20 New Microcredentials: Countless Ways to Learn, Grow & Connect.
Explore what’s new in digital credentials
The Microcredential Review Board (MRB) has approved 20 new microcredentials! These new offerings recognize learning and experiences across the classroom, professional development, leadership, research, and community engagement.
Here's a look at what's new:
🎓 In the Classroom
- Applied Russian (Modern Languages, Linguistics & Intercultural Communication) — Advanced Russian students put their language skills into practice through online exchanges with Russian-speaking university students, exploration of the Russian-speaking community in Maryland, and a project connected to their field.
- Program Design in Aging Services (Erickson School) — Earned through the AGNG 470 capstone by designing and evaluating a program for older adults.
- Global Research Design (Global Studies) — Earned through GLBL 300 by developing an original research proposal addressing a global issue.
- Employer-Partnered Consulting Experience (Academic Transition Programs & Career Center) — First-year students work with an employer partner to address a real-world challenge and present their recommendations. Currently available in pilot UNIV 101/301 sections.
🚀 Leadership & Career Readiness
- STRiVE Coach: Leadership for Public Purpose at UMBC (Center for Democracy and Civic Life) — Recognizes students, faculty, and staff who complete training and serve as STRiVE coaches.
- Career Navigator with Handshake (Career Center) — A 3–4 hour experience in which students build their Handshake profile, connect with employers, meet with a Career Center advisor, and reflect on their career development.
- Foundations of Student Affairs Assessment (Division of Student Affairs) — Designed for student affairs staff and student employees. Earners complete CITI human subjects and FERPA training and work through an assessment guide in approximately 4–6 hours.
💻 Open-Source Data & AI Tools for Community Organizations
CS3 has introduced five session-based microcredentials from its August workshop series, along with a meta microcredential recognizing completion across the series:
- Open-Source Computing Tools and AI Basics
- Data Wrangling and Management with R
- Data Visualization and Dashboards
- From Text to Insights: R, APIs, and AI for Community Data
- Large Language Models and Effective Prompting Practices
- Community Champion for Open-Source Data and AI Tools — Earned by completing at least three sessions and submitting a reflection.
💚 Self-Work for Collective Impact Professional Learning Community
The Maryland Early Childhood Leadership Program (MECLP) has introduced seven session-based microcredentials for MECLP alumni as part of a healing-centered leadership book study of What It Takes to Heal:
- Kickoff
- Healing, Belonging, and Justice
- Excavating and (Re)membering
- Conflict
- Reframing Darkness
- Navigating Change
- Grief & Hope
Have an idea for a microcredential?
Microcredentials can recognize learning in courses, co-curricular programs, professional development, community engagement, and other meaningful learning experiences.
Have an idea for a microcredential at UMBC? Start your Short Form today or schedule a consult.