Online Learning Initiative
Advancing excellence in online learning across Penn by fostering collaboration, cultivating innovative and relevant programs, and connecting learners with engaging opportunities that transcend geographic borders.
Penn’s Online Learning Initiative (OLI) cultivates the integration of online programs across campus, supporting Penn’s schools in the creation of online degree and non-degree programs.
In 2012, Penn launched its first Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and created an office dedicated to online learning. Initially called the Open Learning Initiative and later the Online Learning Initiative, OLI’s preliminary focus was producing MOOCs with Penn faculty and advising Penn leadership on online initiatives. Penn's 12 schools offer over 150 MOOCs taught by over 150 faculty member that reach more than 4 million learners from almost every country in the world.
Today, OLI’s mission is much broader and the initiative serves as a nexus for information about online learning across Penn. The University currently offers a range of online educational opportunities including certificates, continuing education, microcredentials, and degrees.