What is a Microcredential?

IU Kokomo will be offering non-credit-bearing microcredentials called badges. Microcredentials are competencies, or certifications, in a topic area that can be used to ‘upskill’ and advance in interpersonal skills or technology, and equip you to take on new roles or leverage new tools. Learning programs leading to Microcredentials may cover broad topics of professional knowledge or skills (technology, leadership, conflict management), general interest topics (art, literature, science, current events), or specific topics such as "Participative Leadership."

Microcredential programs range widely from brief, non-credit-bearing programs, to year-long or semester-long series of credit-bearing programs leading to a separate microcredential or a formal undergraduate or graduate certificate. Like traditional college programs, they can be delivered synchronously (in person or via video conference), asynchronously (online), or both synchronously and asynchronously in a hybrid format.

Participants who successfully complete a non-credit-bearing microcredential will earn a digital badge.

What is the purpose of a microcredential?

Like full-fledged degrees, microcredentials document learning often in the form of digital badges, which can be displayed on social media and online portfolios. Because the subjects are highly specialized, however, microcredentials can be earned in much less time.