Microcertificate Frequently Asked Questions
Use microcertificates to develop specific skills, to enhance your resume, and to help you stand out in job searches. Many microcertificates can be applied as stepping stones toward other higher education credentials, such as certificate and degree programs.
The designated group of courses in each microcertificate is designed to build skills and knowledge in a specific area of study. Microcertificates will be noted on your transcript, but no physical certificate (paper) is awarded. You can add your accomplishment to your resumes and social media to show employer’s your expertise in a specific area or skill set.
Each microcertificate is unique. Program and academic colleges determine how many hours are required to complete the specific microcertificate. Graduate microcertificates are 6 to 9 credit hours, and undergraduate microcertificates are 9 to 15. See the program page for the microcertificate you are interested in to learn more.
The courses in each microcertificate are designed to build skills and knowledge in a specific area of study. Each microcertificate is unique and has different advantages, depending on the one you choose and where you are in your career. Generally, a microcertificate can help you verify your knowledge, expertise or skills to employers seeking applicants with specific skill sets or talents for hiring or promotion.
When you complete a microcertificate, the U of A will note completion on your academic transcript. Whether you are pursuing a microcertificate on its own or as a part of a larger degree program, it is important that you complete the microcertificate application to ensure that your courses are properly accounted for and your completion of the microcertificate can be correctly noted on your transcript.
No, transfer credits from another institution cannot be used to earn a microcertificate. All courses counted towards a microcertificate must be earned at the U of A.
Each program is unique and may have different application requirements and deadlines. All applicants must meet the minimum university admissions standards for the level of the program (undergraduate or graduate) but some programs may impose additional requirements. Check out the program page for the microcertificate you are interested in to learn more.
Yes, whether you are pursuing a microcertificate on its own or as a part of a larger degree program, it is important that you complete the microcertificate application to ensure that your courses are properly accounted for and your completion of the microcertificate can be correctly noted on your transcript.
If the degree program requires the same courses as a microcertificate requires, the courses from the microcertificate can count toward the degree at the discretion of the academic department. Some microcertificates are specifically designed to fit into some degree programs, and some are meant to stand alone, but courses might be used to complete elective credits. Students should reach out to their academic advisers for more information and to discuss how microcertificates might work with your chosen degree program.
Financial aid does not apply to microcertificates unless the student is concurrently enrolled in a degree-seeking program.
