TrAC Micro-Credential Courses
Elevate Your Career By Earning a Micro-Credential
Micro-credentials are more than just a trend—they are a powerful way to demonstrate your skills and stand out in a competitive job market. Whether you’re a student or a working professional, micro-credentials offer a pathway to success that aligns with your unique goals and the demands of today’s employers.
TrAC is part of the ISU micro-credential pilot program.
The image illustrates a micro-credential pathway for a Professional Certificate in Translational AI.
What is a Micro-Credential?
In today’s rapidly evolving job market, the ability to demonstrate specific skills and competencies is more valuable than ever. While traditional degrees and certificates cover broad areas of study, micro-credentials offer a focused and efficient way to highlight your expertise in particular areas.
A micro-credential is a compact, targeted program that allows you to gain and showcase specific skills or knowledge through various learning experiences. Unlike traditional courses, micro-credentials are shorter and more narrowly focused. Upon completion, you earn an electronic badge that validates your achievement—perfect for sharing with employers who are seeking candidates with in-demand skills.
What is a Digital Badge?
At the successful completion of a micro-credential program, you receive a digital badge—a modern, shareable symbol of your achievement. Much like a diploma, a digital badge signifies the skills you’ve acquired. But it goes further: embedded with metadata, each badge includes detailed information about the program, its requirements, and your accomplishments.
Digital badges are portable and verifiable, meaning you can easily share them on social media platforms, add them to your resume, or include them in job applications. They offer a visual record of your achievements and can be combined with a portfolio to showcase your learning in ways that go beyond traditional coursework.
Why Earn a Micro-Credential?
Whether you’re a student aiming to enhance your academic portfolio or a professional looking to advance in your career, micro-credentials offer numerous benefits:
| Stand Out in the Job Market | Gain recognition for specific skills that make you more marketable and relevant in your field. |
| Stackable Learning | Combine multiple micro-credentials to build a more comprehensive qualification, potentially leading to larger credentials or certifications. |
| Flexibility | Micro-credentials are designed to fit into your busy life, with flexible timelines and focused content that aligns with your career goals. |
Why Do Employers Value Micro-Credentials?
Employers increasingly recognize the value of micro-credentials because they:
Complement Traditional Degrees
Micro-credentials can enhance a traditional degree by adding targeted skills that meet specific job requirements.
Offer Stand-Alone Credentials
They can be pursued independently, allowing you to upskill without committing to a full degree program.
Provide Flexibility
Micro-credentials are typically offered on flexible timeframes, making them ideal for busy professionals.
Focus on What Matters
With a laser focus on specific competencies, micro-credentials are designed to meet current workforce needs.
Serve as a Pathway to Success
Whether you’re looking to meet academic goals or fulfill employer expectations, micro-credentials can serve as a stepping stone toward your next big achievement.
Earning Your Micro-Credential – How to Earn a Micro-Credential Digital Badge
The Badge is earned after successful completion of the 4-week, asynchronous, self-paced online course offered through TrAC. Please see Courses page for upcoming courses.