The nature of work is changing faster than traditional education can keep up—and the gap between emerging technologies and job-ready capability is widening. Today, we’re expanding our partnership with Microsoft to help close that gap, with the launch of 11 new Professional Certificates across AI, data, and software development.
These new programs expand Microsoft’s Professional Certificate portfolio on Coursera by more than 50%, building on a catalog that has already reached over 1.3 million enrollments globally. Together, we are creating more structured, accessible pathways for learners to move from foundational knowledge to applied, in-demand skills in areas shaping the future of work—from generative AI to modern data systems to software engineering.
“We’re moving into a world where every role is shaped by AI, data, and cloud technologies,” said Elisa Graceffo, General Manager, Global Skilling, at Microsoft, “These certificates are designed to help learners understand new tools, confidently apply them in their daily work, and stay ahead in today’s rapidly changing job market.”
Building capability for the fastest-growing roles
Demand for these skills is accelerating rapidly. According to Coursera’s Job Skills Report 2026, enrollments in generative AI content have grown 234% year over year, while Professional Certificate enrollments are up 91%.
This growth reflects a broader shift: learners are not just seeking knowledge—they are seeking verified, job-ready capability they can apply in real contexts. Microsoft’s latest certificates are designed with that goal in mind, emphasizing hands-on practice, real-world tools, and skills that translate directly into career opportunity.
What’s new: pathways across AI, development, and data
The new certificates are organized around three critical domains where demand continues to outpace supply:
Artificial Intelligence & Generative AI
- Microsoft AI Agents: From Foundations to Applications
Learn to design, build, and deploy AI agents from core concepts to real-world use cases. - Microsoft Account Manager with Generative AI
Apply GenAI to account planning, customer insights, and relationship management. - Microsoft Azure AI in Healthcare (entry level cert)
Develop AI solutions for healthcare with a focus on responsible and effective deployment. - Microsoft Generative AI Engineering
Build, evaluate, and deploy GenAI systems using Azure and modern AI frameworks. - Microsoft Sales Toolkit with Generative AI
Use GenAI to enhance prospecting, forecasting, and sales execution.
Software Development
- Microsoft Beginners Guide to C# Fundamentals (entry level cert)
Learn how to write structured, object-oriented code used in modern software applications. - Microsoft Getting Started with ASP.NET Core
Create dynamic websites and web apps with secure back-end systems. - Microsoft Introduction to C++ Programming (entry level cert)
Build core programming and memory management skills for high-performance applications.
Data & Analytics
- Microsoft Big Data Management and Analytics
Learn to manage, process, and analyze large-scale datasets using industry-relevant tools. - Microsoft Data Architecture and Modern Data Stacks
Build systems that organize and deliver data for analytics, AI, and business decision-making. - Microsoft Power BI Developer and Architect
Create impactful dashboards and enterprise-grade data visualizations with Power BI.
From learning to capability
From AI agents and generative AI engineering to modern data architecture and customer-facing AI applications, these certificates reflect where both technology, and opportunity, are heading.
More importantly, they are designed to help learners move beyond exposure to new tools and toward demonstrated capability: the ability to apply skills in real workflows, solve practical problems, and contribute in increasingly AI-enabled environments.
This is the shift we see across the global workforce, and it’s where partnerships like ours with Microsoft matter most.
Learn More
Learners can enroll in these new Professional Certificates today, or access them as part of Coursera Plus, to begin building the skills that power today’s AI-driven careers.
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