{"id":2317,"date":"2023-06-26T09:00:44","date_gmt":"2023-06-26T16:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/?p=2317"},"modified":"2025-09-26T12:29:25","modified_gmt":"2025-09-26T19:29:25","slug":"which-microcredential-is-right-for-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/which-microcredential-is-right-for-you\/","title":{"rendered":"Which microcredential is right for you?"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>A look at 5 online microcredentials with Oregon State University that can help you gain skills and level up your career<\/h2>\n<div class=\"editor-note\"><strong>Editor&#8217;s note: <\/strong><span style=\"font-size: 1.6rem;\">This story was originally published on the Oregon State University <a href=\"https:\/\/educationalventures.oregonstate.edu\/news\/which-microcredential-is-right-for-you\/\">Division of Educational Ventures news site<\/a>.<\/span><\/div>\n<p>Ever wondered what\u2019s next for you professionally? Whether you\u2019re at the start of your professional journey or a seasoned pro, it\u2019s common to search for growth opportunities throughout your career. And exploring your interests through high-quality online learning experiences is proven to help develop the skills you need for growth.<\/p>\n<p>While earning a full degree is the right choice for many, a more focused option may be a more practical solution for you.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s where microcredentials come in, and Oregon State University Ecampus delivers these in-demand, short-form offerings online. By completing a microcredential, you can earn a digital badge in as few as three classes and acquire specialized skills that will enhance your value in the job market.<\/p>\n<p>You can get the full scoop on microcredentials and their many benefits in<a href=\"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/what-is-a-microcredential\/\"> our helpful beginner\u2019s guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Which microcredential is right for you?<\/h2>\n<p>Explore five common goals for professional growth and learn how Oregon State\u2019s microcredentials can help you achieve your goals.<\/p>\n<h3>1. \u00a0 Goal: Enter the corporate realm<\/h3>\n<p>You may be considering a move into the business world but are unsure of where to start. Landing that first corporate job can be challenging. But Ecampus success coach Bethany Ulman says, \u201cSuccess comes down to a mix of opportunity, preparation and commitment to your goal.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/online-degrees\/microcredentials\/professional-readiness\/\">Oregon State professional readiness microcredential<\/a> is the right next step for you. You\u2019ll prepare for success by gaining skills in topics like finance, career planning and professional communications.<\/p>\n<p>This microcredential will help you stand out as a skilled problem solver, a superior communicator and a capable leader. And, you\u2019ll have the AACSB-accredited Oregon State College of Business behind you. You&#8217;ll have access to valuable support resources like peer advising and expert faculty who have industry experience.<\/p>\n<h3>2. \u00a0 Goal: Produce quality content<\/h3>\n<p>Content production is an exceedingly fast-growing field in today\u2019s digital-first climate. If you\u2019re interested in content creation, gaining basic skills is a great place to start. With <a href=\"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/online-degrees\/microcredentials\/content-development-production\/\">OSU\u2019s content development and production microcredential<\/a>, you\u2019ll gain creative and practical skills in sound production, storytelling, editing, pre-production and more.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll be ready to pursue freelance work or join a production house that allows you to flex those creative muscles. As you progress through the microcredential coursework, you may find you\u2019re interested beyond the three courses in this offering. If so, you could enroll in another microcredential, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/online-degrees\/microcredentials\/business-viral-content-creation\/\">business of viral content creation<\/a> or even stack it into a full bachelor\u2019s degree in <a href=\"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/online-degrees\/undergraduate\/digital-communication-arts\/\">digital communication arts<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>3. \u00a0 Goal: Turn sports passion into your profession<\/h3>\n<p>Wondering how you can turn that fantasy football league into more than a betting pool with your friends? Or perhaps you\u2019re a former athlete, looking to put that knowledge to use in a professional setting. Sports business might be the right career pathway for you.<\/p>\n<p>The global sports industry continues to evolve as legislation and diversifying audience interests create a growing demand for professionals who understand the landscape. You can help meet the demand for capable workers by earning a <a href=\"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/online-degrees\/microcredentials\/sports-business\/\">microcredential in sports business from Oregon State<\/a>. You\u2019ll gain valuable industry knowledge on how topics like analytics, sponsorship, marketing and finance come into play.<\/p>\n<h3>4. \u00a0 Goal: Find your business niche<\/h3>\n<p>Generative AI. 3D printed fabrics. New content platforms. Ever-changing e-commerce markets and consumer demands. As the digital marketplace continues to evolve, there are boundless opportunities for personalized and unique businesses to develop.<\/p>\n<p>This means we need creative people to offer new products and services to meet rising demand for everything from technology to food supply to fashion and beyond. That\u2019s where you come in \u2013 along with a microcredential that is right for your goal.<\/p>\n<p>Through the coursework in <a href=\"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/online-degrees\/microcredentials\/innovation-entrepreneurship-opportunity-identification\/\">OSU\u2019s microcredential in innovation and entrepreneurship: opportunity identification<\/a>, you\u2019ll gain valuable skills related to design thinking, innovation and business planning. Learn how to identify and scale emerging business opportunities from award-winning instructors. Find where you fit in to your local, national and global economy.<\/p>\n<h3>5. \u00a0 Goal: Learn to lead a team<\/h3>\n<p>Every company has a leader \u2013 often more than one. But <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ddiworld.com\/global-leadership-forecast-2023\/bench-strength\">over 80% of organizations interviewed in a recent study<\/a> stated that they predict a shortage of leadership and executive-level skills in the future. And right now, a generation of leaders is retiring, leaving a growing gap for people like you to rise to the opportunity.<\/p>\n<p>With the essential training you\u2019ll receive in the <a href=\"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/online-degrees\/microcredentials\/organizational-leadership\/\">organizational leadership microcredential from Oregon State<\/a>, you\u2019ll learn how to excel in important tasks like motivating a team, managing organizations and decision-making. If you\u2019re ready to take on the challenge of leading a team or organization to greatness, you can make your next move today.<\/p>\n<h2>Explore what else Oregon State has to offer online<\/h2>\n<p>So which microcredential is right for you? That all depends on what you\u2019re looking to achieve.<\/p>\n<p>With a growing list of microcredential options online, Oregon State Ecampus can help you chart a professional pathway that suits your ambitions.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\"><\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 3<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minute read<\/span><\/span>Explore five online microcredentials, designed to help you meet your professional goals. Whether you&#8217;re looking to start climbing the metaphorical corporate ladder or learn how to start your own business, OSU Ecampus has you covered.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":2319,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,681,6,702,672,657,676],"tags":[639,107,662,655],"class_list":["post-2317","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all","category-alternative-credentials","category-ecampus","category-educational-ventures","category-learning-experience","category-resources","category-why-osu","tag-business-and-communications","tag-college-of-business","tag-division-of-educational-ventures","tag-microcredentials"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/Ravonne-Byrd-800x450-1.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7BNSE-Bn","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":2375,"url":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/samaritan-health-services-osu-collaboration\/","url_meta":{"origin":2317,"position":0},"title":"6,000 Samaritan employees eligible for scholarships to learn online thanks to new Oregon State collaboration","author":"Tyler Hansen","date":"October 10, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Oregon State University is expanding its relationship with Samaritan Health Services to provide thousands of the regional health system\u2019s employees with more affordable access to academic programs and workforce education opportunities online.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;All Stories&quot;","block_context":{"text":"All Stories","link":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/category\/all\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"A doctor talks with her patient while pointing out information on a clipboard.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/CEU-Samaritan-1280x550-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C516&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/CEU-Samaritan-1280x550-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C516&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/CEU-Samaritan-1280x550-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C516&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/CEU-Samaritan-1280x550-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C516&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/CEU-Samaritan-1280x550-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C516&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2727,"url":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/technology-association-oregon-collaboration\/","url_meta":{"origin":2317,"position":1},"title":"Oregon tech professionals gain affordable access to top-ranked online education through OSU collaboration","author":"Tyler Hansen","date":"March 4, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Editor's note: This story was originally published on the Oregon State University Division of Educational Ventures news site. CORVALLIS, Ore. \u2014 A new collaboration between Oregon State University and the Technology Association of Oregon is expanding access to high-quality online education for an estimated 90,000 employees of TAO member organizations.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;All Stories&quot;","block_context":{"text":"All Stories","link":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/category\/all\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"A woman stands working inside a server room, positioned between tall black server racks. She is holding and examining a digital tablet.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/TAO-news-800x450-1.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/TAO-news-800x450-1.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/TAO-news-800x450-1.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/TAO-news-800x450-1.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2091,"url":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/business-communications-microcredential-online\/","url_meta":{"origin":2317,"position":2},"title":"3 reasons to earn a business and communications microcredential online","author":"Ali Duerfeldt","date":"September 14, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"The field of business and communications is rapidly evolving. And employers need people with the relevant and in-demand skills to meet organizational needs. Enter: microcredentials. In a few short courses, you can gain skills in business and communications and earn a digital badge to signify to employers your unique skills.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;All Stories&quot;","block_context":{"text":"All Stories","link":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/category\/all\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Melissa Whitney, an Oregon State University graduate and enrollment specialist, stands in a farm field at dusk holding a large lens camera.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/Melissa-Whitney-800x450-220818.jpg?fit=848%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/Melissa-Whitney-800x450-220818.jpg?fit=848%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/Melissa-Whitney-800x450-220818.jpg?fit=848%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/Melissa-Whitney-800x450-220818.jpg?fit=848%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2462,"url":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/microcredential-initiative-podcast\/","url_meta":{"origin":2317,"position":3},"title":"Podcast highlight: Behind the scenes of Oregon State&#8217;s successful microcredential initiative","author":"Tyler Hansen","date":"January 22, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"On the Modern Campus \"Illumination\" podcast, Lisa L. Templeton \u2014 vice provost of Oregon State\u2019s Division of Educational Ventures \u2014 discusses the expansion of the OSU's microcredential initiative and the importance of access and affordability for today's learners.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;All Stories&quot;","block_context":{"text":"All Stories","link":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/category\/all\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Scenic image of the black entrance sign to Oregon State University with trees in the background","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/OSU-entrance-sign-2022.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/OSU-entrance-sign-2022.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/OSU-entrance-sign-2022.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/OSU-entrance-sign-2022.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2690,"url":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/semiconductor-microcredentials\/","url_meta":{"origin":2317,"position":4},"title":"New semiconductor microcredentials enable employee development","author":"Rachel Robertson","date":"November 29, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Editor's note: This article was originally published by Oregon State's College of Engineering in the Semi @ Oregon State newsletter on Nov. 18, 2024. For anyone working in the semiconductor industry in Oregon, it is no surprise that a\u00a0recent report\u00a0estimated a need for a 24% increase in semiconductor-related credentials. Meeting\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;All Stories&quot;","block_context":{"text":"All Stories","link":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/category\/all\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"A person in a full-body suit works on a computer in a clean room.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/stock-cleanroom.jpeg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/stock-cleanroom.jpeg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/stock-cleanroom.jpeg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/stock-cleanroom.jpeg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/stock-cleanroom.jpeg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2692,"url":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/oregon-association-chiefs-of-police-collaboration\/","url_meta":{"origin":2317,"position":5},"title":"OSU teams with Oregon police chiefs association, offers tuition benefit to 6,500+ employees","author":"Tyler Hansen","date":"December 4, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Editor's note: This story was originally published on the Oregon State University Division of Educational Ventures news site. CORVALLIS, Ore. \u2014 Thousands of law enforcement professionals throughout the state have more affordable access to learning opportunities online and in person thanks to a new collaboration between Oregon State University and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;All Stories&quot;","block_context":{"text":"All Stories","link":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/category\/all\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Scenic image of the black entrance sign to Oregon State University with trees in the background","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/OSU-entrance-sign-2022.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/OSU-entrance-sign-2022.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/OSU-entrance-sign-2022.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/assets\/OSU-entrance-sign-2022.jpg?fit=800%2C450&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2317","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2317"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2317\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2319"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2317"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2317"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecampus.oregonstate.edu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2317"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}