FAQ: Microcredentials at Charlotte

Microcredentials are simple in concept—learn something, prove your mastery, and earn recognition that employers understand. Behind the scenes, UNC Charlotte manages the details to make the process seamless. These FAQs explain how it all works.

General Questions

What is a microcredential?

Specialized recognition you can earn that demonstrates your skills, knowledge, or accomplishments in a specific area. These credentials reflect narrow, well-defined competencies and are designed to be more flexible, accessible, and shorter than traditional degree programs. (UNESCO, 2022).

Why should I complete a microcredential?

To upskill or reskill in a specific area to meet the evolving demands of the job market or to demonstrate new skills. Microcredentials provide employers with a way to identify and validate candidates’ competencies for specific roles as a complement to a degree.

How can microcredentials benefit my career?

Microcredentials let you showcase your verified skills in ways employers notice. Each comes with a digital badge you can share on LinkedIn, include on your résumé, or feature in your portfolio—clear evidence of your expertise in targeted, high-demand areas. They help you stand out in a competitive job market.

How do I earn a microcredential?

Microcredentials are new for Charlotte, but the process is very much like applying for any campus program experience. Because each microcredential is built and managed by individual departments, pay close attention to application procedures.

What types of microcredentials does UNC Charlotte offer?

Each microcredential offered by UNC Charlotte is geared toward one of three audiences:

Microcredentials are offered for one of four reasons:

Professional development for working professionals (available to the public)
Professional development for UNC Charlotte faculty and staff
Co-curricular learning by UNC Charlotte students
Skill development/recognition within some UNC Charlotte for-credit courses

How are microcredentials different from certificates, minors, or majors?

The main difference between a microcredential and a certificate, minor, or major is simply the length of time it takes to complete the experience. Additionally, microcredentials are not tied to specific curricular programs and therefore do not apply towards your normal 120 credit hours needed to graduate with an undergraduate degree.

When deciding on whether to do a microcredential, certificate program, or a minor you should always consider your end goal. Take stock as to what skills and experiences employers are demanding from talent, what are some of the upcoming skillsets of the future, and what time you have available to complete these micro-credentials.

Microcredential Leadership at UNC Charlotte

Contact the Committee

Who is leading microcredentials at UNC Charlotte?

Microcredentials and accompanying digital badges are administered and governed by an 11-member interdivisional steering committee.

The committee members are appointed by divisional vice chancellors from units offering microcredentials or who are stakeholders in microcredential policy and procedure. Committee members are invited for a two-year term beginning in August and ending in July. The number of members and make up of the committee may change based on the needs of the committee. The chair of the committee shall be selected from the members annually.

What are the Steering Committee’s responsibilities?

The Steering Committee will:

Serve as the administrative point of contact for microcredentials at UNC Charlotte including delegated points of contact for each microcredential type;
Provide guidance to creators of microcredentials;
Set expectations of microcredential program creators for
- Annual reporting of key findings from assessment,
- Responsibility to update microcredentials when significant changes are made, and
- Requirement to inform the Committee if a microcredential program is sunset, etc.;
Maintain microcredentials policies and documents to ensure a standardized approach;
Periodically review microcredential policies and make appropriate changes within related governance standards;
Provide administrative and operational leadership for microcredential program reviews and approvals including:
- Develop and maintain centralized location for new microcredential proposal submissions
- Develop and maintain new microcredential proposal forms
- Develop and maintain microcredential review teams made up of at least three (3) members from the Steering Committee with at least one member holding knowledge in the microcredential type under review
- Develop and maintain a process for periodic review of microcredentials to ensure they are meeting their goals and an institutional need;
Provide administrative leadership for the technology used for digital credentialing;
Provide administrative leadership for a centralized microcredentials website including information about the program, the proposal process and submission forms, and existing microcredentials (note: microcredential programs may exist on sites throughout campus, but should be centrally linked for ease of access)
Provide administrative leadership for promoting microcredentials at UNC Charlotte (each microcredential sponsor will be responsible for promoting the specific microcredential program, while the Steering Committee will provide leadership for promoting the overall purpose and offerings of microcredentials); and
Submit an annual report to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs on the microcredentials program.

Who are the current members of the Steering Committee?

Microcredential Steering Committee Members 2025-2027

Lance Barton, Director, Office of Undergraduate Research
Kiran Budhrani, Director, Teaching & Learning Innovation, Center for Teaching and Learning, School of Katherine Hall-Hertel, Associate Dean Graduate Academic and Student Affairs, The Graduate School
Joseph Hoff, Director, Global Education and Engagement Office, Office of International Programs
Patrick Madsen, Associate Dean for Advising & Experiential Learning and Executive Director of the Career Center, Office of Undergraduate Education
Tamara Johnson, Director of Engaged Scholarship, Urban Core
Jessica Kapota, Director of Learning and Organizational Development, Human Resources
Karri Kennedy, Senior Director of Program Management & Learner Engagement, School of Professional Studies
Kourtney Peterson, Program Director, Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Karen Shaffer, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

How can I contact the Microcredentials Steering Committee?

microcredentials-steering-committee-group@charlotte.edu

5 Reasons UNC Charlotte Offers Microcredentials

Document Skill-Building and Demonstrate Competency

Microcredentials provide tangible evidence of specific skills acquired in the learning program. An assessment is required where learners demonstrate their proficiency through practical tasks, experiences, and knowledge.

Highlight Non-Transcript Information

Microcredentials showcase achievements, competencies, and experiences that may not be reflected on traditional academic transcripts. A digital badge is awarded as the visual representation of the achievement.

Support Professional and Career Readiness

Microcredentials often align with specialized professional skills or career readiness standards, such as NACE competencies or other discipline-specific frameworks. They can have standalone value and may also contribute to complement other microcredentials.

Foster Engagement Opportunities

Microcredentials vary in length of time to complete. They sustain learner engagement and create pathways for mentorship, internships, and employment opportunities.

Promote Lifelong Learning

Microcredentials are commonly designed to reflect needs of industry and assess knowledge and skills to meet the needs of continuous professional development for learners of all ages.