Career Academy FAQ

What is Career Academy?

Coursera Career Academy is a collection of industry-designed courses that help you build job-relevant skills and earn professional credentials.

What are some benefits of using Career Academy?

Career Academy can help you gain new skills that can be of value in the job market, earn microcredentials that can enhance your resume and LinkedIn profile, and demonstrate your commitment and ability to learn new skills independently.

Is Career Academy free?

Yes! Career Academy is free for all UMW students, faculty, staff, and alumni for academic, professional, and personal use. However, Coursera offers additional courses outside of Career Academy that may require payment.

Can I use Career Academy on my own?

Sure! UMW students, faculty, staff, and alumni have unlimited access to the full Career Academy catalog and can use it independently.

Can I access Career Academy content without taking a full course?

Yes! You can search for specific topics in business, technology, data analytics, and more without committing to a full course. Your progress is saved, so you can return later to complete a course and earn a microcredential if desired.

How is Career Academy different from the general Coursera catalog?

Career Academy offers curated courses from industry leaders that grant professional credentials upon completion. The broader Coursera catalog includes courses from universities and other providers, some of which may require additional payment.

Am I required to use Career Academy?

If your instructor assigns Career Academy content as part of a course, you may be required to complete specific assignments or assessments.

Can UMW Alumni get accounts?

Yes! Alumni should fill out this form to request access.