Welcoming 4 new university partners and 5 industry partners, including Saïd Business School – University of Oxford, Amazon, and Xbox
By Marni Baker Stein, Chief Content Officer, Coursera
Today, we are excited to announce several new partnerships and a major expansion of our content catalog at Coursera Connect 2024, our annual flagship conference. This expansion includes numerous certifications and Specializations, with a particular focus on generative AI.
We are honored to welcome prestigious universities such as Saïd Business School – University of Oxford, Dubai College of Tourism, IMD Business School, and Real Madrid Graduate School Universidad Europea, along with industry leaders like Airbus Beyond, Amazon, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Liberty Mutual, and Xbox to our partner community. These partnerships enhance our ability to deliver job-relevant content for learners around the world, empowering them to meet the rapidly changing demands of the labor market.
Introducing a new degree pathway from the University of London
Coursera hosts 55+ flexible, job-relevant degrees from over 30 top universities to help learners advance their careers. We’re excited to announce the International Foundation Programme (IFP) for Computer Science from the University of London (UoL), which prepares learners to pursue the UoL bachelor’s degree in computer science in less than a year.
Designed for all learners – regardless of prior academic or professional experience – this program features a foundational curriculum in mathematics, statistics, and computer programming. Students will use industry-standard tools like Python, Tableau, and Pandas in practical computing challenges and activities. Upon successful completion, students will be offered a place in the UoL’s online BSc Computer Science degree, without the need to apply.
Applications for the IFP for computer science open in mid-September 2024, with the first cohort starting in January 2025.
Expanding career pathways with 8 new Professional Certificates
Professional Certificates from industry partners help learners break into or progress in high-demand careers. Entry-level certificates, many of which can be completed in six months, are particularly valuable for non-degree holders or beginners. We’re pleased to expand our portfolio with 7 entry-level and 1 advanced Professional Certificate:
- Compensation and Benefits Analyst Entry-level Professional Certificate from ADP – Equips learners with crucial skills in areas including total rewards, health benefits, and compensation strategies through expert instruction and hands-on projects. Upon completion, learners will have a portfolio of 25 work samples to showcase to potential employers.
- Payroll Specialist Entry-level Professional Certificate from ADP – Provides learners with a foundation in payroll, including process, management, customer service, and data analysis. Upon completion, learners will have a portfolio of eight work samples to showcase to potential employers.
- Junior Software Developer Entry-level Professional Certificate from Amazon – Delivers vital skills in Java and full-stack web development, incorporating an introduction to GenAI to enrich software skills. The program emphasizes practical application, and equips learners for entry-level software development roles. Available now for pre-enrollment; expected to launch by the end of September.
- Data Engineering Professional Certificate from DeepLearning.AI and AWS – Helps learners elevate their careers through teaching effective data engineering principles and practices, providing hands-on experience with AWS and open-source tools. Led by renowned data engineering expert and best-selling author, Joe Reis, this advanced certificate helps learners use data to create and drive business value.
- Game Design Professional Certificate from Epic Games – Helps aspiring game professionals refine skills in level design, Blueprint visual scripting, audio/visual development, and UX/UI design. Utilizing Unreal Engine, the most advanced real-time 3D creation tool, the program primes learners for a career in game design.
- iOS and Android Mobile App Developer Entry-level Professional Certificate from IBM – Provides cross-platform skills to design, build, and maintain user-friendly mobile apps. With practical exercises in tools like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Flutter, Dart, React Native, and Swift, the program helps build a strong portfolio for job interviews.
- Program Manager Entry-level Professional Certificate from IBM– Prepares learners for the industry-recognized PMI-PgMP certification exam. The program focuses on strategic execution, portfolio planning, and risk management, including hands-on activities like developing program plans, creating business cases, and building program roadmaps.
- Public Relations and Communications Associate Entry-level Professional Certificate from Microsoft – Teaches PR basics, strategic planning, and media relations, alongside GenAI applications for day-to-day work. Hands-on projects help learners cultivate PR strategies, create content, develop crisis communication plans, and analyze reporting metrics.
6 Entry-level Professional Certificates from Google, enhanced with GenAI updates
In addition to introducing new Entry-level Professional Certificates, we have continued to work with our partners to enhance our existing portfolio of certificates with GenAI content. We are proud to announce that the following certificates from Google now incorporate a refreshed curriculum – including activities, readings, and videos – that feature practical, field-specific AI training directly from Google’s own industry experts:
- Google Cybersecurity
- Google Data Analytics
- Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce
- Google IT Support
- Google Project Management
- Google UX Design
New Specializations from IBM and Microsoft teach GenAI skills for job roles
Sixty-six percent of leaders wouldn’t hire someone without AI skills, but a study from the University of Toronto shows that more than half of people globally aren’t sure how ChatGPT is useful to their work. To help workers apply GenAI skills to their specific job roles and enhance productivity, IBM and Microsoft have introduced a variety of GenAI Specializations in functions such as cybersecurity, data science, HR, marketing, and more.
IBM has launched the following Specializations to help learners unlock the potential of GenAI in their current roles:
- Generative AI for BI Analysts
- Generative AI for Cybersecurity Professionals
- Generative AI for Data Analysts
- Generative AI for Data Engineers
- Generative AI for Data Scientists
- Generative AI for Human Resources
- Generative AI for Product Managers
- Generative AI for Project Managers
- Generative AI for Software Developers
Microsoft has launched the following Specializations to help learners integrate Copilot into their day-to-day work:
- Microsoft Copilot: Your Everyday AI Companion
- Microsoft Copilot for Data Science
- Microsoft Copilot for Marketing (available for pre-enrollment; expected to launch Sept. 30)
- Microsoft Copilot for Sales (available for pre-enrollment; expected to launch Sept. 30)
- Microsoft Copilot for Software Development (available for pre-enrollment; expected to launch Sept. 30)
We are honored to work with our partners to expand our offerings, helping learners everywhere prepare for a new future and gain from the economic opportunities created by AI.
Click here to read about several platform-related announcements made at Coursera Connect 2024.
* This blog contains forward-looking statements regarding upcoming content, product, or platform developments that reflect our current plans and beliefs as of the publication date. Purchasing decisions should not be made on the sole basis of forthcoming content and features. Actual developments may vary due to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those discussed in our recent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Market data and statistical information are provided as estimates and may not reflect actual outcomes or future plans. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or estimates except to the extent required by law.