No, you do not have to take all 5 DEDP MicroMasters courses at the same time. You are welcome to spread the courses out over multiple terms or years if that works best for you. If taking all five courses at the same time works best for your schedule, then you are free to do that as well.
Most DEDP learners take one course per term and complete the program in 18-24 months. Each course expects 12-14 hours per week of effort so learners taking two courses at the same time should plan for 24-28 hours of effort per week. Learners taking all five courses at the same time should plan for 60-70 hours of work per week. However, please note that this is an estimate and some learners report certain weeks or courses taking much more or less time, depending on their background and comfort level with the topics covered.
We designed our MicroMasters program with the intention to accommodate different learning needs and schedules. You can take the courses over whatever time span works for you.
Please keep in mind that not all DEDP courses are offered in every term. Each DEDP course is offered between one and three times per year. The most up-to-date information about the DEDP schedule, important dates, and deadlines is always available on the DEDP News & Course Dates page.
Please note that if you intend to apply in late December/early January for the Master’s program, you will need to have fully completed the DEDP MicroMasters Program Credential before submitting your application. This means that by the end of December, you must have earned the MicroMasters Course Certificates for all five required courses in order to be eligible to apply by the deadline in January.