Last Updated on October, 2024
GetSmarter provides many short courses on a wide range of subjects to enhance your academic and professional skills. It partners with well-renowned institutes such as Yale, Harvard, Oxford, and more, which makes it unique among the crowd.
But how does GetSmarter work? Are the courses pricey? Is it worth it?
Read ahead to find answers to all of your questions! This guide includes an unbiased GetSmarter platform review covering its features, best courses, instructors, prices, refunds, reviews, pros, cons, and even alternatives.
Features
Effectiveness
Price
Contents
- Quick Summary
- What is GetSmarter?
- How Does GetSmarter Work?
- Who GetSmarter is Suitable for?
- How to Open a GetSmarter Account?
- Who Are the Instructors?
- What is a Lesson At GetSmarter Like?
- Are There Free Courses?
- What Are the Best GetSmarter Classes?
- Short Courses on GetSmarter
- Tips for Finding Great Courses on GetSmarter
- What is GetSmarter for Business?
- How Much Does GetSmarter Cost?
- GetSmarter Reviews
- Is GetSmarter Legit?
- Is GetSmarter Worth it?
- GetSmarter Alternatives
- Pros of GetSmarter
- Final Thoughts
- FAQs
Quick Summary
Here’s a quick evaluation of the GetSmarter review:
What is GetSmarter?
GetSmarter is an online learning platform providing a wide range of online courses for students worldwide.
GetSmarter offers courses related to many fields, such as financial management, digital marketing, business performance, Sustainability, healthcare, technology, and more! Every course is backed by reputed and recognized educational institutions or universities.
Therefore, GetSmarter holds a unique place among the decade of online learning platforms.
If you enroll in GetSmarter courses, you will gain access not only to their courses but also to 2U’s Career Engagement Network. Their career network has plenty of resources, tools, and online forums to enhance both your academic and professional career.
How Does GetSmarter Work?
When you enroll in a course in GetSmarter, you get access to the following elements:
You can view all the course materials on the online campus. Also, you can interact with the instructors and students from the forums. It helps to foster a great learning community.
After you complete the chosen course, you can get a digital certificate from the institute offering your specific course. In GetSmarter, you pay on a per-course basis. Generally, each course would be around 6 to 8 weeks (Average study time is 6 to 8 hours per week).
What Are the Subjects You Can Learn At GetSmarter?
The following are the critical course categories offered by GetSmarter:
Who GetSmarter is Suitable for?
The GetSmarter is your best online learning platform if you fall into any of the below categories:
If you have any of the above requirements or fall into any of the above categories, GetSmarter is your go-to platform to build a successful career at a recognized educational institution.
How to Open a GetSmarter Account?
In GetSmarter, you don’t need to create a profile to get started to browse courses. Initially, you need to find a course, and during enrollment for a particular course, you get to enter your details.
Follow the below steps to enroll and register in your GetSmarter account:
That’s it! Now, you can get started with GetSmarter and start your learning process from the world’s leading universities.
Who Are the Instructors?
GetSmarter has the best panel of instructors, academic institutions, and top academics in the world. All instructors are well qualified in terms of educational qualifications and experience. Thus, you will learn from the best panel of tutors.
However, the leading institutions involved in offering courses in GetSmarter are:
When you navigate to each course, you can scroll below and check the “Course Conveners” section. This section explains the specific instructor dedicated to tutoring you in the chosen course.
It would give you a brief idea of the instructor’s qualifications and experience to narrow down your decisions.
What is a Lesson At GetSmarter Like?
The classes at GetSmarter include the following features:
Most of the above course content is given at the beginning of the course or each module. So you can get prepared accordingly.
Are There Free Courses?
No, there are no GetSmarter courses for free or no free trials.
However, if you still have any concerns about free courses or trials in GetSmarter, get in touch with their customer support. Since GetSmarter online courses are expanding, we hope this policy changes (even though there are no official announcements).
Selections of Universities At GetSmarter
You can pick GetSmarter short courses based on either the category or universities. Their partnership with the top universities is the key strategy and the key selling point.
However, the following is the list of educational institutes that GetSmarter has partnered with:
What Are the Best GetSmarter Classes?
GetSmarter offers short courses that are both the best and most affordable. However, here, we have listed down some of the best classes based on many criteria.
All these classes are carefully picked, assessing the course quality, structure, best universities, accredited certificates, and benefits such as career support services and career prospects for continuing professional development.
Let’s get down in detail!
Digital Transformation and Disruptive Technology
The following are the best GetSmarter classes offered under the criteria of Digital Transformation and Disruptive Technology:
1. MIT Media Lab Cryptocurrency
Quick Summary:
MIT Media Lab Cryptocurrency is ideal for individuals who prefer to get practical skills related to the cryptocurrency field.
The course instructors are Gary Gensler and Neha Narula, who are MIT Media Lab subject matter experts. Also, it consists of 6 course modules.
The following are the key learnings from this course:
2. MIT Sloan Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy
Quick Summary:
If you want to study AI and how to integrate it into your organization, MIT Sloan Artificial Intelligence is your go-to course!
Thomas Malone and Daniela Rus are the course instructors, members of the MIT faculty, and well-known industry experts. Also, the course consists of 6 modules to cover the content.
The following are the key learnings from this course:
Real Estate
The following are the best GetSmarter classes offered under the criteria of Real Estate:
1. LSE Real Estate Economics and Finance
Quick Summary:
If you are keen to learn about real estate investments, the economic markets, finances, and more, LSE Real Estate Economics And Finance is your ideal pathway.
Gabriel Ahlfeldt is the course instructor represented by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) faculty.
There are 8-course modules to cover the course content.
The following are the key learnings from this course:
2. The University of Cape Town Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Quick Summary:
The Energy Efficient and Sustainability course is ideal for learners who prefer to gain skills and knowledge about energy-saving strategies, including experience related to industrial, commercial, and large-scale environments.
The course instructors are Richard Larmour and Mascha Moorlach, who are represented by the UCT(University of Cape Town) faculty.
Overall, the course consists of 8 modules.
The following are the key learnings from this course:
Leadership
The following are the best GetSmarter classes offered under the criteria Leadership:
1. Oxford Executive Leadership Programme
Quick Summary:
If you want to gain the leadership skills to lead a business landscape successfully, this is your go-to online class!
The course instructor is Tim Morris, who represents the Oxford University and the Oxford Said faculty.
The course consists of 8 modules.
The following are the key learnings from this course:
2. Yale Som Executive Education Women’s Leadership Program
Quick Summary:
The Women’s Leadership Program course is ideal for learners who want to understand the fundamental principles related to innovation backed by networks. The course instructors are Emma Seppälä and Rodrigo Canales. This short course consists of 8 modules.
The following are the key learnings from this course:
Information Technology and Cybersecurity
The following are the best GetSmarter classes offered under the criteria of Information Technology and Cybersecurity:
1. Harvard Vpal Cybersecurity: Managing Risks in the Information Age
Quick Summary:
If you want to enhance your personal cybersecurity leadership plan and manage risk in the digital era, this is your ideal course.
The course instructor is Eric Rosenbach, represented by the faculty from Harvard’s Office of Vice Provost for Advances in Learning (VPAL). There are 8 modules in the course catalog.
The following are the key learnings from this course:
2. University of Cape Town Fundamentals of Cybersecurity
Quick Summary:
If you want to protect your organization’s data threats and cyberattacks, this self-paced learning will lead you to the correct pathway.
The course instructor is Zainab Ruhwanya, who is guided by the University of Cape Town faculty. Overall, the course consists of 8 modules.
The following are the key learnings from this course:
Business Management and Strategy
The following are the best GetSmarter classes offered under the criteria Business Management and Strategy:
1. LSE MBA Essentials
Quick Summary:
If you want to enhance your skills related to management, strategy, and leadership in Business, the MBA Essentials is one of the best short courses.
The course instructor is Professor Connson Locke, who represents the London School of Economics and Political Science.
The course consists of 10 modules.
The following are the key learnings from this course:
2. Northwestern Weinberg College Leading Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Quick Summary:
Leading Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is best suited for individuals who prefer to develop their skills related to diversity, equality, and inclusion.
The course instructor is Alvin B. Tillery, Jr, who is represented by the Weinberg College faculty at Northwestern University. The course consists of 6 modules.
The following are the key learnings from this course:
Sustainability
The following are the best GetSmarter classes offered under the criteria of Sustainability:
1. Cambridge Business Sustainability Management
Quick Summary:
If you are interested in learning actionable plans against the sustainable challenges in your organizations, this online course will teach you the essentials!
The course instructor is Martin Roberts, who represents the University of Cambridge. The class consists of 8 modules.
The following are the key learnings from this course:
2. Yale School of Management Corporate Sustainability Management: Risk, Profit and – Purpose
Quick Summary:
Corporate Sustainability Management: Risk, Profit, And – Purpose is best suited if you want to learn to create practical plans to enhance the Sustainability of your Business. The course instructor is Todd Cort, who represents Yale University. The course consists of 6 modules.
The following are the key learnings from this course:
Design and Creative
The following are the best GetSmarter classes offered under the criteria Design and Creative:
1. University of Cape Town Teaching With Technology
Quick Summary:
If you want to advance your career towards teaching with technology from primary to higher education, this is the best among all the courses on the GetSmarter course page.
The course instructor is Joanne Hardman, who represents the University of Cape Town. It consists of 8 modules.
The following are the key learnings from this course:
2. The University of Cambridge Sustainable Marketing, Media, and Creative
Quick Summary:
If you want to integrate marketing, media, creative practices, and branding toward a sustainable future, this course will pave the path for you!
The course instructors are Dr Victoria Hurth and Charlotte Thompson, who represent the University of Cambridge. The course consists of 8 modules.
The following are the key learnings from this course:
Data Science and Analysis
The following are the best GetSmarter classes offered under the criteria of Data Science and Analysis:
1. University of Cape Town Business Analytics
Quick Summary:
If you are interested in learning about data analytics techniques and drawing insights, this Business Analytics course works for you! The course instructor is Dr Adheesh Budree from the University of Cape Town. The course consists of 8 modules.
The following are the key learnings from this course:
2. MIT Sloan School of Management Data Monetization Strategy: Creating Value Through Data
Quick Summary:
If you prefer to combine data monetization-related business strategy into your Business to enhance the digital economy, this course is the best! The course instructor is Dr. Barbara Wixom from MIT Sloan School of Management. The course consists of 6 modules.
The following are the key learnings from this course:
Short Courses on GetSmarter
There are more than 292 courses in the GetSmarter online learning platform. These short courses are available in more than 15+ categories to choose from.
Thus, it has a diversified range of short courses to choose from based on your requirements.
The following are a couple of the best short courses in GetSmarter:
The above are only a few courses from the extensive list. Consider researching the courses you require based on your requirements (also check out the best GetSmarter courses we have discussed above).
Tips for Finding Great Courses on GetSmarter
The following are the essential tips to find the best courses on GetSmarter:
Thus, considering the above factors, you can find the best online courses that fit your requirements.
What is GetSmarter for Business?
GetSmarter for Business is a separate function other than the usual package.
The following are the critical offerings under the GetSmarter for Business package:
You can either pay on a course basis or set up a pricing plan by contacting GetSmarter directly. Also, you can use the 2U tokens to cover up the cost.
Each 2U token is valued at $100 each, and you can purchase 2U tokens separately. 2U tokens are available for purchase under bundles such as 500 to 10,000.
Thus, the GetSmarter for Business package helps you to provide tailored service according to the specific requirements of your employees or the business.
How Much Does GetSmarter Cost?
GetSmarter courses cost about $550 to $3800 (depending on the type of course you pick and the institute offering them).
Even though the prices seem costly, they’re worth the cost because you get the qualifications from a reputed and recognized institution. Thus, you will be highly recognized when you use it for your job placement or your Resume.
Since the courses cover the in-demand skills required for the industry, covering both your personal and professional development, the investment is worth it.
You can pay for the course as a single payment or as an installment. Generally, paying in installments is recommended to avoid the financial burden of a user.
Can I Buy GetSmarter as a Gift?
No, GetSmarter doesn’t have the functionality to offer courses as gifts. Since it is a tremendous and growing platform, let’s hope that GetSmarter will introduce the feature to send GetSmarter courses as gifts to your mates.
However, you can use the “GetSmarter for Business” package if you want to purchase courses for your team and reward them. Even though GetSmarter for Business doesn’t work like gifts, it might be a better alternative.
GetSmarter Free Trial
GetSmarter does not offer a free trial option. But you can get a 15% exclusive discount on all courses by entering a code. You can get the code from individuals who are GetSmarter affiliates.
GetSmarter Refund Policy
GetSmarter has a fair refund policy.
You can request a GetSmarter refund under the following circumstances:
Also, you can postpone your course across another with the same Education Partner depending on the duration of the course.
However, you need to apply for the postponement before three weeks or less or apply for a full refund within 14 calendar days (from the start date of the course).
If your course is four weeks or more, you can either apply for postponements or request a refund within 21 calendar days (from the start date of the course).
If you have any concerns, you can contact GetSmarter through the following numbers or submit an instant request:
GetSmarter Reviews
It’s time to get to know GetSmarter from the student testimonials and their experiences.
Here’s a review by Sayma published on Trustpilot about GetSmarter:
One of the worst platforms for online courses – keep AWAY! I signed up for the NUS UX Design course in Sep 2023. The course was horrible – with poor quality lectures, no substance whatsoever and no content on Figma, yet 70% of the coursework was on Figma. I paid $900 for this! NUS are a terrible University with rubbish lecturers and Getsmarter are crooks. Disgrace for Edx and 2U. I am glad they are going bankrupt. Corrupt criminals.
As per the above review, Sayma had a bad experience as she wanted more from how the online course was carried out. It was less planned, and she also faced difficulties in not receiving the certificate on time!
Here’s another review by Chris S published on Trustpilot about GetSmarter:
Avoid GetSmarter Like the Plague!
Oxford University content was really good, I enjoyed it. Just avoid anything run by GetSmarter. The support is absolutely terrible, they make up dates and excuses when your certificates don’t arrive on time, or ever. I’ll never use them again and I’ll make sure others in my company are aware too. Shocking.
As per the above review, even though Chris was satisfied with his online learning experience with Oxford University, he also had issues gaining his certificate. Also, he claims that customer support could have cooperated better with him.
However, there are both pros and cons of using GetSmarter. Thus, before enrolling in any course on the GetSmarter platform, do a thorough background check on the course syllabus, instructors, and institutions. You can also find individual course reviews on the internet.
Thus, make sure to pick the right course after a thorough background check to prevent any bad experiences in GetSmarter.
Is GetSmarter Legit?
Yes, GetSmarter is a legitimate online learning platform that has been offering online courses for more than ten years. Currently, there are more than 48 million learners worldwide being educated by GetSmarter.
They offer short courses guided by top instructors and institutions in the world (discussed above). Their credentials and certifications are considered recognized and worth it.
Is GetSmarter Worth it?
Yes, GetSmarter is worth the price it provides.
But, if you want to experience high-end learning of online courses from top-class universities and institutions, GetSmarter is your go-to online learning platform.
By taking the GetSmarter courses, you can make a positive change in your academic and professional development.
The short courses are handy for both individuals and businesses to enhance their skills effectively.
Even though the course prices are costly, they are worth it considering the GetSmarter partners.
GetSmarter Alternatives
The following are the best online learning platform alternatives for GetSmarter:
Coursera: Coursera provides an excellent set of courses focusing on both the academic and professional development of the students.
The price of Coursera courses depends on the pricing package you pick. Individual course packages may range between $49 and $79. The starting price for guided projects is $9.99, and the specialization course package starts from $49 per month.
LinkedIn Learning: Courses offered by LinkedIn Learning are both budget-friendly and effective for learners.
They provide a wide range of courses for students covering every aspect of the industry, such as sales, digital marketing, leadership, and more! You can either purchase individual courses or consider enrolling on a subscription.
Udemy: Udemy offers 200K+ courses, including professional and short courses.
They are both cost-effective and worth it, and they start at $20 each. However, the courses are less accredited than those on other learning platforms.
Apart from the above, there are other competitive platforms such as Udacity, Pluralsight, Datacamp, Turing College, and Masterclass.
Pros of GetSmarter
The following are the pros and cons of enrolling your online course at GetSmarter:
Pros
Cons
Other Online Learning Platform reviews:
Final Thoughts
Even though the courses offered by GetSmarter are pricey, they are worth it as high-class universities offer them.
Yet, before enrolling in any of the courses in GetSmarter, please do a thorough background check to ensure it is worth it! Because every experience depends on the type of short course, instructor, and the university offering it.
We hope this guide provided you with an unbiased GetSmarter review delving deep into its crooks and crannies!
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