Prime Highlights

• The University of Michigan has expanded its partnership with Google to provide free access to Google Career Certificates to nearly 700,000 alumni across its three campuses, reinforcing its commitment to lifelong learning.
• University leadership said the initiative helps alumni stay competitive by gaining in-demand digital and artificial intelligence skills as job market needs continue to evolve.

Key Facts

• Eligible alumni with a valid University of Michigan uniqname and email address can enrol at no cost in industry-recognised certificates offered through Michigan Online.
• The certificates cover fields including AI tools, data analytics, cybersecurity, IT support, digital marketing, project management, and UX design, and are taught online by Google professionals.

Background

The University of Michigan has expanded its partnership with Google to offer free access to Google Career Certificates to alumni across its three campuses, extending learning opportunities to nearly 700,000 graduates worldwide.

The move builds on an existing initiative that earlier covered students, faculty, and staff. With this expansion, alumni can now access industry-recognised certificates focused on digital and artificial intelligence-related skills at no cost. Eligible alumni need a valid University of Michigan uniqname and email address to enrol.

The programme is delivered through Michigan Online and is coordinated by the university’s Center for Academic Innovation, which manages digital education and credential programmes. The earlier phases of the partnership were launched in 2025, first for students and later for university employees.

James DeVaney, Associate Vice Provost for Academic Innovation, said the expansion reflects the university’s role in supporting lifelong learning. He noted that providing free access to career-focused credentials helps alumni adapt to changing job market demands.

The Google Career Certificates available through the platform cover areas such as artificial intelligence tools, data analytics, IT support, cybersecurity, digital marketing, project management and user experience design. Courses are taught online by Google professionals working in these fields.

Short courses can be completed in under ten hours, while full certificate programmes take several months. Advanced courses include data analytics, business intelligence and IT automation using Python. Google states that many learners see positive career outcomes within six months of completion.

These certificates are offered alongside more than 300 free online courses taught by University of Michigan faculty, giving alumni a single platform for continued education after graduation.