Curricular innovation at UC brings new academic opportunities
Microcredentials offer pathways for students and professionals alike
The University of Cincinnati offers options to let students customize their educational paths — double majors, minors, certificates, 4+1 master’s programs and more.
Most recently, the College of Arts and Science's School of Environment and Sustainability has added microcredentials, or abbreviated, targeted programs to build skills in specific areas and build resumes.
This is a great way to add value to your degree.
Amy Townsend-Small Professor of environmental studies
“They are fewer credit hours than other degree programs,” said Amy Townsend-Small, UNESCO Chair in Water and Climate Change and professor of environmental science. “Even if students that are enrolled at UC don't graduate, they are still awarded the credential.”
Beginning spring semester 2026, the school will offer microcredentials in five areas. These three-to-six credit-hour bundles assist in increasing someone's knowledge of a particular subject.
Microcredential programs are also open to non-UC students, allowing professionals the opportunity to brush up on specific skill sets.
UC associate professor Bob Hyland. Photo/Provided
“Working professionals in our region, those who want to continue to build credentials and are now able to, will be a great feature of having these,” said Bob Hyland, an associate professor in SEaS.
“Our students consistently praise when they get real world opportunities to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom,” said Hyland. “I looked at the curricular options that we had, and it was clear that we were already offering a strong land ethics curriculum, but it wasn't stitched together with a common thread.”
That led to Hyland having a hand in developing two micro credentials himself in collaboration with The Aldo Leopold Foundation; Land Ethics Conservation and Land Ethics Advocacy.
“In identifying the pragmatic opportunity for our students to get applied experience in the partnership that we were doing and the developing partnership with the Aldo Leopold Foundation, it seemed like a perfect opportunity to blend those two resources together to develop a micro credential,” said Hyland.
They stray away from a certificate or a minor in more ways than one, beyond the fact that it isn't required to be enrolled at UC to receive a credential.
Whether you’ve been in your major for five months or have been in your field for five years, microcredentials may be suitable for you.
“These are a great way to add value to your degree,” said Townsend-Small.
Featured image at top: Students and professor studying outdoors. Photo/Naassom Azevedo from Pixabay.
By Emily Widman
Student Journalist, College of Arts and Sciences Marketing and Communication
artscinews@uc.edu
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