As part of our commitment to career preparation, A-State has partnered with Coursera, one of the world’s most trusted online learning platforms. Through this partnership, as an actively enrolled online student, you can access Coursera Career Academy certificates and courses at no additional cost.
These courses enable you to build in-demand, industry-recognized skills while earning your degree. It connects your learning with real experiences, so you can clearly see how today’s lessons apply to the work you want to do tomorrow.
Our value-added partnership with Coursera reflects a simple belief. Your education should support your future, your goals and the career opportunities ahead of you. Employers look for graduates who are adaptable, confident and ready to contribute. Coursera reinforces those strengths as part of your A-State academic experience.
What Is Coursera?
Coursera is a global learning platform built around one powerful idea: learning should be accessible, flexible and high quality. Coursera partners with respected universities and leading companies to deliver online courses that reflect real-world knowledge and workforce needs.
Learners around the world use Coursera to develop new skills, stay current in their fields and earn credentials that support professional growth. Courses cover technology, business, leadership, health care, communication and more.
Through A-State’s partnership, you can explore hundreds of these courses to enhance your learning, support your career development and create pathways to new opportunities.
Introducing Coursera Career Academy at A-State
A key feature of this partnership is Coursera Career Academy; a platform focused on career readiness and micro-credentialing. You will gain access to more than 675 free courses designed to help you build job-ready skills. Simply choose what you want to study.
Career Academy fits naturally into your schedule. Courses are flexible, easy to follow, and available whenever you are ready to learn. You can explore new fields, strengthen your current abilities, or add complementary skills that support your degree.
You also have the option to pursue professional certificates from industry leaders. These credentials demonstrate initiative and capability. They show employers that you are gaining experience with tools and practices organizations rely on every day.
Learn more at the A-State Knowledge Base.
Earn Career-Ready Credentials With Real-World Skills
One of the most meaningful advantages of this partnership is the ability to earn credentials while completing your degree. You do not have to wait until graduation to start building your professional profile. You can begin now, at your own pace, and apply what you learn right away.
Through Coursera, you receive free access to courses created by companies such as Google, IBM and Meta. Many of these programs connect directly to high-demand fields including data analytics, cybersecurity, digital marketing, information technology and healthcare operations.
Within Coursera Career Academy, you can:
- Earn micro-credentials in specialized areas
- Complete professional certificates recognized by employers
- Build confidence through real-world projects and applied learning
These experiences help you present your story more powerfully. You can add credentials to your résumé, LinkedIn profile, portfolio and interview conversations. They show employers that you have gone beyond required coursework to invest in your future.
Each course introduces you to tools, scenarios and case studies used in workplaces today. That connection between academic learning and real-world application helps you feel prepared for internships, interviews and professional roles.
Flexible Learning Designed Around Your Life
A-State understands that you balance many priorities. Work, family, school and personal commitments all matter. Coursera is designed with that reality in mind.
You can start a course when it fits your schedule. You can move through lessons at your own pace and pause when life gets busy. You can revisit challenging topics and keep progressing as time allows. That flexibility keeps learning accessible, achievable and sustainable.
This approach also encourages exploration. You might try a project management course, discover an interest in analytics or uncover a passion for leadership development. All of this takes place while you stay on track toward your degree.
How You Benefit
When you participate in Coursera Career Academy, you can:
- Gain real-world, industry-recognized skills
- Earn credentials while progressing through your degree
- Supplement coursework and expand your career opportunities
These experiences help you build confidence and momentum. Completing hands-on projects gives you a sense of readiness and clarity. You can see how your education connects directly to your goals, and you feel more prepared as you move into new academic and professional opportunities.
Supporting Lifelong Learning
Careers evolve. Industries change. New technologies emerge. One of the most valuable strengths you can develop is the ability to keep learning.
Arkansas State’s partnership with Coursera encourages that mindset. You might begin with one short course. You might then add another certificate and continue building skills as your interests grow.
Faculty and staff benefit too. They explore new topics, strengthen instruction and stay connected to industry trends that support your success. This shared culture of continuous learning strengthens the A-State community and helps you thrive.
A Value-Added Resource for You
Because Coursera access is included for enrolled students, you pay nothing extra. These learning opportunities enhance your academic program and add a powerful layer of career-focused preparation.
When you choose A-State, you choose a university that is invested in your success from enrollment through graduation and beyond.
Getting Started
Getting started with Coursera at A-State is simple. You can browse courses, explore career pathways, and choose options that align with your goals. Advisors and faculty are available to help you select programs that complement your degree and your interests.
The more you explore, the more possibilities you discover. Whether you are developing leadership skills, advancing technical expertise or preparing for a new career direction, Coursera offers guided, supportive learning every step of the way.
Learn more at the A-State Knowledge Base.
Looking Ahead
As this partnership grows, its impact on your success will continue to expand. Integrating professional certificates into your academic journey reflects a forward-thinking approach to education. It recognizes what you need to succeed in today’s workforce.
At A-State, academic preparation and career readiness work together to support your future.
Explore What Is Possible
If you are considering an online degree through Arkansas State University, Coursera Career Academy provides an additional benefit that helps you build momentum toward your goals. You can earn credentials while you learn, develop practical skills, and prepare for meaningful career opportunities.
Learn more about our online degree programs and see where your A-State education can take you.