificate
Post Graduate Certificate in UX Design and HCI
Major Subjects Taught on Coursera
Among Coursera’s major subjects are the following. You can register and start a course for a valid Coursera certificate in a couple of months.
Data Science
Computer Science
Information Technology
Business
Health
Language Learning
Physical Science and Engineering
Personal Development
Social Sciences
Arts and Humanities
Math and Logic
Best 28 Coursera Business Management Courses
21 Arts and Humanities Courses on Coursera
List of Coursera Partner Universities
One more way to help you answer the question as to whether a Coursera certificate is valid is to give you a list of some of the top universities and companies that offer courses and award accredited certificates on Coursera.
So here we go.
University of London
Johns Hopkins University
University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign
Stanford University
University of Michigan
Yale University
Harvard University
University of Colorado Boulder
University of California
Georgetown University
Imperial College, London
O.P. Jindal Global University
India Institute of Technology, Roorkee
Universidad de los Andes
Arizona State University
University of North Texas
Queen Mary University of London
West Virginia University
Tech Companies that Partner with Coursera
Coursera says it works in partnership with many big tech companies to bring quality online education to the doorsteps of millions of students worldwide.
Alphabet Inc (Google etc)
Intel
Meta Platforms (Facebook etc)
Intuit
Amazon Web Systems (AWS)
IBM
Social Impact Organizations that Partner with Coursera
Coursera partners with over 100 globally recognized social-impact organizations. The list of social impact organizations that work with Coursera includes the following:
Upwardly Global,
Hire Heroes
Minds Matter
KISS.
Minds Matter and KISS are among Coursera’s underserved high school partners.
How to Start Learning with Coursera
For most Coursera specializations and certifications, you can register and start learning at any time of your choice.
Degree and postgraduate certificate courses offered by established universities have specific but flexible enrolment periods.
Thus, there is always a chance to enrol for a degree course on Coursera at a time most convenient to you.
Here are the basic steps you need to take to start learning with Coursera. Please note that these are general guidelines. They are meant to be an addition to your personal strategy.
- Do the necessary research and choose the Coursera course that best fits your goals and interests.
- Make a plan. Decide on certain key actions and goals for your study with Coursera. A plan will help you to discipline yourself, stay on course and achieve your learning goals. Make sure to include the following.
Time-based objectives
Study schedule
Things you need
How do you intend to reward yourself periodically with regard to progress made?
- Find the money. That is if you need to pay for your course. Otherwise, just make sure you have access to a laptop or a desktop computer. You may even make use of your mobile phone.
- A reliable internet connection is critical for your success studying with Coursera.
- Get all necessary additional tools and software.
- Visit the Coursera website and head over to your chosen course’s homepage.
Take a close look at everything that is being said there. Take notes if necessary. Remember your Coursera student journey is about to begin.
- Follow the register now link and start the registration process.
- And when all is done and approved, begin your learning journey with Coursera as soon as possible.
How to Pay for Courses and Certificates on Coursera
The accepted Coursera payment methods include Credit Cards and PayPal. So you can use your MasterCard or Visa Card to make payments for purchased courses on Coursera.
Read the full details about accepted payment methods on Coursera here.
Is a Coursera certificate worth it?
Here now comes the one-million-dollar question:
IS COURSERA TRULY WORTH IT?
The simple answer is yes. Coursera is worth it.
The very large number of students from all corners of the world, coupled with the pedigree of university professors and big tech companies that partner with Coursera to deliver its courses point to the fact that Coursera’s courses can be trusted.
113 million learners and more than 7,000 campuses, businesses and governments have come to Coursera to access world-class learning anytime, anywhere.
– Coursera
The below facts should convince you that a Coursera certificate is worth learning and paying for.
- Your valid Coursera certificate is proof that you have completed a course on Coursera
- The Coursera certificates will appear on your Accomplishments page as a secure URL.
- You will have full access to a downloadable PDF copy of your Coursera certificate.
This means that you are at liberty to download and print your prestigious Coursera certificate at any time.
How to Obtain a Valid Certificate from Coursera
To be eligible for a valid and legit Coursera certificate, you need to go through the below process.
- Properly finish the name identification process.
- Pay the appropriate course fee.
- Make sure to pass all required tests and assignments
What is on a valid Coursera certificate?
You will find the following details on a typical legit Coursera certificate.
- Course name
- Tutor’s signature
- Partner institution logo
- A verification URL that allows anyone you share the certificate with to verify its trustworthiness
- Confirmation that Coursera has confirmed the identity of the recipient
Coursera Pros and Cons
Normally, a popular online learning platform like Coursera will have its good sides and not-so-good sides. Let’s now have the pros and cons of Coursera.
Coursera Pros
Among the advantages of studying with Coursera are the following:
- World-class: There are over 270 reputable universities and companies teaching top-notch curricula to millions of students from every part of the world.
- Available globally: Coursera’s courses are open to anyone anywhere.
- Globally recognized certificates: Earn a valid Coursera certificate on any day.
- Affordable pricing: Coursera’s online certifications are among the most affordable.
For instance, Udacity, another popular online learning platform charges much higher fees for similar courses offered on Coursera.
Moreover, there are many FREE online courses on Coursera.
- Financial aid: Access the financial assistance available for most Coursera courses.
An example is the International Women’s Health and Human Rights Course.
- Accessible for most people: Coursera courses are great for beginners.
In fact, you can start a Coursera course at any level, be you a beginner, an intermediate learner or an advanced learner.
- Flexible for your convenience: There is flexible scheduling. Attend virtual lectures on your desktop or smartphone.
- A wide variety of courses: Choose from 7,000+ recognized free and paid courses.
- Job-relevant: Master most in-demand career skills. Pursue applied learning for building personal and professional career skills.
- Free Trial or Money back guarantee: Get started with a 7-day FREE trial.
For students in India, there is a 14-day money-back guarantee.
- User-friendly platform: Coursera’s website looks quite modern and is simple to navigate. Moving from one page to another works like a breeze.
Coursera Cons
Like everything else in life, Coursera has a few downsides that some learners have complained about. But on the whole, it is still possible to scale these challenges and work to earn your valid Coursera certificate from the comfort of your home.
So let’s have a quick look at the Coursera cons.
- Courses that lead to a college degree may look free but are not completely free.
You will need to pay a certain amount of money to obtain a valid Coursera certificate or earn your path to a university degree.
However, Coursera remains one of the few online learning platforms where you can study a university-level course for free if all you want is to acquire a job-relevant skill or knowledge.
- Issues with Coursera’s Peer Review System of Assessment
Many people have had cause to complain that Coursera’s anonymous peer review method of marking students’ work leaves room for subjective assessments.
This might not reflect a student’s true attainment.
- Reports of Mass Cheating
Some customer reviews allege that some students copy and paste material from the internet while others pay for done-for-you assignments.
- Plagiarized work among students is said to be rife.
But let’s quickly put it on record that submission of plagiarized assignments is a general problem the entire e-learning industry is grappling with. So it is not unique to Coursera.
Moreover, Coursera has a system in place to check plagiarism. As to whether that is effective enough is another matter.
Here is something else you need to know. If you decide to do the right thing, you will earn a valid Coursera certificate you will be proud of.
- Coursera Plus is Expensive: Some people complain that Coursera’s flagship program known as Coursera Plus is not as affordable as it appears.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coursera
It is now time for you to have some quick answers to the most frequently asked questions about Coursera.
Is Coursera safe to use?
Yes. Coursera’s hard-earned reputation and its partnership with reputable universities and companies mean that they are unlikely to do anything untoward to sacrifice these.
Unlike some online learning platforms, Coursera does not steal students’ information or sell or share such for profit.
Additionally, the platform is well-secured against any cyber-attacks that may compromise critical data.
PLEASE NOTE: You still need to do your own due diligence to satisfy yourself in this regard before taking any action.
Who is Coursera good for?
Coursera is a perfect fit for anyone anywhere in the world who has the vision to study online for a post-secondary level qualification and is prepared to put in the necessary work to achieve that goal.
Such an individual can be a student, an entry-level employee or an experienced professional looking for career progression or consolidation.
Whether you are a beginner, an intermediate or an advanced learner, there is a chance for you to study for a valid Coursera certificate or degree.
Are Coursera courses difficult?
Well, it depends.
You see, if you have attained the level needed for a particular Coursera course and also possess the motivation and self-discipline needed to pursue a course at Coursera, I believe it shouldn’t be too difficult for you to study and obtain a valid Coursera certificate.
This is why you need to take a hard look at yourself with the level of difficulty of the course you want to study in mind before taking the plunge.
Don’t forget this, though: Beyond the 7-day trial period or the expiry of the 14-day money-back guarantee (in case you are in India), you cannot easily take back any monies you might have paid.
Does Coursera offer a free trial?
Yes. Coursera has a 7-day free trial for paid subscriptions.
However, I understand learners in India do not have access to the Coursera free trial. Instead, students from India on Coursera are given a 14-day money-back guarantee.
You might want to find out more about this arrangement.
Can I put my Coursera qualification on my resume?
Of course, yes. Feel free to put your valid Coursera qualification on your resume. Remember that a Coursera certificate is a valid document.
It is proof to a potential employer that you have acquired the knowledge and skills needed for the job you seek.
Can I get a job with a Coursera certificate?
Yes. Many Coursera graduates have gone ahead to get their dream jobs.
How long do Coursera courses take to complete?
Generally, a typical Coursera course can take anywhere between a few hours to a couple of years to complete.
Here is a breakdown of the various types of Coursera courses and their durations to guide you.
- Guided Projects: 1-2 hours
- Courses: 4-12 hours
- Specializations: 1-3 months
- Professional Certificates: 1-6 months
- MasterTrack Certificates: 4-6 months
- Degrees: 2-4 years
How much does Coursera cost?
Find below the starting cost of each of the six types of online courses at Coursera.
Please bear in mind that the below Coursera starting costs are what we saw on their website at the time of writing this article.
For that matter, depending on when you are reading this article, you might want to check for any upward revision in Coursera pricing before making the necessary decisions.
- The starting cost of Coursera Guided Projects is $9.99
- The starting cost of Coursera Courses is FREE.
- The starting cost of Coursera Specializations is $39.00
- The starting cost of Coursera Professional Certificates is $39.00
- The starting cost of Coursera MasterTrack Certificates is $2,000
- The starting cost of Coursera Degrees is $9,000
Coursera Alternatives
Find below a list of some well-known online learning platforms that compete with Coursera.
DataCamp
Linkedin Learning
Khan Academy
SkillShare
Course Hero
UpGrad
Infosec
Adobe Captivate
Pluralsight Skills
Udemy for Business
Useful Links for Further Investigation
Are you still not sure whether you want to start a course with Coursera? Follow these links to learn more about Coursera.
They will provide additional information you might need to enable you to decide on the next step to take.
Do you want to know what others are saying about Coursera?
Please compare Coursera customer reviews on the below platforms.
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Conclusion: The Ultimate Decision is Yours to Make
So now you know the most important facts about Coursera. It should now be easier for you to decide whether studying for a valid Coursera certificate is worth it.
And that choice is entirely yours to make.
Remember that for everything, there will always be those who love it to a fault and those who hate it with all there is in them. So you are sure to read online both positive and not-so-positive Coursera customer reviews.
This is why you must consider the available facts about Coursera in this article, weigh the options about your unique personal abilities, goals and interests and then decide on what to do next.
Are you now ready to join Coursera?
Did you find this information helpful? Then share it on your favourite social media platform for the benefit of others you care about. Thank you!
Ralph Nyadzi is the Director of Studies at Cegast Academy. He is a qualified English tutor with decades of experience behind him. Since 2001, he has successfully coached thousands of High School General Arts WASSCE candidates in English, Literature and related subjects. He combines his expertise with a passion for lifelong learning to guide learners from varying backgrounds to achieve their educational goals. Ralph shares lessons from his blogging journey on BloggingtotheMax. He lives with River, his pet cat, in the Central Region of Ghana.
