Agile Development and Scrum
Coursera · Project Management Institute · Updated
AI Tutor Rating
8.3/10
Duration
5 weeks, 4 hours/week
Classes
30
Master Agile methodologies and Scrum framework for efficient project management and software development. Learn sprint planning, daily standups, and iterative development practices that improve team productivity.
The 'Agile Development and Scrum' course on Coursera is a five-week program designed to teach the core methodologies of Agile project management and the Scrum framework. The course, authored by the Project Management Institute, targets professionals seeking to improve team productivity in software development and other project environments. It covers essential practices such as sprint planning, daily standups, and iterative development, aiming to provide learners with practical skills for managing projects more efficiently. This course serves project managers, software developers, and team members looking to implement or understand Agile and Scrum processes.
What you'll learn in Agile Development and Scrum
Our Review of Agile Development and Scrum
This course offers a structured introduction to Agile and Scrum through a 20-hour curriculum spread over five weeks, featuring 30 lectures. The format suggests a methodical, video-based approach typical of Coursera, which is well-suited for building foundational knowledge week by week. The learning outcomes indicate a practical focus, promising that learners will be able to understand Agile principles, plan sprints, facilitate team ceremonies, and track progress with specific metrics like burndown charts. This suggests the course is designed for application, moving beyond theory to equip students with actionable project management tools.
The course's value is significantly enhanced by its pricing model and credential. Being free to audit makes the core knowledge accessible to anyone, while the $49 certificate from the Project Management Institute provides a tangible, affordable credential for professional development. The lack of prerequisites and the business-management category signal that this is an entry-level to intermediate course, ideal for upskilling rather than for advanced practitioners. The curriculum's emphasis on software development contexts means its examples and applications will be most relevant to tech teams, though the principles are broadly applicable.
A potential limitation is the course's format reliance on lectures, which may not suit learners who prefer hands-on, interactive simulations of Scrum ceremonies. Furthermore, while the PMI authorship lends credibility, the course's depth is constrained by its short duration and introductory nature. It effectively covers the 'what' and 'how' of Scrum ceremonies and planning but cannot replicate the nuanced experience of leading a real Agile team through multiple sprints. For the price and time commitment, however, it delivers a solid, certificate-backed foundation.
Pros and cons of Agile Development and Scrum
Pros
- Free audit option makes core content completely accessible
- Affordable $49 certificate from the reputable Project Management Institute
- Clear, structured 5-week curriculum with defined weekly time commitment
- Practical outcomes focused on executing sprints and using Scrum artifacts
- No prerequisites lower the barrier to entry for beginners
Things to consider
- Lecture-heavy format may lack interactive, hands-on simulation of Scrum
- Introductory depth may not satisfy experienced Agile practitioners seeking advanced tactics
- Primary context and examples are geared toward software development, which may not fully resonate with non-tech projects
Who should take Agile Development and Scrum?
This course is an ideal fit for project managers, software developers, or team leads who are new to Agile methodologies and need a structured, credential-bearing introduction. It suits professionals in tech-adjacent fields who must collaborate with Agile teams or are tasked with implementing Scrum frameworks. The course's manageable pace and practical outcomes make it a strong choice for someone aiming to quickly gain a certified understanding of sprint planning, daily standups, and iterative development to improve team productivity.
Agile Development and Scrum at a glance
| Provider | Coursera |
|---|---|
| Instructor | Project Management Institute |
| Level | Beginner |
| Time to complete | 5 weeks, 4 hours/week |
| Pricing | Free to audit, $49 for certificate |
| Certificate | Certificate |
| Prerequisites | None |
Fit
Best for
Not ideal for
The bottom line on Agile Development and Scrum
The Agile Development and Scrum course provides a cost-effective and credible entry point into Agile project management, with the PMI certificate adding professional value. Its structured lectures deliver the promised practical skills for planning and tracking Scrum projects, though learners should supplement it with real-world practice. For the investment of time and money, it is a worthwhile foundation for those beginning their Agile journey.
Agile Development and Scrum: frequently asked questions
What is the main focus of the Agile Development and Scrum course on Coursera?
The Agile Development and Scrum course focuses on mastering Agile methodologies and the Scrum framework for efficient project management, specifically covering sprint planning, daily standups, and iterative development practices to improve team productivity.
Do I need any prior experience or education to take this Agile and Scrum course?
No, the Agile Development and Scrum course has no listed prerequisites, making it accessible for complete beginners interested in project management and software development methodologies.
Is the certificate for the Agile Development and Scrum course worth the cost?
The $49 certificate from the Project Management Institute offers credible professional recognition at a low cost, especially valuable for those needing to verify their Agile and Scrum foundational knowledge for career advancement.
How does this Coursera course compare to other introductory Agile certifications?
Compared to other entry-level options, this course offers a structured, video-based curriculum from PMI at a very low cost with a free audit option, though it may involve less interactive simulation than in-person workshops.
How can I get the most value from the Agile Development and Scrum course?
To get the most value, actively apply the concepts of sprint planning and burndown charts to a current or hypothetical project while taking the course, and complete the optional paid certificate to gain a verifiable credential.