Micro-credentials at University of Hawaii-Mānoa are approved by the Vice-Provost for Academic Excellence (VPAE), as delegated by the Provost. Per Executive Policy 5.231, Micro-credentials are small units of study that provide specific competencies and stand-alone value and will not require significant resources. 

UH Mānoa micro-credentials will consist of small sets of credit-bearing courses (courses are approved through the standard process). By policy, they are of lesser scale than minors, and therefore consist of no more than 14 credit hours. All credits must be earned at UH Mānoa.

• Foundational micro-credentials: Component courses must not require prerequisites other than those included in the micro-credential itself. 100 and 200 level courses.
• Advanced micro-credentials: May require prerequisites, including prior micro-credentials. Component courses must include two or more course(s) numbered 300 or higher.
• Graduate micro-credentials: Component courses must include two or more course(s) numbered 600 or higher.

Student records will consist of the standard course transcript and a digital badge issued on verified completion of required courses.

Outreach College hosts the UH Mānoa Micro-credentials website, which provides existing and prospective students details on available micro-credentials, requirements, registration and advising options. Units contributing courses to approved micro-credentials may dual list included courses with Extension so as to make seats available to new, non-degree seeking students. Extension enrollments provide tuition-sharing benefits to the offering units per existing Outreach processes. New unclassified students may be admitted in Extension by Outreach College for purposes of pursuing micro-credentials.

An action memo (template copy) and proposal form (template copy) are available to faculty wishing to propose new micro-credentials. Proposals will be routed to the UH Mānoa Faculty Senate Committee on Academic Planning and Policy for feedback and to the VPAE for approval.

FAQ

What is a micro-credential?

University of Hawai`i at Mānoa microcredentials are focused educational opportunities that can help advance your career with less time and cost than a degree program. Each micro-credential consists of two to four courses, up to (maximum) of 14 credits that represent a set of related competencies. Microcredential offerings follow Mānoa’s academic calendar, and many are available fully online.

Example micro-credentials 

What is the purpose of establishing a micro-credential?

Micro-credentials provide an opportunity for current and prospective students to develop a focused set of competencies without pursuing a larger credential. Unclassified students are eligible to register for micro-credential courses through Outreach College. Micro-credentials are a means to fill unused capacity in existing courses and attract prospective students that may later pursue a BOR-approved credential.

Can a micro-credential be issued for a single course?

No.

Can a micro-credential represent 15 or more credits?

No. This would violate EP 5.231 which authorizes micro-credentials at UH and requires micro-credentials to be of lesser scale than minors.

Can a micro-credential include a list of optional courses?

No. Micro-credentials should represent a specific set of competencies tied to the underlying courses. This doesn’t align with student-selected courses.

Are there different micro-credential types at Mānoa?

There are 3 types of micro-credentials at Mānoa: Foundational, Advanced, and Graduate.

Foundational micro-credentials include only 100 and/or 200 level courses. Advanced micro-credentials include at least one 300 or 400 level course. Graduate micro-credentials include at least two 600 or 700 level course.  The three types have visually differentiated badges associated with them.

Can a micro-credential require prerequisites?

Foundational micro-credentials should not require prerequisites for a student to get started.  They may be sequenced if the first course serves as a prerequisite for the second, which serves as a prerequisite for the third. Prerequisites are part of the course approval process, however, not specific to the micro-credential. 

Advanced micro-credentials should not require prerequisites unless the requirement is completion of a foundational micro-credential. They may be sequenced such that the first course serves as a prerequisite for the second, which serves as a prerequisite for the third. Prerequisites are part of the course approval process, however, not specific to the micro-credential.

Graduate micro-credentials may require one or more prerequisite courses; however it is encouraged that they instead include the required course to serve as a prerequisite for the second, which serves as a prerequisite for the third.. Graduate micro-credentials can include both undergraduate and graduate courses together.

Can micro-credential courses be used toward an undergraduate minor, major or certificate?

Yes.

Can courses in a graduate micro-credential be used in a subsequent graduate degree?

Yes, courses completed as part of a graduate micro-credential may be applied toward a subsequent graduate certificate or degree, provided they meet both the Graduate Division’s policies and the specific program’s degree requirements. Approval is subject to review by the program and Graduate Division. 

Are micro-credentials offered in “Day School” or Extension terms?

Both.

Micro-credential courses have been authorized for dual listing between Fall/Spring terms and Extension terms.  The offering unit(s) will need to inform Outreach College how many seats should be dual listed in Extension each semester, and these will be available for new unclassified students.  A portion of tuition proceeds from the Extension sections will be returned to the offering unit(s) per current Outreach processes.

How do I propose a new micro-credential?

Complete the proposal form and action memo from the linked templates. Proposals are routed to CAPP for feedback and approval will be determined by the Vice Provost for Academic Excellence per delegation from the Provost.

Will micro-credentials be awarded retroactively?

Micro-credentials will be awarded for courses earned after the approval of the micro-credential. Students will need to declare their intent to earn the micro-credential.