MOOC 2.0: Free Degree Courses

EdX: The Inventors of MicroMasters 

Online course platform edX has pioneered the availability of online degree courses with their MicroMasters program.

• For example, students can start by enrolling in the Analytics MicroMasters course series, which includes three online courses over several months. The individual courses can be accessed for free in the audit track.
• If students then decide to continue their learning with Georgia Tech's Master's Degree in Analytics, their MicroMasters certificate may count towards academic credit for this degree. To follow this path, students need to be enrolled in the paid version of the MicroMasters program, which includes a verified certificate.

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FutureLearn: British and Australian Universities

UK-based FutureLearn has a similar program in place. They have teamed up with several British and Australian universities.

Learners can take an introductory online course (in the free audit track, or in a paid certificate track). If they decide to continue in their chosen field of study, they can enroll in several online degree programs.

• For example, students can start with a course on cryptography, which is part of a course series on this topic. Eventually, they can complete an MSc in Cyber Security from Coventry University.
• Similarly, a course on the physical health assessment process (part of a course series) can be the first step towards an MSc in Nursing degree.

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Coursera: Computer Science and Business Degrees 

Coursera, as the largest MOOC provider, has teamed up with several universities from the U.S. and other countries to offer degrees in computer science and business. Some of the degree components are offered through MasterTracks.

• For example, Arizona State University offers a course series on Database Systems. The course series, or Specialization, offers a free trial period, and individual courses from the Specialization can be accessed for free in the audit track. Students who continue their learning path can then enroll in the corresponding Master of Computer Science from ASU.
• Business students may aim for an online MBA degree offered by the University of Illinois. To start their academic learning, they can begin by enrolling in the Strategic Leadership and Management Specialization (or any of its 7 individual courses).

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MOOCs 2.0: Free Courses That Are Part of Degree Programs

The online degree courses can be taken as part of a (paid) full academic program. This is equivalent to a regular course of studies at a university.

However, because the audit track for individual courses is usually open for anyone, many more learners now have free access to the same high-quality academic online courses.

Thus, MOOCs are no longer a slimmed-down version of university courses. This development will bring MOOCs one step closer to being a relevant component of a free online university education for everyone, even if official degrees will still carry a price tag.

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