Specifically I'm applying to some data science programs. As Machine Learning is a relatively advanced topic at the undergrad level and one that is so relevant in the field, I was wondering if it would be enough of a plus on my application to be worth the money?
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4I have nothing concrete to say about this but I'm very skeptical that university faculty would care about a Coursera certificate. Possibly more useful in industry. If the Coursera courses lead to you actually doing some interesting work, then fine, but the pseudo-credential itself will not be impressive.Kevin Carlson– Kevin Carlson2019-09-11 06:29:47 +00:00Commented Sep 11, 2019 at 6:29
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By and large, no. Buying the certificate is meaningless with regards to graduate admissions. You can list MOOCs that you have taken on your CV but do not expect them to carry any weight whatsoever. Admissions will only pay attention to accredited courses.
Note: I say this both as someone who evaluates applicants and as someone who is a lead educator on a MOOC.
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3Personally I think the certificates are a bit of a scam and I am forced to offer them with my MOOC. Perhaps people just like to have them on their walls or something, but one gets the same content, certificate or no, and the certificate only means you paid money. That said, it pays for my TA, so that's good.GrotesqueSI– GrotesqueSI2019-09-11 17:51:53 +00:00Commented Sep 11, 2019 at 17:51
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2The very fact that the OP says "purchase" indicates that they have little actual verifiable value.Buffy– Buffy2019-09-11 19:21:17 +00:00Commented Sep 11, 2019 at 19:21
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@Buffy Most universities require tuition, so I don't see your point.Brady Gilg– Brady Gilg2019-09-11 20:55:39 +00:00Commented Sep 11, 2019 at 20:55
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@BradyGilg Tuition doesn't "purchase" you a degree or a cert.Buffy– Buffy2019-09-11 21:01:06 +00:00Commented Sep 11, 2019 at 21:01
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1@BradyGilg, I question the "verifiability" of the result.Buffy– Buffy2019-09-11 21:43:52 +00:00Commented Sep 11, 2019 at 21:43