Coursera offers fully accredited degree programs from top universities worldwide, making higher education accessible to millions.
Around 80% of adults deliver bachelor’s, master’s, and postgraduate degrees entirely online on Coursera. These programs benefit working professionals, parents, and students seeking flexible scheduling without compromising academic quality.
This guide explores available degrees, pricing structures, admission requirements, university partnerships, certificate options, and practical steps to begin your educational journey.
Are Degrees Available On Coursera?
Universities such as Illinois Institute of Technology, Georgetown, the University of London, etc., offer complete degree programs through Coursera’s platform.
Students attend virtual classes, complete assignments, and interact with faculty using the same curriculum standards as traditional campus students.
Admission varies by institution, with some requiring applications, while others offer performance-based entry through the successful completion of specific courses.
Types Of Degrees Offered On Coursera
Coursera provides degree programs across undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels from accredited universities. Students can pursue education in multiple academic disciplines with flexible learning options.
A. Bachelor’s Degrees
Universities like Illinois Institute of Technology, University of North Texas, Georgetown University, and University of London offer bachelor’s programs in business, computer science, liberal arts, and information technology.
Most programs require 120 credit hours and take 2-6 years to complete. Admission varies from traditional applications to performance-based entry through completing pathway courses. Students enjoy flexible scheduling, transfer credit options, and part-time or full-time enrollment choices for working professionals.
B. Master’s Degrees
Graduate programs span business administration, computer science, data science, engineering management, and specialized fields like cybersecurity.
Prerequisites typically include a bachelor’s degree, although some programs accept students from diverse academic backgrounds. Specializations include MBA concentrations, technical tracks in computer science, and focused areas such as accounting, management, and data analytics for career advancement.
C. Postgraduate Programs
Advanced diploma programs, such as the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Statistics from the Indian Statistical Institute.
Professional development options include corporate finance, public health policy, software engineering, and business analytics, designed for working professionals seeking advanced credentials without full degree commitments.
Universities Offering Coursera Degrees
Coursera partners with top-ranked universities worldwide to deliver accredited degree programs online. These institutions maintain the same academic standards as their campus-based programs while offering flexible learning options.
Bachelor’s Degrees
- Illinois Institute of Technology
- University of North Texas
- Georgetown University
- University of London
- Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani
Master’s Degrees
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- University of Colorado Boulder
- University of Pittsburgh
- University of Huddersfield
- Heriot-Watt University
- University of London
- Illinois Institute of Technology
- Ball State University
- University of Pennsylvania
- HEC Paris
- Universidad de los Andes
- Imperial College London
- O.P. Jindal Global University
- University of Michigan
- Universidad de los Andes
- Universidad de Palermo
Postgraduate Programs
- Indian Statistical Institute
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
For additional benefit: Even though a Coursera degree is not free, there are multiple courses on Coursera that you can learn for free and earn a certificate.
Coursera Degree Programs By Category
Coursera offers degree programs across multiple academic disciplines, allowing students to specialize in high-demand fields. These categories include business, technology, health, liberal arts, and specialized professional areas.
1. Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Here is the list of fields in which you can pursue a bachelor’s degree.
Business Degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in General Business (University of North Texas)
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (University of London)
- Bachelor of Science in Marketing (University of London)
Computer Science & Technology:
- Bachelor of Information Technology (Illinois Tech)
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (University of London)
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Birla Institute)
Liberal Arts:
- Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies (Georgetown University)
- Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (University of North Texas)
2. Master’s Degree Programs
Coursera offers Master’s Degrees in Business, Computer Science, Data Science, and specialized programs, as well as an MBA.
Business & MBA Programs:
- Master of Business Administration (iMBA) – University of Illinois
- Master of Science in Management (iMSM) – University of Illinois
- Master of Science in Accountancy (iMSA) – University of Illinois
- MSc Management – University of Huddersfield
Computer Science & Engineering:
- Master of Science in Computer Science – University of Colorado Boulder
- Master of Engineering in Engineering Management – University of Colorado Boulder
- MSc Computer Science – Heriot-Watt University
Data Science:
- Master of Science in Data Science – University of Colorado Boulder
- Master of Data Science – University of Pittsburgh
Specialized Programs:
- Master of Science in Cyber Security – University of London
3. Postgraduate Programs And Diplomas
Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics from the Indian Statistical Institute offers specialized training with flexible completion in 1-3 years.
Students can exit after Semester 1 with a Postgraduate Certificate in Basic Statistics. The program pricing is $6,000 for detailed statistical education.
How Much Time Does a Coursera Degree Take To Complete?
Coursera degree completion times vary based on program type, credit requirements, and student pace.
| Degree Type | Typical Duration | Credit Hours Required |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degrees | 2-6 years | 120 credit hours |
| Master’s Degrees | 1-2 years | 30-60 credit hours |
| Postgraduate Programs | 1-3 years | Varies by program |
Most programs offer flexible scheduling to accommodate working professionals and individuals with varying learning styles and speeds.
Coursera Degrees Pricing Structure
Coursera degree pricing varies by university and program type, offering flexible payment options including per-credit and flat-rate models. The average degree pricing starts from $9000.
Besides degrees, you can take individual courses starting from $49 per program on Coursera.
| Degree Level | Price Range | Payment Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degrees | $273 per credit hour to £4,500 | Per credit hour or flat rate |
| Master’s Degrees | $13,068 to $24,128 | Flexible payment plans |
| Postgraduate Programs | USD 6,000 | One-time or installment |
What Are Professional Certificates And MasterTrack Certificates?
Besides degrees, Coursera offers Professional Certificates and MasterTrack Certificates for career advancement.
Professional Certificates provide job-ready skills for specific roles, while MasterTrack Certificates offer university-level coursework that can count toward full degrees. These certificates add value to your resume and career prospects.
Let’s explore what these certificates include:
Professional Certificates
Professional Certificates help you get job-ready for in-demand careers in less than a year. These programs start at $49 USD per month, offering flexible scheduling and hands-on projects that showcase your skills to employers.
| Certificate Program | Provider | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft AI Product Manager | Microsoft | 3 months |
| Data Analytics Professional Certificate | DeepLearning.AI | 4 months |
| SAP Business Analyst | SAP | 3 months |
| Microsoft Project Management | Microsoft | 4 months |
| Google Project Management | 6 months | |
| Intuit Academy Bookkeeping | Intuit | 4 months |
| Google Cloud Data Analytics | Google Cloud | 2 months |
| Adobe Graphic Designer | Adobe | 5 months |
| IBM Digital Marketing and Growth Hacking | SkillUp EdTech | 2 months |
| Microsoft Python Development | Microsoft | 2 months |
MasterTrack Certificates
MasterTrack Certificates offer portions of Master’s degree programs as standalone credentials from top universities. These programs start from $2,000 and provide university-issued certificates that can count toward full degree programs if you choose to continue.
| MasterTrack Certificate Program | University | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Instructional Design | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | 4-5 months |
| Administración de Empresas | Universidad de Palermo | 4 months |
| Metodologías ágiles de desarrollo de software | Universidad de los Andes | 4 months |
| Principios de ingeniería de software automatizada | Universidad de los Andes | 4 months |
| Analítica de datos: visualización y predicción | Universidad de los Andes | 4 months |
| Inteligencia Artificial: Machine Learning | Universidad de los Andes | 4 months |
| Bases de la salud pública | Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile | 4 months |
| Gestión y Políticas en Salud Pública | Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile | 4 months |
| Finanzas corporativas | Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile | 4 months |
| Modelos Analíticos para Decisiones de Negocio | Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile | 6 months |
If you are just starting, you can start with a 7-day free trial. And if you developed an interest in specific courses and want to upgrade your knowledge further, know that Coursera also has that flexibility to charge per course for you to get skilled in that domain.
What Is Coursera For Colleges?
Coursera for college is a special platform for universities and educational institutions. It allows colleges to provide their students with access to thousands of online courses from top companies and universities worldwide.
Schools can integrate these courses into their existing learning systems and create custom content for their students. To qualify, institutions need at least 20,000 enrolled students and must be accredited degree-granting programs.
The platform offers tools like AI course creation, guided projects, and professional certificates that help students develop job-ready skills while earning academic credit.
Coursera Online Degrees vs Traditional Degrees
Coursera online degrees offer flexibility and affordability, making education accessible to working professionals worldwide. However, both learning formats have distinct advantages and limitations.
Online Degrees Benefits
- Lower tuition costs and no commuting expenses.
- Study from anywhere with flexible scheduling.
- Access to top universities globally.
- Self-paced learning options.
Online Degrees Limitations
- Limited face-to-face networking opportunities.
- Requires strong self-discipline and motivation.
- Less hands-on laboratory experience.
Traditional Degree Benefits
- Direct interaction with professors and classmates.
- Campus facilities and resources.
- Structured learning environment.
Traditional Degrees Drawbacks
- Higher costs including housing and transportation.
- Fixed class schedules.
- Geographic limitations.
As per my experience, even though Coursera is completely online, but it is flexible to learn and also interact with the instructors. Plus, you can get a certificate from accredited institutions, which adds value in the job world.
Are Coursera Degrees Legit?
Coursera degrees are legitimate and accredited. They are offered by established universities like the University of Illinois, Georgetown University, the University of Colorado Boulder, and many more.
These institutions maintain the same academic standards and faculty for online programs as their campus-based degrees.
Employers recognize Coursera degrees because they are awarded directly by accredited universities. The diplomas you receive are identical to those earned on campus, making them fully credible for career advancement and further education opportunities.
Conclusion: Pursue Your Selected Coursera Degrees At Your Flexible Time
Coursera degrees provide working professionals and students worldwide with access to high-quality education from top universities, regardless of geographical boundaries.
When selecting your program, consider your career goals, available time commitment, and financial budget carefully. You can pursue bachelor’s, master’s, or postgraduate programs and gain industry-relevant skills from expert faculty.
Start exploring degree options today and transform your career into one that fits your schedule and lifestyle perfectly.
FAQs
Employers accept Coursera degrees because they come from accredited universities with identical credentials to traditional campus programs.
Most universities accept transfer credits from Coursera degree programs since they maintain standard academic requirements and accreditation.
Basic broadband internet connection works fine for streaming lectures, downloading materials, and participating in online class activities effectively.
Many Coursera degree programs include collaborative assignments and group projects to simulate real workplace teamwork and networking experiences.
Online degrees typically take the same time as traditional programs, though self-paced options may allow faster completion.
