Degrees

That depends on the degree you’re interested in. Many bachelor’s degrees on Coursera from accredited U.S. universities, like Georgetown University’s Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, allow you to transfer college credits you’ve already earned. Some programs, such as the University of North Texas’ Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences and Bachelor of Science in General Business, are designed as degree completion programs and require transfer credits for enrollment.

Each university sets its own policies on how many transfer credits can be applied toward degree requirements. Be sure to review the specific transfer credit policies of the program you’re interested in.

You can also start building credits by taking university-approved courses, specializations, and certificates on Coursera. If you apply and are later admitted into a degree program, these completed courses may count toward your degree.‎

Typically, a bachelor’s degree is required to pursue a master’s degree, but it doesn’t have to be in the same subject or field. Many programs welcome students from diverse academic backgrounds.

Some master’s programs on Coursera don’t require a bachelor’s degree for admission. For example, the University of Colorado Boulder offers performance-based admission for its Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, Master of Engineering in Engineering Management, and Master of Science in Data Science programs, allowing you to qualify through demonstrated skills and experience.‎

Degree programs on Coursera are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing you to study part-time or full-time based on your schedule.

Undergraduate degrees typically take between two and six years to complete. Your timeline depends on factors like how many transfer credits you bring and the program’s structure. For example, BITS Pilani suggests about 25 hours of study per week, while the University of London recommends around 28 hours weekly.

Graduate degrees generally require one to three years, depending on your pace and program requirements.‎