20 New Microcredentials: Countless Ways to Learn, Grow & Connect.

The Microcredential Review Board (MRB) has approved 20 new microcredentials! These new offerings recognize learning and experiences across the classroom, professional development, leadership, research, and community engagement.

Here's a look at what's new:

🎓 In the Classroom

• Applied Russian (Modern Languages, Linguistics & Intercultural Communication) — Advanced Russian students put their language skills into practice through online exchanges with Russian-speaking university students, exploration of the Russian-speaking community in Maryland, and a project connected to their field.
• Program Design in Aging Services (Erickson School) — Earned through the AGNG 470 capstone by designing and evaluating a program for older adults.
• Global Research Design (Global Studies) — Earned through GLBL 300 by developing an original research proposal addressing a global issue.
• Employer-Partnered Consulting Experience (Academic Transition Programs & Career Center) — First-year students work with an employer partner to address a real-world challenge and present their recommendations. Currently available in pilot UNIV 101/301 sections.

🚀 Leadership & Career Readiness

• STRiVE Coach: Leadership for Public Purpose at UMBC (Center for Democracy and Civic Life) — Recognizes students, faculty, and staff who complete training and serve as STRiVE coaches.
• Career Navigator with Handshake (Career Center) — A 3–4 hour experience in which students build their Handshake profile, connect with employers, meet with a Career Center advisor, and reflect on their career development.
• Foundations of Student Affairs Assessment (Division of Student Affairs) — Designed for student affairs staff and student employees. Earners complete CITI human subjects and FERPA training and work through an assessment guide in approximately 4–6 hours.

💻 Open-Source Data & AI Tools for Community Organizations

CS3 has introduced five session-based microcredentials from its August workshop series, along with a meta microcredential recognizing completion across the series:

• Open-Source Computing Tools and AI Basics
• Data Wrangling and Management with R
• Data Visualization and Dashboards
• From Text to Insights: R, APIs, and AI for Community Data
• Large Language Models and Effective Prompting Practices
• Community Champion for Open-Source Data and AI Tools — Earned by completing at least three sessions and submitting a reflection.

💚 Self-Work for Collective Impact Professional Learning Community

The Maryland Early Childhood Leadership Program (MECLP) has introduced seven session-based microcredentials for MECLP alumni as part of a healing-centered leadership book study of What It Takes to Heal:

• Kickoff
• Healing, Belonging, and Justice
• Excavating and (Re)membering
• Conflict
• Reframing Darkness
• Navigating Change
• Grief & Hope

Have an idea for a microcredential?

Microcredentials can recognize learning in courses, co-curricular programs, professional development, community engagement, and other meaningful learning experiences.

Have an idea for a microcredential at UMBC? Start your Short Form today or schedule a consult.