When we talk about earning certificates in college, we might initially think of micro-credentials for graduate students or Agricultural Technology degrees. We may not consider that certificate programs could be an option for undergrads. At MSU, however, this is becoming a reality with the introduction of a new policy that allows units to create undergraduate certificates, or UGCs, leveraging existing resources from across campus to provide a credential that students can take with them after graduation. Under the coordinated leadership of Assistant Dean for Global Education and Curriculum Jim Lucas, supported by Director of University Advising and Academic Engagement Initiatives Beth Judge, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies Glenn Chambers, and Chief Academic Digital Officer Brendan Guenther, this policy outlines goals and requirements for the different types of UGCs that can be designed.
Defined as a set of programmatic or thematically linked curricular and co-curricular activities that serves as a micro-credential, UGCs are distinct from majors and minors. “They serve to broaden participants’ work across disciplines, deepen their abilities within a discipline, and/or make their individualized academic work more distinctive and apparent on their academic record,” said Lucas. “UGC offerings align with goals that advance MSU’s mission and support strategic planning efforts.”
Specifically, the UGC initiative seeks to:
- Strengthen MSU’s ability to attract and meet the needs, goals and aspirations of undergraduate students
- Increase the number and diversity of learners MSU serves through targeted programs and proactive engagement with underserved communities
- Strengthen students’ educational experience to eliminate opportunity gaps and support success through graduation and beyond
- Develop new strategies to recruit and retain highly talented, diverse students across all disciplines
- Ensure students and stakeholders have access to MSU and its resources to address current and emerging issues affecting Michigan and the world
Undergraduate certificates will have varying structures based on a typology, with some UGCs being aimed at specific majors or Colleges, some serving non-MSU guest students, and some being open to all undergraduates, but they must all adhere to the UGC basic requirements:
- Include 9 to 12 credit-hours, the equivalent in contact time, or mixture of the two
- State learning outcomes and assessment process for all aspects of the program
- State admission criteria and application process
- Have transparent policies on acceptance of transfer or credits taken before admission, as well as standards for double-counting and unique credits
- Have a sponsoring academic unit (e.g., APUE, College, Department, or School)
There are four new types of undergraduate certificates, with the fifth type reflecting the Institute for Agricultural Technology (IAT) certificate that is awarded in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources for their degree programs. “UGC certificate types range from Type 1 which is extremely focused in topic and scope, to Type 4 which is broadly open to undergraduate students as well as non-MSU guests with a focus on soft skills of interest to all majors,” explained Lucas.
The table below outlines the expectations for each certificate type.
| Type 1 | Type 2 | Type 3 | Type 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audience: MSU Students | Audience: MSU or Guests | Audience: Guests | Audience: MSU or Guests |
| Focus: Narrow; disciplinary or interdisciplinary; focused on specific majors or academic programs | Focus: Medium; interdisciplinary or professional skills; Open to a specific College or Colleges | Focus: Professional, skill-based; May be focused on a specific stakeholder or professional group | Focus: Broad; interdisciplinary or professional skills; Open to most students and guests regardless of major |
| Format: Primarily coursework, with some experiential | Format: Mix of coursework and experiential | Format: No coursework, all experiential | Format: Mix of coursework and experiential |
| Administration: Academic colleges, departments, or schools | Administration: Colleges; Undergrad Ed in partnership | Administration: Academic departments, schools, or colleges; Undergrad Ed in partnership | Administration: Undergrad Ed in partnership |
| Approval: 1.) Academic Department; 2.) College; 3.) UCC and UCUE | Approval: 1.) College or Undergrad Ed; 2.) UCC and UCUE | Approval: 1.) Academic department; 2.) College or Undergrad Ed; 3.) Undergrad Ed and UCUE | Approval: 1.) Undergrad Ed; 2.) UCC and UCUE |
Since the release of the UGC policy last fall, there have already been compelling developments in program planning, with particular interest being shown toward global and DEI themed certificates. Currently, campus partners are working on a conflict resolution certificate which brings together academic departments with units from Student Life and Engagement and includes substantial experiential learning as part of the design. Mackenzie Fritz, Associate Director of the Office of Student Support and Accountability, described the inspiration behind the development of this certificate: “Students tell us they don’t know how to engage in conflict and this certificate will help by teaching them how to engage in healthy conflict, which could reduce stress and mental health concerns.”
Undergraduate certificates are an opportunity to provide structured learning experiences that respond to student need. It can focus on specific skills, on a career path or on soft skills needed for life’s journey. Students will carry these lessons forward through their undergraduate careers and beyond.
