How edX works
Build valuable skills with online courses from leading institutions, including Harvard, MIT, UC Berkeley, Microsoft, the University of Cambridge, and more.
See our most popular coursesedX is an online learning platform designed to offer educational and professional development to learners worldwide.
Founded by Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to expand access to high-quality education, edX provides a variety of learning pathways to help learners build new skills, fill knowledge gaps, advance their careers, and pivot into new fields.
Students can learn on their own schedule, complete coursework, and earn a verified certificate to showcase their skills.
Start for free, upgrade for the full experience
There are two ways to take courses on edX: You can audit a course for free or upgrade to the verified track for the full experience. Each option is designed to meet different learning goals.
Audit track
The audit track lets you explore most course content at no cost, which makes it a great option for students who want to try different topics, choose the right learning path, and review the course before committing financially.
Verified track
When you are ready, upgrading to the verified track gives you access to graded assignments, discussion forums, and a verified certificate so you can showcase your achievement on your résumé and LinkedIn profile.
Getting started is easy
Joining edX takes just minutes — no application necessary, and courses are available anytime. Follow these three simple steps to start your learning journey today:
What makes edX different?
Unlike many free resources, courses and programs on edX are expert-led by renowned professors and industry leaders at top institutions. They are academically rigorous and include structured content and graded assignments. Students learn practical, career-ready skills and join a community of worldwide learners.
edX offers a wide range of in-demand subjects and program types to support all learning paths. Whether you are advancing your career, building expertise, or pivoting into a new field, you can find a course or program on edX that fits your needs and goals.
Learn from the world's top professors and industry experts
David J. Malan
Gordon McKay Professor of the Practice of Computer Science at Harvard University
Courses: Harvard's CS50
View David's courses
Danielle Allen
James Bryant Conant University Professor at Harvard University
Courses: We the People: Civic Engagement in a Constitutional Democracy
View Danielle's courses
Peter Tuchman
Trading Expert and Instructor at the New York Institute of Finance
Courses: Intro to Stock Trading, Stock Trading Professional Certification Examination, Stock Trading
View Peter's coursesInteractive, flexible learning tailored to you
- Strengthen your skills with hands-on labs and real-world assessments.
- Connect and collaborate with global learners in supportive discussion forums.
- Take courses at your pace, anytime and anywhere.
- Earn verified certificates to showcase your skills to employers.
- Gain university credit or specialized expertise through advanced programs.
Types of courses and programs offered by edX
On edX, you can choose the best learning path for your goals, with programs such as:
- Courses: These short self-paced individual courses provide learners with the opportunity to gain foundational knowledge, build new skills, or upskill quickly in a specific area. They are available to audit at no cost, and can be upgraded to a verified certificate. Courses are flexible and typically take 2-6 weeks to complete.
- Professional Certificates: Professional Certificate Programs are a series of courses across diverse topics, designed to help learners gain specialized expertise, build job-ready skills, and earn a recognized credential. Learners can earn a professional certificate within 2-10 months.
- Executive Education: Executive Education Programs are cohort-based courses focused on developing strategic, leadership, and communication skills for leaders, managers, and executives around a specific area. Programs are expert-led and can typically be completed within 6-8 weeks.
- Microcredentials: MicroBachelors® and MicroMasters® Programs are stackable, credit-eligible programs that can help you earn credits toward a full degree. They are ideal for people who want to complete undergraduate or graduate level coursework in a flexible, affordable way. You can complete a MicroBachelors in 4-17 months, and a MicroMasters in 2-9 months.
- Degrees: Through edX, you can obtain an accredited bachelor's degree, master's degree, or doctoral degree from a partner institution. A typical bachelor's degree program takes 4-6 years to complete, while a master's program takes 12-36 months. A doctoral program may take an additional 4-8 years to complete, depending on your field of study.
Hear from learners like you
"My edX course helped me get graduate credit in the school district where I teach."
— Mary Liu, science educator