Arizona State University (ASU) reports that more than 1.2 million unique learners have participated in its educational offerings worldwide, including Universal Learner Courses, career certifications, and stackable credentials. These programs are designed and delivered by ASU’s colleges and schools to provide flexible learning opportunities for a wide range of students.
“We’re not just expanding access — we’re reimagining how education is designed, delivered and experienced,” said Marco Serrato, vice president of ASU’s Learning Enterprise. “When ASU’s colleges, faculty and partners come together across disciplines and delivery models, we can meet learners in moments that traditional systems overlook — and help them keep moving toward their goals, no matter where they start.”
The Earned Admission pathway at ASU has enabled nearly 9,000 adult learners to be admitted or return to college. This program allows students to begin with entry-level courses and pay for credit only after passing the course. Students can progress at their own pace while managing other commitments.
Katie Marquez, an undergraduate student who works as a corporate billing director at Mountainside Fitness, said the program has been instrumental in her education. “It has already opened so many doors for me,” she said. Marquez is set to graduate in spring 2026 with a degree in elementary education from Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation. She noted the flexibility allowed her to explore new subjects: “I took an astronomy class — that’s something I never thought I would take,” she said. “It gave me an opportunity to not feel stressed about having to pass a class right away and to be able to enjoy what I’m learning.”
Daniel Perry used the Earned Admission pathway after leaving his previous university on academic probation. He completed Universal Learner Courses (ULCs), applied past credits toward a new degree, and graduated last fall with a 4.0 GPA in technological entrepreneurship and management. “It feels like I finally finished what I started,” he said.
Programs such as Accelerate ASU allow high school students to earn college credits before graduation through dual enrollment courses offered online without GPA or transcript requirements. Over 23,000 high school students across 40 countries have participated in these programs.
Edgar Salmingo Jr., director of early college and online learning for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles (ADLA), commented on the impact: “Some of our schools simply don’t have the resources to offer specialized career pathways like data analytics or health care,” he said. “With ASU, we can give students those opportunities without having to build out entire programs from scratch. … I would say close to 100% of students feel more prepared for college after taking ASU courses. Many start out thinking, ‘This is too hard. I don’t know if I can handle it.’ But by the end, they’re saying, ‘Oh, I can do this.’”
Internationally, schools such as IGB International School in Malaysia also participate in these programs by allowing students to earn university credit alongside International Baccalaureate coursework.
Gregory Brunton, head of school at IGB International School in Malaysia, stated: “Our families value global university access,” he said. “ASU’s outstanding reputation, flexibility and breadth of academic offerings provide our students with meaningful pathways — such as the custom academic track — to begin university-level work in a supportive and low-risk environment.”
ASU’s CareerCatalyst offers over 400 courses and 200 stackable credentials tailored for working professionals across fields such as business, engineering, health innovation, liberal arts and sciences.
Pei-yu Chen from W.P. Carey School of Business described ASU’s approach: “Our approach to teaching AI at ASU considers not only the technical skills but also business skills and mindful principles, which emphasize ethics, responsibility and trustworthiness,” says Pei-yu Chen, Red Avenue Foundation Professor, chair of the Department of Information Systems and founding director of the Center for AI and Data Analytics at the W.P. Carey School of Business. “By integrating these elements, we ensure that our learners are prepared to practice principled innovation and lead with integrity in the AI-driven future.”
Graduate-level certificates in artificial intelligence (AI), analytics and supply chain management are available through W.P. Carey School of Business; these certificates can be stacked into master’s degrees.
ASU’s reach extends globally with learners spanning 157 countries. The expanded ASU en Español initiative provides Spanish-language coursework aligned with local workforce needs.
In Latin America specifically there has been significant growth in demand for technology talent recently; training programs like Digital Intelligence for Everyone certificate aim to address this need.
Miki Kittilson from College of Global Futures highlighted: “Access to education is not only critical to ASU’s success but also needed if we are to craft solutions to our shared global challenges,” says Miki Kittilson, dean of the College of Global Futures…“Our courses through ASU en Español empower learners to shape their own futures with the knowledge and tools needed to lead in a rapidly changing world.”
Todd Sandrin from New College added: “This work is perfectly aligned with the ASU Charter,” adds Todd Sandrin, dean of the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences…“In New College by designing with language and context in mind we advance the concept of ‘learning is for everyone.’”
A learner from Mexico enrolled while earning a master’s degree shared: “I gained valuable insights into how technological advancements can reshape industries and societies.”
ASU continues developing educational models intended for diverse learners seeking flexible options throughout different stages or transitions within their careers or personal lives.
