University at Buffalo (UB)
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Pathway to the PhD—Preparing for Success Micro-Credential

Pathway to the PhD—Preparing for Success is a cohort-based micro-credential developed to help early-stage PhD students uncover the essentials of success in their program, from writing abstracts to tracking progression through their programs to wellness and professional development. 

Build your foundation for doctoral success.

Starting a doctoral program is exciting, but many students quickly discover that success requires more than disciplinary expertise. Pathway to the PhD was created to provide early-stage doctoral students with the knowledge, resources and relationships that are often learned much later in graduate school. For students navigating a new academic culture, including international students, these unwritten expectations can feel especially difficult to decode. Since Fall 2023, the program has helped students navigate funding, career planning, academic communication, professional development and campus resources while building a strong sense of belonging.

“The Pathway to the PhD micro-credential provided a comprehensive roadmap for my doctoral program. It offered a broad spectrum of academic and professional resources that I otherwise wouldn't have known how to access. On a personal level, it made me realize that my peers share the same questions and challenges, helping me normalize the experience and significantly boosted by confidence as a researcher.”
Pathway to the PhD Digital Badge.
Join us for a fast-paced, in-person Fall Break Sprint!

Register now to participate in the Pathway to the PhD Fall Break Sprint on Oct. 12 and 13, 8:45 a.m.-4 p.m.

Registration closes Monday, Oct. 5, at 11:59 p.m.

Why the Pathway to the PhD matters.

The Pathway to the PhD micro-credential is intentionally designed around three goals: 

  1. Building community.
  2. Connecting students to resources.
  3. Developing practical tools for success.
“After completing the Pathway to the PhD micro-credential, I feel empowered to make the best decisions during my PhD career at UB.”
“The program opened my eyes to valuable tools and resources, and connected me with individuals who will play a critical role in my success.”
“The micro-credential made school feel less scary and all the upcoming things we have to do for the PhD more manageable.”

Who is eligible to participate?

This micro-credential is currently offered to University at Buffalo graduate students.

Building community beyond the department.

Doctoral students often know only the people in their laboratory, research group or cohort. Pathway brings together students from across disciplines, creating opportunities for collaboration, peer support and interdisciplinary networking. Pathway helps students build connections across disciplines, cultural backgrounds and life experiences.

“Pathway to the PhD gave me a community of people that are navigating a similar journey to mine.”

Participants consistently describe the program as helping them feel connected during the earliest stages of doctoral study.

“It felt incredibly great to have a space that felt like a community in the first semester of my graduate journey.”

Connecting students to essential resources.

Many doctoral students are unaware of the wide range of services available to support their academic and professional growth. Pathway introduces participants to the Career Design Center, Office of Fellowships and Scholarships, Center for Excellence in Writing, and other campus partners that help students succeed.

“Pathway to the PhD has introduced me to so many helpful resources on campus which will be crucial for my academic career.”
“Without the micro-credential, I probably would not have taken the time and initiative to find those resources on my own.”

Developing knowledge and tools for success.

Participants will learn how to create an Individual Development Plan (IDP), build a fellowship funding strategy, write research abstracts, develop an academic CV, communicate research effectively, network professionally and leverage AI responsibly in academic work.

“The content of the modules has valuable information that is useful to know; the earlier in your doctoral career, the better.”

Requirements

The Pathway to the PhD is offered in a high-impact two-three day Sprint format to make participation more accessible for busy doctoral students.

Sample Agenda

Day 1: Community, Connections and Planning

  • Welcome and community building activities.
  • Academic CV workshop and career planning.
  • Funding and fellowship planning.
  • Individual Development Plan (IDP) workshop.

Day 2: Essential Academic Skills

  • Critical writing strategies and abstract writing.
  • Conference preparation and networking skill development.
  • Panel with advanced doctoral students.

Additional Requirements

The final evidence will be a written response to a series of prompts regarding the personal and professional topics covered in the micro-credential. Learners will be asked to select five to seven book chapters/modules that they found most useful and, for each, provide an overview of the specific aspects that were impactful and how they will apply their learning throughout their academic and/or professional careers. The reflective piece will incorporate the goals and plans in the Individual Development Plan (IDP) that they will work on after the micro-credential is completed.

To Apply

Register for an upcoming sprint or complete the form to express interest in a future session.

For questions, please email Elizabeth Colucci at colucci3@buffalo.edu. 

Visit the Office of Micro-Credentials website to learn more about micro-credentials and digital badges.