Microcredentials are designed to help individuals in a variety of ways, from helping them find their expertise in a certain field to touching on niche subjects designed for their careers.

Microcredentials supplement a wide range of degrees. Yet, what is a microcredential? In this Q&A with Oklahoma State University’s vice provost for system academic affairs, Dr. Ronna Vanderslice, along with the director of partnerships and programs for OSU Workforce Development, Bart Collins, these professionals break down microcredentials and how they can further an individual's career beyond a degree.

Question: What is a microcredential?

Ronna Vanderslice: Microcredentials are short, flexible, and targeted educational programs designed to increase proficiency in specific skills or competencies, often leading to a digital badge. They can be credit or non-credit activities, but they all are focused on helping students with careers–either upskilling, reskilling, or advancing them.

Q: What is the difference between a credential and a microcredential?

RV: Technically a microcredential is a type of credential, it differs from "traditional" credentials (like degrees, certifications, or licenses) primarily in its scope, duration, and focus.

Q: Why would a person be interested in this?

Bart Collins: A microcredential documents evidence of a specific skillset. I might pick up a microcredential to help me be more competitive for a job or position. If a student obtains a microcredential in multiple areas, it documents they have skills in those areas. Professional associations oftentimes stack together microcredentials to help document a broader, more advanced set of knowledge.

Q: How much does it help with your degree?

BC: Many employers have told us directly that they care about evidence of an ability to do the job and that the skills are present. This aspect is oftentimes more valuable than a degree alone.

RV: If you have five people who apply for the same position and they have the same degree, an individual with a microcredential can raise that applicant to the top of the pool.

Q: Is there an employee deficit in some of these jobs?

BC: Oklahoma maintains a list of critical workforce needs that are mapped to certain job categories. It’s in these lists where we can see shortages. We’re having trouble filling those niches, yet it can be a great opportunity for workers willing to fill in those gaps.

Q: Do employers care about microcredentials?

BC: The presence of the microcredential makes you competitive in that field. It proves that you have knowledge, beyond your degree or prior training, for that specific position. This aspect sets you apart from the other professionals applying for the same position.

Q: How long do microcredentials take to earn?

BC: The time to complete a microcredential varies among classes. It can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to nine months or a year. It depends on how the program is delivered.

Q: Can you take courses online and in person?

BC: Yes, microcredentials classes are offered virtually or in-person, again, depending on the program a person chooses.

Q: How do people know that microcredentials are for them?

RV: If there are microcredentials offered in an area that is valued in your field, it would be beneficial to have them..

Q: What is Oklahoma State doing with microcredentials that makes it unique?

RV: Before we offer a microcredential, we ask ourselves, “What’s going to help this individual in their job or assist them in getting a job in this area?” We start with what employers need and what they want in our graduates. We consistently get this feedback and design new microcredentials based on what will help students in their chosen career.

Q: What is your favorite aspect of microcredentials?

RV: One of my favorite things is that students get an opportunity to become experts in specific areas. They have the opportunity to learn more deeply than you would in a traditional classroom setting. Also adult learners who can't see themselves being able to commit to a two- or four-year degree are often willing to start with a microcredential. Once they are successful with that, many are ready to continue their education.

BC: We recognize that there are different audiences and different people who have different educational needs. One of the nice things about microcredentials is that they do not require someone to commit to a two-year or four-year degree. It’s another mechanism by which our colleges and universities meet the educational training needs of our state.