Technology Micro-Credentials
Did you know that regardless of major, MC students can achieve industry technical micro-credentials from Microsoft, IBM and Google? UofL offers courses and provides individual coaching on selecting badges that fit your career goals.
- PROGRAM OVERVIEW
- CHECK OUT THE COURSES
- EXPLORE CAREER PATHWAYS
- HOW TO ENROLL
- CONTACT US
- Linked-In Learning Technology Upskilling Opportunities
- Opportunities with the UofL Digital Transformation Center
Program Overview
Enhance your resume and career with technology Micro-Credentials. Through UofL’s College of Education and Human Development, MC students can achieve micro-credentials and technology badges from various vendors such as: Microsoft, IBM, and Google. These courses, if taken for credit, are covered by MC tuition benefits and are intended for students in any major who are seeking to enhance work ready skills using technology products and services. Students will receive individual career coaching to select their individual badges and establish a career pathway that fits their interests and abilities. Throughout the semester the student will take the industry badge training and produce an applied project (outlined and prototyped) utilizing the badge training they have achieved.
Digital badges serve as a recognition for online learning and help the aspiring professionals to get their qualifications verified while searching for a job. Digital badges validate the accomplishment, skill, or competencies earned in learning environments, where the learning environment is typically online. Earned badges should be included on a resume, LinkedIn, ePortfolio or other professional job search materials.
Below is a sample of information about some of the badges. Some credentials from technology industry vendors exams may not be covered. Your instructor will work with you to map out career pathways that are covered with enrollment of classes LEAD 256 and LEAD257 as well determine what badges may compliment your degree path and experience.
- IBM Training: IBM Badges
- Microsoft - Browse Credentials
- Google Training
Degree + Essential Skills Gained as a UPS MC Employee + Technology Credentials = EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES!
Check Out The Courses
Courses are offered every Fall, Spring and Summer terms. Courses are online with required Blackboard Collaborate or Microsoft Teams meetings throughout the semester (arranged one on one with the instructor). Classes are offered in a 7-week format. During the last two weeks of the program, students will partake in an applied learning project that can be tailored to the students needs and professional goals and give the student real world applications of the skills they have learned.
LEAD 256 | Technology Industry Badges I (3 credit hour course)
This course prepares students to achieve micro-credentials and technology badges from various vendors such as: Microsoft, IBM, and Google. It is intended for those seeking to enhance work ready skills using technology products and services. At least five introductory level badges must be achieved to pass this course. Industry Badges are included in this class. This course is taught at the introductory level.
Students who complete this course will be able to:
- Describe industry certifications, micro-credentials
- Describe how industry credentials align with business goals
- Identify new trends in technology
- Evaluate/Analyze technology badges/credentials
- Review/Select and pass industry credential badges/certificate during this course
- Outline individual technology learning path
- Compare and contrast common industry vendors badges/credentialing paths
- Identify, use/apply at least two technology industry badge’s knowledge/skills
LEAD 257 (Intermediate/Advanced) – Technology Industry Badges II (3 credit hour course)
This course prepares students to achieve micro-credentials and badges from various technology industry organizations such as: Microsoft, IBM, and Google. It is intended for those seeking to enhance work ready skills using technology products and services. At least three intermediate/advanced level badges must be achieved to pass this course. This course is taught at the intermediate/advanced level.
Students who complete this course will be able to:
- Describe how industry credentials align with business goals
- Identify new trends in technology
- Review/Select and pass intermediate level industry credential badges/certificate during this course
- Outline individual technology learning path
- Identify, use/apply at least two technology industry badge’s knowledge/skills
After completing LEAD 256 and 257, students will be advised regarding additional course work, training, and employment opportunities that fit the student's career goals.
Explore Career Pathways
| A wide variety of workforce upskill/reskill paths are available including badges in artificial intelligence and Google or Microsoft analytics, and students can mix and matched vendor badges/certificates. During your first week in LEAD 256, your instructor will assist you in selecting a training pathway that fits with your career goals and skills. The are hundreds of workforce career pathways that students can choose. Below are examples of some of the pathways students can choose to pursue. |
Computer Technical Support Specialist Computer technical support specialists engage in troubleshooting and problem solving, both within a corporation and for individual clients. Computer technical support specialists draw on a general knowledge of computer systems, hardware, and software, as well as knowledge of specific products, to alleviate technological issues. Some individuals in this field work for technical support service companies, while others work within corporations or agencies. Computer technical support specialists must maintain up-to-date knowledge of current technologies and technological issues.
IT Desktop Support IT Desktop Support assist end users with a variety of technology issues. Primarily a customer support function but focused on the use/installation and support of technology products
Introductory/ Entry Level Data Analysts Introductory/ Entry level Data Analysts enable businesses to maximize the value of their data assets. As a subject matter expert, Data Analysts are responsible for designing and building scalable data models, cleaning and transforming data, analytic capabilities that provide meaningful business value through easy-to-comprehend data visualizations.
Introductory / Entry Level Developer Entry level developers work with key stakeholders across the business to create, test and improve the applications that play a fundamental role in the company’s daily operations. You will work across the software development lifecycle, gaining essential grounding in handling requirements, support and maintenance, while following methodology to constantly strive for better results and becoming indispensable to your team.
Business Support Technologist/Artificial Intelligence Bot Creator This badge earner can explain Artificial Intelligence and articulate how it is used for business leaders considering AI-based solutions for business challenges. They understand business-oriented technologies and basic concepts in AI, and have been introduced to the technologies and concepts in data science. The earner can articulate details of the AI Ladder, which is a framework for understanding the work and processes that are necessary for the successful deployment of AI-based solutions.
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How To Enroll
These courses are available to ANY major. If you are currently receiving MC benefits at UofL, you are eligible for tuition benefits for these courses. If you are not currently an MC UofL student, you must meet one of the following criteria to receive MC UofL tuition benefits:
- Cumulative 3.0 high school GPA or greater (GED 600) and a 21 ACT/1060 SAT composite score or Superscore.
- 60 transferable college credit hours or have earned an associate degree.
- Cumulative 3.3 high school GPA or greater (GED 660), no ACT/SAT test score required.
MC semester tuition benefits cannot exceed full-time tuition at the University of Louisville. Please contact a MC Student Success Counselor if you have questions about your MC tuition benefits.
UofL students may contact their academic advisor to receive course registration assistance. To review course offerings, log on to www.louisville.edu
- Select: For You> Current Students > Search the Class Schedule
- In the Subject box select "EDUC: Leadership, Eval & Org Development"
Contact Us
If you have additional questions about the course or you would like to talk through recommendations regarding which career pathway fits well with your skills, education, and goals, contact Dr. Sharon Kerrick at sharon.kerrick@louisville.edu
Linked-In Learning Technology Upskilling Opportunities
Stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of technology with LinkedIn Learning, your gateway to in-demand skills. Whether you're looking to master coding, cybersecurity, data analytics, or digital design, LinkedIn Learning offers expert-led courses to help you grow. Metro College UofL participants get free access to this powerful learning platform!
Start exploring courses today and take the next step in your tech career.
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JavaScript Foundations Professional Certificate by Mozilla | LinkedIn Learning This learning path is endorsed by Mozilla. Learn more about web platform technologies by visiting the Mozilla Developer Network. | JavaScript is your gateway to a career in front-end development. These courses will help you build essential skills, from core concepts like variables and functions to advanced topics like asynchronous programming and DOM manipulation. With hands-on practice and real-time feedback, you’ll gain the confidence to create dynamic, interactive websites. Join in, complete the course, pass the final exam, and earn your certificate! | Explore JavaScript basics: variables, strings, and numbers. Practice decision-making and function syntax. Analyze asynchronous tasks and scope in JavaScript. |
| Essential Skills in Adobe Photoshop 2024 Professional Certificate | LinkedIn Learning | Whether you're a seasoned creative or just picked up a camera, mastering Photoshop helps you bring your images to life. This course covers essential tools and techniques every Photoshop user should know, giving you the skills to edit, enhance, and transform your work. Join in, complete the course, pass the final exam, and earn your certificate! | Discover how to navigate and customize Photoshop tools. Learn how best to crop, straighten, and adjust canvas size. Explore smart objects, generative fill, and much more. |
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| Essential Skills in Adobe Illustrator 2025 Professional Certificate | LinkedIn Learning | Adobe Illustrator is the go-to tool for vector graphics and digital illustration. Whether you're designing logos, icons, or intricate artwork, mastering Illustrator is a must for any aspiring designer. This course covers essential tools, techniques, and best practices to help you create high-quality vector graphics. Join in, complete the course, pass the final exam, and earn your certificate! | Identify and locate core tools and features in Illustrator. Practice essential vector drawing techniques. Create professional artwork using Illustrator tools. |
| Career Essentials in Cybersecurity by Microsoft and LinkedIn | LinkedIn Learning | Explore the essential skills for a career in cybersecurity. Build a strong foundation in key cybersecurity terms, understand the evolving threat landscape, and learn core security concepts to protect digital environments. | Develop an understanding of core cybersecurity concepts. Gain fluency in cybersecurity terminology. Explore the cybersecurity threat landscape. |
| Applications of Generative AI in Learning and Development | Discover how L&D professionals can leverage generative AI to enhance learning and development programs. This course explores strategies for creating and curating high-quality content, designing interactive workshops and training modules, and developing simulations, role-plays, and coaching scripts. Learn how to build effective assessment tools to measure learning outcomes and ensure your programs align with organizational goals. Plus, access a curated list of AI-powered tools designed specifically for L&D. By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to integrate generative AI into your training initiatives, driving engagement and shaping the future of learning in your organization. | Apply generative AI techniques to conduct effective needs assessments, identifying gaps in employee skills and knowledge to inform learning program development. Articulate content development techniques using generative AI to generate learning topics, outlines, and materials that align with program objectives. Examine generative AI techniques to create interactive workshops, training modules, and role-plays that reflect real-life scenarios, promoting active participation and skill application. |
| Software Project Management Foundations | Dive into the fundamentals of project management and discover what it takes to successfully lead a project. Learn why projects often face challenges and explore two of the most commonly used frameworks: Waterfall and Agile. You'll gain insight into when to use each approach, how they fit within the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), and what makes them effective. Instructor Kelley O’Connell also highlights key skills and strategies to help project managers guide software projects to a successful finish. | Compare and contrast two major project management methods. Describe the functions of different software layers. Distinguish between different types of software projects. Describe the elements of a well-written request for proposal. Identify requirements that should be met before product release. |
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Opportunities with the UofL Digital Transformation Center
UofL Digital Transformation Center
The University of Louisville Digital Transformation Center transforms the access, awareness, design and use of technology to embrace digital agility and enhance learning and discovery in the commonwealth.
The digital transformation center at UofL strives to empower the future of learning, research, and technology through collaboration, community of practice and partnerships. Learn from experts and industry leaders. Push yourself to earn a badge, certification, or credential that sets you apart. The University of Louisville gives you access to a wide range of digital learning resources—browse the options or search below to get started. Some options are available for non-UofL students as well.
Cyber Security Workforce Program (CWP)
The Cybersecurity Workforce Program provided specialized training for first responders—including law enforcement, healthcare professionals, IT specialists, firefighters—as well as transitioning military personnel and veterans. This program is designed to equip participants with the skills needed to succeed in cybersecurity, offering a flexible learning path tailored to various experience levels.
Digital Literacy Train the Trainer
The Digital Literacy Train-the-Trainer program is a free online initiative designed to help community trainers and learners strengthen their digital skills. Participants gain hands-on experience with virtual collaboration tools, conversational AI, data analytics, and form data collection. The program not only boosts individual digital literacy but also prepares participants to confidently train and support others in their communities.
- 8 Week in-person or online courses to train and teach
- Earn $500, at least four micro-credentials, and a University of Louisville certificate of training upon successful completion of the program
- No college degree required
- Earn a UofL certificate of training