Microcredentials at OCC
What is a Microcredential?
Microcredentials are fast, focused, flexible courses that help you develop in-demand skills and experience to meet emerging employer needs and can generally be completed within a matter of months. Being “stackable,” you can earn more than one, and they provide a pathway to additional microcredentials, certificates, or degrees so you can level-up in your career or round out your degree!
Ready to get started?
Have questions, want to talk to someone, or just learn more about our microcredentials? Please complete the interest form below:
Microcredential Interest Form
Ready to sign up for a microcredential? Please complete the Microcredential Request Form below. Create an OCC account or use your existing OCC account to access the form.
Our Current Microcredential Course Offerings
The Audio Production microcredential provides students with hands-on experience in recording, editing, and mixing sound for a variety of media applications. Through coursework and practical projects, students develop foundational skills with industry-standard audio equipment and software, as well as creative skills. This credential prepares learners in areas of audio production, podcasting, sound/music recording, and related media fields, or to enhance their skills within a broader media or communications degree.
A three-course sequence that stacks into the Business & Entrepreneurship A.A.S. degree. Students will learn: how to create, edit, and format spreadsheets, analyze and present data, and prepare to take the Microsoft Office Specialist exams for the Associate and Expert levels.
Learn key writing skills across creative, professional, and technical genres. You'll be able to write for different audiences, engage effectively in workplace communication, develop technical writing, and clearly present research. It also provides a foundation and pathway to apply credits earned towards an Associate of Arts at OCC.
The CNC Maching and Programming microcredential focuses on Computer Numeric Control (CNC) machining, including maintenance, operation, programming and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) to improve the capabilities of operators, machinists and apprentices.
Turn your creativity into commercial impact with this Commercial Photography microcredential, using smart phones and/or digital cameras. This three-course microcredential focuses on creating professional, market-ready images using studio lighting, editing software, and real-world content strategies. You will study technique, use the latest software, and study commercial content strategies so that you can produce polished, brand-ready photography that stands out in today's visual marketplace. This microcredential is a great way to move a personal passion for photography into a career or for existing professionals to add in-demand skills. Successful completion of this microcredential readies you to continue your education, and depending on the depth of your portfolio, prepares you to apply for entry- or mid-level jobs including assistant photographer, associate photographer, e-commerce or product photographer, or studio assistant. This microcredential is relevant for entrepreneurs, small business owners, or existing professionals in any industry being asked to contribute to web, social
media, and marketing projects.
A three-course sequence that stacks into the Computer Information Systems A.A.S. degree. Students will learn the role that databases play in modern information technology systems, fundamentals of database architecture and structure, how to build and access databases, how to interface databases with websites, and systems analysis and design.
Create, animate, and stand out in the digital world with this Digital Art microcredential. This three-course microcredential introduces industry-standard tools and techniques for digital imaging, animation, and motion art. You will create using digital art tools, from image capture to stunning animations, using pro software and techniques to produce eye-catching still and motion art that gets you noticed and hired. Successful completion of this microcredential readies you to continue your education, and depending on the depth of your portfolio, to apply for entry to mid-level positions such as social content designer, social media coordinator, junior graphic designer, graphic and motion designer, and production artist. This microcredential is a great fit for entrepreneurs seeking freelance work and/or for existing professionals looking to add or refresh specialized skills in animation.
Learn skills needed for writing, communicating, and marketing in a digital and professional world. You will take three courses focused on writing in the digital environment, developing strategies for communicating marketing content to varied audiences, and producing written communications in a professional business setting. This microcredential is eligible for NYS Part Time Tuition Assistance for Non-Degree Credentials.
This Direct Support Professional (DSP) I microcredential aligns with the DSP I certification through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP). A medical examination, a tuberculin test, a background check, and fingerprinting may be required before beginning field work placements and may require additional costs. This microcredential is eligible for NYS Part Time Tuition Assistance for Non-Degree Credentials and monetary support from a new partnership between OPWDD and OCC.
This Direct Support Professional (DSP) II microcredential aligns with the DSP II certification through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP). A medical examination, a tuberculin test, a background check, and fingerprinting may be required before beginning field work placements and may require additional costs. This microcredential is eligible for NYS Part Time Tuition Assistance for Non-Degree Credentials and monetary support from a new partnership between OPWDD and OCC.
The Infant Toddler Studies microcredential equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to gain employment in the field of infants and toddlers education and care. Students will gain a solid understanding of key early childhood concepts, develop practical skills for working with Infants and Toddlers, and complete coursework necessary for CDA® certification.
Launch a hands-on career in modern manufacturing. This seven-course microcredential builds essential electrical, mechanical, and math skills for entry-level roles in manufacturing and equipment maintenance. It also stacks seamlessly into the Electromechanical Technology Certificate and degree programs. Successful completion of this microcredential prepares students for a quick-entry to employment.
A three-course sequence that stacks into the Computer Information Systems A.A.S. degree. Students will learn the role that networks play in modern information technology systems, fundamentals of network architecture and design, server configuration and management, and network and server security.
The Preschool Professional Studies microcredential equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to work in the field of preschooler education. Students will gain a solid understanding of key early childhood concepts, develop practical skills for working with young children, and complete coursework necessary for CDA® certification.
The Social Media microcredential is designed for individuals interested in building practical skills in digital communication, content creation, and brand development. Students in this credential will gain foundational knowledge of social media platforms, explore strategies for mobile media production, and learn how to shape messages that engage audiences and build communities. Courses emphasize hands-on application, from creating compelling digital content to understanding branding and public relations in today’s media environment.
Designed to provide you with the skills needed to assist in educating in the Pre-K-12 classroom, you'll take three courses that prepare you to use written communication effectively with pupils, parents, and colleagues; to understand basic concepts of human psychology; to effectively assist in educating children from different cultures and backgrounds.
Designed to provide you with the skills needed to assist in educating in the Pre-K-12 classroom, you'll take three courses that prepare you to use spoken communication effectively, to utilize child psychology concepts in working with children, and incorporate literary analysis successfully in the classroom setting.
The Video Production microcredential provides students with hands-on experience in the creative and technical aspects of video production. Through a series of focused courses, students will learn the foundational skills needed to write, plan, shoot, and edit video content for a variety of media platforms. Coursework emphasizes both single-camera field production and multi-camera studio production, allowing students to develop practical competencies in camera operation, audio, and post-production techniques.
The Writing for Digital Content microcredential is designed for individuals interested in developing strong writing and storytelling skills for today’s digital media landscape. Students in this credential will learn to craft clear, engaging, and purposeful messages across multiple platforms including, but not limited to, blogs, social media, and multimedia storytelling. Coursework combines foundational writing and editing skills with hands-on experience in creating digital content that informs, persuades, and connects with audiences.
Commonly Asked Questions
- Students currently enrolled in a degree program.
- Professionals looking to upskill, seeking career advancement or change, and a higher salary.
- Businesses seeking to provide professional development opportunities for employees.
- Lifelong learners who’d like to explore a particular interest.
- Individuals looking to give college a test drive.
- The digital badges are a downloadable image that can be posted to platforms like Linkedin or used in an email signature to show that you earned a micro-credential and mastered a specific skill(s).
- Badges help to set you apart from other applicants when it comes time to apply for a job or grow in your current career — so display them proudly!
Congratulations on earning a microcredential badge! You finished the hard work of earning it, now follow these 5 simple steps to promote and publish it on social media, through email, your resume, or any other way you can think of:
1) You'll receive an email saying you have earned a microcredential badge. Follow the link within the email to accept your badge.
2) In your Credly account open the menu in the upper right hand corner of the screen and navigate to Badges.
3) Once there, you will see a list of all the badges you have earned. Click on the one you want to share.
4) Look for the green Share button.
5) You will see different ways to Promote and Publish your badge. Click on the links and follow the instructions.
- Creative & Professional Writing and Digital Writing — contact the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Direct Support Professional I and Direct Support Professional II — contact the School of Health, Wellness, and Human Services
- Teaching Assistant II & III — contact the School of Liberal Arts & Sciences
- Database & Networking — contact the School of Technology, Engineering, and Computing
- Questions about receiving or accepting your Credly badge — email Grad Central