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  • Micro-Credential FAQs

Micro-credential FAQ’s

What is the academic rigor of a micro-credential? Accordion Closed

Micro-credentials go through the same academic process as all other degree programs at NAU.

What is the difference between credit and non-credit Micro-credentials? Accordion Closed

 CreditsLearning
Management
System (LMS)
Can
they be
included
in a degree
plan?
How is it
represented?
Credit1-12
credits
Bb LearnYesNAU
Academic
Transcript
& Badge
Non-creditNo
Credit
Bb Learn

Lifter for
registration
and payment
They
can be
converted
to a
degree
plan.
Non-academic Transcript
& Badge

What is the difference between a learning objective and a competency? Accordion Closed

Learning objectives are specific to a course and describe what the learner should know at the end of a learning period. Competencies define the applied skills and knowledge that enable people to successfully perform job requirements.

Skills + Knowledge + Abilities = Competencies

Example:

Learning Objectives: Students will be able to

    • Locate the drain plug,
    • Determine oil weight,
    • Add the right amount of oil,
    • Change filter

Competency:

    • Correctly change the oil in under 10 minutes

What is the learning management system for micro-credentials? Accordion Closed

Micro-credentials offered for academic credit are hosted in Bb Learn.

What is the difference between a hard skill, soft skill and common skill? Accordion Closed

Hard skills

A specific, learnable, measurable, often industry- or occupation-specific abilities related to a position.

Examples – A hard skill for nurses might be CPR, and a hard skill for a data analyst might be JavaScript.

Soft skills

A personal attribute that supports situational awareness and enhances an individual’s ability to get a job done. They are broadly applicable across job titles and industries.

Examples – oral or written communication skills; interpersonal skills; teamwork.

Common skills

A skill that can be self-taught and may not necessitate a certain completed level of education. They are essential in many industries and occupations.

Examples – problem-solving or project management.

What do we charge for a micro-credential course? Accordion Closed

For non-credit micro-credential courses, Continuing Education will conduct an environmental scan of similar programs to determine along with the academic unit, an appropriate market-driven rate.

Existing micro-credentials fall under the current tuition model. In the future, as new micro-credentials are developed for credit, the tuition model will be reviewed to determine the appropriate tuition structure. 

Is there a financial incentive to the academic unit for creating a micro-credential? Accordion Closed

Yes, for non-credit bearing micro-credentials, we have a revenue share model that distributes 65% of the revenue to the academic unit. The academic unit is responsible for paying the instructional costs to teach the course. This can be part of a faculty member’s standard workload or designated as supplemental pay. The funds distributed to the college are at its discretion for use to meet its needs.

The other 35% of the revenue goes to Continuing Education to support the academic unit, including: instructional design, student support, marketing, and promotion, etc.

Can micro-credentials count towards a bachelor’s or master’s degree program at NAU? Accordion Closed

Yes, micro-credentials can be included in a certificate, bachelor’s or master’s degree program at NAU. The academic unit makes this determination.

Can a bachelor’s or master’s degree also include a digital badge? Accordion Closed

Yes, an academic unit can review an already established program to ensure learning outcomes, competencies and assessment all align to a micro-credential and digital badge.

What is an undergraduate certificate? Accordion Closed

Certificates are a planned group of undergraduate courses within a single discipline or selected from among two or more related disciplines containing a minimum of 15 units; completed with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0. At least 12 units of the certificate must be unique to differentiate it from other certificates. A certificate is best used when there is a compelling market-place need.

What is a graduate certificate? Accordion Closed

Graduate certificate programs require a minimum of 12 credit units. Many graduate certificate programs require more than 12 credit units. A graduate certificate can be completed as part of a graduate program or as a stand-alone credential.

What is the difference between a Workforce and Market Analysis and an environmental scan? Accordion Closed

Workforce and Market Analysis Reports are comprehensive in nature and include data such as a program review, industry outlook, competitive analysis and recommendations for programming. An Environmental scan is a shorter report that helps academic units survey program competitors, target markets, price points and new innovations for programming.

 

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