Course Schema – Complete Guide for Online Courses & Rich Results
Course schema markup is essential for online learning platforms, educational institutions, and training providers. It enables rich course displays in Google Search results, including course ratings, duration, pricing, and enrollment information.
What is Course Schema?
Course schema describes educational courses, training programs, workshops, and learning experiences. It tells search engines that your content is about structured learning opportunities, enabling enhanced search result displays with course details and enrollment options.
Why Course Schema Matters
Course schema is crucial for educational platforms and training providers because it unlocks specialized course displays in Google Search, helps learners discover relevant courses, and can significantly impact enrollment through enhanced visibility.
The key insight: Course schema transforms educational content from generic web pages into structured, searchable learning opportunities that students and professionals can easily discover and enroll in.
What Course Schema Includes
SEO Benefits You Get
Course Schema Implementation
Complete Course Schema Example
<script type="application/ld+json">
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Course",
"@id": "https://example.com/courses/web-development-bootcamp/#course",
"name": "Full-Stack Web Development Bootcamp",
"description": "Comprehensive 12-week bootcamp covering HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Node.js...",
"image": [
"https://example.com/images/web-dev-bootcamp-main.jpg",
"https://example.com/images/web-dev-bootcamp-curriculum.jpg"
],
"provider": {
"@type": "Organization",
"@id": "https://example.com/#organization",
"name": "CodeAcademy Pro",
"logo": "https://example.com/logo.svg"
},
"courseMode": "online",
"timeRequired": "P12W",
"courseWorkload": "PT12H",
"inLanguage": "en-US",
"coursePrerequisites": [
"Basic computer skills",
"High school diploma"
],
"hasCourseInstance": [
{
"@type": "CourseInstance",
"courseMode": "online",
"instructor": {
"@type": "Person",
"name": "Sarah Johnson",
"jobTitle": "Senior Web Developer"
},
"startDate": "2024-03-01",
"endDate": "2024-05-24",
"offers": {
"@type": "Offer",
"price": "1299.00",
"priceCurrency": "USD",
"availability": "https://schema.org/InStock"
}
}
],
"aggregateRating": {
"@type": "AggregateRating",
"ratingValue": "4.7",
"ratingCount": "342"
},
"teaches": [
"HTML5 and CSS3",
"JavaScript and ES6+",
"React and component-based architecture"
]
}
</script>In-Person Course Example
<script type="application/ld+json">
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Course",
"name": "Professional Photography Workshop",
"description": "Hands-on photography workshop covering composition, lighting, and post-processing.",
"provider": {
"@type": "Organization",
"name": "Art Institute"
},
"courseMode": "on-site",
"timeRequired": "P2D",
"hasCourseInstance": {
"@type": "CourseInstance",
"courseMode": "on-site",
"startDate": "2024-04-15",
"endDate": "2024-04-16",
"location": {
"@type": "Place",
"name": "Art Institute Campus",
"address": {
"@type": "PostalAddress",
"streetAddress": "123 Art Street",
"addressLocality": "Creative City",
"addressRegion": "CC",
"postalCode": "12345"
}
},
"offers": {
"@type": "Offer",
"price": "299.00",
"priceCurrency": "USD",
"availability": "https://schema.org/LimitedAvailability"
}
}
}
</script>Required vs Recommended Properties
Required Properties
- •
name- Course title - •
provider- Educational provider
Recommended Properties
- •
description- Course description - •
courseMode- Online, on-site, or blended - •
hasCourseInstance- Specific course offerings - •
offers- Pricing information
Course Schema Best Practices
Content & Accuracy
Advanced Features
Common Course Schema Mistakes
❌ Missing Course Instances
Mistake: Using Course schema without hasCourseInstance for specific offerings.
Fix: Include hasCourseInstance with specific dates, instructors, and pricing for each course offering.
❌ Incorrect Course Modes
Mistake: Using vague or incorrect courseMode values.
Fix: Use specific values like "online", "on-site", "blended", or "distance learning".
❌ Incomplete Provider Information
Mistake: Using minimal provider information that doesn't establish credibility.
Fix: Include complete Organization schema for the educational provider with accreditation and reputation details.
❌ Vague Time Requirements
Mistake: Using unclear time commitments like "a few hours a week".
Fix: Provide specific time requirements using ISO 8601 duration format (e.g., "PT10H" for 10 hours).
Validate Your Course Schema
Testing Tools & Resources
Official Google Tools
Course-Specific Testing
- • Test course appears in search results
- • Verify pricing and dates display
- • Check provider information shows
- • Validate course instance details
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Course schema used for?
Course schema describes educational courses, classes, workshops, and training programs. It helps search engines display course information like duration, provider, and enrollment details in rich search results.
How do I add Course schema to my course pages?
Add JSON-LD structured data with required properties like name, provider, and description. Include optional properties like courseMode, hasCourseInstance, and offers for enhanced course listings.
What are the required properties for Course schema?
Required properties include name (course title) and provider (organization offering the course). For rich results, include description and additional details like duration and prerequisites.
How do I add course pricing and enrollment?
Use the offers property with Offer schema including price, priceCurrency, and availability. For enrollment, include application process details and deadlines.
Can Course schema include instructor information?
Yes, use the instructor property with Person schema for course instructors. Include their credentials, experience, and contact information when appropriate.
What's the difference between Course and Event schemas?
Course schema describes educational programs with curriculum and learning outcomes, while Event schema is for one-time occurrences. Use Course for structured learning programs and Event for single workshops or seminars.
How do I add course duration and schedule?
Use timeRequired for total course duration and hasCourseInstance for specific course offerings with startDate, endDate, and courseMode (online, in-person, blended).
Can Course schema work for online courses?
Absolutely! Use courseMode: "online" or "distance learning" for virtual courses. Include technical requirements, platform information, and access details.
How do I add course prerequisites and requirements?
Use coursePrerequisites for required knowledge or skills, and educationalCredentialAwarded for certifications earned upon completion.
Does Course schema help with educational search visibility?
Yes, Course schema enables rich course listings in search results and integration with educational platforms. It improves visibility for students searching for learning opportunities.
Can I use Course schema for corporate training?
Yes! Course schema works perfectly for corporate training programs, professional development courses, and workplace learning initiatives.
How do I add course syllabus or curriculum?
Use hasPart with Syllabus schema or coursePrerequisites for curriculum structure. Include learning objectives, modules, and assessment methods.
What's the best way to implement Course schema for MOOCs?
For massive open online courses, include enrollment numbers, course ratings, completion rates, and detailed curriculum information to attract learners.
How often should I update Course schema?
Update when course details change, new sessions start, or enrollment deadlines approach. Keep ratings and enrollment numbers current for accuracy.
Related Schema Types
Additional JSON-LD Examples
Online Course Example
<script type="application/ld+json">
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Course",
"@id": "https://example.com/courses/digital-marketing-fundamentals/#course",
"name": "Digital Marketing Fundamentals",
"description": "Master the essentials of digital marketing including SEO, social media, content marketing, and analytics. Perfect for beginners and marketing professionals looking to update their skills.",
"image": [
"https://example.com/courses/digital-marketing-hero.jpg",
"https://example.com/courses/digital-marketing-curriculum.jpg"
],
"provider": {
"@type": "Organization",
"@id": "https://example.com/#organization",
"name": "Digital Skills Academy",
"url": "https://example.com"
},
"instructor": [
{
"@type": "Person",
"name": "Dr. Sarah Marketing",
"jobTitle": "Digital Marketing Director",
"worksFor": {
"@type": "Organization",
"name": "Global Marketing Corp"
}
},
{
"@type": "Person",
"name": "Mike Analytics",
"jobTitle": "Data Scientist",
"worksFor": {
"@type": "Organization",
"name": "Tech Insights LLC"
}
}
],
"courseMode": "online",
"timeRequired": "PT40H",
"coursePrerequisites": "Basic computer skills and internet access",
"educationalCredentialAwarded": "Digital Marketing Certificate",
"hasCourseInstance": [
{
"@type": "CourseInstance",
"courseMode": "online",
"instructor": {
"@type": "Person",
"name": "Dr. Sarah Marketing"
},
"startDate": "2024-03-01",
"endDate": "2024-04-30",
"location": {
"@type": "VirtualLocation",
"url": "https://academy.example.com/login"
},
"offers": {
"@type": "Offer",
"price": "299.00",
"priceCurrency": "USD",
"availability": "https://schema.org/InStock",
"validFrom": "2024-01-01",
"url": "https://example.com/courses/digital-marketing/enroll"
}
}
],
"aggregateRating": {
"@type": "AggregateRating",
"ratingValue": "4.7",
"ratingCount": "1250",
"bestRating": "5",
"worstRating": "1"
},
"review": [
{
"@type": "Review",
"author": {
"@type": "Person",
"name": "Learning Enthusiast"
},
"reviewRating": {
"@type": "Rating",
"ratingValue": "5",
"bestRating": "5"
},
"reviewBody": "Excellent course! The instructors are knowledgeable and the content is very practical. Highly recommend for anyone starting in digital marketing.",
"datePublished": "2024-01-15"
}
],
"teaches": [
"Search Engine Optimization",
"Social Media Marketing",
"Content Marketing Strategy",
"Google Analytics",
"Email Marketing",
"Pay-Per-Click Advertising"
],
"about": [
{
"@type": "DefinedTerm",
"name": "Digital Marketing",
"description": "The use of digital channels to promote products and services"
},
{
"@type": "DefinedTerm",
"name": "SEO",
"description": "Search Engine Optimization techniques"
}
],
"mainEntityOfPage": {
"@type": "WebPage",
"@id": "https://example.com/courses/digital-marketing-fundamentals"
}
}
</script>In-Person Workshop Example
<script type="application/ld+json">
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Course",
"@id": "https://example.com/workshops/photography-masterclass/#course",
"name": "Photography Masterclass: From Beginner to Professional",
"description": "Intensive 3-day photography workshop covering composition, lighting, editing, and business aspects. Includes hands-on shooting sessions and personalized feedback.",
"image": "https://example.com/workshops/photography-workshop.jpg",
"provider": {
"@type": "Organization",
"@id": "https://example.com/#organization",
"name": "Creative Arts Institute",
"url": "https://example.com"
},
"instructor": {
"@type": "Person",
"name": "Marcus Rodriguez",
"jobTitle": "Professional Photographer",
"worksFor": {
"@type": "Organization",
"name": "National Geographic"
},
"knowsAbout": "Photography, Photo Editing, Visual Storytelling"
},
"courseMode": "in-person",
"timeRequired": "PT24H",
"numberOfCredits": 3,
"coursePrerequisites": "Own a DSLR or mirrorless camera, basic photography knowledge recommended",
"educationalCredentialAwarded": "Photography Workshop Certificate",
"hasCourseInstance": {
"@type": "CourseInstance",
"courseMode": "in-person",
"instructor": {
"@type": "Person",
"name": "Marcus Rodriguez"
},
"startDate": "2024-04-15",
"endDate": "2024-04-17",
"location": {
"@type": "Place",
"name": "Creative Arts Studio",
"address": {
"@type": "PostalAddress",
"streetAddress": "456 Art District",
"addressLocality": "Creative City",
"addressRegion": "CA",
"postalCode": "90210",
"addressCountry": "US"
},
"geo": {
"@type": "GeoCoordinates",
"latitude": "34.0522",
"longitude": "-118.2437"
}
},
"maximumAttendeeCapacity": 15,
"offers": {
"@type": "Offer",
"price": "895.00",
"priceCurrency": "USD",
"availability": "https://schema.org/LimitedAvailability",
"validFrom": "2024-01-01",
"url": "https://example.com/workshops/photography/register",
"priceValidUntil": "2024-04-01"
}
},
"aggregateRating": {
"@type": "AggregateRating",
"ratingValue": "4.9",
"ratingCount": "87",
"bestRating": "5",
"worstRating": "1"
},
"teaches": [
"Professional Photography Techniques",
"Photo Composition and Lighting",
"Adobe Lightroom Editing",
"Photography Business Practices",
"Client Management"
],
"about": {
"@type": "DefinedTerm",
"name": "Photography",
"description": "The art and practice of creating images using light"
},
"mainEntityOfPage": {
"@type": "WebPage",
"@id": "https://example.com/workshops/photography-masterclass"
}
}
</script>SEO & Rich Results Notes
SEO Benefits
Course schema enhances educational content visibility and enrollment:
- • Rich course listings in search results
- • Enhanced visibility for educational searches
- • Integration with learning management systems
- • Improved click-through rates from detailed course info
- • Better targeting for "online courses" and "training" queries
Rich Results Eligibility
Course schema enables enhanced educational search features:
- • Course rich cards with provider and rating info
- • Educational search result enhancements
- • Course catalog integration
- • Learning platform compatibility
- • Professional development search features
Reference: Google's Search Central recommends Course markup for educational content to enhance search visibility.
Important Warnings
- Content Accuracy: Course information must be accurate and current. Misleading details about duration, cost, or prerequisites can harm user trust.
- Provider Verification: Educational providers should be legitimate institutions. Unverified or low-quality providers may not qualify for rich results.
- Enrollment Clarity: Clearly indicate enrollment processes and requirements. Hidden costs or complex application processes should be transparent.
- Quality Standards: Courses should meet reasonable educational quality standards. Poor content quality can result in rich result removal.
Official Documentation
- Schema.org: Course specification
- Google Search Central: Course markup guide
- Rich Results Test: Validate Course markup