A MicroMasters is a professional credential consisting of a series of graduate-level courses designed for career advancement and as a pathway to a full master's degree. The program was launched in 2015 by the massive open online course (MOOC) provider edX, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
The curriculum of a MicroMasters program is typically comprised of several online courses that focus on specific professional fields, such as data science, supply chain management, or business administration. These programs are designed to be more accessible and affordable than traditional on-campus graduate programs, allowing learners to gain specialized knowledge without committing to a full degree program initially.
A defining characteristic of the MicroMasters is its credit-bearing potential. Learners who successfully complete the program and earn a certificate may apply to a full master's degree program at a participating university. If the student is admitted to the university's graduate school, the MicroMasters certificate can often be converted into academic credit, effectively reducing the time and financial cost required to complete the master's degree.
The programs are offered by a global network of universities that partner with edX. While the credential itself is recognized by various industries for professional development, its value as academic credit is contingent upon the policies of the specific institution offering the full degree. Since the inception of the MicroMasters, other MOOC platforms have developed similar modular graduate-level credentials.
