Free Microcredentials for Current and Former UTSA Students
Have you ever wanted to learn a new program or skill, but struggle to find the right information to help you progress? Maybe you want to learn more about project management, or you’re interested in learning Photoshop. This is where microcredentials can help set you apart from the pack. But are microcredentials worth the investment?
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of microcredentials, whether or not they’re worth the investment, and where UTSA students, faculty, staff, and alumni can earn free certificates and badges. But before we get started, let’s first define what microcredentials are.
What Are Microcredentials?
Microcredentials are mini courses that demonstrate proficiency in a specific subject or skillset.
These courses play a vital and growing role in both the educational and professional landscape. As businesses and industries evolve, it’s crucial that you continue learning and growing your qualifications so you can keep succeeding. And that’s where microcredentials step in.
These certificates are standalone courses – typically from well-known companies such as Google or IBM – that you can add to your resume to give you more credibility, helping you stand out from the crowd. They’ll help make you a more competitive candidate, especially when paired with your degree.
Benefits of Microcredentials
Microcredentials can strengthen your resume while giving you additional credibility in specialized areas, making you more competitive in the job market. Isn’t that everybody’s goal after all?
There are a ton of websites and credentials to choose from, meaning there’s probably one that’s a great fit for your needs. But while too many options can be overwhelming sometimes, the best news of it all is that as a UTSA student, you’ll have access to an array of microcredentials at no additional cost to you. You heard that right, completely free! We have a dedicated Microcredentials website where you can find all your options in one place.
UTSA is one of the few institutions that offer microcredentials at no additional cost, reinforcing our promise to help you build a BOLD Future by proactively providing you with new skills. Now, let’s explore what microcredentials you’ll have access to as a UTSA student and how they can benefit you.
Adobe Creative Skills Microcredentials
UTSA is an Adobe Creative Campus, so this will give you access to courses that are designed to empower your creativity and grow your digital communication skills with programs like Adobe Photoshop, Premier, InDesign, and more!
Some of the courses include:
- Digital Storytelling and Marketing
- AI and Content Creation
- Professional Communication and Design
- Small Biz Social Media Marketing
As a UTSA Online student, you can explore the full list of Adobe Creative Skills here.
Coursera Career Academy Microcredentials
In addition to Adobe, we’re partnered with the Coursera Career Academy to offer you an extensive list of courses and certifications, which you can begin at any time. Coursera courses are offered by well-known companies such as Salesforce, Meta, Google, and others.
Some of the courses include:
- Data Scientist
- Project Management
- Sales Development Representative
- Social Media Marketer
As a UTSA Online student, you can explore the available Coursera Career Academy courses here.
Career Entry or Advancement
Microcredentials can help show organizations that you value learning, growing, and keeping up with industry standards which are all important
characteristics to have.
You may be wondering if microcredentials are recognized by employers. 86% of U.S. employers surveyed in 2022 “agreed that microcredentials strengthen job applications.” 53% of those employers also explained the need for specific skill sets as a major hurdle when hiring recent graduates.
Microcredentials allow for rapid skill acquisition and immediate application to your professional life. This time-efficient training on new or existing skills will help you accelerate your career growth opportunities. By growing your capabilities, you can aim for higher roles in your current job or explore new career paths.
Provide Targeted Skill Acquisition
Have you ever learned something only to ask, “When will I ever use this?” If so, you’ll appreciate the focused nature of microcredentials. They provide specific skills that are industry relevant and that align with your career goals.
For example, if your major is Communication and you’re interested in exploring TikTok, Instagram Reels, or other short-form content, consider taking the “storytelling through short-form video“ course in Adobe Creative Skills. Or, let’s say you want to open your own business but aren’t sure how you’ll manage the finances. The Coursera Course Academy has a credential about bookkeeping.
Offer Flexibility and Accessibility
We live in a fast-paced world, so if you want to learn things quickly to begin implementing your new skills immediately, microcredentials may be a great option for you. Having quick access to these learning resources can be a game-changer.
UTSA’s microcredentials don’t take long to complete. Some take only a few hours, while some are more in depth and may take a few months to finish.
Like UTSA’s 100% online programs, all our microcredentials are available online. You can learn wherever you have Internet access and direct your own educational journey. Complete the courses at the time and pace that suits your needs.
Stay Current in Evolving Industries
Adaptability is key in today’s business environment. Microcredentials support continuous learning and help you adapt to technological advancements and industry growth. As you take courses in certain areas, you’ll learn the latest tech trends and processes that can help you and your employer excel.
Indeed.com, in their article “What is Micro-Credentialing and How Can it Help You?” shares that by acquiring these new skills quickly, you can help your organization stay on top of industry changes.
Despite their compact size, these mini courses pack a powerful punch, delivering comprehensive, quality knowledge that can help you build your Bold Future.
Gain Recognition and Credibility
These short courses can also help boost your professional image. They are highly regarded in many industries because they are designed by world-class companies who are leaders in their field and help you demonstrate your competence in a particular area. Earning a certificate from a company like Google, Meta, or Adobe will be valuable to many companies.
By earning microcredentials as you progress through your academic journey, you can stand out from the crowd with verified skills. This will help improve your professional credibility and marketability.
The Bottom Line
With a flexible format that offers free learning opportunities for UTSA students, faculty, and staff, microcredentials can help provide you with the skills you need to succeed in your career. Remember, these programs provide:
- Flexibility and accessibility
- Targeted skill acquisition
- Recognition and credibility
- Career entry or advancement
If you’re open to it, they might even change the trajectory of your professional life. Are you ready to explore UTSA’s free microcredentials? The future is in your hands!
Explore UTSA’s Microcredentials
Are you interested in learning about UTSA Online’s Programs?
UTSA Online offers several 100% online programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and post-graduate certificate programs. Explore all our programs to find which one is right for you. If you are ready to start your career path, contact UTSA Online’s Undergraduate Enrollment Team at 210-458-4000 or onlineenrollment@utsa.edu, or the UTSA Online Graduate Enrollment Team at 210-458-4400 or onlinegrad@utsa.edu.
