EdX is legit. In fact, it is one of the few online learning platforms with a database of accredited courses from renowned institutions like Harvard and MIT.
While this limits the platform’s range in terms of available courses, each course is taught by University professors and features an in-depth breakdown that other platforms won’t offer.
edX is also free to use if you don’t plan on getting certificated. For certification, you will have to pay the designated amount assigned to such a course.
Aside from being legit, there is a need to know the kind of programs offered on edX and its pros and cons before creating an account. Keep reading to learn more.
What Is edX?
edX is a legit nonprofit organization created by both MIT and Harvard to offer valuable courses to everyone all over the world. Currently, the platform has about 3,000 courses from various institutions.
There are also over 25 million learners on edX, the largest any online learning portal can boast of.
How Does edX Work?
As a nonprofit organization, edX gives everyone access to learning as many as possible courses online. These courses are a combination of video lectures, assignments, learning materials, quizzes, and exams.
To get started, you must sign up to create an account and select a choice program. Program types on edX include MicroBachelors, MicroMasters, Xseries, Professional Certificate, Executive Education, and Master’s Degree.
What are the Courses Available on edX?
edX features over 2,500 courses in fields such as Architecture, Biology & Life Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, Computer, Economics and Finance, Engineering, Business and Management, and more.
For courses, there are no serious prerequisites but to be on the safer side, read the description of every course before enrolling. This is because some courses are more advanced than others.
In terms of completion, most of the courses offered on edX will require between 4 to 12 weeks if you study every day. For courses enrolled in verified track, it is compulsory to complete such courses before the end date and with a passing grade.
There are also instructor-paced and self-paced courses. Instructor-paced courses have a fixed date for all course activities. In other words, the date assigned to each task must not be exceeded.
Self-paced courses are similar to instructor-paced courses. Just that you can study at a more flexible pace so far you complete the course before the deadline.
In other words, there is no deadline for assignments, quizzes, and other tasks. If you start and complete everything a day before the deadline, it is fine.
The majority of the courses on edX are taught in English. Only a few are taught in Russian, Chinese, Italian, Spanish, and French. Courses in these languages have an English subtitle.
edX also allows learners to engage in discussions, and connect via forums and communities. There is also an option to download most courses for offline viewing so you can watch them later without an internet connection.
What are the Programs Available on edX?
1. MicroMasters
edX offers over 60 MicroMasters programs. These programs are all about graduate-level courses designed to teach you the nitty gritty of any course you wish to learn.
On average, these programs last about one year or a year and 6 months. They also cost between 700- 1,400$. Anyone can apply for this program.
Nevertheless, you should check the registration page for more information on eligibility for some advanced MicroMasters programs.
Earning a MicroMasters on edX makes you eligible for a full Master’s program. If you apply and you’re successful, you can use your MicroMasters credit during your study.
To enjoy this benefit, you should apply for a full Master’s program with the same university whose name appears on your MicroMasters certificate.
2. MicroBachelors
MicroBachelors programs are a series of college courses in fields like marketing essentials, information technology framework, computer science fundamentals, professional writing, and elements of data science.
Unlike MicroBachelors have a shorter completion period. You should be done within 3 to 6 months spending between $500 to $1500.
Upon completion, the program grants you transferrable college credit, with each valued at about $166. MicroBachelors programs do not require applications and are available for everyone.
Courses on this program are self-paced but feature personal coaching to ensure you are following the right path. You can also apply for MicroBachelors regardless of your college experience.
3. Professional Certificate
Professional Certificate programs contain a variety of courses designed to help professionals add to their skills and grow their careers.
The program has about 140 different courses on trending subjects. You also get to learn at your own pace and get a certificate after completion.
Most courses on this program last about 3 to 6 months and usually cost between $100 to $2,500. If you are interested in learning about Computer Science for Artificial Intelligence (created by Harvard), edX is the perfect portal for you.
The course costs just $260 and can be completed in just 5 months with certification.
4. XSeries
XSeries programs strictly feature courses designed to discuss every aspect of a topic. For example, if you enrolled in a course on front-end development and already have an idea of how to use HTML and Java.
An XSeries course will only feature an in-depth tutorial on HTML or Java, not the entire programming course. These courses are managed by top professors from MIT, Harvard, and Columbia, to name a few.
The price for this program ranges from $100 to $450. Each course is also self-paced and usually requires a few months to be completed.
5. Master’s Degree
Master’s degree programs are the highest level of learning on edX. The online portal offers about 12 accredited Master’s degree programs from prestigious institutions like The University of Texas, The University of Queensland, and Purdue University, to mention a few.
The full requirement for each course can be found on their pages and you must fulfill them to be enrolled. edX Master’s programs are flexible and an ideal solution for full-time workers looking to earn a Master’s degree online.
edX’s Master’s degree certificate has the same value as that of an on-campus certificate and can be earned within 2 to 3 years. The price also ranges from $10,000 to $25,000 per program.
What are the Pros and Cons Of edX?
Like every platform, there is a good and not-too-good side to using edX.
Pros
- edX offers you a wide range of university-level courses from some of the best institutions in the world.
- You can audit over 90% of these courses for free.
- There are courses for every level (beginner to advance) and internationally recognized certificates for each of them.
- You can learn at your pace and from anywhere.
- edX offers financial aid.
Cons
- edX’s master’s program is a bit expensive
- Most of the courses are taught in English
- To earn a certificate, you must be enrolled in a verified paid track and complete the program with a good grade
Does edX Offer Financial Aid?
edX offers financial aid for people looking to enroll in verified track programs but cannot foot the bill. This aid can offer up to 90% assistance in terms of cost depending on your reason for the aid.
You can also be approved for financial aid 5 times every year. To apply, enroll in the audit track of the course and fill out the financial aid application form. It takes about 2 to 4 days for each application to be reviewed.
If approved, you will receive an email with a code required to fill out the payment form. For professional programs, XSeries, MicroMasters, and MicroBachelors, it is a bit different.
You need to apply for each course within the program, not the entire program at once.
FAQs
Is edX Accredited?
edX is accredited and the same can be said for all its programs.
However, while you can learn for free, you will have to pay to earn a certificate.
Is edX Certificate Worth The Money?
Yes, edX certificates are worth it.
In fact, they stand a better chance at securing gigs at top organizations than certificates from regular online learning portals.
Is edX Legit?
edX is legit and strongly affiliated with reputable institutions.
The platform is rated 4.5 out of 5 on TrustPilot and is loved by more than 80% of its users.
Conclusion: Is edX Worth It?
edX is without a doubt, one of the best and most legit online portals for learning at different levels. It is a licensed platform with a lot of professional tutors and learners.
Perhaps you will like to explore other online learning platforms before making a decision, see the best online learning platforms to learn anything online.
I hope you found this article helpful. Thank you for reading.
