The University of Mary Washington has launched Career Academy by Coursera, a new initiative that offers students, faculty and staff complimentary access to the global online learning platform as a complement to their coursework and careers.
With more than 45 entry-level professional certificates from leading companies such as Google, IBM, Microsoft and Salesforce, Coursera Career Academy focuses on innovative, career-aligned courses and microcredentials. Students can earn numerous certificates while completing their degrees at UMW. The platform is available to undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty and staff, with forthcoming access for Mary Washington alumni.
“We are thrilled to offer the Coursera Career Academy to our UMW community,” said Filiz Tabak, dean of the college of business, which has been leading the initial implementation. “This partnership aligns with our commitment to providing innovative learning opportunities and preparing our students for successful careers in a rapidly changing job market.”
The Coursera Career Academy is available through single-sign-on with a UMW NetID, and it’s already been included in several classes this spring semester through a pilot program. Instructors can assign modules to directly link with coursework and provide feedback, or students can pursue credentials at their own pace and interests. Supervisors can assign professional development opportunities too. It’s free of cost to current students, faculty and staff.
During the pilot period, students in Visiting Assistant Professor of Computer Science Josh Clements’ course on Network Principles and Applications had the option to take three modules in network theory as extra credit for the course, and the work functioned as a textbook replacement. If students chose to continue it, they could earn a certificate in Akamai Network Fundamentals.
“For students, this could be a good independent study tool and added value to their resume,” Clements said. “It’s helpful to the students and something recognizable to employers… It can also be a way to brush up on course material or a topic that you may have studied months or years ago and now earn a credential in your free time.”
In Professor of Marketing Lance Gentry’s Principles of Marketing course, students completed Unilever’s Customer Understanding and Digital Marketing Channels course, which also earned them a basic certificate. They could earn extra credit by going above and beyond, completing Unilever’s more detailed Digital Marketing Analyst Professional Certificate, a professional certificate, which qualifies students to apply for digital marketing analyst positions.
“For example, students stating they have been certified by Unilever as a Digital Marketing Analyst on their resume will be a great way to differentiate themselves from other marketing majors. Coursera has many certifications from many firms; students can add several certifications in their desired career field to their resume before they graduate. I hope many of them take advantage of this opportunity,” said Gentry.
The flexible, online training modules are designed to be completed in 6-8 months, with an average commitment of 4-8 hours per week. Then students are ready to add it to their resumes. According to research by Coursera, 86 percent of college students strongly agree that a professional certificate will help them get a job, and 92 percent of employers believe that microcredentials help candidates stand out in the hiring process.
This initiative is part of UMW’s ongoing efforts to enhance career readiness and continue to support students’ lives after Mary Washington. It also follows through on the strategic vision to immerse students in applied, impactful learning experiences and adapt the liberal arts to the knowledge economy and global digital environment, offering a pathway to gain credentials in in-demand proficiencies. These certificates cover a wide range of in-demand career paths, including data analysis, cybersecurity, UX design, application development and social media marketing. The program is designed to equip participants with job-ready skills through hands-on projects and interactive assessments, allowing them to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Students can complete the certifications anywhere or at any time, making it ideal for the summer, paired with internships, on-the-job training or study abroad opportunities. This partnership with Coursera, a global online learning platform, provides students, faculty and staff with access to industry-branded microcredentials in high-demand fields at no additional costs.
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