edX Online

About edX: Trusted online learning from top universities and industry leaders

What is edX?

Founded in 2012 by Harvard and MIT professors, edX offers online courses and certificates from leading institutions.

Learners interested in furthering their education or ongoing professional development can access university-backed courses, certificate programs, and microcredentials that fit their schedule and budget.

Founded by Harvard and MIT

Harvard and MIT professors Piotr Mitros, Rafael Reif, and Anant Agarwal founded edX in 2012 to expand access to world-class education. They began with Harvard's most popular course, Introduction to Computer Science (CS50), and have since grown to include a wide range of courses, certificate programs, and microcredentials.

Now, edX offers a wide range of individual courses, certificate programs, and microcredentials, enabling learners to find programs that fit their educational and professional development needs.

Our mission: expanding access to world-class education

Since 2012, edX has leveraged its online platform to distribute high-quality education at scale to global learners and working professionals.

With flexible schedules, university-backed credibility, and career-focused outcomes, edX has been bridging the gap between esteemed institutions and online learners for over a decade.

Partnering with top universities and companies

Learning that drives real outcomes

Academic progression

Earn transferable credits in the MicroBachelors and MicroMasters programs. Learners in the MicroMasters program typically earn up to 25% of their graduate degree in advance, saving time and tuition.

Career impact for working professionals

Maximize the impact of your studies while maintaining flexibility. Most courses are self-paced, and 82-90% of learners who completed an edX program cited positive career impact.

edX by the numbers

100M
Learners around the world are upskilling with edX
5300+
Career-relevant online programs in today's most critical fields
250+
Trusted content partners, including Harvard, MIT, and Google
190+
Countries where learners are advancing their careers with edX

Frequently asked questions about edX

Is edX legit?

Yes, edX is a legitimate online learning platform founded by Harvard and MIT professors. It provides university-backed courses, professional certificates, and microcredentials to working professionals and other learners worldwide. Some programs offer verified certificates and transferable college credits.

Is edX recognized by employers?

Yes, employers recognize edX credentials. Individual courses, verified certificates, and microcredentials carry university and industry-backed credibility. If you want to signal your skills and experience to potential employers, an edX credential makes a great addition to your résumé.

Can edX courses count toward a degree?

Yes, some edX courses can count toward a degree. Many courses in the MicroBachelors and MicroMasters programs provide transferable credits, which means you can complete affordable college credits online. Make sure your specific edX course will transfer to your prospective degree program before enrolling.

Are edX courses free?

You can audit edX courses for free or pay to take them on a verified track. Auditors get limited-time access to course materials, including video lectures, discussions, and practice assignments. Learners who pay for the verified track also receive graded assignments and exams and earn a verified certificate upon completing the course.

How do edX courses work?

Different edX courses have different formats. Most courses allow learners to proceed at their own pace, while others involve a cohort and more concrete timelines. All edX courses are 100% online so that you can study from anywhere with an internet connection.

Who creates edX courses?

Instructors and industry leaders from trusted universities and organizations create edX courses, bringing their expertise to you in a flexible, affordable format. With university and industry partners such as Harvard, MIT, and Microsoft, you can earn recognized credentials from leading institutions.