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Are Coursera Courses Worth The Effort?

MOOC-platforms like Coursera attract millions of students signing up for free, or low-cost, online courses. But what about their value for the student? Are Coursera courses worth it?

Thu Jun 18 2020

BusinessBecause  

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They’ve been the looming game-changer on the horizon of business education for the last few years. Students taking MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) number 110 million, and counting, around the globe.

Now, with many people working and studying online, free or low-cost online business courses—offered by providers like Coursera, Udemy, and edX—have seen enrolment boom. But is the hype justified?

How do MOOCs compare to business school degrees? Are Coursera courses worth the effort?


Download the BusinessBecause Online MBA Guide 2021

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Coursera | Cost benefits

The benefits of taking a MOOC are obvious: flexible learning hours at a fraction of the cost of a traditional business degree.

While MBA degrees can cost upwards of $100,000, Coursera’s verified certificates start from $49. These certificates include ID verification, serving as proof that it was you who submitted the assignments.

Coursera courses also come packaged under specializations which you pay for on a subscription basis, usually costing between $39 and $79 per month.


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Perry Timms, adjunct professor at Hult International Business School and CEO of his own HR enterprise, says the MOOC stands out for the way it democratizes education. “It’s a low-cost way for people to try out a course to fit their needs.”

Students revel in these benefits. Coursera-enthusiast Alex Chu recalls how he considered going to business school to pursue a Master’s in Business Analytics before a friend cautioned him against spending so much money...

Google and he hasn’t looked back since, with multiple online qualifications under his belt at a small percentage of what he might otherwise have spent.

In fact, more than 50% of the students on Coursera’s degree programs start out as single module customers before committing further—a ringing endorsement of student satisfaction.


MOOC vs. Business School

To many students however, the value of a business qualification is determined more by the value an employer places on it.

With their increasing popularity, it does seem that MOOCs are being legitimized, both by course provider name recognition and by prestigious partnerships.

Most recently, Coursera has created training programs with the likes of Google and Intel. After the courses, Coursera offers to help participants find a job through its network of associated businesses, although it does not guarantee one.

Is this a sign of MOOCs taking on business schools at their own game?

Perry, a longtime proponent of the online business course, takes a more measured view. He reckons that online business courses are not a looming existential threat in the way that Uber is to taxis.

MOOC-based qualifications haven’t superseded the prestige of MBAs and traditional business master’s degrees offered by business schools.

Business schools are offering more flexible programs anyway. The Online MBA at Birmingham Business School, for example, is delivered 100%-online. It costs more than a MOOC, but comes with the quality stamp of AMBA accreditation and the backing and expertise of an established business school.

The University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business has just launched a new Online Master of Science in Business Analytics, another 100%-online course delivering business school expertize on a subject which is especially popular among MOOC-takers. The program complements Smith’s roster of eight specialized masters , across topics like finance, accounting, and supply chain management.

Some schools have even partnered with MOOC platforms like Coursera to take their degrees to a wider audience, although these prices are closer to traditional business school degrees than a $49 Coursera certificate.


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It’s clear that employers view MOOCs and business school degrees differently. In GMAC’s latest Corporate Recruiters Survey, only 6% of the employers contacted said they viewed MOOCs as an alternative to business school.

This could well be because of the lack of networking opportunities afforded by an online course. One student we contacted who had completed courses at Coursera and edX before moving onto Cass Business School to study for an MSc went so far as to say that networking at business school is important as the courses you take.

This is a basic limitation of an online business course that means it cannot truly threaten the traditional MBA or cause the seismic disruption to business education that some predicted: business is about people, and making deep personal connections remotely is difficult.


Read: Coursera CEO: Why It's Time To Move More Degrees Online

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Are Coursera courses worth it?

So, if business qualifications from Coursera aren’t yet recognized on the level they might deserve, then why are people from all walks of life still signing up in their droves? Simple: these are courses that anyone can do to a schedule that suits them.

Employers can also use MOOCs to upskill their employees without losing them to a full-time, on-campus degree.

According to Dil Sidhu, chief content officer at Coursera, over 2,000 companies worldwide now use their enterprise platform, Coursera for Business, to transform their talent, with that side of the business rapidly developing.

And nearly three-quarters of 600 employers polled by FutureLearn said evidence of online courses would help them make decisions about whether to promote an employee.

Are Coursera courses worth the effort? Ultimately, business school degrees and Coursera courses offer different things. Because they’re often free, dropout rates for MOOCs are very high (over 90%), but that’s a bit of a moot point. The value of a Coursera course is more nuanced than being simply a cheap masters equivalent.

You’re unlikely to be able to change career paths, bolster your network, or get a new job purely out of a MOOC. But, for students wanting to get a taste of a new topic and develop new skills in their own time, a MOOC, in the words of Perry Timms, is a “no brainer.”

Check out our guide to rival MOOC-platform Udemy


Next Read: Download the BusinessBecause Online MBA Guide 2021


This article was first published in March 2019 and updated June 2020.

Student Reviews

Bayes Business School

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Verified

31/10/2023

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Best Journalism school in Europe

When I first stepped onto the campus of City, University of London, I knew I was in for a ride - and not just on the Tube! With its vibrant energy and an impressive repertoire of programs, City U became my home away from home. The Journalism program was kind of a big deal. Rumour was that we were the best in Europe! The lecturers were not just experts in their field; they’re practically journalistic royalty. They were invested, passionate, and had a knack for turning the most flat press release into a riveting news story. With their guidance, I’ve learned to navigate the chaotic world of media like a pro. The campus was a melting pot of every culture, being that we had such a diverse international crowd. Being in the heart of London, I had the world at my fingertips - there was always a new corner to explore, a hidden gem of a cafe to discover, or a street performer! City, University of London wasn't just a university; it was a chapter in my life story that I’ll never forget.

Lydia

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23/02/2023

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Learning environment

The teacher-learner ration is manageable, giving each learner a chance to gain personal attention. It is also easier following up on the progress of a student, as the numbers per class is not large. the conducive environment for learning includes clean classes, standard desks, world class instructional facilities and the opportunity to engage lecturers even after their sessions. The team spirit at City is above board, with learners getting chance to learn both from instructors and colleagues. This is the university of choice; the place to be.

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24/01/2023

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I liked that each class had a manageable number of learners, making the professor-learner ratio favor knowledge acquisition. I also liked that study schedules were manageable, and not overwhelming. The focus on talents and gifts even within the learning environment makes it possible for learners to achieve the best of their potential, and this has worked to the advantage of those that have schooled at City, University of London

Muhammad

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24/01/2023

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The diversity at City University facilitates interactions and is a direction toward the unity of the world. The classes are well built to match the number and needs of all students regardless of the elements of diversity that set people apart. The use of technology in delivery makes learning even more interesting and achievable. At City University there is no distinction pegged on the issues that make people unique.

Dorah

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23/01/2023

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professors

The team of lecturers at the Uiversity are well experienced. Their level of insight and the methodologies of delivery works for the interes of the leaeners. My learning experience was largely boosted by the level of knowledge of the professors at the institution, and their passion to transfer the same to learners. I appreciate every class I attended because of the level of insight I was able to gather

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17/12/2022

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The best university I’ve been to

The campus and the people I've met have made it a wonderful experience. I was reared in a small town with a graduating class of only 88 individuals, so moving to City University was a huge adjustment for me. My dorm has more residents than my whole high school combined! I enjoy the atmosphere here, and everyone is so friendly. Outstanding academic options and a stunning campus. Really great from beginning to end. The educators genuinely love what they do, and the students are ready to learn. On or around college, there is always something to do with friends, and the social scene is particularly warm.

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21/11/2022

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Bayes Business School

As a student at City university attending Bayes Business School I would totally recommend choosing this university as the experience is exceptional with great social networking opportunities . Professors are significantly helpful, delivering with excellence and professionalism. Everyone is happy to help and make you feel welcomed in such an esteem university as City, offering exceptional development and guidance through out the course.

Muhammad

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15/11/2022

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Economics and Politics

Incredibly amazing university, the way they polish students and help them boost their morale and think intellectually is worthwhile. Many universities have international partnerships to allow exchanges between their students. The most obvious subjects for these opportunities would be those that involve languages, and the study of people and places.

Navya

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11/11/2022

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Clinical biology

I really like it it’s perfect for me with not too many people and not too few either. All the modules are amazing. I love the toy bar. I love all the societies that I’ma part of. Especially the colour Bollywood society

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5/10/2024

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My time at City University London was truly transformative. The university's vibrant community and diverse extracurricular activities allowed me to forge lifelong friendships and professional connections that extend beyond the classroom. I was impressed by the university's commitment to academic rigor, character development, and personal growth, which created an ideal environment for me to reach my full potential. The research-driven and industry-relevant curriculum provided me with a solid foundation in international business, while the dedicated faculty and staff offered invaluable guidance and support. I feel grateful for the well-rounded education and holistic experience that City University London offered, preparing me for success in my career and beyond.

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28/08/2024

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Barbara

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Urban campus life

At the University of London, I have experienced dynamic and diverse academic environment where I was challenged by rigorous coursework. You will have the flexibility to choose from the wide range of courses, participate in numerous extra-curricular activities and take advantage of the many opportunities

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