About Micro-Credentials

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A micro-credential is a small program that allows you to gain relevant skills that are needed in today's workforce. Digital badges are achievements that you can show to the world.

Benefits

Micro-credentials take less time to earn than a degree.

At never more than 11 credits, micro-credentials are smaller than a degree or advanced certificate, and can be earned in as little as one semester.

You choose what you learn.

Micro-credentials give you the freedom to learn what you want, without the financial and time commitments of a degree. You can earn a micro-credential in your own field of study, like a "mini concentration" or you may earn a micro-credential in a field of study outside your major, like a "mini-minor". 

Earn stackable skills that differentiate you, academically and professionally.

Each badge earned through your micro-credential contains your final evidence or project of completion, making that badge unique to you. You can even complete multiple micro-credentials to strengthen a skill-set or complement your degree.

You choose what you earn.

Micro-credentials can be credit-bearing or not-for-credit. Students who complete a credit-bearing micro-credential program will receive a notation on their academic transcript as well as a digital badge. Students who complete a non-credit program will receive a digital badge. Non-credit opportunities are just as valuable, allow you to diversify your experience and may be easier to fit into your schedule!

Gain skills to keep you at the leading edge of your discipline.

UB's micro-credentials are aligned with the competencies of 21st century workforce, including critical thinking, professionalism, intercultural fluency, digital technology and more. These programs are specifically designed to better equip you with the skills that employers demand.

Typically no additional costs for students.

There are no costs to enroll in micro-credentials, beyond regular tuition rates. Non-credit micro-credentials are typically free for students, but some may entail a program fee.

Have questions about tuition or fee rates for a specific micro-credential? Contact the designated program coordinator listed on the Offerings page.

Aligning Your Micro-Credential Skills with Industry Needs

The Career Design Center gives you new ways to think about designing your next steps, getting the answers you need—and the opportunities you deserve. In addition, find real life employment data from across the country to help inform your career decision-making on the Career Design Studio Job Market Stats page.

Quick Facts

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85+

micro-credentials.

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23,236

digital badge views.

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91%

believe they gained knowledge or skills that aligned with their long-term goals.

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99%

were satisfied with the amount they learned in the program.

Find the Micro-Credential program for you!

Search Offerings

What Earners of Micro-Credentials Are Saying
“You can do any kind of range of topic and any kind of range of research because the area of research I don't think many people realize is beautiful and diverse as the people who are doing it.”
8/24/23

Chloe Matecki, Clinical Research Program (CRP) micro-credential

“I joined the MSW Focus for the experience and exposure [to issues related to Veteran and military family care] before entering the field.”
8/24/23

Student, MSW Veteran and Military Family Focus micro-credential

“I gained communication and critical thinking skills, and my biggest takeaway from this experience is that anytime you work on a team and have to strategize and meet deadlines, there is an opportunity for professional development to grow. This experience has supported my professional goals of seeking a career in marketing by allowing me to have an outlet for being creative, professional and working on a team.”
8/24/23

Will Berkowitz, Experiential Learning Network (ELN) Digital Badges

“My biggest takeaway was being able to step out of my comfort zone and push myself and accomplish a lot within a short amount of time while tackling the problem through a unique approach and perspective.”
8/24/23

Jannat Inqiyad, Experiential Learning Network (ELN) Digital Badges

“The Leadership Accelerator activities, networking and energetic faculty are the takeaways I will always cherish. The experience of working with an executive coach changed my growth trajectory. I would not have the opportunities I have today without CLOE and my coach.”
5/9/24

William Geary, CLOE Leadership Accelerator Program

Elif Irmak Bektas.
“The PhD Professional Development in STEM micro-credential helped me gain scientific writing, presentation and communication skills. I used these skills when submitting grant applications, writing conference abstracts and preparing oral presentations. These skills have played an important role in my academic success in the PhD program.”
5/12/25

Elif Irmak Bektas, PhD Professional Development in STEM micro-credential

Srikrithi Krishnan.
“I think micro-credentials provide a unique benefit to me because it shows others that I have spent time cultivating the skills and knowledge required for a specific topic or area. My micro-credentials have given me a unique perspective to approaching and addressing problems.”
5/12/25

Srikrithi Krishnan, six micro-credentials including Business Practices in the U.S.; Intercultural and Global Competency; Interprofessional Collaborative Practice—Foundations; MBA LeaderCORE; Nonprofit Board Leadership; Strategies for Eliminating Health Inequities.

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