MicroMasters Programs: Here’s What You Need To Know

Some people who complete their bachelor’s degree program may consider going on to pursue higher education. The problem is, while a master’s degree typically will set you up for more job opportunities and higher pay, it’s another expensive degree that you’ll have to find a way to fund. You’ll also continue to be in school for longer.

But what if there was an alternative to a long and expensive master’s program, that still set you apart from the competition in terms of your qualifications? Perhaps a MicroMasters would be right for you!

What is a MicroMasters?

While a MicroMasters isn’t a degree, a MicroMasters certification is what you can earn after taking a MicroMasters course. A MicroMasters course is a condensed online graduate course from a top university.

At the moment, the MicroMasters programs that exist today were founded by Harvard and MIT and provided through a program called edX, and now given by many top universities. Each MicroMasters program is sponsored by an industry partner like Microsoft, Bloomberg, or GE, just to name a few.

Typically, these MicroMasters programs have a focus on technology, data science, or something similar. It’s a career-focused program that’s recognized by high-paying employers, which can get you into a specific job market. It can also be the first step towards getting a master’s in that field if that’s something you might be interested in down the road.

What are the Benefits of a MicroMasters Certification?

There are many benefits of a MicroMasters certification, which make this type of program definitely something you should consider:

• No Long Term Commitment

A MicroMasters program can be completed in as little as six months, versus a regular master’s program that can take two years or more.

• Complete on Your Own Time

Most courses are flexible and have sign-up dates multiple times throughout the year.

• Recognized by Top Companies

A MicroMasters can help you land the type of job you’ve been looking for, giving you the skills, knowledge, and credential to allow you to be seen.

• Provided by a Top University

Online universities sometimes get a bad rap, but in this case, the course is given by top universities like Columbia, RIT, and University of Michigan, in addition to the schools mentioned above.

• Cost-Efficient

Compared to other degree programs, a MicroMasters might cost up to $5,000.

• A Stepping Stone Towards a Higher Degree

If you end up liking the MicroMasters, the credits are worth up to 50% of a master’s degree.

Types of MicroMasters Degrees

Though there are many benefits to a MicroMasters degree, what might be the most attractive component is the fact that you can have a lot of autonomy when it comes to completing the course.

To do this, there are two types of MicroMasters degrees:

Instructor-Led MicroMasters

The Instructor-Led MicroMasters is for those who need a little bit more structure. There will be deadlines and exams and you’ll need to complete assignments when they’re due and pass tests in order to ultimately earn your certification.

Self-Paced MicroMasters

The Self-Paced MicroMasters allows you to complete the program truly on your own time. There are no deadlines except for the main deadline by which you need to complete the course by.

Image by Kristine A from Pixabay

How Long Does It Take to Complete a MicroMasters?

In general, a MicroMasters takes between six months and a year. You can keep this in mind when choosing the type of program you want to complete (Instructor-Led or Self-Paced), and when choosing the program itself.

Though the idea of a MicroMasters is that it’s, well, “micro,” some people may need more time than others. The edX site also has information on MOOCs offered by different colleges.

Examples of MicroMasters Programs

All of the MicroMasters programs that exist are through edX, and you can find more information on the edX site. But it may be worth visiting the school’s individual website, too.

To start, browse courses. You’ll see the site also has more information on similar degree programs, like the MicroBachelors programs.

MITx MicroMasters Programs

MIT is one of the universities that offers MicroMasters programs through MITx, and they have a fine range of options. The way they lay out their programs is with online learning and proctored tests that will lead to earning your credential, landing a job, and/or continuing on to your master’s degree:

• Supply Chain Management
• Data, Economics & Development Policy
• Principles of Manufacturing
• Statistics and Data Science
• Finance

Columbia MicroMasters Programs

Columbia is another school that offers MicroMasters programs. You can learn more about them through edX, or by visiting the program pages at Columbia’s website. Unfortunately, both programs are currently due to end May 2021, so keep your eyes peeled to see if any other programs may show up in the future.

• Business Analytics
• Artificial Intelligence

Why Should You Study MicroMasters?

A MicroMasters can be an excellent option for someone who wants to go into a very specific job market that’s related to tech, business, data science, or the like. Because these programs are so flexible and given online by top-notch institutions, MicroMasters can help you learn the skills you need and have the credential on your resume to land that type of job.

And, because the cost commitment is not as high as a regular master’s, it’s a good way to get your foot in the door if you decide to go back to complete a master’s while having job opportunities in the meantime.

Is a MicroMasters Worth It?

Though a MicroMasters has tons of benefits, its “newness” may make prospective students hesitant. As with anything that takes any sort of time and financial commitment (even if MicroMasters programs are more flexible and affordable compared to a regular master’s program), you should always do your research before deciding if it’s worth it for you.

Weigh the pros and cons; perhaps this could be a good stepping stone towards finding a better job that you like, and having an easier transition into a full master’s degree later on if you decide to do that.

You can also consider alternatives to a MicroMasters that keep flexibility and cost in mind. For instance, the University of the People (UoPeople) offers master’s programs that are entirely online. Best of all, our programs are tuition-free!