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Graduate Microcertificate Proposal Development

Overview

A UNF Graduate Microcertificate is a collection of related credit-bearing graduate coursework smaller than an academic certificate or degree and narrower in focus, designed to provide in-demand workforce skills and competencies. At UNF, Graduate Microcertificates range from 5 to 8 credit hours.

A Graduate Microcertificate offers a low-risk way to explore graduate education and can serve as a steppingstone to a degree program while still holding significant value on its own. Alternative credentials offered by accredited institutions of higher education like UNF are more trusted than those offered by non-academic providers.

There are many benefits to offering a Graduate Microcertificate, including to:

  • Provide participants an introduction to your graduate program
  • Increase enrollment funnel
  • Provide participants with specialized knowledge to fuel career advancement
  • Provide upskilling for employees of an industry partner
  • Stack into a certificate or degree program
  • Reach underserved populations of learners who cannot afford the cost or time commitment of a traditional degree program
Graduate Microcertificate Badge
UNF Graduate Microcertificates are awarded via a digital badge. Digital badges are secure and validated indicators of competencies that enable employers and others to verify the accomplishment that the digital badge represents. Earners can display their earned digital badges on social media profiles such as LinkedIn, personal websites and digital resumes. UNF uses Canvas Credentials as its official digital badging platform.

Graduate Microcertficate Development Process

STEP 1: GRADUATE MICROCERTIFICATE CONCEPT

Familiarize yourself with the Graduate Microcertificate Proposal Form. You may need to sign-in to access the form. Interested academic programs should consult with the Graduate School prior to submitting a proposal.

Only coursework that has been approved through the faculty governance (APC) process can be used as part of a Graduate Microcertificate. The learning objectives for coursework should directly relate to workforce skills.

*Note: Proposals must be submitted at least three months prior to the start of the academic term it is intended to start.   

STEP 2: SECURE ENDORSEMENTS

Secure letters of support from your Department Chair and College Dean. In the case of cross-college collaboration, both Chairs and Deans should provide a letter. This can be a memo or email. These will be uploaded as PDFs when you submit the proposal form.

STEP 3: COMPLETE AND SUBMIT PROPOSAL FORM

Complete and submit the proposal.You will be able to save and edit your responses prior to submission. If you have questions about the process, contact badging@unf.edu. 

The following fields are in the badge metadata when the Graduate Microcertificate is awarded and visible to anyone verifying the badge: 

  • Microcertificate Name
  • Microcertificate Description
  • Earning Criteria
  • Skills

STEP 4: GRADUATE MICROCERTIFICATE APPROVAL

Proposals will be reviewed by the Graduate School and the Provost’s leadership team prior to consideration by the Digital Badging Steering Committee.

Once a Graduate Microcertificate proposal is approved, it will be added to the Graduate School website. Digital Learning and Innovation (DLI) staff will contact you to set up the digital badge for the Graduate Microcertificate.

FAQ for Graduate Microcertificate Developers

  • Where are Graduate Microcertificate records stored?

    Records of completed academic coursework are stored in the Banner SIS and reflected on the Student Transcript. Records of Graduate Microcertificate completion are stored in Canvas Credentials. Students receive the microcertificate as a secure, verifiable, and shareable digital badge issued via Canvas Credentials.

  • How are Graduate Microcertificates reviewed?

    The Digital Badging Steering Committee will use the following criteria when reviewing Graduate Microcertificate proposals:

    1. The Graduate Microcertificate Name clearly shows ownership and context. (There are many skills that are shared across disciplines – leadership, research, data analysis – the name indicates the specific profession and avoids duplication.)
    2. The Graduate Microcertificate Description clearly and succinctly states what the earner learned and can do as a result of earning the microcertificate.)
    3. The Graduate Microcertificate Skills & Competencies are clearly and succinctly described and industry demand is documented.
    4. The Graduate Microcertificate Coursework includes only courses already approved through the APC process totaling 5-8 graduate credits.
    5. The criteria for Graduate Microcertificate Completion (or dismissal) are clearly indicated.
    6. The Graduate Microcertificate Proposal has been shared with the appropriate stakeholders
    7. The Graduate Microcertificate Completion Time is no more than two semesters.
    8. The Graduate Microcertificate Student Course Registration Process is clearly described.