Online MicroBachelors® programs with college credit

Earn college credit online while building in-demand skills. MicroBachelors® programs from leading universities can help you make progress toward a bachelor's degree at your own pace.

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What is a MicroBachelors® Program?

A MicroBachelors® Program is a sequence of undergraduate-level online courses that helps learners build career-ready skills while earning transferable college credit.

Unlike traditional bachelor's degrees, MicroBachelors programs offer flexible online learning and pay-by-course pricing. With edX, you can complete online programs with partnering schools like Arizona State University, Harvard University, and New York University without having to pause your current employment.

Choose your MicroBachelors® Program

Computer Science

Full Stack Application Development
IBM
MicroBachelors
13 Courses

Business Management & Communication

Business and Professional Communication for Success
Doane University
MicroBachelors
3 Courses
Writing for Success
Thomas Edison State University
MicroBachelors
1 Courses
Information Literacy
Thomas Edison State University
MicroBachelors
1 Courses

Data Analysis & Statistics

Mathematics and Statistics Fundamentals
The London School of Economics and Political Science
MicroBachelors
5 Courses
Statistics Fundamentals
The London School of Economics and Political Science
MicroBachelors
5 Courses

Science

MicroBachelors® Program in Introduction to Neuroscience
Harvard University
MicroBachelors
4 Courses
University Chemistry
Harvard University
MicroBachelors
4 Courses

Why enroll in a MicroBachelors® Program?

Get affordable access to high-quality education

At around $166 USD per credit, edX MicroBachelors programs are one of the most affordable ways to access college classes. With many companies helping to cover education costs for eligible employees, it may come at little or no cost to you to get started.

Earn transferable college credit toward a bachelor's degree

Each program comes with transferable college credit from one of edX's university credit partners. Combined with credit you may have already earned or plan to get in the future, MicroBachelors programs can put you on a path to earning a full bachelor's degree.

Explore a field before committing to a bachelor's degree

A MicroBachelors Program lets you build foundational knowledge in a subject you're interested in before committing to a full bachelor's degree. You can explore a potential career path, develop in-demand skills, and decide whether continuing toward a bachelor's degree is the right next step.

How MicroBachelors® programs compare to traditional college courses

Compared to traditional college courses, a MicroBachelors Program with edX offers added flexibility in scheduling and delivery, all while extending your access to schools beyond your commute. The following table offers a comparison between these two options.

Course delivery format
MicroBachelors® Programs
Online
Traditional college courses
Often in-person
Admissions process
MicroBachelors® Programs
No application required
Traditional college courses
Admissions process typically required
Schedule
MicroBachelors® Programs
Flexible schedule
Traditional college courses
Fixed schedule
Cost
MicroBachelors® Programs
Pay by course
Traditional college courses
Higher tuition costs
College credit
MicroBachelors® Programs
Earn college credit
Traditional college courses
Earn college credit

How to get credit for your MicroBachelors® Program

Earning credit through a MicroBachelors Program starts with successfully completing the program and earning your certificate. Each completed program awards at least three college transfer credits, while some programs offer more.

To apply those credits toward a bachelor's degree, you'll need to enroll at a partner institution or another school that accepts the credits and follow its transfer credit process. Because transfer credit policies vary by institution, review your intended institution's transfer credit requirements to understand how your credits may apply toward your degree.

How to get started with a MicroBachelors® Program

Ready to get started? Here are your next steps:

  1. Consider your career goals and educational needs.
  2. Determine what kind of program can help you achieve those goals.
  3. Explore and enroll in a MicroBachelors Program.
Find the right MicroBachelors Program for you

Frequently asked questions about MicroBachelors® Programs

Are MicroBachelors® Programs worth it?

A MicroBachelors Program can be a worthwhile option for learners seeking a flexible, affordable alternative to traditional college coursework. Students can complete undergraduate-level coursework with top universities online and at their own pace, all with lower upfront costs when compared to traditional degrees. After completing a MicroBachelors Program, some students can transfer their credits toward bachelor's degrees with other schools.

Who should enroll in a MicroBachelors® Program?

Working professionals looking to build new skills or change careers, along with students looking to explore different fields before committing to a bachelor's degree, can benefit from enrolling in a MicroBachelors Program with edX. Regardless of their employment status or age, individuals can build career-relevant skills and complete undergraduate-level classes with this enrollment option.

How long does a MicroBachelors® Program take to complete?

Most MicroBachelors programs are self-paced, allowing you to complete coursework on your own schedule. A typical 6-credit program takes about 2-4 months to complete, though timelines vary by program.

How does credit work, and where is it from?

When you successfully complete a MicroBachelors Program, you will have an opportunity to claim academic credit from colleges and universities that have reviewed the program and have agreed to grant credit for completion without extra fees or hassles.

Do I need a GED or high school equivalent?

A GED or high school equivalency is not required to redeem your MicroBachelors Program certificate for credit. However, a GED or high school equivalency is required if you apply to enroll in a degree program.

How do I get help to pay for a MicroBachelors® Program?

Because MicroBachelors Programs are credit-bearing, they may be eligible for employer education benefits. Check whether your employer offers tuition assistance or education benefits that can help cover program costs. edX also offers financial assistance to eligible learners who demonstrate economic hardship, and you can audit a course before purchasing a MicroBachelors Program.