How Microcredentials Are Revolutionizing the Higher-Education Business Model - Kristin D. Hultquist, Stephanie M. Murphy, Manhattan Institute

One notable external force causing internal change is the growing influence of “microcredentials.”[1] These shorter-term credentials are integrating into traditional degree pathways, and trustees of public colleges and universities should examine the role of these credentials in the baccalaureate programs of their institutions. Shorter-term credentials can provide substantial benefits for public four-year institutions, including improved return on investment on baccalaureate degrees, better alignment of skills with market demands, increased transparency, and greater responsiveness to labor-market changes. These benefits are most likely to be realized when a validated market analysis is conducted, clearly identifying the competencies needed from today’s students.

https://manhattan.institute/article/how-microcredentials-are-revolutionizing-the-higher-education-business-model

A regional framework for microcredentials is on its way - UNESCO

A recent study by the UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNESCO IESALC) underscores that microcredentials are not merely a complement to traditional education but a strategic necessity for the region’s future. The study, Mapping Microcredentials in Latin America and the Caribbean: Towards a common framework, offers targeted recommendations for policy-makers and providers, laying the groundwork for a regional framework of minimum standards on microcredentials.

https://www.iesalc.unesco.org/en/articles/regional-framework-microcredentials-its-way-university-world-news

Why upskilling in AI and cybersecurity is crucial for today’s digital-first workforce - Bhavna Dubey, Times of India

From banking and healthcare to retail and logistics, digital transformation has reshaped nearly every sector in the last decade. But with this surge in automation, data storage, and cloud-based services comes an urgent parallel concern: cybersecurity. Organisations today are not just looking to innovate; they’re also trying to defend. And that’s where professionals with hybrid expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity are increasingly stepping in.The modern professional, whether from a technical, managerial, or operations background, is no longer expected to oversee workflows. They're now required to understand algorithmic decisions, evaluate risks, and ensure system integrity, all while driving digital value for their organisations.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/spotlight/why-upskilling-in-ai-and-cybersecurity-is-crucial-for-todays-digital-first-workforce/articleshow/121969663.cms

Building a Quality Microcredential Program: SUNY’s Microcredential Story - SUNY

SUNY’s policy-driven approach to microcredentials centers on faculty innovation, academic quality, partnerships with industry, stackable pathways to degrees, and portability to ensure value beyond the issuing institution. In a competitive environment where so many companies, universities and organizations are offering short-term credentials, SUNY has encouraged a niche for higher education that is responsive to regional and state needs and that leverages the power of student/faculty interaction, student supports, career and academic guidance. SUNY microcredentials: 1) provide the skills, knowledge, and experience to allow the learner to obtain a job or advance in a job; and 2) wherever possible, provide a pathway to additional credentials, including an initial or advanced degree..

https://www.suny.edu/microcredentials/build-a-program/

How are States Leveraging Micro-Credentials to Improve the Teacher Workforce? - elissa Tooley and Lisette Partelow, New America

Today states continue to attempt to address teacher shortages through a variety of different initiatives, so we set out to investigate what has—and hasn’t—changed about the educator micro-credential landscape and how states are using this tool to address shortages and other educator workforce policy goals. New America’s recent report, “When Micro Goes Macro: A Nationwide Review of States’ Educator Micro-Credential Policies,” explores if and how state educator policies are explicitly allowing or encouraging the use of micro-credentials. We found that over 60 percent of states (32, including the District of Columbia) now do so, a 23 percent increase from 2020.

https://www.newamerica.org/education-policy/edcentral/how-are-states-leveraging-micro-credentials-to-improve-teacher-workforce/

How will micro-credentials make your campus smarter? - Matt Zalaznick, University Business

Appetite for industry-aligned micro-credentials—among learners entering the workforce and employers seeking skilled candidates—is nearly universal, according to a new report from Coursera. The online academic program provider surveyed over 1,000 employers and learners, capturing perspectives across six regions and 10 countries. Globally, more than 90% of employers say that their employees with micro-credentials demonstrate higher proficiency in industry-relevant skills than those without and that the credentials are immediately applicable to job roles.

https://universitybusiness.com/how-will-micro-credentials-make-your-campus-smarter/

Advice for Employers and Recruiters Is it too late in the year for students to find gig / freelance internships? - College Recruiter

When most people hear the word “intern,” they think of someone showing up to the same office every day, working 9 to 5, and maybe even grabbing coffee for their manager. But today’s students are finding new ways to gain real-world experience—without the commute or the cubicle. More and more employers are open to hiring interns in a freelance or gig capacity, especially for project-based work like social media management, content creation, coding, design, or research. These roles don’t always come with a formal internship title, but they offer the same kinds of skills and resume-building opportunities. And for students, especially those juggling classes or needing flexibility, it’s a win-win.

https://www.pressreader.com/ireland/the-avondhu/20250619/283493622046945

Are Micro-Credentials Democratizing K-12 Credentialing? - Bruno V. Manno, Forbes

Increasingly, K-12 is using micro-credentials to verify and document what students and educators know and can do when assessed on particular learning outcomes. The effect is potentially profound. Journalist Sara Weissman says that young people’s use of micro-credentials is creating “The micro-credential generation, a fast-growing number of traditionally college-age students [who] are bypassing degrees to pursue cheaper and faster alternative credentials.” What follows examines the emerging use of micro-credentials in K-12 student learning and teacher professional development, the challenges involved in implementing this approach, and the lessons learned along the way.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/brunomanno/2025/06/16/are-micro-credentials-democratizing-k-12-credentialing/

Arcadia University Launches Workforce Development Solutions for Employers, Employees, Schools, and Organizations

Arcadia University, in collaboration with Core Education, a public benefit corporation specializing in transformative business model solutions, has launched its Workforce Development program, an initiative to help employers in Pennsylvania and beyond recruit, retain, and upskill their talent. Through this dynamic online certificate program, organizations can access customizable, scalable training programs tailored to meet specific industry demands and organizational goals.Workforce shortages continue to challenge employers across the state. According to the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, workforce development remains a top strategic priority, with skills gaps and talent shortages consistently cited as major barriers to growth. As of 2024, Pennsylvania had 304,000 job openings but only 233,000 unemployed individuals actively seeking work, revealing a shortfall of over 70,000 workers across the state.

https://ktla.com/business/press-releases/cision/20250613DC09440/arcadia-university-launches-workforce-development-solutions-for-employers-employees-schools-and-organizations/

How will micro-credentials make your campus smarter? - Matt Zalaznick, University Business

Who is benefiting most from micro-credentials at your college or university? Are these increasingly popular programs bringing new students to your campus and sparking interest in emerging career fields? The questions abound but one thing is clear in higher ed today: A growing emphasis on upskilling and career preparation is igniting a renewed focus on micro-credentials and attracting a new wave of students to campus.

https://universitybusiness.com/how-will-micro-credentials-make-your-campus-smarter/

6 Coursera Classes to Take This Summer - the College Today

Since the fall of 2023, the College of Charleston has been offering industry-branded micro-credential courses to students, faculty, staff and alumni at no cost through Coursera’s Career Academy. The platform offers professional certificates from companies like Google, IBM, Microsoft and Salesforce. College of Charleston is the first university in South Carolina to offer the full suite of Coursera’s Career Academy.

According to the 2025 Micro-Credentials Impact Report by Coursera:

96% of employers agree that micro-credentials strengthen a candidate’s job application.

94% of students say micro-credentials fast-track skill development.

87% of employers have hired at least one candidate with a micro-credential in the past year.

https://today.charleston.edu/2025/06/11/6-coursera-classes-to-take-this-summer/

MBA Without Business School—The New Wave Of Alternative MBAs - Nick Harland, Business Because

As the traditional MBA has morphed into flex, hybrid and online versions, there are also totally new versions of the MBA appearing online. The difference? They’re not always offered by business schools, and come at a fraction of the cost of an MBA at a leading institution. So what are the best alternatives to a traditional MBA? How do alternative MBAs compare to traditional programs in value—and are alternative MBAs worth it for career advancement? Let’s take a look at the Mini-MBA, Quantic MBA and others to work out what is the value of an alternative MBA.

https://www.businessbecause.com/news/online-courses/9802/MBA-without-business-school

More teens lean toward alternative postsecondary options - Briana Mendez-Padilla, Higher Ed Dive

Teens’ postsecondary plans are shifting, with just 45% of students in grades 7-12 seeing a two- or four-year college as their most likely next step in 2024, according to a new survey from national nonprofit American Student Assistance. That’s down from 73% in 2018. Over the same period, interest in nondegree education pathways like vocational schools, apprenticeships and technical boot camp programs more than tripled, from 12% in 2018 to 38% in 2024, the ASA survey found. Regardless of their goals after high school, the results show that students mainly view postsecondary education as the path to a good job, the report’s authors wrote.

https://www.highereddive.com/news/more-teens-leaning-toward-alternative-postsecondary-options/749866/

Is It Time to Ditch the Four-Year Degree? - Frederick M. Hess, American Enterprise Institute

The winds of educational change are blowing. Tim Knowles is the 10th president of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, the 120-year-old organization that birthed the Carnegie Unit and the Educational Testing Service. Knowles is intent on steering into the teeth of that gale, working to retool the Carnegie Unit and intent on assessing the promise of innovations like the three-year college degree or micro-credentials. These reforms, especially micro-credentials, could open the door to dramatic changes in K–12 education. I caught up with him to discuss what’s on his mind and what it means for America’s high schools and colleges. Here’s what he had to say.

https://www.aei.org/op-eds/is-it-time-to-ditch-the-four-year-degree/

Jordan Joins EU Symposium in Rabat to Shape National Micro-credential Policy - Jordan News Agency

A high-level Jordanian delegation has participated in the "Micro-credentials – Skills and Employability" symposium, an event organized by the European Union and hosted in Rabat, Morocco. The two-day forum, which concludes Tuesday, brings together over 60 experts from 28 countries as part of an EU initiative to develop higher education in neighboring nations. Jordan are Dr. Mamoun Al-Debi'e, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Higher Education; Dr. Thafer Al-Sarayreh, President of the Higher Education Accreditation and Quality Assurance Commission (HEAC); Dr. Ahmad Abu-El-Haija, Director of the Erasmus+ Office in Jordan; and Dr. Mahmoud Al-Shiyab, Head of the Higher Education Development Team.

https://petra.gov.jo/Include/InnerPage.jsp?ID=72171&lang=en&name=en_news

Hollywood Heels: L.A. internships provide invaluable industry experience - UNC Arts and Sciences

Scores of UNC alumni have launched careers in the film and TV industry thanks to a communication studies internship program that sends students to Hollywood for prestigious internships at production companies, agencies, studios and related businesses every summer. The roster of 300-plus graduates of the UNC Hollywood Internship Program puts students in contact with established pros like director Peyton Reed ’86 (Marvel’s upcoming Ant-Man), writer/producers John Altschuler ’85 and Dave Krinsky ’85 (Silicon Valley, King of the Hill) and Oscar-winning editor Hughes Winborne ’74 (Crash).

https://www.unc.edu/discover/hollywood-heels/

Nurturing New Talent: Partnering with Colleges to Recruit Interns - US Chamber of Commerce

Businesses of all sizes that want to increase their productivity while nurturing their talent pipeline often find tremendous value in hiring an intern. Businesses benefit from fresh perspectives and potential cost savings, while students gain valuable work experience in their chosen industries. One way to recruit interns is by working directly with colleges and universities, which are filled with promising new talent eager to learn. Here’s how your business can partner with higher education institutions to fill intern positions. Once you’ve identified your target schools, it’s time to start your outreach. However, taking the time to build a relationship and showcase your value is far more likely to drive success than a “cold call” approach.

https://www.uschamber.com/co/run/human-resources/colleges-and-university-intern-recruitment

Changing scenario of HEIs with micro-credentials for reskilling & upskilling - ET Education - Education. Economic-Times of India

In India, particularly in higher education institutions (HEIs), micro-credentials are emerging as a transformative force in the university education landscape, addressing the critical need for skill development and industry-ready graduates, as the vocational education and training department had earlier considered. Unlike traditional degrees, these "bite-sized" qualifications focus on specific competencies and knowledge, offering flexibility and targeted learning. The Indian university system increasingly concentrates on micro-credentials and short-term certificate courses, a shift driven by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. These concise, skill-focused programs offer flexibility and address the growing demand for industry-relevant competencies, considering the labor force's demand in the context of the 4.0 Industrial Revolution (IR) and 5.0 IR.

https://education.economictimes.indiatimes.com/amp/blog/changing-scenario-of-heis-with-micro-credentials-for-reskilling-upskilling/121566120

Aspire 2Be Launches Micro-Credentials to Tackle AI and Digital Skills Gap - Business News Wales

These fully accredited Micro-Credentials have been developed to provide professionals with the opportunity to invest in their digital learning needs through affordable, bite-sized learning. With AI as a significant emerging influence in businesses, Aspire 2Be identified skills gaps around its adoption and use within the workplace, particularly around Learning & Development. To address these gaps, the courses Using AI Tools in Learning & Development – for Education facilitators – and Principles of AI in the Workplace – for those working within business functions – have been created. Also addressing the issue of digital security that is so critical to business in today's digital landscape, the Digital Application Support course has been designed to equip learners with practical skills to confidently navigate digital tools, offering the chance to become subject matter expert for IT user skills within the workplace.

https://businessnewswales.com/aspire-2be-launches-micro-credentials-to-tackle-ai-and-digital-skills-gap/

What HR leaders can learn from Medtronic’s employee education program - InStride

With persistent talent gaps in high-demand roles and tightening budgets, HR leaders are focused on how to do more with the workforce they already have—meaning growing talent from within and giving employees the skills they need to step into critical roles. Leaders are shifting from reactive hiring to long-term workforce planning. The question isn’t just "How do we find more people?" but "How do we make better use of the team we’ve got?" For many, that involves upskilling current employees, opening paths for internal mobility, and simplifying access to skill-building opportunities. In a recent roundtable, leaders from Medtronic, the world’s leading medical technology manufacturer, shared how they’ve put this mindset into action with a workforce development strategy that doesn’t just close gaps, but improves retention and drives cost savings.

https://www.instride.com/insights/what-hr-leaders-can-learn-from-medtronics-education-program/

Skills-Based Credentials Drive Higher Salaries and Lower Training Costs - Lin Grensing-Pophal, HR Daily Advisor

As workforce requirements shift dramatically in an era of rapidly developing technology—including generative AI (GenAI), employers are shifting their focus from educational credentials to a focus on specific skills. New data from Coursera’s 2025 Micro-Credentials Impact Report supports this shift and offers insights into how employers can develop a more skills-based focus for their talent acquisition and learning and development (L&D) efforts.

Adoption is dramatic. For example: 

97% of employers are already using or exploring skills-based hiring. 

90% say they’re willing to offer higher starting salaries to candidates with micro-credentials. 

89% of employers who have hired candidates with micro-credentials say they saved on training costs for those hires—with most saving 10–30% annually. 

https://hrdailyadvisor.com/2025/05/30/skills-based-credentials-drive-higher-salaries-and-lower-training-costs/

4 big reasons micro-credentials are off to a slow start - Mica Ward, District Administration

While some early adopters in K12 report high levels of interest among their students, the evidence is clear: significant barriers are keeping districts from scaling high-quality micro-credentialing programs. These hurdles include uneven program quality, a dearth of accountability, hesitancy from students and teachers to embrace the model, and a lack of rigorous evidence to support the credentials’ value. “Whether micro-credentialing achieves its full potential rests on its champions’ ability to overcome these obstacles,” the report reads.

https://districtadministration.com/article/4-big-reasons-micro-credentials-are-off-to-a-slow-start/

14 great online graduate certificate programs in agriculture - AGDAILY

For students who are looking to pursue a highly specialized course of study — or those who simply don’t want to pursue a long-term degree path — agriculture graduate certificates are a important option to consider. Many universities offer online graduate certificate programs in agriculture, which may be the perfect fit for someone eager to enter into the ag industry or build upon their current knowledge base. A graduate certificate can be awarded in as little as two semesters and is more affordable than a traditional degree. Certificates often teach highly specific skills or hone topics within larger fields — as opposed to degrees, which often are more broadly focused — while still building on the knowledge you gained as an undergrad. The value of this specialized educational experience is sought-after by agricultural companies, as well as being readily applicable to a farming or ranching operation or your ag career.

https://www.agdaily.com/insights/great-online-graduate-certificate-programs-in-agriculture/

Certificate Programs Surge as Bachelor's and Associate Degrees Decline, Report Finds - Walter Hudson, Diverse Education

For the third consecutive year, undergraduate certificate programs have reached a 10-year high in completion rates while traditional degree programs continue to decline, according to new data released Thursday by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. The annual Undergraduate Degree Earners report reveals shifting student preferences toward shorter, more affordable credential options in higher education. While more than 3.2 million learners earned undergraduate credentials in the 2023-24 academic year—a modest 0.6% increase from the previous year—the distribution across credential types shows significant changes in student behavior. Certificate program completions jumped 12.6% for first-time earners and 8.0% for students adding certificates to previous credentials. Meanwhile, bachelor's degree and associate degree attainment continued declining for the third straight year, with associate degrees hitting their lowest level in a decade.

https://www.diverseeducation.com/students/article/15742533/certificate-programs-surge-as-bachelors-and-associate-degrees-decline-report-finds

Boston U Expands AllCampus Partnership with New Non-Credit Certificate Programs - Rhea Kelly, Campus Technology

Boston University Metropolitan College's Center for Professional Education has expanded its relationship with online program management provider AllCampus. The agreement will extend support for BU's existing online Paralegal Studies Program and add new non-credit certificates in financial planning, professional fundraising, and genealogical studies. AllCampus provides marketing, recruitment, course development, and student support services to help institutions build both for-credit and non-credit online programs. BU worked with the company to launch its Paralegal Studies Program nearly a decade ago; the university's decision to expand the partnership was based on the program's success and AllCampus's tailored support and dedication to student outcomes, according to a news announcement.    

https://campustechnology.com/articles/2025/03/03/boston-u-expands-allcampus-partnership-with-new-non-credit-certificate-programs.aspx

Students can now earn a credential from more schools - Alcino Donadel, University Business

No education sector is limited to the kinds of credentials they award as schools—from K12 districts to four-year colleges and universities—broaden their efforts to swiftly upskill the emerging and mid-career workforce. No academic credential is resigned to a specific education sector anymore as schools—from K12 districts to four-year colleges and universities—ramp up efforts to swiftly upskill the emerging and mid-career workforce. Denver high school students can now earn an associate degree from an accredited technical college when they participate in a registered apprenticeship program and complete transferable general education courses.

https://universitybusiness.com/students-can-now-earn-a-credential-from-more-schools/

UNESCO IESALC releases key study on microcredentials and their impact on higher education in Latin America and the Caribbean - UNESCO

Microcredentials are gaining popularity, especially among women, who increasingly use them to access traditionally underrepresented fields such as STEM disciplines. Despite their growth, most countries are still in the early stages of developing regulatory frameworks and quality assurance mechanisms. Many institutions have created internal frameworks, but there is still a lack of common definitions and standards at the national and regional levels. The uncontrolled expansion of microcredentials poses a risk of market saturation and credential inflation, which could dilute their value and lead to fragmented educational pathways.

https://www.iesalc.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-iesalc-releases-key-study-microcredentials-and-their-impact-higher-education-latin-america

WCC launches short-term programs to empower professionals - the Manila Times

WORLD Citi Colleges (WCC) officially launched its School of Career Advancement and Lifelong Education (Scale), marking a significant milestone in its commitment to delivering accessible, career-focused education for learners and professionals across industries, on May 15, 2025. Led by World Citi Colleges President Raymond Patrick Guico, the  institution launches its School of Career Advancement and Lifelong Education for learners and professionals across industries, on May 15, 2025. Led by World Citi Colleges President Raymond Patrick Guico, the institution launches its School of Career Advancement and Lifelong Education for learners and professionals across industries, on May 15, 2025. The event brought together professionals from diverse sectors and was graced by Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Executive Director 4 lawyer Cinderella Filipina Benitez-Jaro, who emphasized the relevance of micro-credentials in preparing learners for a globally competitive and rapidly changing workforce.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/05/26/tmt-newswire/wcc-launches-short-term-programs-to-empower-professionals/2120577

The inner game of women CEOs - Aalia Ratani, Carolyn Dewar, and Johanne Lavoie - McKinsey

Human-centric skills are more critical than ever in an increasingly complex world. Here’s how some women CEOs harness these strengths to meet the challenges of the role. What makes an effective CEO? In short, comfort with embracing polarities.  CEOs sit at the nexus of organizational tensions, balancing seemingly opposing demands. They must be confident and humble, decisive and empowering, professional and authentic. They must also deliver short-term results and offer a longer-term vision.

https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/the-inner-game-of-women-ceos

GVBOT pushes B.C. government on AI strategy ahead of Web Summit - Glenn Korstrom, BIV

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade this week gave B.C. Premier David Eby's office a set of recommendations to call on how it wants the B.C. government to take action to fuel the province's artificial intelligence sector, its CEO Brigitte Anderson told BIV Wednesday. Anderson is urging B.C. to create academic courses and "micro-credentials or certifications" to help power a workforce ready to be part of the AI niche that is changing how business operates.  "As far as we know, there is no digital-skills index for the workforce in B.C., but we should be doing that," Anderson said. Micro-credential programs in B.C. for AI exist in B.C.

https://www.biv.com/news/technology/gvbot-pushes-bc-government-on-ai-strategy-ahead-of-web-summit-10692843