Concordia offers microcredential programs that can help you gain proficiency in a specific skillset, with a relatively low time and cost commitment.
A microcredential is a series of courses that focus on a specific area of study, helping the learner to develop skills and knowledge curated for a particular career pursuits. Microcredentials are designed to be completed in a shorter timeframe than a bachelor’s degree or even a certificate degree. In this way, they often offer more flexibility compared to traditional courses and degrees. Instead of receiving a diploma, those who complete a microcredential may earn a digital badge or certificate of completion that may be shared with employers.
Who are microcredentials for?
Microcredentials are beneficial for a wide range of individuals:
- Students seeking part-time jobs or internships.
- Adults currently working or re-entering workforce after time away from a traditional learning environment, looking to upskill or reskill for a position.
- Individuals with some college experience who have not obtained a traditional degree.
How can employers benefit?
Microcredentials help employers by:
- Providing insight into a candidate’s competencies.
- Offering a more comprehensive view of an individual’s abilities beyond a traditional resume.
These credentials create a more meaningful narrative of a candidate’s skills and expertise, making hiring decisions more informed.
The future of microcredentials
According to Parchment, a leading academic credential management platform, microcredential growth is on the rise:
- Undergraduate certificate enrollment grew 7.3%, while graduate certificates increased by 1.9% in Fall 2024.
- 83% of learners believe institutions should prioritize skills-based learning alongside traditional academics.
- The global alternative credentials market for higher education is projected to grow by $1.84 billion from 2025-2029.
Exploring Microcredentials at Concordia University
Microcredentials are an excellent way to re-engage with learning, especially for those with busy schedules who cannot commit to full-time education. They offer a balance between personal and professional responsibilities while still allowing individuals to gain valuable knowledge and skills.
Concordia offers a variety of microcredential programs worth considering:
- Social Media Strategies – Understand key social media concepts, tools, and applications. Click here to learn more.
- Financial Management – Learn basic financial principles to make informed decisions. Click here to learn more.
- Data Analytics Bootcamp – A 16-week program preparing learners for careers in business intelligence, data engineering, and machine learning. Click here to learn more.
- Animal-Assisted Therapy – Utilize the human-animal bond to create positive therapeutic environments. Click here to learn more.
- Medical Billing and Coding – Prepare for CPC, CCA, or CBCS credential pathways in medical billing and coding. Click here to learn more.
Interested?
For more information, email Concordia’s Office of Continuing Education at continuing.education@cuw.edu.