Professional Certificate programs from top universities

Professional Certificate programs can be worth it if you want more than a single course but less than a degree. On edX, these programs group related courses around a specific skill area, so you can study on your schedule and earn a verified certificate from the university or company that created the program.

Leading universities, including Harvard and Georgia Tech, offer online Professional Certificate programs through edX. After successfully completing all required courses, you'll earn a verified certificate from the university offering the program that you can add to your résumé or LinkedIn profile.

Professional Certificate programs are well-suited for working professionals looking to upskill or reskill, whether by growing in their current role or transitioning to a new one. These programs balance academic rigor with the flexibility to study on your own schedule.

They're not the same. A professional certificate is a type of program that involves completing a series of college-level courses to gain specialized skills and demonstrate expertise in a specific subject. Once you complete it, you receive a verified certificate from a university or industry organization.

A certification is a credential required to practice certain regulated professions, typically in fields like healthcare and engineering. You earn these certifications by passing an exam administered by a recognized association or organization.

Professional Certificate programs on edX typically take 2-10 months to complete, depending on the institution, subject, and the number of hours you study each week.

edX Professional Certificate programs start at around $500, although pricing varies by institution, subject, and program length.