By Sydney Havens

SUNY Oswego has officially launched its micro credentialing program. According to college officials, this program will create options for current and future students to make themselves more marketable and competitive when seeking top jobs in their field.

SUNY Oswego stated that the microcredential is a new way for students to learn and showcase their skills. The program will focus on momentum in acquiring specific knowledge and competencies. Once a microcredential is completed, students receive a digital badge, which they can share on LinkedIn or other social media, as well as add to their resume and other documentation. 

“Microcredentials help existing students and professionals distinguish themselves in a competitive job market,”  Dean of the Division of Extended Learning Jill Pippin said. “Microcredentials are developed with industries who validates their relevance and application, and with faculty who ensure the academic rigor, continuity, credibility and organization.”

According to the microcredentials website, they help professionals looking to learn a specific skill. Oswego’s microcredential in digital media and communication design, for example, benefits a person who wants to learn new digital skills. In a few months, students in that field could complete the program and earn a digital badge. Students can share that badge online and with their employer to prove the skills learned. 

The microcredential for grain testing and analysis is available to SUNY Oswego students and people who have worked in the college’s Agricultural Lab. These students have met the prerequisites, fulfilled the course requirements and after indicating their interest via an application, will then receive instructions for how to pursue their microcredential. 

Students should check their email for a notification that informs them if they may have already completed some of the courses, and encourages them to learn more or apply at the new microcredential page. 

SUNY Oswego will continue to explore additional microcredential offerings in addition to the existing ones for grain testing and analysis and in digital media and communication design.

More information can be found at microcredentials@oswego.edu.

Image via oswego.edu