Indiana University has decided to invest $8 million in massive open online courses (MOOCs). The investment is part of a major push to expand its online presence.

While it is currently unclear whether or not the university will offer the MOOCs individually or through a provider like Coursera, the school has said that it will award 'badges' to those who complete the course but decide not to enroll in a degree program.

In addition to creating MOOCs, Indiana University plans to increase its for-credit online programs by offering undergraduate certificates and degrees in business, technology, and sciences. To reduce the time it takes to complete a bachelor's degree, the university is also planning on using online courses to provide enrolled students with additional options for taking high-enrollment undergraduate courses.

Each of the university's graduate-level programs will create at least one online degree or certificate by fall 2013.

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