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Microcredentials Made Simple: A Beginner’s Guide to Advancing Your Career

A Beginners Guide to Microcredentials

A Beginners Guide to Microcredentials: Fast-Track Your Career Success

The job market is more competitive than ever, and professionals are constantly looking for ways to stand out. Whether you’re in tech, healthcare, business, or other key industries, microcredentials offer an effective way to enhance your skill set, show your expertise, and fast-track your career success.  But what are microcredentials exactly, and why are they valuable? This beginner’s guide breaks it all down.

What Are Microcredentials?

Microcredentials are compact, skill-based certifications designed for quick learning and industry relevance. Unlike traditional degrees that take years, microcredentials can be earned in just a few weeks. These digital credentials can be shared on LinkedIn, resumes, and job applications to showcase your qualifications to employers. 

How Do They Work?

Earning a microcredential typically involves completing a course, passing an assessment, and receiving a digital badge or certificate. Upon completion, these digital certifications can highlight your expertise and make you stand out to employers. Many programs, like those at Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies, are available fully online, providing flexibility for professionals looking to advance their careers.

Why Microcredentials Matter

  1. Enhance Your Skills Quickly
    Traditional degrees require years of study, but microcredentials allow you to develop in-demand skills in a fraction of the time. Whether you need to upskill in project management, coding, data analysis, or another area, microcredentials provide fast and focused training.
  2. Stay Competitive in the Job Market
    Industries evolve rapidly, and staying ahead requires keeping your skills current. Microcredentials ensure you remain competitive by learning the latest tools, technologies, and best practices relevant to your field. 
  3. Increase Your Career and Earning Potential
    Career advancement with microcredentials often leads to higher salaries. Adding digital credentials to your resume can make you a more competitive candidate for promotions, new jobs, or career transitions.
  4. Flexible and Affordable Learning
    Unlike degree programs that require a significant time and financial investment, microcredentials offer an affordable way to gain valuable knowledge. Many courses are self-paced, allowing you to learn on your schedule without disrupting work or personal commitments.

Microcredentials in Key Industries

Technology

Advance your career in tech with certifications in Ethical Hacking, Video Game Development, and Web Design. These high-demand skills open doors to lucrative job opportunities in a rapidly evolving industry.

Healthcare

Strengthen your credentials with specialized training like Medical Billing and Electronic Health Records. As healthcare technology advances, professionals with these skills are increasingly valuable.

Business & Leadership

Gain a competitive edge with expertise in Project Management, Accounting Fundamentals, and Business Operations. These skills position you for leadership roles and career advancement in diverse business settings.

How to Get Started 

  1. Identify Your Career Goals
    Determine what skills or certifications are most relevant to your field and career aspirations.
  2. Choose Your Program
    Choose a relevant course from an accredited program like Syracuse University, which offers industry-aligned programs designed for working professionals.
  3. Complete the Course and Earn Your Credential
    Engage in the learning process, pass assessments, and obtain a digital certificate.
  4. Showcase Your Achievement
    Add your microcredentials to your LinkedIn profile, resume, and job applications to highlight your expertise.

Fast-Track Your Career Today

Earning microcredentials is a smart way to stay ahead in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re looking to upskill, switch careers, or climb the corporate ladder, these digital credentials can provide the edge you need. With flexible, affordable, and career-focused learning, microcredentials are an investment in your future success.

Ready to take the next step? Start exploring microcredential courses today with Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies and unlock new career opportunities!

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By Katie Huang

College of Professional Studies Announces New Assistant Teaching Professor Appointments

The College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University announces the appointments of Elizabeth (Liz) M. Green and Andrea J. Willis as assistant teaching professors, effective for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Both appointments represent strategic investments in the College’s mission to serve non-traditional and military-connected students through innovative online education, and a commitment to hiring faculty with deep expertise in professional competency education, particularly in transformational leadership and organizational development. Green and Willis bring extensive experience working directly with the non-traditional student populations the College serves.

“These appointments represent a significant step forward in our ability to deliver world-class professional competency education to our students,” said Michael J. Frasciello, Dean of the College of Professional Studies. “Liz and Andrea bring the unique combination of practical leadership experience and educational expertise that our non-traditional students need to succeed in today’s complex professional landscape.”

Green joins the faculty while serving as executive director of Student Experience, where she has increased military-connected student enrollment by over 100% in three years. As an assistant teaching professor, she will teach both undergraduate and graduate courses in the College’s signature Professional Competencies Core, the Bachelor of Professional Studies in Organizational Development & Leadership Program, and across the College’s undergraduate and graduate Project Management curriculum.

Green’s qualifications include over 15 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education administration and current service as a Public Affairs Officer in the United States Air Force, currently serving in the New York Air National Guard. She is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and PhD candidate in Higher Education Administration. Her pioneering work in establishing Syracuse University’s first Office of Online Student Success demonstrates her innovative approach to supporting non-traditional learners.

“Liz’s dual expertise as both a military officer and a recognized leader in non-traditional education provides her with an authentic understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing military students pursuing higher education,” said Frasciello. “Her ability to transform organizational structures and create new pathways for student advancement exemplifies the transformational leadership principles she will teach.”

Willis joins the faculty while serving as director of Academic Programs, where she has expanded program offerings from 7 to 24 between 2018 and 2024. She will teach courses in the Professional Competencies Core, the Bachelor of Professional Studies in Healthcare Administration, the Bachelor of Professional Studies Organizational Development & Leadership, and across the Project Management curriculum.

Andrea Willis Portrait

Willis’ educational background includes a Master’s degree in Instructional Design, Development and Evaluation from Syracuse University and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Conflict Resolution. She has extensive experience in online course development and has already created and taught foundational courses for the College’s undergraduate programs.

“Andrea’s proven success in creating engaging virtual learning environments for non-traditional students, combined with her expertise in supporting military-connected students, makes her exceptionally qualified to serve this unique population,” said Ryan O. Williams, Senior Associate Dean of the College of Professional Studies.

Both appointments reflect the College’s strategic commitment to strengthening its academic offerings through a focus on professional competency education in areas such as Transformational Leadership, Change Management, Practical Financial Management, Assertiveness in the Workplace for Professional Studies, Creative and Design Thinking, Conflict in Business and Management, Leading Cooperative Negotiations, and Digital and Business Communications.

Green and Willis will contribute to course development, program assessment, and accreditation processes while maintaining the College’s strong focus on accessibility and student success. Their work will involve creating new online courses that address emerging trends in leadership and organizational development, as well as redesigning existing courses to incorporate current research and industry practices.

“These appointments demonstrate our commitment to hiring faculty who don’t just teach about leadership and professional development – they live it,” said Williams. “Liz and Andrea have demonstrated the ability to transform organizations, develop innovative programs, and create meaningful pathways for student success.”

Syracuse University Empowers Learners with Personalized Microcredentials and Stackable Badges

Syracuse University is enhancing its commitment to lifelong learning with digital badges, a tool that recognizes and authenticates the completion of microcredentials. The badges aim to support learners in their professional and personal development by showcasing achievements in short, focused learning experiences.

Digital badges will be awarded for various microcredential programs offered by the University’s College of Professional Studies. Learners can earn digital badges in industries regarding business and management, cannabis, healthcare, IT, project management, and much more. These badges signify specific competencies, skillsets, and levels of achievement that can be shared across digital platforms, making them easily visible to potential employers.

“With the launch of our comprehensive microcredentials catalog, we’re excited to unlock new opportunities and advance professional journeys in high-demand career areas,” says Arthur Thomas, executive director of the Office of Microcredentials.

Syracuse University’s Office of Microcredentials, established in 2021, is leading the charge in expanding the University’s portfolio of non-degree credentials. The comprehensive catalog of microcredential offerings lists a variety of courses that can equip learners with in-demand skills through accessible, online learning. Microcredentials is also collaborating with several schools and administrative units across the University to develop additional offerings tailored to their subject areas and available in a variety of formats.

For participants, digital badges represent a personalized learning journey. With badges issued at varying levels, foundational, intermediate, and advanced, participants can customize their professional development path. By “stacking,” or combining, these badges, learners can build a compelling portfolio that highlights their unique qualifications and expertise.

To learn more about microcredential programs and digital badges, visit professionalstudies.syracuse.edu/microcredentials.

How an Online Degree Fueled a Veteran’s Mission to Empower Others 

It’s a late evening in Asheville, North Carolina. The power is out, and the wind howls outside as Hurricane Helene tears through the region. Amid candles and a Starlink setup, determined Army veteran now student, Jonathan Milkovich ’25, logs into class, committed not to let the natural disaster derail his journey to graduation. 

With the power out, many would have understandably postponed their coursework, but not Milkovich. That moment, equal parts grit, resilience, and resourcefulness, perfectly captures who Milkovich is. Although his professors understood and allowed Milkovich to complete his coursework on his own timeline, Milkovich persevered through the storm because it was his online program that fueled the optimism for his future.  

“The transition from military life to academia was tough,” Milkovich says. “Even after serving only five years, transitioning back to civilian life presented numerous challenges. One of my blessings was finding Syracuse and transitioning from an in-person university to an online one with other veterans and adult learners.”  

From Service Member to Student: A New Mission Begins 

After serving in the military, Milkovich found himself at a crossroads. Like many veterans, the transition to civilian life came with uncertainty, emotional strain, and a new set of challenges.  

“Before entering the military, I did not consider higher education a future option. Through service, I realized that the best future for myself, my family, and others was to continue learning and bettering myself through higher education,” he says. That realization led him to enroll into the online Business Management program at Syracuse University. 

The shift to academia was anything but easy. Navigating lectures, assignments, and deadlines while juggling a full-time job and family life required a new kind of discipline. Still, Milkovich credits his wife and parents with creating the space, both emotional and logistical, that allowed him to thrive.  

“Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, for my future and my family, was something that always allowed me to balance what needed to be done and what could wait,” Milkovich says. “The ability to balance full-time work and online studies is something I owe to my wife, who was always picking up what I couldn’t get done at home.” 

Left to right: Christy Milkovich, Jonathan Milkovich, Sabrina Shoaff, and Chris Milkovich
Left to right: Mirza Tihic, Scott Smith, Jonathan Milkovich | Center: Susan Conklin
Jonathan Milkovich ’25 and Scott Smith ’25

Syracuse’s veteran-friendly online program and support played a crucial role in his transition. Designed to accommodate the unique needs of those who’ve served, the program helped Milkovich feel less like a number and more like a valued member of a community. Surprisingly, some of the most meaningful relationships Milkovich developed happened virtually. It was proof that connections don’t require proximity. 

“At graduation, I had the opportunity to meet and develop the relationships we had built through online classes and meetings even more,” Milkovich says. “These people I met are the ones I will work with, pursue veteran initiatives with, and form relationships that I will cherish for a very long time.” 

Syracuse has earned top honors among private universities, ranking No. 3 in Best for Veterans in Online Bachelor’s Programs, No. 7 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs, and No. 1 for Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs. These distinctions underscore Syracuse’s strong reputation as a leading choice for military-connected students and veterans.  

From the moment they express interest to the day they graduate; students enrolled in the College of Professional Studies’ online programs are supported every step of the way through the College’s dedicated Online Student Success services.  

“Our primary goal is to create conditions for our students to be successful,” says Liz Green, executive director of the student experience. “Our team is trained to support our military-connected students through an individualized approach that honors their experiences, commitment to service, and their mission-driven perspectives. We’re privileged to provide accessible educational pathways for military students like Jonathan.” 

Operation WarriorFit: Building a Legacy of Service 

Graduation isn’t the end of Milkovich’s journey, it’s a launching point for the foundation of his nonprofit organization, Operation WarriorFit.  

When Milkovich left the military, he didn’t just hang up his uniform; he left behind the team, the structure, and the purpose that had shaped his life. Operation WarriorFit is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders through fitness focused events. Born from personal experience after losing a friend in service to mental health struggles, and facing his own challenges transitioning to civilian life, Milkovich recognized the difficulties many veterans, service members, and first responders encounter.  

“Operation WarriorFit’s mission is to offer something after service, to provide the ability to compete, to have something to look forward to,” Milkovich says. “When you go to an event and see someone in OWF gear, you know that you’re in a similar company and back around the people that you miss from service. There is someone out there who went through the exact same thing; you are not alone and never will be.” 

Jonathan Milkovich and his wife, Sabrina Shoaff, after completing the Biltmore 15k in Asheville, NC.

Armed with the knowledge and skills gained through his online Business Management program, the graduate is seamlessly transitioning from student to founder, using his education as a foundation to build and launch his nonprofit organization. 

The course content had immediate relevance to his professional life. Leadership theories were integrated into his logistics work, while communication strategies served as essential tools for engaging effectively with his colleagues. Along the way, he sharpened key skills like virtual presentation and learning to “read the room” even when the room is a screen.  

“One of the biggest things that kept me motivated throughout these classes was not only the apparent fact of bettering myself, but also all the material that was taught throughout the program was always very applicable,” Milkovich says. “I would learn something then go into work the next day and be able to apply the material.” 

Milkovich’s journey is a testament to the power of education as a catalyst for transformation. His online degree didn’t just equip him with practical skills; it fueled his ability to turn a vision into reality. The lessons he learned became the building blocks of Operation WarriorFit and his journey has redefined his definition of success. 

For Milkovich, success is no longer just about personal achievement; it’s about ensuring that others have the support and resources they need to navigate their own transitions. His ability to turn obstacles into opportunities is what defines his journey, and his nonprofit stands as proof that education isn’t just about earning a diploma; it’s about unlocking doors to new opportunities. 

By Hope Alvarez

Save Time and Tuition: Earn College Credit for Prior Learning

At the College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University, we understand that learning happens everywhere. If you’ve built a career, served in the military, earned certifications, or gained valuable life experience, you may already be closer to your degree than you realize. 

Many adult learners are surprised to learn how much of their professional experience can translate into academic credit. Organizations like CAEL (Council for Adult and Experiential Learning) provide helpful insights into how prior learning assessments work and why they matter in higher education.

Why Start From Scratch? 

Every credit you earn through prior learning is a step closer to graduation. We can help you save time, reduce tuition costs, and avoid repeating what you already know. Our Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process helps you: 

  • Save thousands in tuition by earning credit for your experience 
  • Graduate faster and move forward with your goals 
  • Focus on new learning instead of repeating old material 
  • Get recognized for your real-world knowledge and skills 

What Qualifies for Credit? 

You may be eligible to receive credit for: 

  • Five or more years of professional experience
  • Military service and training 
  • Certifications and licenses 
  • Volunteer work and community leadership 
  • Entrepreneurship and business ownership 
  • Internships, apprenticeships, and corporate training 

We also accept transfer credits from accredited institutions and exams such as AP, CLEP, and IB. 

Real Experience. Real Credit. Real Progress. 

Whether you are transferring from another college, transitioning from the military, or returning to school after time in the workforce, our advisors will work with you to evaluate your experience and maximize your credit potential. 

Active Military Soldier using Laptop

The more credit you bring in, the fewer courses you need to take. That means you can finish your degree sooner and start applying it to your career goals. 

Your Degree, Your Way 

Our flexible, career-focused degree programs are designed for working professionals. With online options, personalized advising, and a commitment to recognizing your achievements, we make it easier to earn your degree on your terms. 

Ready to See How Far You’ve Already Come? 

Schedule your free, individualized credit assessment today with our advising team and find out how much time and money you could save. 

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