Earn the skills you need. Get proof you have them.
Micro-credentials at UB School of Social Work
The new micro-credential program from UB is a natural extension of classroom learning, and is an ideal way for current students and practitioners to build skills and competencies in specialty areas.
Micro-credentials take less time to earn than a degree, and can be either credit-bearing or not-for-credit; if credit-bearing, they will never be more than 11 credits and can be earned in as little as one semester.
Micro-credentials give you the freedom to learn what you want, without the financial and time commitments of a degree. With the option to personalize your learning, you can earn a micro-credential in your own field of study, like a “mini-concentration” or, currently enrolled students, may earn a micro-credential in a field of study outside your major, like a “mini-minor”.
Students who complete a credit-bearing micro-credential program receive both a notation on their academic transcript as well as a digital badge, and those who complete a non-credit program receive a digital badge.
The digital badge is a dynamic, clickable icon which houses information such as the issuing institution, the date earned, and the evidence that shows that the criteria to earn the credential have been met. The holder owns the digital badge, and may upload it to any social media profiles, such as LinkedIn, add it as a link on their digital resume, or embed it in their e-portfolio and more.
For current UB students, there is no additional cost to enroll in micro-credentials, beyond regular tuition rates.
UB School of Social Work offers these micro-credential programs:
Child Advocacy Studies (CAST)
UNDERGRADUATE MICRO-CREDENTIAL
- Gain the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to child abuse and neglect.
- 3 classroom/in-person courses (9 credit hours).
- Open to current undergraduate students from any major, or non-degree students.*
- Will not count towards MSW coursework.
Excellence in Aging
GRADUATE MICRO-CREDENTIAL
- Gain knowledge and skills to improve the care and well-being of older adults, their families and caregivers.
- 2 courses, online or hybrid format (6 credit hours).
- Emerging Topics in Aging Seminar Series required.
- Open to current graduate students from any major, and social work non-degree (non-matriculated) students.*
Interprofessional Collaborative Practice
- Gain knowledge of values and ethics, roles and responsibilities of healthcare providers, and communication and teamwork skills.
- Participation is achieved through learning activities such as interprofessional forums, simulation experiences, and clinical experiences.
- Micro-credential open to current UB students enrolled in health professions education programs.
*Community members wishing to become a social work non-degree (non-matriculated) student need to first apply and be approved for non-degree (non-matriculated) status, in order to register for credit-bearing courses.
Cheney Brockington, MSW '19
"The UB Interprofessional Collaborative Practice micro-credential was challenging and rewarding. The collaboration with colleagues from medicine, pharmacy, law, social work, education and business gave us deeper understanding of our client's concerns."