MicroMasters programs are a series of online graduate level courses launched by edX that one can take to earn graduate level credentials from its respective universities. First launched in September 2016 with 19 MicroMasters programs as an extension of its MOOC, edX eventually expanded to include 17 additional programs in February 2017. As of July 2018, 49 different MicroMasters programs are being offered. Each MicroMasters is sponsored by at least one industry partner, including GE, Microsoft, IBM, Hootsuite, Fidelity, Bloomberg, Walmart, PWC, Booz-Allen Hamilton, and Ford.
Unlike other existing microcredentials, the MicroMasters offers advanced credits in the respective universities offering the course. This includes many of the top universities in the world such as MIT, Columbia University, Delft University of Technology, and Indian Institute of Management. The idea of the MicroMasters program started out as an iteration of the existing MOOC model when Coursera first started offering specializations for its various disciplines and a response to the changing nature of work as well as the major skills shortage currently impacting businesses around the world.
Video MicroMasters
Requirements
All learners are required to complete a series of interactive courses as specified in the respective MicroMasters and achieve a minimum grade in order to qualify for it. In addition, learners will have to pay for a verified certificate in order to qualify for it.
The requirements for receiving credit as well as admission into its respective program differ depending on the course as well as the university. Some programs, such as the MicroMasters in Supply Chain Management by MIT also operate on a blended learning model which include a timed examination as well as a final proctored examination. Admission requirements for its on-campus blended learning program differ from its traditional residential admission requirements as applicants are not required to submit scores in a GRE or GMAT as performance in the micromasters program will be taken as a substitute for it. Some other programs still follow usual admission guidelines and the MicroMasters has little to no impact on their application apart from receiving advanced credits upon admission into its respective programs.
Generally, most courses include practice exercises which are ungraded as well as graded assignments with limited attempts.
Maps MicroMasters
Recent developments
In 2016, edX applied for a trademark for MicroMasters in response to Udacity registering "nanodegree" as its trademark in 2014.
In 2017, General Electric has promised to interview any Massachusetts resident who completed a MicroMasters program in supply chain management, cybersecurity, cloud computing, or artificial intelligence. In 2018, MIT admitted its first batch of 40 students into its blended supply chain management program from graduates of its MicroMasters program, reducing its usual 10-month program to 5 months. This pilot also saw 200,000 people signing up, 19,000 earning certificates and 800 sitting for the final proctored examination. It was reported in July 2018 that the students who were admitted into the blended program had better than average scores across the board than those who were in the residential program.
The MIT Statistics and Data Science Center has also announced the launch of its MicroMasters program in Statistics and Data Science slated for the fall of 2018.
Similar offerings
In 2014, Georgia Tech launched its online master's in computer science to emulate its residential program as much as possible. It also started a MicroMasters for analytics, which would allow advanced credits for its online master's in analytics. Coursera has also partnered with several universities, offering graduate-level studies in computer science, accounting, data science, and business administration.
Institutions offering credit
The following universities are currently offering advanced graduate credits upon admission into their respective programs following the achievement of a MicroMasters credential:
References
Source of article : Wikipedia
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