MicroMasters® Programs
Establish a pathway to earning a master's degree. Find out how to earn credits from top universities with a MicroMasters® Program on edX.
Enroll todayWhat is a MicroMasters®?
MicroMasters® Programs on edX allow students to take graduate-level courses from top universities without enrolling in a full master's degree program. Once you complete your MicroMasters Program, you can pursue admission to a complete master's degree program with the same institution. Then, you can apply your MicroMasters Program credits toward the degree for a less-expensive, accelerated path.
How a MicroMasters® Program works
Reskill and upskill
Advance in your field or pivot to a new career with career-focused programs that support your growth.
Learn online, your way
Complete courses at your own pace, on your own schedule, from wherever you are.
Earn transferable graduate-level credits
Save time and money by earning credits while exploring if graduate study fits your career goals.
Fast-track a master's degree
Use your MicroMasters Program certificate to accelerate a master's degree program at participating universities, if accepted.
Choose your MicroMasters® program
Computer Science
Business Management
Data Analysis & Statistics
Engineering
Economics & Finance
Communication
Social Sciences
Public Health
Education & Teacher Training
Design
Law
Science
Gain in-demand skills from leading universities
MicroMasters Programs on edX are offered by top schools, such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Columbia University, and the University of Pennsylvania (Penn).
In a MicroMasters Program on edX, you can:
- Explore master's programs for less money.
- Complete courses on your own schedule.
- Study with industry leaders.
- Connect with classmates.
- Earn a verified certificate for a passing grade.
- Apply and transfer your credits toward a master's degree at participating schools.
How does a MicroMasters® Program compare to a full master's?
A MicroMasters Program is different from a master's degree program in that it doesn't provide participants with a master's degree upon completion. It instead offers a verified certificate that proves you've passed the graduate-level courses.
It also gives students the chance to explore the rigor of master's degree programs and graduate-level coursework without investing the time and money required for a complete program.
While a master's degree program generally takes between two and three years to complete, a MicroMasters Program can take as few as three months. It often includes around 2-8 graduate-level courses that can count toward a master's degree at the same university and other qualifying schools.
Each MicroMasters Program course has a curriculum and faculty that reflect on-campus offerings but often cost less than on-campus classes.
Earn credentials recognized by industry leaders
MicroMasters® Programs offer clarity for career-focused learners
Technological advancements and economic disruption have many workers wondering how they can secure a career path in this evolving job market. For example, a 2025 edX survey shows that 65% of U.S. adults are looking to upskill or reskill due to economic pressures.
An additional edX survey shows that 62% of respondents report that they're considering upskilling or reskilling for AI advancements to remain competitive and secure in their careers.
A MicroMasters Program can help students who aren't sure whether a master's degree is the best option for their goals define a clear path forward.
Real career outcomes from MicroMasters® Program graduates
Danaka
"As a business owner and PhD student, there are a number of specific skills I still use either with clients or in my life. You can always find a way to use what you learn in some way."
Meet Danaka
Javier
"The material I am learning in the MicroMasters Program is useful every single day and has helped me become very effective in a leadership role."
Meet Javier
Mia
"A month after completing the MicroMasters Program, I started my new role with increased responsibility and a significant pay bump."
Meet MiaUnlock the value of an edX MicroMasters® Program
A MicroMasters Program can help you gain the skills you need to change careers, develop a specialization, or advance your career in your field.
Ready to get started? Here are your next steps:
- Consider your career goals and educational needs.
- Determine what kind of program can help you achieve those goals.
- Explore and enroll in a MicroMasters Program.
Frequently asked questions
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