Coursera, the online learning platform and a pioneer of Massive Open Online Courses, announced today that it’s launching a large expansion of its content. The expansion includes more than two dozen certificate programs and specializations, with a particular focus on generative AI.
The announcement was made in a blog post by Coursera’s Chief Content Officer, Marni Baker Stein. “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,” wrote Stein.
Professional Certificates
In partnership with companies like ADP, Amazon, and IBM, eight new professional certificates are being introduced. Many of the programs are designed to be completed in as little as six months or less. They include:
Compensation and Benefits Analyst Entry-level Professional Certificate from ADP. This beginner’s level certificate is a seven-course program that focuses on skills such as total rewards, health benefits, and compensation strategies. After completing the program, learners will have a portfolio of 25 work samples to show to potential employers.
Payroll Specialist Entry-level Professional Certificate also from ADP is a five-course sequence that covers content related to payroll, including process, management, customer service, and data analysis. Learners will develop a portfolio of eight work samples to showcase to potential employers.
Junior Software Developer Entry-level Professional Certificate from Amazon is a certificate program expected to be available by the end of September. It’s a seven-course series that will cover Java and full-stack web development, including an introduction to GenAI.
Data Engineering Professional Certificate from DeepLearning.AI and AWS. This four-course sequence is intended to cover data engineering principles and practices, including hands-on experience with AWS and open-source tools. It will be led by data engineering expert and best-selling author, Joe Reis.
Game Design Professional Certificate from Epic Games involves eight courses aimed at helping learners develop skills in level design, Blueprint visual scripting, audio/visual development, and UX/UI design. Using Unreal Engine, a real-time 3D creation tool, the program helps prepare learners for careers in game design.
iOS and Android Mobile App Developer Entry-level Professional Certificate from IBM is a 12-course sequence that will provide cross-platform skills to design, build, and maintain user-friendly mobile apps. It will include exercises in tools like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Flutter, Dart, React Native, and Swift.
Program Manager Entry-level Professional Certificate from IBM is designed to prepare learners for the industry-recognized PMI-PgMP certification exam. It focuses on strategic execution, portfolio planning, and risk management, and includes activities like developing program plans, creating business cases, and building program roadmaps.
Public Relations and Communications Associate Entry-level Professional Certificate from Microsoft is a five-course sequence that will teach PR basics, strategic planning, and media relations, along with GenAI applications for day-to-day work.
IBM and Microsoft Specializations
In addition, Coursera is partnering with IBM and Microsoft to offer several of what it calls specializations, which are a series of related courses designed to help students master a specific topic. They will feature GenAI content in areas such as cybersecurity, data science, HR, and marketing.
The nine IBM specializations are:
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 is launching the following five specializations, involving Copilot, its generative artificial intelligence chatbot.
Microsoft Copilot: Your Everyday AI Companion
Microsoft Copilot for Data Science
Microsoft Copilot for Marketing (expected to launch Sept. 30)
Microsoft Copilot for Sales (expected to launch Sept. 30)
Microsoft Copilot for Software Development (expected to launch Sept. 30).
Professional Certificates from Google, with GenAI updates
Six certificates from Google have been refreshed to include new AI enhancements. They include:
Google Data Analytics (8 courses)
Google Cybersecurity (8 courses)
Google Project Management (6 courses)
Google UX Design (7 courses)
Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce (7 courses)
Google IT Support (5 courses).