Understanding eCornell’s Different
learning Experience Formats For Professional Certificates
At eCornell, the majority of our online certificate programs are offered as a Cohort-Based Learning Experience in dedicated, interactive small groups with fixed start and end dates. With over 250+ programs to choose from, students in Cohort-Based Learning Experiences may participate in weekly live and asynchronous interaction with expert facilitators and engagement with industry peers to amplify the impact of their learnings and insights. For select certificates, we may offer a Mentored Learning Experience. In Mentored Learning Experiences, students follow an individualized structured learning agenda with a flexible approach that includes interaction and project feedback with your expert facilitator, including optional 1:1 live sessions. In this format, students can start at any time. Both learning experiences offer opportunities to apply learning concepts to on-the-job projects that are graded with personalized feedback from the expert facilitator. And, both are designed to give students the in-demand skills and deep expertise that will set them apart in their field.
| Feature | Cohort-Based Certificate | Mentored Learning Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Course Format | Online Cohort-Based (<35 Students) with Expert Facilitator | Online Individual Journey with Expert Facilitator |
| When Offered | Default Program Offering | Offered only on Select and Limited Programs |
| Course Structure | 4-8 Individual Courses with multiple start and end dates to select from | 1 Long Course that you can start anytime |
| Duration | 2-6 months, based on Individual Course requirements | 2-6 months, based on your Individual Journey |
| Total Hours | 40-100 hours | 40-100 hours |
| Weekly Commitment | 3-8 hours per week | Flexible weekly hours |
| Core Features | Videos, Activities, Simulations, Quizzes, Projects | Videos, Activities, Simulations, Quizzes, Projects |
| Live Sessions | Optional weekly live sessions | None |
| Projects | On-the-job projects with personalized feedback and grading by expect facilitator | On-the-job projects with personalized feedback and grading by expect facilitator |
| Peer Discussions | Cohort-Based (cohorts <35 students) | None |
| Symposium Access | Yes* | Yes* |
| Credential Earned | Cornell University Program Certificate | Cornell University Program Certificate |
*You may have the option to participate in highly-interactive subject matter Symposiums if it is offered
as part of your Certificate Program
What Can I Expect From Each Learning Certificate?
- Both Cohort-Based and Mentored Learning Certificates deliver exceptional impact with content developed by Cornell University faculty and led by expert facilitators using eCornell’s dynamic learning platform. You will engage with activities and projects to gain skills that can be immediately applied in your organization and to furthering your career development goals.
- Cohort-Based Certificates are the majority of our online certificate programs. They are designed to provide a dedicated small class experience with engaging discussions and optional live sessions allowing for interaction and knowledge sharing with peers often in your industry. Your expert facilitator will provide personalized feedback on all projects and will participate in the peer discussion boards as you progress through the course experience. To simplify scheduling for busy working professionals, the Cohort-Based Certificate programs are divided into Courses, each 2-3 weeks in length with multiple start and end dates for each course in the series.
- Mentored Learning Certificates are offered only for a few select courses. They are designed to provide a flexible approach to a structured learning agenda. The certificate program content is offered in one single long-course and you are given six months to complete all required components. You may choose to complete the program in fewer than six months depending on your schedule – dive in for a focused month of learning or spread your journey over six months – the choice is yours. Your expert facilitator will provide personalized feedback on all projects, and will invite you to optional 1:1 mentoring sessions as you progress through the program.
Explore eCornell’s 250+ certificates for professional development, including these Mentored Learning online programs: