Learner Questions
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From technical difficulties to figuring out how much courses can cost, this Frequently Asked Questions list focuses on the types of questions you might have as a student or learner. Can’t find an answer to your question? Get in touch with the Online Learning Initiative team.
The cost varies, though a certificate is available for purchase in most courses. Some courses have a free or audit option that allows for full access to the course while others require enrollment in a certificate track for full access. Check the home page for the course or program you’re interested in.
Anyone over the age of 13 can enroll in Penn’s non-credit Coursera and edX courses. For additional options, explore Penn’s College of Liberal & Professional Studies site.
Currently, Penn alumni, current students, or staff do not have free access to these courses. Penn alumni may wish to participate in the Alumni Exclusive Online Course, available for a special alumni price. Penn staff may wish to check with their department to explore the possibility of using professional development funds to cover the course cost.
Since these options are non-credit, they are not interchangeable with for-credit online courses even if the subject matter is similar.
Non-credit, self-paced courses have different requirements than for-credit online courses. Carefully review the established course requirements.
Check out Wharton Online’s offerings to explore the options and review their Frequently Asked Questions for addition information. Contact the Wharton Online team with questions you might have about the Wharton School’s courses or programs.
Use our course search to find specific programs.
Please reach out to the teaching staff within your course through the discussion forum, or, see each platform’s help centers: Coursera’s Learner Help Center and edX’s Student FAQs both have a host of helpful answers.
