Faculty FAQs
What is a microcredential?
Microcredentials at Bradley University are non-degree, non-credit, short-term offerings with competency-based learning to show verifiable mastery of specific skills, the majority of which close industry skill gaps.
What is a course-embedded microcredential?
Professional Pathways is a value-added feature for Bradley students who complete certain groups of credit-bearing courses. The skills mastered in those courses are bundled into a microcredential. Upon successful completion of the courses, a microcredential is awarded and represented by a digital badge. The digital badge, which includes significant metadata about the industry-based skills, can be shared on a resume, LinkedIn, and other professional outlets as you work toward your degree.
How is this different from typical microcredentials?
Professional Pathways microcredentials focus on skills embedded within academic courses. They are not part of the Continuing Education catalog of upskilling courses available to the public. Only current Bradley undergraduate and graduate students (and a small number of recent alumni) are eligible to earn Professional Pathways.
What are the requirements for submission of a microcredential bundle?
- Minimum 2 courses, 6 – 14 credit hours total
- Interdepartmental applications encouraged
- Minimum 6-10 industry-based skill sets mastered (mastery = B or better)
- General concepts are valued, but skills-based competencies are required
- Focus on industry alignment, practical application, and demonstration of mastery
How do students apply?
Visit the Continuing Education online portal and follow the steps to add the no-cost microcredential to your shopping cart. Staff will verify completion and issue the badge via email.
Is there a GPA requirement?
No, but students must earn a B or better in each of the courses in the microcredential to be eligible for a digital badge.
What is the microcredential approval process?
Once submitted online, all applications are reviewed and approved by the Senate Standing Committee on Continuing Education. Committee members use a rubric (based on the below requirements) to rate the application and provide feedback if further details or improvements are required.
You will be required to submit:
- Course syllabi and 6-10 industry-based skill sets mastered
- How the courses are interrelated and address desired employer competencies
- Clear demonstration of professional value to students and employers
- Assessments that indicate how those skills are evaluated
- Suggested title that differs from courses, major, and minor
- Contact name of faculty, department chair, and dean
Can transfer credit count?
No. The Professional Pathways microcredentials can only be earned by taking Bradley University courses, as they have undergone a rigorous curricular review process to ensure academic excellence.
What is a skill?
Skills are specific, measurable, and practical. They are not broader concepts, ideas, theories, or foundational knowledge.
- Skill: Calculating and analyzing the deflection of beams using engineering software.
- Concept: Explaining the principles of stress and strain in materials.
Look to industry specific skills desired by employers. Identify soft skills, desirable skills, technical skills, transferable skills, job-specific skills, etc. This broad interpretation allows for specific disciplines, fields, industries, and areas of expertise to help define what a skill is. Think about how these skill building processes are naturally built into the curriculum. Look to major/minor/course specific learning objectives related to those desired skills to help extract the skill sets in common courses.
For more information, refer to the Continuing Education handout, skills vs. concepts.
Is there an exemplary example of an application?
Yes. Please refer to application link upon committee approval for guidance.