Frequently Asked Questions

A microcredential is smaller than a minor, certificate or degree and narrower in focus. Credit-bearing microcredentials are 6-12 credits in length. For example, a microcredential could be three courses in length (9 credits). The UWM School of Continuing Education offers additional noncredit microcredentials. 

Microcredentials are designed to help students meet academic and career goals and to help them stand out in a competitive job market. They are intentionally focused on mastery of skills and competencies. 

UWM microcredentials: 

• Focus on a clear set of competencies/skills and meet the needs of today’s employers and communities with current, relevant, accurate information. 
• Provide opportunities for industry/community/education connections and partnerships. 
• Can complement traditional credentials (certificate, diploma, degree or post-graduate certificate) or stand alone. 
• Are stackable — for example, Nonprofit Management has four microcredentials that can lead to a master’s degree with some additional coursework. 

Microcredentials give students and professionals short-term opportunities to boost their skills, achieve their goals, stand out in their field and ultimately advance in their chosen profession. Microcredentials also offer students opportunities to expand their overall knowledge base as they learn skills that may not directly relate to — but complement — their academic major or minor. 

UWM microcredentials are open to: 

• Current UWM students 
• UWM alumni 
• Students at other schools/colleges/universities 
• Anyone needing to upskill, make a career change or come back to the job market 
• Anyone seeking career advancement or a salary increase 
• Non-degree seeking students and professionals  

Microcredential duration depends largely on subject matter. Most can be completed in one year or less. However, some microcredentials require just one semester.

Some microcredentials can be combined to help you work toward a degree or certificate, allowing you to tailor your learning experience to your specific goals and interests. These stackable microcredentials, which may come from the same or different disciplines, offer a flexible way to build on your skills over time. While you can combine microcredentials toward a larger qualification, it’s important to note that not all microcredentials are stackable. Instead, they are designed to help you progress in a way that aligns with your professional development and learning objectives. 

The number and variety of UWM microcredentials continue to grow. Currently, UWM offers 10 credit-bearing microcredentials and 4 noncredit microcredentials. 

UWM microcredentials are offered spring, summer and fall semesters.

UWM credit-bearing microcredentials are 6-12 credits in length and include at least two courses. Noncredit microcredentials vary in length, but are typically shorter than a semester.

Yes.

Depending upon the subject matter, UWM microcredentials may be offered fully online, fully on campus, or as a hybrid of the two formats. 

Microcredentials do not expire. 

Upon earning a UWM microcredential, you will also receive a digital badge. This badge is a visual representation of your achievement and can be shared in prominent locations such as social media profiles, personal websites or professional platforms. Sharing your badges allows you to highlight specific skills and competencies, making them visible to current or prospective employers and showcasing your expertise. 

Current UWM Students 

Enroll through PAWS as you would for other classes; be sure to check whether you have any required prerequisites.
  
Enrolling in an undergraduate microcredential as a non-degree student: 
https://uwm.edu/undergrad-admission/apply/non-degree-guest/  
  
Enrolling in a graduate microcredential as a non-degree student: 
https://uwm.edu/graduateschool/students/admission/non-degree-candidate-admission/  
  
Interested in a noncredit microcredential? Information on how to register.
 

Tuition will vary by the number of credits in a microcredential or program length for noncredit microcredentials; whether it is an undergraduate or graduate microcredential; and whether you are or are not a Wisconsin resident. 

Cost and Financial Aid for Non-Degree/Guest Students 

How much will studying at UWM cost as a guest student? You can estimate the per credit cost from the latest tuition table as a good guide. Generally, an in-state undergraduate student will pay approximately $1,700 for a three-credit class. An in-state graduate student will pay approximately $2,600 for a three-credit class. 
  
Non-degree and guest students are generally not eligible for financial aid.
  
Noncredit microcredential cost information.