HBCU Rust College Launches New Workforce Training Program in Cybersecurity - Journal of Blacks in Higher Education

Rust College, a historically Black educational institution in Holly Springs, Mississippi, recently launched a new initiaThe program, developed in partnership with the Mississippi Center for Innovation and Technology (MCITy) and Cisco Systems, will provide participants with cybersecurity certificates from Rust College, as we.ll as industry-approved certifications, career coaching, statewide recruitment services, and laptops   As the job market continues to grow rapidly in this area, we want to ensure our students at Rust Coll ege,  and all Mississippians, are equipped to contribute their talents and take advantage of good-paying jobs,” said Johnny M. Moore, President of Rust College. “By partnering with MCITy and Cisco, we can build a skilled, globally minded workforce to protect critical sectors such as healthcare, finance, and education against evolving cyber threats.”

https://jbhe.com/2026/04/rust-college-launches-new-workforce-training-program-in-cybersecurity/

Texas State Technical College to launch AI certificate program - Areebah Bharmal, Big Country

A new certificate program at Texas State Technical College (TSTC) will combine full-stack web development and AI skills. The AI Implementation Specialist Certificate Program is expected to be available as early as Fall 2027. “It’s intended to prepare students to go out into the workplace and help companies with implementing AI into their products and services, which are mostly delivered by the web these days,” said Eric Castro, Director of Alignment for Web Design and Development at Texas State Technical College.

https://www.bigcountryhomepage.com/news/texas-state-technical-college-to-launch-ai-certificate-program/

San Jacinto College launches artificial intelligence certification - Catherine White, Community Impact

San Jacinto College is now offering the artificial intelligence foundations advanced technical certificate, which is designed to support practical skills and applications, according to a March 31 news release from the college. What you need to know. The coursework explores AI fundamentals, its applications in cybersecurity and policy, as well as broader ethical and legal concerns, such as privacy and bias, according to the news release. The certification is open to individuals who already hold an associate degree or higher, according to the news release.

https://communityimpact.com/houston/bay-area/education/2026/04/01/san-jacinto-college-launches-artificial-intelligence-certification

‘AI-shaped economy’ now has students rethinking their majors - Matt Zalaznick, University Business

Workforce disruptions caused by generative AI have some students rethinking their majors with one analysis characterizing higher education’s relationship with AI as “both promising and complex.”

More than 40% of bachelor’s degree students and more than half of those seeking associate’s degrees said generative AI has caused them to consider changing their major or field of study, according to a a new Gallup poll.

About one in seven students surveyed at both levels said “preparing for AI and other technological advances is an important reason they enrolled.”

AI is not yet the “primary driver” academic and enrollment decisions, Gallup’s authors contend. They urge higher leaders to ensure students have opportunities to learn the AI skills needed to succeed in a changing workforce.

“These findings highlight growing student attention to how well degrees align with an AI-shaped economy,” the survey concluded.

https://universitybusiness.com/generative-ai-now-has-more-students-rethinking-their-majors/

Career Guidance for in 2026 - Suyash Raizada, Blockchain Council

Career Guidance in 2026 looks different from what many students were told just a few years ago. The entry-level market remains competitive, but it is also clearer about what it rewards: demonstrable skills, relevant experience, and the ability to work effectively in hybrid environments. Employers are hiring more graduates overall, and many are screening less by GPA than in the past. This creates real opportunity for students who can prove competence through portfolios, internships, and micro-credentials. This guide covers the most practical career tips you can apply now, including how to define a Career Goal, build a skills-first profile, and use AI tools responsibly for personalization and job readiness.

https://www.blockchain-council.org/career-advice/career-guidance-for-students/

Where can AI be used? Insights from a deep ontology of work activities = Alice Cai, et al; arXiv

Here we provide a comprehensive ontology of work activities that can help systematically analyze and predict uses of AI. To do this, we disaggregate and then substantially reorganize the approximately 20K activities in the US Department of Labor's widely used O*NET occupational database. Next, we use this framework to classify descriptions of 13,275 AI software applications and a worldwide tally of 20.8 million robotic systems. Finally, we use the data about both these kinds of AI to generate graphical displays of how the estimated units and market values of all worldwide AI systems used today are distributed across the work activities that these systems help perform. We find a highly uneven distribution of AI market value across activities, with the top 1.6% of activities accounting for over 60% of AI market value. Most of the market value is used in information-based activities (72%), especially creating information (36%), and only 12% is used in physical activities. Interactive activities include both information-based and physical activities and account for 48% of AI market value, much of which (26%) involves transferring information. 

https://arxiv.org/abs/2603.20619

Pharmacists body opposes proposal to allow science graduates as ‘competent persons’ for drug wholesale licenses - Peethaambaran Kunnathoor, Pharmbiz

In a formal letter to Dr Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, DCGI and the Member Secretary of the DTAB, the association expressed stiff opposition to the proposal discussed during the board's 93rd meeting. The contentious recommendation seeks to redefine the qualifications of the ‘competent person’ required to manage wholesale drug premises under Forms 20B and 21B, potentially opening the role to science graduates. Under the new proposal, the eligibility for a competent person would include registered pharmacists or science degree graduates (BSc) with at least two years of experience in dealing with drugs and a six-month online certificate course recognized by authorities such as the PCI, NIPER, or the Skill Development Council. This is a significant shift from the previous stance discussed in August 2024, where it was suggested that only those with a pharmacy background, such as D.Pharm, B.Pharm, or Pharm D, be eligible. The DTAB argues that the move is necessary to strengthen the supply chain and ensure drug quality, safety, and efficacy in a modern, complex pharmaceutical landscape.

https://www.pharmabiz.com/NewsDetails.aspx?aid=185052&sid=1

New stackable micro-credentials bridge gap to workforce - University of Hawaii News

As higher education evolves, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is actively adapting to the rising demand for skill-based learning and flexible academic pathways. In fall 2026, UH Mānoa will officially launch its micro-credential programs to support modern learners. Offered through UH Mānoa’s Outreach College, micro-credentials provide a vital alternative and complement for degree and non-degree seeking students. “The expansion of our micro-credentials reflects our deep commitment to meeting learners where they are,” said UH President Wendy Hensel. “By providing flexible, skill-based pathways, we are empowering current students to gain the in-demand competencies they need to thrive in Hawaiʻi’s dynamic workforce.”

https://www.hawaii.edu/news/2026/03/25/micro-credentials/

India must turn AI skills into innovation and job creation to emerge as a global education hub: Anthony Salcito, Coursera; ET Education Technology

As artificial intelligence reshapes industries and job roles worldwide, India’s education system faces a crucial challenge, ensuring that AI skills translate into innovation, entrepreneurship and job creation.

In an exclusive interaction with ET Education, Anthony Salcito, General Manager – Enterprise at Coursera, says India already has strong momentum through initiatives such as the IndiaAI Mission and YUVAi – Youth for Unnati and Vikas with AI, but the country must now move beyond skilling to applying these capabilities for real-world innovation. With more than three decades of experience at the intersection of education and technology, Salcito also highlights the growing role of micro-credentials, digital learning, and industry-linked curriculum in preparing India’s young workforce for the future economy.

https://education.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/higher-education/india-must-turn-ai-skills-into-innovation-and-job-creation-to-emerge-as-a-global-education-hub-anthony-salcito-coursera/129770942

Micro-credentials emerge as a pathway to better jobs - HR World Southeast Asia

Rising unemployment and persistent skill gaps are pushing the Philippines to rethink workforce readiness, as new data shows the jobless rate climbed to 5.8% in January 2026, leaving 2.96 million workers without jobs. The increase highlights structural issues in employability, with limited access to quality jobs and low earning capacity continuing to drive in-work poverty. The challenge is not just job availability, but workforce preparedness. Insights from the World Bank indicate that low education levels and a shortage of productive job opportunities remain key barriers, underscoring the urgent need for both skills development and job creation. In response, micro-credentialing is emerging as a practical pathway to bridge this gap. Short, flexible, and industry-aligned courses are gaining traction as a faster route to employability, enabling workers to upskill without committing to full degree programmes. These credentials are increasingly aligned with employer demand, particularly in sectors facing acute talent shortages.

https://hrsea.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/philippines-embraces-micro-credentials-to-combat-rising-unemployment/129751914

CARICOM underscores importance of micro-credentials to regional development - Editor-JB, St. Kitts and Nevis Observer

“First, the Caribbean is undergoing profound economic and social transformation – driven by digitalisation, climate vulnerability, shifting labour markets, and evolving global value chains. “Second, our education and training systems must respond with greater agility, inclusivity, and relevance if we are to equip our people – not only for jobs, but for life, resilience, and regional progress.” She said it is within this context that micro-credentials assume strategic importance in the CARICOM region, adding that it offers the region a pathway to rethink how learning is designed, delivered, recognized, and valued. “For a region such as ours – with diverse education systems, varying access challenges, and significant informal and non-traditional learning – this is not simply an innovation. It is a necessity. “They are also highly relevant to one of the most pressing challenges facing our region – climate change.”

https://www.thestkittsnevisobserver.com/caricom-underscores-importance-of-micro-credentials-to-regional-development/

The Apprenticeship (R)Evolution - Sara Weissman and Colleen Flaherty, Inside Higher Ed

Located near the sprawling Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center, home to Tesla Gigafactory 1, Truckee Meadows Community College trains Tesla employees in advanced manufacturing skills year-round. And while Tesla itself may be polarizing, the growth of the program is undeniable: In 2023, TMCC trained 85 Tesla apprentices; today, completers number 1,000-plus and growing—quickly. “They choose the courses from our catalog à la carte, and we train their workers five days a week, all day long, in four-week increments,” TMCC president Jeffrey Alexander said of Tesla. Apprentices “come to us, usually 30 to 35 per cohort, and we train them in the basics of automated production, programmable logic control and electromechanical systems, so that they are able to get to work at the gigafactory and really be very capable from day one.”

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/tech-innovation/alternative-credentials/2026/03/23/apprenticeship-glow

Microsoft Certification: The Ultimate Path to IT Excellence

In today’s rapidly advancing technological world, staying competitive in the IT industry requires more than just basic knowledge. Professionals need validated skills that demonstrate their expertise and ability to handle real-world challenges. Microsoft certification has become one of the most recognized and respected credentials for IT professionals worldwide. It provides a structured pathway to learn, validate, and showcase technical skills in areas such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, and enterprise solutions. Whether you are starting your career or looking to advance, Microsoft certifications offer a reliable route to success.NFL transaction alerts Microsoft certifications are designed to align with job roles, ensuring that candidates gain practical, hands-on experience. This approach makes them highly relevant in today’s job market, where employers seek individuals who can immediately contribute to organizational goals. With a wide range of certifications available, professionals can choose paths that match their interests and career aspirations.

https://nfldraftdiamonds.com/2026/03/microsoft-certification/

Blackboard Milestone: Badging and micro-credentials made easy

Students today are embracing a lifelong view of learning, focusing on the development of competencies throughout their higher education journey and beyond. Blackboard® Milestone is a user-friendly badging and microcredentialing solution that streamlines adoption, improves motivation, and helps learners market their skills in the workforce.

https://www.blackboard.com/material/blackboard-milestone

Micro-credentials a new pathway to decent jobs - Ernie Cecilia, Manila Times

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) reported in 2022: “Micro-credentials are by no means new, with many, such as short-term courses, having been offered by different providers for years.” Micro-credentials are short, flexible and targeted learning modules that allow learners to upskill without committing to a full degree. Colleges and universities can offer stackable, industry-aligned credentials to help individuals adapt to the rapidly changing skills requirements in the workplace and promote lifelong learning. It is the new learning pathway to supplement macro-credentials (the full degree or qualification programs). It can be a tool to “downsize and shorten longer learning programs for greater agility, flexibility, and diversity.”

https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/03/19/campus-press/micro-credentials-a-new-pathway-to-decent-jobs/2302648

How Saudi Arabia is leading the AI classroom shift - Waad Hussain, Arab News

“Micro-credentials are really just an indicator of a lifelong learning shift,” Salcito told Arab News. “There was a time where you would build a four-year study and degree to fuel you through a world of work that was fairly stagnant or wasn’t changing as rapidly as the current world of work we're in now.” To remain relevant, Saudi institutions are increasingly embracing blended academic models. Faculty members are partnering with Coursera to embed content from industry leaders directly into curricula. "What I think we're starting to see is universities increasingly embrace micro-credentials and industry content within the context of a four-year degree or university curriculum,” Salcito said. “This is something Coursera is doing a lot of work with, both providing micro-credentials across our platform, but working with faculty members to embed content from leading industry providers like Microsoft, OpenAI, Anthropic, Google within the context of a university course.”

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2636984/amp

Director of Microcredentials and Innovation Credential Strategy Cate Tolnai spotlights Career Pathways framework, open standards and EC-Council collaboration to strengthen credential portability and learner agency - PR Newswire

As employer demand grows across cybersecurity, healthcare, business and other fast-evolving fields, Tolnai's session explored how institutions can move beyond stand-alone micro-credentials to standards-based career pathways that are responsive, portable and verifiable. Tolnai also discussed how the University's Career Pathways framework leverages interoperability and open standards—including Open Badges 3.0, CTDL and the TrustEd Credential Framework—to align academic learning with employer-validated credentials and strengthen learner agency.  University of Phoenix's digital badging work supports working adult learners by helping them translate learning into clear, shareable evidence of assessed skills as they progress—course by course—toward longer-term goals. The University recently celebrated issuing one million digital badges for skills obtained in undergraduate, graduate and professional development courses.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/university-of-phoenix-leadership-shares-standards-based-approach-to-career-aligned-micro-credentials-at-1edtech-2026-digital-credentials-summit-302714764.html

Microcredentials get first-ever endorsement from accreditor - Alcino Donadel, University Business

The Higher Learning Commission has endorsed four organizations that offer short-term credentials to colleges and universities, marking the first time the accreditor has formally verified the quality of a third-party provider focused on certificates, digital badges and microcredentials, according to a press release. There are now over a million microcredential offerings on the market, offering to quickly teach students skills demanded by today’s workforce. Often dubbed “micropathways,” these credentials also serve to complement traditional degrees by signaling specific job-ready competencies to employers.

https://universitybusiness.com/microcredentials-get-first-ever-endorsement-from-accreditor/

Occupational Requirements Survey - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The Occupational Requirements Survey (ORS) publishes job-related information on physical demands; environmental conditions; education, training, and experience; as well as cognitive and mental requirements. The job requirements reflect those necessary for workers to perform critical tasks in support of the critical job functions, and not the capabilities of individual workers. Credentials include training time required as a condition of hiring, which often results in certifications, licenses, or educational certificates and are part of the education, training, and experience requirements. The published estimates reflect the percentage of workers with credential requirements and the time necessary to obtain them.

https://www.bls.gov/ors/factsheet/credentials.htm

Graduate Certificates Programs in Illinois - Rana Waxman, Grad schools.com

A graduate certificate, sometimes referred to as a diploma, or postgraduate certificate, is a short term 

Graduate Certificate Programs may provide a valuable academic credential in all fields of study. Many are available in subjects as diverse as ESL, business administration, IT and taxation. One of the potential benefits to a graduate certificate is that it may help you develop new skills and build expertise in a single professional area. These focused abilities might be used for several objectives. You could update your professional profile, expand your knowledge base, explore new fields or prepare for a graduate degree.

To be eligible for a postgraduate certificate, you must already have a bachelors degree. Most certificate programs of this nature offer open admissions, which lets students bypass the work and wait time of a full application. Requirements for professional graduate certificates can run a bit differently. Applicants may need to have earned a masters degree in a field related to the certificate. They may also have to furnish transcripts, resume, essay, and letter(s) of recommendation. Programs vary.

https://www.gradschools.com/certificate

28 of the Most Popular Online Certificate Programs - Indeed

Certification programs have become a staple of continuing education for many professionals in the workforce, helping students gain in-demand skills that supplement their academic or professional careers. Certifications are cost-efficient, typically allowing individuals to gain skills and knowledge at a lower cost than tuition at a four-year university. Learning about various online certificate programs may help you find a program that fits your needs and budget. In this article, we list 28 online certification programs that can strengthen your professional experience and assist in your next job search.

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/best-online-certificate-programs