In a Nutshell
pros
- Technology-focused courses
- Well-rounded teaching methods
- Robust career preparation
cons
- Non-accredited courses
- No degrees available
Why MIT xPRO?
MIT xPRO offers advanced courses for working professionals. It keeps technology at the core of the learning experience while adopting a four-pronged teaching approach. Here’s why it could be a worthwhile option:
Technology and Application at the Forefront
The team behind MIT xPRO understands that the future workforce must showcase a balance of technical expertise and leadership to excel in a rapidly changing technological world. With this in mind, MIT xPRO’s online learning programs have been designed using advanced research in the neuroscience of learning — how the brain works in relation to education.
These self-paced and accessible programs draw upon the technical expertise of global experts. Additionally, since the programs are primarily application-based, professionals get exposure to real-world challenges, facilitating on-the-job skill development.
Four-Pronged Pedagogical Learning Techniques
MIT xPRO's courses integrate 4 pedagogical approaches to achieve educational goals. These approaches are instructivism, constructivism, anchored instruction, and connectivism.
Instructivism focuses on teacher-centric study through tutorial videos, while constructivism mainly concentrates on self-study with project-based work. Anchored instruction revolves around a central narrative, such as case study, to apply specific skills in context. Lastly, connectivism is about building lasting connections with others through discussion forums and real-time polls.
MIT xPRO Special Features
MIT xPRO equips learners with the guidance and skillsets to excel professionally. Some prominent features include:
Online or Professional Certificate
The 50+ courses across fields such as business, engineering, industry, and technology comprise two types: short online certifications and professional certifications.
The short online certifications provide hands-on practice in 8 to 11 weeks. You'll acquire practical experience guided by experts while exploring real-world applications and successful industrial frameworks.
Professional certifications are more comprehensive, demanding a higher level of dedication spanning four to six months. You’ll get to experience live classes, receive personalized feedback sessions, and work on practical capstone projects.
MIT xPRO certificates guarantee a prestigious credential from a top-tier institution regardless of the certificate you pursue.
Centralized Custom Learning Portal
MIT xPRO lets learners access program material — such as video lectures, assignments, and discussions — in one place through the centralized custom learning portal. The video lectures, delivered by esteemed faculty, are pre-recorded, allowing you to carve out your flexible study hours and benefit from top-notch instruction. In contrast, the interactive discussion boards require active participation to foster peer-to-peer interaction.
Similarly, learners can participate in live office hours, where expert facilitators answer industry-related questions through webinars. Those who can’t attend the live programs can always access the recordings.
Registered participants can use the portal via multiple devices for one year from the program enrollment date. That means easy access to learning, anytime and anywhere.
Online Courses for Teams
MIT xPRO's innovative online courses for teams have brought immense benefits to industry leaders, including Ford, General Motors, and Shell.
When tackling challenges and embracing emerging technologies in your business, taking an MIT xPRO course is a strategic decision. You can tailor the course to meet specific business objectives and organize learning at a pace suitable to your team, all while redeeming substantial group discounts.
Robust Career Preparation and Guidance
Professional certificate holders at MIT xPRO gain access to a complimentary career development course for creating an elevator pitch and improving communication skills. Based on your performance, MIT xPRO also sends resumé referrals to employer partners — Accenture, Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, TTEC, and more. That said, it doesn’t guarantee job placement upon course completion.
Note that MIT xPRO’s career services are offered by Emeritus, an online education provider.
How It Works
MIT xPRO’s home page has a Catalog button to find the programs that are listed. The different industries are on the left, and options are at the top to choose between programs and courses.
Once you’ve selected a course or program, you’ll want to select Learn More to access handy information, such as the tuition fees, financing options, program highlights, guest speakers, and FAQs. You can also email the advisory team or schedule a call with an advisor if you have any questions before enrolling.
Next, select Apply Now to initiate the application process. MIT xPRO offers the flexibility of applying directly through the Emeritus site, as most courses collaborate with Emeritus. The process is straightforward and only takes a few minutes. Start by providing your name, address, nationality, and work experience, and select Continue To Submit after reviewing your application.
Completing the payment is the final step — you can pay the total amount upfront or in two or three installments. An Emeritus course gives you a 21-day money-back guarantee, while courses outside the Emeritus collaboration have a seven-day refund request period.
MIT xPRO Accreditation and Certification
Courses at MIT xPRO are not accredited. However, learners will receive a digital certificate and several Continuing Education Units (CEUs) upon completing their chosen program. These CEUs provide a standardized way to document the time frame dedicated to a non-credit program.
Furthermore, MIT xPRO’s association with MIT—a prestigious university that serves as its curator—enhances its credibility and reputation.
What Former MIT xPRO Students Have to Say
“The vast number of case studies gave me a more in-depth view into cybersecurity and its risks.”
Berndt Pilgram, Principal Lead of IT Systems and Data Science, Infineon Technologies
“The course was easy to understand and had depth. All the concepts were clearly laid out and explained. This is the best course I have come across on this topic.”
Murali Thyagarajan, DBA & Application Support, NASDAQ
“[I liked] learning how quantum computing can impact people and organizations behaviors toward computation and simulation of problems.”
Rejendra Polavarapu, Senior Consultant, Cognizant Tech Solutions
MIT xPRO Support Center
MIT xPRO provides transparent and flexible payment options in collaboration with trusted pay partners—Climb Credit, Sallie Mae, and Ascent Funding. There’s no option for scholarships and financial aid, but learners can save on program fees through referrals sent to others via a personal link.
The website's catalog gives you a program breakdown, from learning objectives and time commitment to fees, faculty information, and FAQs. Additionally, the page features a “What will you learn?” section, providing an overview of the topics covered in the course schedule.
If you need further assistance selecting your course, submit your contact details in the Contact Us section. You could also email the advisory team at learner.success@emeritus.org, schedule a call through Calendly, or call them on +1 315 291 8946.
For any additional inquiries, a detailed support center is available to address questions regarding general policies, payments and refunds, technical FAQs, and courses and programs.
Bottom Line
MIT xPRO courses provide a comprehensive and practical educational experience to ensure students stay updated with the fast-paced tech world. Learners acquire the necessary skills to thrive in their chosen field through a well-rounded pedagogical approach, while career development enhances job prospects.
Irrespective of whether learners choose an online or professional certificate, the custom learning portal houses all study material for convenient access. Even businesses can partner with MIT xPRO to deepen their knowledge with customized programs and jointly tackle complex issues — driving innovation and problem-solving.