Earn university credit online with edX
Earn university credit online with edX through flexible, credit-eligible programs from top institutions that may count toward a degree at participating universities.
Learners can earn university credit on edX through select credit-eligible programs, including MicroBachelors® programs and MicroMasters® programs.
These programs offer flexible, online coursework at the undergraduate and graduate levels and may be applied toward a degree at participating institutions, depending on the university.
How university credit works on edX
To pursue university credit on edX, learners can enroll in credit-eligible programs, such as MicroBachelors or MicroMasters programs.
After completing all program requirements, learners earn a certificate and may apply to universities that offer credit pathways for these programs. Credit eligibility and acceptance vary by institution.
Some edX courses are also evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE), which provides credit recommendations based on academic rigor. An ACE recommendation does not guarantee transfer, but it may support credit recognition at participating institutions.
Before enrolling in a course or program, consider your long-term goals and check whether your target institution accepts credit from the edX program you plan to complete.
Why learners choose credit-eligible programs
Flexibility
Earn credit without committing to a full degree program
Affordability
Lower per-credit cost than many traditional programs
Degree pathways
Transfer eligible credits to participating institutions
Professional development
Showcase credentials on your résumé and LinkedIn
Learn from leading universities and trusted partners
Certificates from edX programs are backed by leading institutions such as Harvard, MIT, and IBM, signaling credibility to employers and universities.
Understand ACE credit recommendations
The American Council on Education collaborates with university faculty to evaluate nontraditional learning experiences, including edX online courses, to determine whether they meet university-level standards.
ACE has evaluated over 35,000 courses. While an ACE recommendation does not guarantee credit transfer, it may increase the likelihood that a school will recognize the credit.
Explore credit-eligible undergraduate pathways with MicroBachelors® Programs
MicroBachelors programs are undergraduate-level offerings designed for learners with little or no college experience.
Completing a program may allow you to earn university credit that you can apply toward a bachelor's degree at a participating institution.
Explore graduate-level pathways with MicroMasters® Programs
MicroMasters programs are graduate-level offerings that build advanced skills in a specific field. After completion, learners may apply to participating universities that offer credit pathways.
If accepted, completed coursework may count toward a master's degree, depending on the institution.
What are stackable credentials?
Stackable credentials allow learners to complete multiple programs and combine earned credits over time. This approach helps learners gradually progress toward a degree through shorter, focused learning experiences.