After the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an unprecedented level of rise in online education and online education is expected to reach $336.98 billion by 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1% from 2018 to 2026. The survey also highlighted that 52% of graduate students in the U.S. found their online college-level education to provide a better learning experience than their college-level classroom education according to Research.com.
In recent trends we have seen Artificial intelligence has become the most demanding field which is driving innovation in several industries such as healthcare, finance, gaming, and more. For professionals or students who are looking to enter into this field, platforms such as edX and Coursera have many valuable courses in the AI field. Both platforms are leaders when it comes to providing online education and both differ in their course structure, offerings, and collaborations. Through this article we’ll provide a comprehensive comparison between edX and Coursera, especially for AI courses, this comparison will be backed by reliable data and will guide you in choosing a platform that will be fit for you according to your needs.
Overview of edX and Coursera
edX:
edX was founded by Harvard University and MIT in 2012, edX is a platform that provides university-level courses in a wide range of disciplines which also includes AI. edX has partnerships with some of the world’s top universities like Harvard, MIT, and Berkeley to offer courses. A key focus of edX is providing high-quality education for free, though certificates and degrees are offered at a cost.
Coursera:
Coursera was founded in 2012 by two Stanford University computer science professors and has become one of the largest online learning platforms. It offers courses, specialisations, and degrees from top universities and industry leaders such as Google, Stanford, and IBM. Coursera has a wide range of AI courses that attract both beginners and professionals who want to advance their knowledge.
Course Offerings and Specialisations in AI
edX AI Courses:
edX offers a variety of AI-related courses mostly from top-tier universities. Some notable offerings on the platform include:
- MIT’s “Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy”
The course is aimed at executives and this course helps learners understand the strategic implications of AI on businesses. This course duration is 6 weeks.
To apply for this course click here.
- Harvard’s “CS50’s Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python”
A beginner-to-intermediate level course that focuses on practical AI development using Python.
To apply for this course click here.
- AI for everyone: Master the Basics by IBM
This program introduces AI concepts applicable across various industries. The course duration is 3-6 months.
To apply for this course click here.
- Professional Certificate in Fundamentals of Google AI for Web-Based Machine Learning
This will teach How machine learning works and how ML, AI and deep learning all fit together. This is a 3-4 month long course.
To apply for this course click here.
In addition to standalone courses, edX also offers MicroMasters programs, which consist of several graduate-level courses bundled into a coherent learning path. For example:
- MicroMasters in Data Science by UC San Diego
Focuses on data science with significant content on machine learning and AI techniques.
To apply for this course click here.
Coursera AI Courses:
Coursera offers an equally extensive range of AI courses, often more industry-focused and practical compared to edX’s academic focus. Some key offerings include:
- Stanford University’s “Machine Learning” by Andrew Ng
This is one of the most popular AI-related courses worldwide and it provides a thorough introduction to machine learning.
To apply for this course click here.
- DeepLearning.AI’s “AI for Everyone”
This course was created by Andrew Ng’s AI startup and focuses on non-technical individuals who want to understand AI concepts.
To apply for this course click here.
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence by IBM
This course focuses on what AI is and explains the core concepts related to AI, also focuses on how AI applications can transform our lives and our work. This course also describes the issues, limitations, and ethical concerns surrounding AI.
To apply for this course click here.
Coursera also offers Specialisations which are a series of related courses that help learners master a specific topic. Notable specialisations include:
- IBM’s “AI Foundation for Everyone”
This course covers machine learning, deep learning, and AI deployment on the cloud. This specialisation course is a 4-course series.
To apply for this course click here.
Cost and Accessibility
edX:
Many edX courses are free to audit which means you can access the content without paying anything, but if you want a certificate or course credit then you will need to pay. The prices for paid certificates range from $50 to $300 for individual courses. MicroMasters programs are more expensive, with costs ranging from $1,000 to $2,500.
Coursera:
Similar to edX, Coursera allows learners to audit their courses for free and the fee is required only for certificates. Prices for individual courses range from $39 to $99, while Specialisations (which bundle several courses together) usually cost $39 to $79 per month. Professional certificates and degrees on Coursera are more expensive which can cost between $1,000 to $4,000.
Certifications and Career Impact
edX Certifications:
edX provides many types of certificates, from professional certificates to more robust ones like the MicroMasters, which can be applied toward a full degree. edX certifications are generally considered prestigious, especially when they come from institutions like Harvard or MIT. They hold significant value in academic settings and among employers.
Coursera Certifications:
Coursera offers similar verified certificates and Specialisations, they are valued more in industry settings, especially for those seeking employment or career advancement in technology and AI. Certifications from Coursera’s partnerships with companies like Google and IBM can carry significant weight in the job market because they provide both theoretical knowledge and practical applications.
Flexibility and User Experience
Both platforms provide flexible learning and allow users to learn at their own pace. Coursera’s interface is often regarded as more intuitive and easier to navigate, especially for beginners. Coursera and edX both offer mobile apps with offline learning, making it accessible for users on the go.
edX also provides a flexible learning experience but is slightly more rigid in its course structure mostly for its MicroMasters programs, which have strict start and end dates.
Which Should You Choose for AI?
Your choice between edX and Coursera for AI courses depends largely on your personal goals:
Choose edX if:
- You prefer academically rigorous content from top universities.
- You are considering a career in academia or want a credential that might count toward a graduate degree.
- You are looking for more advanced or research-based AI courses.
Choose Coursera if:
- You are looking for industry-recognized courses to help you in your tech career.
- You prefer more practical courses that apply directly to the workplace.
- You want flexibility in terms of scheduling.
| Features | edX | Coursera |
| Course Focus | Academic, research-oriented | Industry focus, Practical |
| Key AI courses | – MIT: AI for Business Strategy- Harvard: Intro to AI with Python- Berkeley: Fundamentals of AI | – Stanford: Machine Learning by Andrew Ng- AI for Everyone (DeepLearning.AI)- IBM: AI Engineering Certificate |
| Multi-Course program | MicroMasters (e.g., Columbia’s AI MicroMasters) | Specialisations (e.g., Deep Learning Specialization) |
| Cost | – Free to audit- Certificates: $50 – $300- MicroMasters: $250-$1000-Financial Aid is also available | – Free to audit- Certificates: $39 – $99- Specialisations: $39 – $79 per month- Financial Aid is also available |
| Notable Partnerships | Harvard, MIT, Berkeley, Columbia | Stanford, Google, IBM, DeepLearning.AI |
| Target Audience | Academic learners, those pursuing advanced degrees | Professionals looking for practical skills for career growth |
| Instructors | University professors and researchers | A mix of academic experts and industry professionals |
| Mobile Learning | Mobile app available | Mobile app available |
| Best for | Those looking for rigorous academic credentials or advanced AI study | Those seeking practical, job-focused AI skills and flexibility |
Final Thoughts
Choosing between edX and Coursera ultimately depends on your learning objectives. If you seek academically rigorous content that can enhance your credentials for graduate studies, then edX will suit you as it collaborates with top universities. But if you prefer industry-recognised courses that can provide practical skills to make your career more advanced you can choose Coursera which has a more flexible and career-oriented approach.
Regardless of your choice, both of the platforms provide valuable resources for anyone looking to enhance their knowledge in AI which ultimately contributes to the growing demand for skilled professionals in this emerging field.
Recommended reading:
List of Stanford University AI Courses for FREE
