Undergraduate certificate programs soar in popularity amid changes to labor market - Lexi Lonas Cochran, the Hill

The shifting labor market has fueled a huge spike in undergraduate certificate programs, which are vastly outpacing the growth in undergraduate enrollment in general.   From 2019 to last fall, the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center found a 28.5 percent increase in enrollment in the programs, which are seen both as a way to move into the workforce quicker without a college degree and as a resume-booster for those still working on their bachelor’s.  

https://thehill.com/homenews/education/5109306-undergraduate-certificate-programs-labor-market-health-care-construction-cybersecurity/

Seufferlein Sales Program - Cal State Chico

Our 21-unit Professional Sales Certificate is an award-winning, USCA-accredited program that prepares students for dynamic careers in sales. The hands-on courses provide students with the sales training required by today's leading organizations. The sales certificate is a great way to differentiate yourself in today’s competitive job market. Though open to all students, the certificate is specifically designed for marketing majors and minors. The certificate is comprised of one foundation course, five required core courses, and one elective course.

https://www.csuchico.edu/academics/college/business/departments/sales/

‘Not every path is directly to college.’ As fewer students pursue degrees, certificate programs are on the rise - Hilary Burns, Lumina Foundation

“Not every path is directly to college,” Senneville said. “There’s this whole big world of boats out there, and as soon as you get your foot in the door, you realize that there [are] a lot of opportunities.” As the number of people pursuing two-and-four-year degrees across the country falls due to high sticker prices and declining birth rates, a growing swell of students are turning to shorter-term certificate programs to gain workforce skills in less time, for less money. Some 670,665 people completed certificate programs in the academic year ending in 2023, a 4 percent increase from the year prior, according the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. The share of people completing bachelor’s and associate’s degrees fell 3 percent and 7 percent, respectively, during that time.

https://www.luminafoundation.org/news-and-views/not-every-path-is-directly-to-college-as-fewer-students-pursue-degrees-certificate-programs-are-on-the-rise/

How apprenticeships can broaden access to education and quality jobs - Marieke Vandeweyer and Vlasis Korovilos, OECD Ed Today

In today’s economy, rapid changes such as the digital and green transition are creating a demand for specialised skills. But in many sectors, the demand for skills outpaces the supply of qualified professionals. This situation underscores the urgent need for accessible educational pathways – including in higher education. One promising option is the expansion of apprenticeships: giving people hands-on training, earning potential and career advancement opportunities. By taking on apprentices, businesses give themselves a sustainable method of recruiting and training employees to meet skills needs, helping them to stay competitive and foster employee loyalty and retention. At the recent joint OECD-CEDEFOP symposium ‘New fields for apprenticeship’, experts highlighted the potential of apprenticeship for different sectors of the economy and different types of learners. “Apprenticeships do work across different sectors and levels,” the Head of the OECD Centre for Skills El Iza Mohamedou told the audience. “(But) we still have to do a lot of work to further the case for apprenticeships.”

https://oecdedutoday.com/how-apprenticeships-can-broaden-access-to-education-and-quality-jobs/

These micro-credentials have taken over traditional degrees: Self-taught skills redefine learning in a digital age - Vera Emoghene, Rolling Out

The classroom is no longer confined to brick-and-mortar walls. A do-it-yourself education boom has taken root, driven by YouTube tutorials, coding bootcamps, and micro-credentials. These tools, fueled by digital access and a hunger for practical skills, are challenging the dominance of traditional four-year degrees. With college costs soaring and job markets shifting, learners are turning to faster, cheaper alternatives that promise real-world results. This rise reflects a broader cultural pivot. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics shows U.S. college enrollment dropped 7% from 2019 to 2024, while platforms like Coursera reported a 25% jump in users seeking short-term credentials last year. Five key forces reveal how this DIY wave is outpacing the old guard.

https://rollingout.com/2025/04/09/micro-credentials-over-college-degrees/

Howard University Responds to Students' Demand for Digital Learning Modality - Christen Hill, Howard

Howard University continues to demonstrate leadership in higher education innovation by expanding its digital learning infrastructure, responding to what research confirms is the fastest-growing sector in education. According to recent data published by Devlin Peck (2025), online learning has grown 900% since its creation in 2000, making it the fastest-growing market in the education industry. Howard’s Office of Digital and Online Learning (DOL), established in 2022, has been instrumental in this expansion, reporting a 65% growth in fully online students over the past three years. The office has also developed Howard's "Project Management Essentials" course, which ranks as the No. 1 university course among Class Central's Top 100 Most Popular Online Courses of 2024. "Students are demanding this modality, and Howard continuously focuses on responding to this demand. 

https://thedig.howard.edu/all-stories/howard-university-responds-students-demand-digital-learning-modality

International education needs to show its tangible benefits - Andrew Gordon, University World News

UAEU's research focus is aimed at developing innovative and sustainable solutions to many of the challenges facing the UAE, the wider region and the international community today. The UAE has prioritized seven key area of strategic importance. These are renewable energy, transportation, education, health, technology, water resources and space exploration. This research focus contributes to the realization of the UAE 2021 vision where innovation, research, science and technology form the basis of a productive and competitive knowledge-based economy.

https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20250408140956749

CEO speaks: Micro-Credentials & Future of Learning: Disruption or Evolution - Sanku Bose, Milleniumpost

In the global landscape of higher education, a quiet revolution is underway. It’s not heralded by sprawling campuses or centuries-old traditions, but by a new currency of learning—micro-credentials. These short, skill-focused certifications are gaining traction across industries and institutions alike, offering learners a faster, more targeted pathway to acquiring job-relevant competencies. But are they truly redefining education, or do they merely complement what traditional degrees already offer? To answer that, we must first understand the changing dynamics of the modern workplace. For decades, a college degree was the golden ticket—an unquestioned prerequisite to professional success. https://www.millenniumpost.in/k-reers/ceo-speaks-micro-credentials-future-of-learning-disruption-or-evolution-605891

https://www.millenniumpost.in/k-reers/ceo-speaks-micro-credentials-future-of-learning-disruption-or-evolution-605891

Sailing into the Future: SMA Launches Blockchain-Powered Micro-Credentials - Aayushya Ranjan, Tech African News

By issuing these credentials through Educhain’s blockchain platform, SMA ensures that each certificate is:

Instantly verifiable, reducing the need for manual authentication Tamper-proof and secure, protecting against document fraud. Easily shareable, allowing students to showcase their credentials to employers and institutions worldwide, including on LinkedIn and other social media platforms. Educhain’s Blockchain-Powered Digital Credentialing educhain, already trusted by top universities in the region, provides a scalable, white-labeled solution for institutions looking to modernize their credentialing infrastructure. Its Hyperledger Fabric-based technology enables the secure, digital issuance of degrees, transcripts, student ID cards, and now, micro-credentials.

https://techafricanews.com/2025/04/07/sailing-into-the-future-sma-launches-blockchain-powered-micro-credentials/

UC Honors students gain hands-on research experience - Megan Burgasser, U of Cincinnati

This semester, 31 undergraduate students are taking part in 27 RaMP projects. Cullen said students typically spend eight to 12 hours a week in their labs. While they do not receive pay or academic credit, it does count as an honors experience — one of five required for graduation. Students also gain experience in a research environment. Last year, 40% of RaMP participants went on to other research experiences, Cullen said. One of the cornerstones of the University Honors Program includes interdisciplinary experience and reflection. “They are in a structured environment that fosters both personal and technical skill development,” said Cullen.

https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2025/03/uc-students-gain-hands-on-research-experience.html

Online microcredentials: a response to meet the market's demand for soft skills - Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)

The demand for professionals with soft skills, such as effective communication, critical thinking and time management, is high in today's job market. "Soft skills are the personal and social skills that enable professionals to work effectively, both on their own or in teams. They're associated with personal behaviour patterns and attitudes such as decision-making, time management and resilience. These skills are crucial in any professional environment, and particularly important in a managerial role," explained Iñaki Bustinduy, a course instructor with the Faculty of Economics and Business at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC). A recent study in this field undertaken by the UOC, led by Carles Bruguera, a member of the Labour Market Research and Analysis Unit(UPAL) and a researcher in the Management and Learning (MeL) group, examines how online microcredentials can help meet this need through flexible training adapted to meet the demands of business. 

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1078419

Investing in the Future: Preparing Students for the AI Revolution - Teaching and Learning Services, Carleton

In a world where technology is rapidly evolving, artificial intelligence (AI) is seemingly everywhere, transforming many aspects of our daily lives. From using smart thermostats or robot vacuums in our homes, to offering virtual reality simulations in university courses, to automating tasks in the workplace, AI is changing the way we live, learn and work. To help prepare students for this new wave of technology, Teaching and Learning Services has launched online learning experiences that foster knowledge, skills and confidence in AI and digital literacy. These new modules are part of FUSION, an initiative that aims to bridge academic and employability skills. They will teach students how to identify accurate information online, manage their digital footprint and use AI effectively and ethically.

https://carleton.ca/tls/2025/investing-in-the-future-preparing-students-for-the-ai-revolution/

McDonald's rolls out ‘micro-credentials’ program to boost employee careers - Alana Loftus, Irish Star

McDonald's Australia is launching the initiative to help young people working in their restaurants put the skills they've learned towards a university degree.  McDonald’s is planning to award employees with “microcredentials” based on skills supposedly learnt on the job. The global fast-food giant will offer certificates to employees that can potentially use to count towards a degree at the public University of South Australia or the private Torrens University. The director of learning and development at McDonald’s Australia, Mandy Sharp, explained the new scheme to a local newspaper.

https://www.irishstar.com/news/us-news/mcdonalds-jobs-employees-college-34952357

Creative Futures Academy (CFA) helping businesses equip their employees with the skills needed to thrive - Creative Futures Academy

Creative Futures Academy was delighted to feature in 'Business This Week' within The Irish Times as part of a special report on Attracting Excellence in Ireland. Our Director, Louise Allen, and our courses featured across multiple articles focusing on prioritising career development to attract talent, sustainability and EDI considerations and also exploring career stagnation with microcreds. With the growth in demand for creativity in all areas of work, the courses CFA offers benefit a wide range of sectors. “Creative and design-led approaches are essential in today’s workplace, driving innovation and growth. As experience economies rise, businesses must craft immersive, meaningful experiences that resonate with consumers”.

https://careersportal.ie/colleges/college_news_item.php?notice_id=4229&client_id=326

Online microcredentials: A response to meet the market's demand for soft skill - Open University of Catalonia, Phys.org

The demand for professionals with soft skills, such as effective communication, critical thinking and time management, is high in today's job market. "Soft skills are the personal and social skills that enable professionals to work effectively, both on their own or in teams. They're associated with personal behavior patterns and attitudes such as decision-making, time management and resilience. 

https://phys.org/news/2025-03-online-microcredentials-response-demand-soft.html

Micro credentials: Key to future of learning in era of AI, new tech - Rizal Raoul Reyes, Business Mirror

FUTURE-PROOFING the current crop of Filipino students is one major step to make them competitive in the digital economy dominated by artificial intelligence (AI). Moreover, by 2030, 30 percent of jobs in the Philippines will either be eased or displaced by AI. As such, micro credentials are arguably some of the best methods to empower the students in the digital economy currently being dominated by the said technology. Chair and CEO OF iPeople Inc. Dr. Reynaldo Vea said the government recognizes the importance of propagating micro credentials, as it provides more learning tools to students. These short-term learning courses aim to develop learners into being more productive and competent in current technologies like AI.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/03/22/micro-credentials-key-to-future-of-learning-in-era-of-ai-new-tech/

Personal Perspectives on Combining Traditional Degrees With Digital Credentials - Kelly Hoyland, Inside Higher Ed

These experiences from Nona, Laura and Chelsea underscore the profound impact of digital credentials in bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world application, offering tangible benefits from enhanced communication to accelerated career advancement. Bringing in the voices of learners and other stakeholders is one of the Six Steps for a Successful Credential Program, released by 1EdTech after a case study review. We are now beyond theoretical discussions and can engage directly with students and professionals, like those featured on the panel, in a way that truly serves the needs of today’s evolving workforce.

https://www.insidehighered/opinion/views/2025/03/20/combining-traditional-degrees-digital-credentials

Town offers internships for college students - Mid-Island Times

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced the return of internship opportunities for college students who are looking to gain meaningful work experience. The Town will offer an internship program for the 2025 summer season. “Internships give students an advantage over other job seekers when it comes to work readiness, and I am proud that the Town will once again provide that opportunity for our residents,” Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino said. “This internship program provides an invaluable opportunity for students to receive mentorship and supervision from experienced government professionals.” This program compensates students at a competitive rate of $18 an hour, and students will work 19.5 hours per week.

https://www.midislandtimes.com/articles/town-offers-internships-for-college-students-2/

Internship Competition Is Fierce. Here’s How Colleges Can Help Students Win Them - Christine Y. Cruzvergara, Forbes

Internships rank among the high-impact practices that provide immediate benefits to participants. Not only do internships allow students to explore industries, companies and roles that equip them to make more informed career decisions, they improve the likelihood that college graduates will find jobs that make use of their degrees. Despite rising interest in internships, new data reveals that only about half of recent college graduates said they had an internship while in school, while 12% of current students don’t expect to participate in an internship before they graduate. It’s not for lack of interest. Students say packed schedules, overwhelming course loads, a lack of opportunity, financial constraints and even location can make it difficult to secure an internship.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/christinecruzvergara/2025/03/17/internship-competition-is-fierce-heres-how-colleges-can-help-students-win-them/

Sask Polytech to advance nuclear energy training opportunities - John Flatters, CTV News

Saskatchewan Polytech has signed a first of its kind memorandum of understanding (MOU) that hopes to make the province a leader in the nuclear sector. The MOU is with the University Network of Excellence in Nuclear Engineering (UNENE). “It feels pretty good actually,” said Larry Rosia, president and CEO of Sask Polytech. “To be the first to sign this MOU with UNENE, we’re very proud of that.” The partnership hopes to address workforce gaps by transitioning skilled workers into the industry, or by providing upskilling opportunities within the sector.

https://www.ctvnews.ca/saskatoon/article/sask-polytech-to-advance-nuclear-energy-training-opportunities/

CAI seeks proposals on online certificate programs - Sean Corp, the University of Michigan Record

The Center for Academic Innovation is accepting proposals for online certificate programs that equip learners with in-demand skills across industries. The certificate programs can be non-credit, for-credit, or stackable toward a degree and will be hosted on Michigan Online. Priority areas of interest include certificate programs that focus on artificial intelligence, and human, industry or technology skills. Proposals that integrate interdisciplinary concepts, emerging technologies, innovative learning approaches and industry partnerships are highly encouraged.

https://record.umich.edu/articles/cai-seeks-proposals-on-online-certificate-programs/