Below are answers to common questions about the Spring 2025 Pilot for the Google Career Certificates program. If you have additional questions, please visit the Contact & Support page.
Program Overview
Google Career Certificates are industry-recognized, online programs that help learners develop job-ready skills in fields like cybersecurity, data analytics, IT support, and more. They are self-paced and designed for learners with no prior experience in these fields.
Eligible participants include:
- Current BSU Undergraduate Students
- Current BSU Graduate Students
- Recent BSU Alumni
- BSU Faculty & Staff
The Spring 2025 pilot is free for BSU participants, but space is limited to 500 licenses. Licenses are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis through the enrollment form.
Enrollment & Access
To enroll, follow these steps:
- Complete the enrollment form on the Enrollment page.
- If approved, you’ll receive a Coursera email invitation granting access.
- Create a Coursera account using your BSU email (AB12345@bowiestate.edu).
- Accept the Coursera invitation and start learning!
Yes, technically it is possible. However, we strongly encourage you to focus your time and complete one certificate at a time. We want you to finish and earn your credential before moving on to another one!
If your account shows prolonged inactivity, your license may be revoked and reassigned to another learner. If you need more time, please re-enroll.
Course Structure & Time Commitment
Each certificate varies, but most can be completed in 3-6 months with 10 hours of study per week. Visit the Certificates Page to see time estimates for each program.
Yes! You can complete the coursework on your own schedule within the enrollment period.
The certificates include quizzes, hands-on exercises, and portfolio projects, but there are no final exams.
Upon completion, you’ll receive a digital certificate from Google through Coursera, which you can add to LinkedIn, share with employers, and include on your resume.
Technical & Support Questions
Once approved, you’ll receive an email invitation from Coursera. Follow these steps:
- Use your BSU email (not personal Gmail) when creating your account.
- Do NOT use Google Sign-In—click “Sign Up for an Account” instead.
If you don’t see the email, check your spam/junk folder.
Make sure you are:
- Using your BSU email address (e.g., AB12345@bowiestate.edu)
- Not signing in with Google or social login options
- Checking your spam folder for the Coursera invite
If you’re still having trouble, contact Coursera Support.
Yes! Coursera has a mobile app where you can watch lectures and complete some assignments. However, for hands-on exercises, a laptop or desktop is recommended.
Please leverage Coursera support for any problems with their platform.
After Completion
At this time, the certificates do not provide academic credit, but they can be valuable additions to your resume and professional portfolio. Some faculty members may include the certificates as a part of their coursework.
Yes! After completing the program, you will receive a Coursera digital certificate, which you can add to your LinkedIn profile and resume.
Google Career Certificates are designed to help you enter high-demand fields such as:
- Cybersecurity Analyst, Security Analyst
- Data Analyst, Business Systems Analyst
- IT Support Specialist, System Administrator
- Project Manager, Scrum Master
- Digital Marketing Coordinator, E-Commerce Specialist
- UX Designer, Product Designer
Visit the Certificates Page to explore career pathways for each program.