microcredential

Yes, You Should Go Back to College!

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Adult student sitting in library with laptop

Whether you’re a recent high school grad, a retiree, or happily employed, you should still go back to college! That’s because you can take a number of great credit or non-credit courses that will enrich your work and personal life. These courses allow you to build new skills, earn microcredentials, or start a whole new career. You can meet new people, learn new things, and have many experiences you never would have expected. This is true whether you’re 18, 81, or anywhere in between!

Learn a New Skill or Hobby

You’ve probably heard about the arts and crafts classes offered at places like Michaels, but did you know that SUNY Ulster offers some that are very similar? In the last few months, we’ve offered watercolor, perspective drawing, and sewing classes for the community! If you’re not interested in art, you can always learn how to fly drones, speak a new language,  or start a blog! The possibilities are endless with the SUNY Ulster Office of Continuing and Professional Education, where we offer a wide variety of credit and non-credit classes that can teach you new and valuable skills.

Earn a Valuable Microcredential

Nowadays, it’s unusual to go to college, earn your degree, get a job, and continue doing the same job that you studied for year after year until retirement. Microcredentials give you the opportunity to expand what you already know and give you an added edge in the workplace. Check out our full list of microcredentials, and read up on the most recent microcredential we created in partnership with Mohonk Mountain House!

Pursue Your Career Dreams

Whether you’re an adult learner interested in trying college for the first time or already have a degree and want to pursue another, there’s no reason not to try college! Take the first step by entering a program to follow that dream. Whether you want to go through a regular degree or certificate program or earn a certificate or trade license through Continuing Education programs, you can make your career goals a reality at an affordable price.

Now Discover Your Potential!

As you can see, there are many reasons to go back to college, whether you’re planning a new career or not! Check out all the classes, programs, and events SUNY Ulster has to offer students and community members on our website.

What are some classes/programs at SUNY Ulster that you recommend? Let us know in the comments!

What Are Microcredentials? How Can They Benefit Me?

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Woman presenting at a business meeting

Both locally and nationally, today’s employers are now looking for candidates with more than a college degree. Employers are looking for personnel that have detailed credentials with a proven and tailored skill set to fit a specific job description. A combination of applied learning experiences, credentialing, and a quality degree stack the competencies needed for graduates to succeed in today’s highly competitive job market. SUNY Ulster is one of the growing number of colleges providing these credential options for individuals and students looking to enhance their skill sets with highly marketable qualifications.  

What is a Microcredential?

At the most basic level, microcredentials verify, validate, and attest that specific skills and/or competencies have been achieved. They differ from traditional degrees and certificates in that they are generally offered in shorter or more flexible time frames and tend to be more narrowly focused. Microcredentials can be offered online, on campus, or via a hybrid of both.

Who Needs a Microcredential?

The industries with the most common use or requirement of microcredentials are in Industry Trades (including technology and advanced manufacturing); Health Care, Computers, Networking, and Engineering. The majority of licensure‐related offerings are within Education and Health Care. Others who may be interested in microcredentials are individuals working in fields such as Business, Entrepreneurship, Human Resources, Paralegal Studies, Mental Health, Protective Services, Veterinary Sciences, and more!

MicroCredentials at SUNY Ulster

SUNY Ulster currently offers four microcredentials, with several more currently in development. The four currently offered are Accounting Computer Skills, Computer Game Design, Mobile Application Developer, and Web Application Developer. Each consists of four classes which, when finished, earn the student a 14 or 16 credit microcredential. Accounting Computer Skills is designed primarily for Business majors, while the other three are geared toward those with a Computer Science background.