Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois has been honored with the Trailblazer Award at the September 2025 Coursera Connect conference, recognizing its bold leadership in reshaping online education. From launching the very first degree with Coursera to pioneering tools like Coursera Coach and AI avatars, Gies has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in accessible, high-quality business education. 

Today, learners around the world can pursue three Gies Business master’s degrees online in conjunction with Coursera: the Master of Business Administration (iMBA), Master of Science in Management (iMSM), and Master of Science in Accountancy (iMSA), as well as access stackable open content in AI, reflecting the school’s commitment to staying innovative and meeting students wherever they are. Yet the truest reflection of this trailblazing spirit comes from its global learners whose voices showcase the impact, community, and transformative nature that define the Gies Business.

Flexible Learning for Diverse Lifestyles

Chelsea Doman, a single mother of four, found the Gies iMBA to be the perfect fit for her busy life. “When I saw Illinois had an online MBA with Coursera, it was like the heavens opened,” she says. The program’s structure allowed her to balance family, work, and studies without the need for a GMAT score. Chelsea emphasizes the value of learning for personal growth, stating, “I did it for the joy of learning, a longtime goal, a holistic business understanding.”

Similarly, Tom Fail, who pursued the iMBA while working in EdTech, appreciated the program’s blend of online flexibility and in-person networking opportunities. He notes, “With this program, you get to blend the benefits of networking and having a hands-on experience that you’d get from an in-person program, with the flexibility of an online program.”

Global Community and Real-World Application

Ishpinder Kailey, an Australia-based learner, leveraged the iMBA to transition from a background in chemistry to a leadership role in business strategy. “This degree gave me the confidence to lead my business from the front.” She also highlights the program’s global reach and collaborative environment: “The professors are exceptional, and the peer learning from a global cohort is a tremendous asset.”

Joshua David Tarfa, a Nigeria-based senior product manager who recently graduated from the 12-month MS in Management (iMSM) degree program, found immediate applicability of his coursework to his professional role. He shares, “From the very beginning, I could apply what I was learning. I remember taking a strategic management course and using concepts from it immediately at work.”

A Commitment to Lifelong Learning and Connection

For many learners, the Gies experience extends far beyond graduation. Dennis Harlow describes how the iMSA program connected him to a global network: “Even though it’s online, I felt like I was part of a community. The connections I made with peers and instructors have been amazing.” Similarly, Patrick Surrett emphasizes the flexibility and ongoing engagement of the program: “I believe in lifelong learning and this program made it possible. It truly is online by design.” Together, their experiences reflect Gies’ dedication to fostering lifelong learning and a supportive global community.

Online with Gies Business: A Degree That Works for You

Congratulations to Gies College of Business on earning the esteemed Trailblazer Award. This recognition reflects not only the school’s pioneering approach to online education but also the achievements and experiences of its learners. From balancing family and careers to pursuing personal growth and professional impact, Gies students around the world continue to thrive in a flexible, rigorous, and supportive environment. Their stories are a testament to the community, innovation, and opportunity that define what it means to learn with Gies.

Interested in an online degree with the University of Illinois Gies College of Business? Check out the programs here→