The higher education landscape is changing fast, but has AI been net positive for students? What do university leaders see as some of the key opportunities with AI?
Hear from David Joyner, professor at Georgia Tech, Anant Argawal, the founder of edX, and Xandi Wright, Sr Learning Strategist at edX as they discuss the ways AI is reshaping higher education. Topics include the impacts of AI on personalization of learning, academic feedback, learner interaction, content accessibility and academic integrity. Are students learning more and learning better as a result?
Key topics include:
What are the opportunities and the threats?
What are the latest trends?
Which universities are leading in this space?
What do we know about how this is impacting student outcomes so far?
Speakers:
Anant Argawal, Chief Academic Officer at 2U, Founder of edX, Professor at MIT
David Joyner, Associate Dean for Off-Campus & Special Initiatives, Executive Director of OMSCS & Online Education, and Zvi Galil PEACE Chair at College of Computing at Georgia Tech
Whether you’re a business leader, L&D executive, or other professional, we offer compelling data and insights for why an outcomes-based skills program is key to succeeding in tomorrow’s workplace.
Discover how to protect academic integrity in the age of AI.
This practical and forward-thinking white paper, written by learning strategy experts at edX, explores how educators can move beyond plagiarism detection to thoughtfully integrate generative AI into teaching and assessment. Packed with actionable strategies, ethical frameworks, and future-focused guidance, it supports institutions in fostering critical thinking, promoting responsible AI use, and preparing students for the evolving world of work. Ideal for academic leaders, instructional designers, and faculty, this resource offers insights to navigate the post-plagiarism era with clarity and confidence.
Key Takeouts:
Understand how generative AI challenges traditional definitions of authorship and originality
Learn strategies to build critical thinking and ethical decision-making skills
Access guiding principles for integrating AI while maintaining academic rigor
Explore frameworks and real-world examples for responsible AI use in coursework
Gain insights into equity, AI literacy, and the limitations of detection tools
Prepare students for AI-driven careers with future-ready, ethical technology skills
Support Your Campus in the AI Era
If you’re an educational institution navigating the rise of AI in the classroom, this resource is for you.
How Credit-Bearing Micro-credentials Are Reshaping University Learning
Article7 min read
May 29, 2025
The traditional university degree is evolving—and academic institutions around the world are rethinking how they deliver high-quality, accessible education at scale in a rapidly changing landscape. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report, 60% of workers will require retraining by 2027. In response, micro-credentials are playing a central role in this shift, emerging as a vital tool to bridge the skills gap. As a result, we’re seeing micro-credentials reshaping universities learning by enabling flexible, stackable learning pathways that support both learner outcomes and institutional goals.
While the term micro-credential often brings to mind standalone short courses or up-skilling programs, a growing category of credit-bearing micro-credentials is designed with academic rigor and recognition in mind. These programs, like the MicroMasters® andMicroBachelors® on edX, are offering universities new ways to expand curriculum, attract learners, and deliver measurable impact on student outcomes.
How micro-credentials are reshaping universities
Micro-credentials are compact, skills-focused learning experiences—typically delivered online—that target specific areas of knowledge or capability. As Times Higher Education describes, they are “bite-sized learning… designed to focus on specific skills or knowledge in a flexible way.”
For universities, micro-credentials offer more than just flexibility. They are emerging as strategic building blocks that can complement or even stack into full academic programs. When thoughtfully integrated, they support both institutional goals and learner needs—especially when they’re eligible for university credit.
Why Institutions Are Embracing Micro-credentials for Credit
As the demand for flexible learning pathways, affordable programs, and career-aligned education continues to rise, micro-credentials present a timely opportunity for university curriculum innovation. Institutions are embedding credit-bearing micro-credentials into academic pathways to serve a more diverse learner base—working professionals, adult learners, and international students—without compromising academic standards.
By integrating programs into degrees, universities can:
Expand access to high-quality content from top-tier institutions
Offer learners stackable credentials that contribute toward a degree
Respond more quickly to labor market needs without launching new full degree programs
These programs enable institutions to support online university credit pathways while giving learners the flexibility to begin their education remotely and progress toward full qualifications.
How Universities Are Innovating with Credit-Eligible Micro-credentials
Globally, universities have already leveraged micro-credentials to expand access and enhance lifelong learning. For example, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) aimed to increase self-directed study opportunities for their students and strengthen lifelong learning skills—key pillars of their innovation strategy. Recognizing rising employer expectations and industry shifts, UTAR partnered with edX to integrate online learning into credit-bearing elective modules across the university. These courses, focused on technology, entrepreneurship, and soft skills, were curated as compulsory courses for students. Faculty also participated in the courses, reinforcing a culture of continuous learning.
This partnership helped UTAR differentiate its student offerings and improve employability. As MK Khaw, Deputy Head of the Centre for Curriculum Development & Innovation, noted, “We know industry is increasingly concerned with soft skills and demonstrable willingness to learn — edX directly supports this. Moreover, lecturers have the opportunity to learn from world-class MOOCs and professionally develop.”
Unlocking Potential Across India with edX Enterprise Subscription Learning Solution
TheAndhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) in India sought to boost employability and expand access to quality education across 36 universities and 900+ colleges. To equip students with in-demand skills in AI, data science, and digital technologies, APSCHE partnered with edX to offer free access to over 2,000 online courses from top institutions including MIT, Harvard, and Google. With support from more than 5,000 qualified mentors, students received real-time guidance while completing courses leading to verified certificates.
Within months, over 590,000 students enrolled and completed 318,000+ courses, logging more than 1 million learning hours. The most popular certificates aligned with job market demand: computer science, data analysis, business, and communication skills. This initiative not only bridged educational gaps but also provided the government with real-time insights into emerging skills trends.
These examples showcase how institutions have successfully embedded credit-eligible micro-credentials to:
Test new content at scale before full program development
Reach a more diverse group of learners worldwide seeking academic recognition
Build agile, modular curricula responsive to workforce needs
Through edX, universities can access a growing catalog of MicroMasters® andMicroBachelors® programs, already aligned with credit-bearing pathways at graduate and undergraduate levels. Covering fields such as data science, business management, finance, and computer science, these offerings enable institutions to deliver flexible, stackable learning that supports both academic rigor and career relevance.
Course Spotlight: edX’s Most Popular Credit-Bearing Micro-credentials
As part of your strategy to enhance access and credential value, consider featuring top-performing edX programs that align with in-demand skills and credit pathways. Here are just a few that institutions frequently incorporate into their offerings:
MicroMasters®:
MIT MicroMasters in Supply Chain Management: Gain expertise in the growing field of Supply Chain Management through an innovative online program consisting of five courses and a final capstone exam. The MicroMasters Program in Supply Chain from MITx is an advanced, professional, graduate-level foundation in Supply Chain Management. It represents the equivalent of one semester’s worth of coursework at MIT.
RIT MicroMasters in Cybersecurity:In this Cybersecurity MicroMasters program, students will gain the essential knowledge and expertise in network security and forensics needed for cybersecurity in enterprise environments.
UC San Diego MicroMasters in Data Science: In this MicroMasters program, students will develop a well-rounded understanding of the mathematical and computational tools that form the basis of data science and how to use those tools to make data-driven business recommendations.
MicroBachelors®:
Harvard University MicroBachelors® Program in University Chemistry: Students will learn the foundations of chemistry in HarvardX’s University Chemistry MicroBachelors Program. Taught by Harvard University Professor James Anderson, learners in this MicroBachelors program are given a robust understanding of chemistry, atomic structure, the principles of energy, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. Each course builds on prior coursework, applying concepts and analysis to real-world case studies and from students daily lives.
London School of Economics MicroBachelors® Program in Statistics Fundamentals: This comprehensive MicroBachelors program in Statistics Fundamentals introduces students to the essential statistical concepts, methods and techniques which they can use to grow their skills in quantitative careers, or as a step towards further study at undergraduate level or in specialised subjects.
IBM MicroBachelors® in Full Stack Application Development:Job-ready full stack development skills in just 6-8 months, plus college credits, valuable hands-on experience, a capstone project, and an industry-recognized certificate employers value. No prior programming or cloud experience required.
These programs are just a few examples of micro-credentials designed with academic credit in mind and offer learners a direct, recognized path into full degree programs—either at the offering institution or one of edX’s university partners.
The Path Forward: A Strategic Shift for Higher Education
As the line between academic education and professional development continues to blur, micro-credentials provide a much-needed bridge. They allow universities to meet learners where they are—whether they’re seeking a full degree or building specific skills for career advancement—and give institutions the tools to respond with agility and academic quality.
For academic leaders, the question isn’t if you should integrate micro-credentials, but how. With the right partners, content, and credit frameworks, these programs can become a powerful extension of your university’s mission to educate, empower, and innovate
Explore how edX for Campus can support your institution in embedding flexible, credit-eligible micro-credentials into your curriculum.
How Andhra Pradesh empowered students with credit-bearing online courses
Case Study4 min read
March 30, 2025
In a move to equip students with in-demand skills for success in the global workforce, the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) partnered with edX to provide free access to credit-bearing, university-certified edX online courses for millions of university students across Andhra Pradesh.
Preparing Millions for Work: Andhra Pradesh’s Skill Strategy
Is it more important to ensure broad access to education or to deliver high-quality learning experiences? For many higher education leaders, striking the right balance can be a challenge—especially when preparing students for an increasingly competitive job market. But in Andhra Pradesh, a state in southern India, education officials believe students shouldn’t have to choose. But education officials in Andhra Pradesh, a state in southern India, know transformative learning experiences require both.
With a focus on complementing the existing curriculum, APSCHE partnered with edX to give students across Andhra Pradesh access to on-demand learning that helps them develop the skills needed to succeed in a global job market—beyond the classroom.
Hear from Anant Agarwal, Chief Academic Officer at 2U, Founder of edX, Professor at MIT, as he shares more about the vision of the partnership and the impact
Challenge: Improve student employability
The international job market has never been more competitive. To help students appeal to employers and establish rewarding careers — in India and around the world — APSCHE identified a few key goals:
Enable students to earn credentials from top universities: Connect students with the chance to earn valuable credentials from top universities and institutions, like Harvard and MIT.
Enhance curricula with job-relevant skills and certificates: Expand on traditional curriculum with resume-enriching certificates, as well as practical, skills-based training in areas like AI.
Mitigate economic disparities. Make sure low-income and middle-class students have access to high-quality learning opportunities.
Ultimately, the government wanted to “bring Harvard and MIT to India” as part of a bigger goal: To improve student employability. Partnering with edX would mean students could learn core competencies, build essential skills and digital capabilities, and earn credentials from top institutions — all tools that would help those students stand out professionally.
Solution: Increase access to high-quality credit-bearing courses
APSCHE and edX worked together to create a first-of-its-kind program for Andhra Pradesh college students where they received free accessto more than 2,000 online credit-bearing courses from edX’s Subscription catalog. The courses — which span subjects like AI, big data, data analysis, data science, communications, career development, machine learning, Python, algorithms, and soft skills — help students develop practical skills that translate to real-world professional contexts.
Students were also able to earn certificates from prestigious universities that had once been logistically or financially out of reach. Those credentials helped students attest to their skills, strengthened their résumés, and opened doors to diverse national and global employment or study opportunities. And once students had taken the courses required by their universities, they could take as many additional courses as they liked — a powerful return for motivated learners.
But these students were not doing it alone. APSCHE assigned more than 5,000 qualified mentors to help students master learning objectives. These mentors hand-selected courses that complemented their existing curricula and focused on the skills their students needed. They also took the courses alongside students, immersing themselves in the content so they were able to offer meaningful support in real time.
Impact: Engaged, empowered, and credentialed students
The response from students in Andhra Pradesh was overwhelmingly positive. In just a few months, more than 590,000 students in Andhra Pradesh from more than 900 colleges and 22 state universities in the region enrolled in the program. In addition, students completed and earned certificates in upwards of 318,000 courses, and tallied more than a million learning hours total. Courses in computer science, data analysis, business, and communications have proved especially popular.
Top subjects by number of certificates
Computer science: 54,000 certificates
Data analysis and statistics: 31,000 certificates
Business and management: 22,000 certificates
Communication and soft skills: 10,000 certificates
Looking ahead
This partnership between APSCHE and edX demonstrated how combining quality education with broad access can empower millions of students. A key factor in its success was the thoughtful integration of on-demand learning with the existing curriculum, ensuring a seamless and relevant experience for students. By providing flexible learning options and dedicated mentorship, the initiative helped prepare Andhra Pradesh’s university students with the skills and credentials needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive global job market. It stands as a powerful example of how innovation and collaboration can transform higher education and expand opportunities for learners everywhere.
Accelerate the workforce of the future, with edX
Explore opportunities to expand learning beyond the classroom for better career outcomes.
Hallym University case study: Equipping students with in-demand skills
Case Study5 min read
November 5, 2024
Looking to set a new standard in education, leaders at Hallym University partnered with edX to embrace technology and build a new educational framework to meet today’s global demands. By integrating AI-powered teaching tools, diversifying curricula, and leveraging hybrid learning, Hallym pioneered the “K-University Model,” which is already helping both students and teachers succeed.
Challenge: Decreased enrollments, new global standards
Faced with reduced enrollment numbers, leaders at Hallym University decided to adapt their academic model to meet the needs of today’s students by harnessing the power of technology.
Hallym University, located about an hour from Seoul, decided to partner with edX to increase enrollments, embrace new technologies, and offer students an educational model that resonated with international trends. Inspired by the global influence of K-pop and K-drama, Hallym created the “K-University Model”: A powerful new initiative that would offer AI-powered teaching tools and modular courses via a single cutting-edge online platform.
Solution: Educational innovation and AI-powered pilot courses
With the help of edX, Hallym University was able to bring its innovative K-University Model to life, diversify the curriculum, and offer AI-powered courses and teaching tools. Hallym began with a pilot program, introducing AI-powered undergraduate courses in a wide array of subjects, including climate change and urban policy, machine learning, accounting, chemistry, and nano bioengineering. Pilot course subject matter was curated to ensure a balance between STEM and social science disciplines, reflecting the university’s commitment to providing a well-rounded education.
Impact
Hallym’s edX partnership allowed them to strengthen their offerings in several valuable ways, including:
Enhanced accessibility. Hallym University decreased language barriers and increased comprehension by incorporating AI translation tools in course materials so students could select their preferred study language.
Flexible implementation. Seven professors were enlisted to develop the edX-integrated courses, each bringing a unique approach to implementation within the curriculum. Some faculty members used edX content as supplementary learning materials, while others integrated it into required homework for credit. While some professors incorporated edX into pre-study material to prepare students for class discussions, others employed edX tools as post-study material to reinforce key concepts. Thanks to edX’s flexible offerings, both students and professors alike can adapt the tools to suit their educational approach.
Rapid scaling. By leveraging edX’s robust platform, Hallym University was able to rapidly test and scale online learning offerings.
Results: Lessons learned
Impact on faculty: Adapting teaching methods and enhancing pedagogical skills
The edX initiative strengthened faculty teaching skills by equipping them with new tools and approaches for online and in-personal learning. Realizing the huge potential at hand, faculty members observed that integrating online learning materials allowed them to focus more on facilitating in-depth discussions and providing personalized support, rather than delivering standard lectures.
Hemin Choi, Assistant Professor at the Hallym AI Convergence Institute & Graduate School of Global Cooperation, said that junior professors found edX to be a valuable resource for both training and education, helping with everything from curriculum design to course development.
Key insights:
Online resources complement traditional teaching. The flexibility of the edX platform allowed professors to experiment with various teaching methods, such as using edX materials as pre-study resources, supplementary learning tools, or post-study reinforcement. This experimentation gave teachers more pedagogical options and gave them more tools at their disposal for improving engagement.
Senior students excel at hybrid learning. The hybrid model was especially effective for senior students, who were generally more adept at self-directed learning.
Online learning deepened discussions. Faculty members observed that integrating online materials allowed them to focus more on facilitating in-depth discussions and providing personalized support, rather than delivering standard lectures
The pilot program enhanced the pedagogical skills of the faculty, equipping them with new tools and approaches that can be applied to both online and in-person teaching. It also prompted many faculty members to advocate for broader adoption of hybrid learning models across the university.
Impact on students: Fostering self-directed learning and global competence
The flexibility and range offered by the edX platform helped Hallym students to deepen their engagement and understanding across the board. Students benefited from:
More flexibility. edX’s flexible structure allowed students to engage with course materials at their own pace, at times and in settings that were most conducive to their learning.
A global perspective, in a local context. Participation in lectures and assignments that were also available to a global audience gave students a broader understanding of their field of study. Class discussions with peers and professors helped students apply this global content to local issues, helping them develop a well-rounded and nuanced perspective on their studies.
Impact on university administration: Strategic planning and future directions
Within a month of purchasing 100 subscription licenses, the utilization rate reached 100% with its intended users. Of the 190 enrollments, 147 courses were completed by learners. University administration concluded that the AI-powered hybrid learning model not only met the immediate needs of students and faculty but also aligned with the university’s long-term objectives of innovation and global engagement.
The successful integration of edX into the Hallym curriculum provides valuable insights into how modern technology can be leveraged to enhance educational outcomes while helping universities achieve their strategic goals.
This partnership marks a critical step toward Hallym’s goals: To raise the bar for academic excellence and give students the skill sets they need for success.
