Body
Environment
Open online courses and series, Teach-Outs and collections, For-credit online certificate programs, Online degree programs
Issue
You want to know what credential you may earn, whether a learning experience awards academic credit, or whether a certificate can count toward a U-M degree.
Resolution
Comparing Different Learning Experiences
Open online course or series:
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Earn(s) a certificate of completion is available for most, but not all, courses and series. It can be shared to highlight new skills and knowledge.
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Does not award U-M academic credit.
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No application is required for open enrollment.
For-credit certificate program:
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Earns a for-credit certificate. The program includes a minimum of 12 credits.
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Requires an application and admission. In some cases, earned credits may be applied to a U-M degree after the learner applies to and is admitted to that degree.
Online degree program:
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Earns a diploma after successful completion of a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate program.
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Awards academic credit
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Requires application and admission.
Open online courses, series, Teach-Outs, and collections do not award academic credit.
Advanced standing and stacking
When specifically stated on the course or program page, completion of certain open online courses may qualify a learner for advanced standing in a degree program after the learner applies to and is admitted to a specific U-M online degree program.
Some for-credit certificate programs may stack into a specific U-M degree, qualify a learner for advanced standing, or serve as an alternative path to admission. Review the certificate program description and the related degree page for details.
Additional Information
Completing an open course or certificate does not, by itself, guarantee admission to a degree program or guarantee that the learning will apply toward a degree. The course or program page must specifically describe the available pathway.
For additional assistance, please contact Michigan Online Support.