MicroDegree Programs: A Complete Guide

A Microdegree is a short and affordable credential program compared to a full college degree.
Often referred to as microcredentials, microdegrees are a great way to advance your career.
Microdegrees are offered at both a bachelor’s degree level and a master’s degree level

Microdegree programs are courses that are built for adult learners so they can gain qualifications and credentials in their careers. They are sometimes referred to as microcredentials. While full-scale degrees can entail learning about many facets under one subject, microdegree programs allow students to study in one focused area. These microcredential programs are often short, low cost, provide career-ready skills, and take place online. There are only a handful of microdegree providers to date. These providers include Coursera, Udacity and EdX. And more colleges are getting on board with this trend. The ability to offer these microdegree programs are becoming attractive because they offer significant value on their own.

Most people might doubt the authenticity of these programs without realizing that many institutions are offering college credit courses in the form of a microdegree, like Harvard and MIT. You may even wonder if microdegrees are legitimate. “How could a school like Harvard offer college credit courses and a degree for a fraction of the tuition cost?” When you browse through each microdegree program, you’ll see that they are being offered by accredited universities and colleges.

Here, we’re going to share everything you need to know about both bachelor’s and master’s microdegree programs. You’ll learn how they work and whether you can get college credit through these courses.

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Benefits of Pursuing a Micro Degree

Micro degrees offer several advantages for adult learners and non-traditional students, including:

Flexibility and convenience: Micro degree programs are often available online, allowing learners to study at their own pace and on their own schedule.
Affordability: Micro degrees are typically less expensive than traditional degree programs, making them a more accessible option for many learners.
Relevance to the job market and career advancement: Micro degrees are designed to provide learners with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s competitive job market, helping them stay ahead of industry trends and advance in their careers.

Microdegree vs Nanodegree

A microdegree is a short-form program that’s usually offered by accredited universities where you can either earn credits or take the course as non-credit bearing. Microdegree programs provide students with skills and knowledge in a specific field. They are usually focused on a single subject such as data analytics or digital marketing.

A nanodegree, on the other, is a short-form job training program offered by the education provider, Udacity. Nanodegree is a registered trademark term and is only offered through Udacity. It is not associated with or offered by a college or university, whereas a microdegree is. Nanodegrees are another option for people who are looking to make a career change or want an alternative education path. When you complete a nanodegree program, you should earn a certificate to show you’ve completed the program.

Both microdegrees and nanodegrees are a type of microcredential that give you an opportunity to obtain a credential. These credentials show employers that you’ve completed coursework and gained a specific skill or foundation in a subject.

MicroBachelor’s Degree

What is a MicroBachelor’s Degree?

A microbachelor’s degree is a program where you complete anywhere from one to five courses. While it’s intended for those with little to no college experience, it’s also a great program for anyone looking to learn new skills in a new or unfamiliar subject. It’s a short and affordable way to gain a new skill, work towards a new career or complete a full bachelor’s degree.

Microdegree bachelor programs are created by top universities to give you experience, college credit, a certificate and it can also lead to an official degree. You can also accumulate college credit transfer credits if you’re coming from a different school.

The microcredential programs are comprised of college classes that have been specifically grouped to meet the real-world needs of employers. The classes are generally a more compact version of the college credit courses offered at top universities.

Who can benefit from from a MicroBachelor Degree?

Anyone looking to gain a new skill, extra college credit, or qualifications needed to progress their career can benefit from a microbachelor’s degree. There are no prerequisites you need to apply. You also don’t need to have graduated from high school or have a previous college education. However, if you plan to apply to college and transfer the credits you earned, you’ll still need to meet that college’s admission requirements. This includes having a high school diploma or GED.

Benefits of a MicroBachelor’s degree

A microbachelor’s degree helps you learn relevant skills for the career you want while also being the first step in the path towards earning a full bachelor’s degree. It is a flexible and low-cost alternative to full-time education. After completing the microbachelor’s degree, you can also elect to do a college credit transfer to the bachelor’s degree program indicated in the course outline.

As part of the course, you might be eligible to get personal coaching to make sure you stay on track and a support team to help you at any time. A microbachelor’s degree shows employers that you are taking personal growth seriously. It also lets them know you’re ready for the next step in your career.

Many employers are now considering applicants from non-traditional paths, so a microbachelor’s degree could be a quicker route to a high-paying job depending on your career choice.

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Types of Microdegree Bachelor Programs

There are multiple microdegree bachelor programs offered including professional writing to computer science fundamentals. No matter your subject, search through different microbachelor’s courses to find the right program for you. Some of these microdegree bachelor programs offered include:

Technology MicroBachelors

Information Technology
Computer Science
Data Science
Programming
Cybersecurity
Data Management

Business MicroBachelors

Business Analytics
Communication
Digital Marketing
Professional Writing

How Much Does a Microbachelor’s Degree Cost?

Compared to the cost of a full degree, microdegree bachelor programs are far cheaper. Most microbachelor programs can cost as low as $166 per credit and are among the most affordable ways to access higher education.

Depending on the company, eligible employees can have their costs covered. This means it can cost little to nothing to further your education. If your company has a tuition reimbursement program, then you may be eligible to have your tuition costs covered.

Time to complete

As most microdegrees take place online, you can go through it at your own pace. This means you can start with the content that matters to you the most. These college credit courses are highly flexible and can be attended in conjunction with full-time employment. So you don’t have to give up your day job to learn something new. Each microbachelor program varies in size, but a course with six credits normally takes anywhere between two and four months to complete.

Microbachelor Degree Outcomes

The microdegree bachelor program aims to provide you with real-world relevant skills while also providing you an opportunity to apply the credit towards an official degree. The real college credit transfers to a select number of full-time college programs. They also might combine with any other credits you may wish to get in the future.

MicroMaster’s Degree & Master-Track Certificates

What are Micromaster’s Degrees?

A micromaster’s degree is the next step up from microbachelor’s degrees. These microdegrees provide a direct pathway into today’s top jobs. A microdegree at the master’s level can offer an accelerated pathway into gaining a master’s degree from a university. These college credit courses will provide deep learning at a master’s in a career field that is specific to you.

Master-track certificates are similar in that they are portions of these programs split into easily digestible online modules. They can help you build the foundation of a master’s degree as all credits earned can count towards any further studies you do at a master’s level.

However, the courses are more rigorous than microbachelor degree programs.

Who Can Benefit from a MicroMaster’s Degree or Master-Track Certificate?

Micromaster’s and master-track certificates are great for those who want to advance their career or work towards a full master’s degree. A higher level of learning means a micromaster’s degree is ideal for someone who wants to focus on a more specific area of study.

Benefits of a MicroMaster’s Degree

A micromaster’s degree helps you gain the knowledge needed to progress your career and possibly work towards an official master’s qualification. They are a low cost and flexible alternative to attending a full-time course. If you progress to attending a full-time course, all coursework and credits will count towards your final degree.

The course takes place online, meaning you can work it around your schedule. You will also have a full support team of expert instructors at hand to make sure you’re not having any trouble. A micromaster’s degree shows potential employers that you are serious about the next step in your career.

Types of Microdegree Master’s Programs

A microdegree master’s program offers a wide range of college credit courses and caters to many potential careers. There are courses in project management, international law, cybersecurity, and many others. No matter what career path you choose to pursue, there should be a course for you. Some of the programs offered include:

Technology MicroMasters

Big Data
Cloud Computing
Cybersecurity
Software Development
Data Science
Information Systems

Business MicroMasters

Supply Chain Management
Project Management
Digital Product Management
International Hospitality Management
Entrepreneurship
Accounting
Finance
Integrated Digital Media
International Business
Marketing Analytics

Law MicroMasters

International Law

How Much Does a MicroMaster’s Degree Cost?

Compared to a full-time master’s degree, a micromaster’s degree or master-track certificate is a fraction of the cost. Because you can pay per program and course, it’s one of the most accessible and affordable ways to access higher education. Some people pay a yearly tuition of $1,300 to take classes from MIT, compared to the school’s normal tuition cost of $67,938.

If you work for a company that requires you to take a course, you may be eligible to have your costs covered by an employer education benefit program. If this is the case, you may even be able to attend a course at no personal cost.

Time to complete

You can complete your micromaster’s degrees and master-track certificates online and at your own pace. They are a highly flexible way of learning, as you can attend while working a full-time job. Micromaster’s degrees and master track courses vary in size and length but roughly take between six and twelve months to complete.

MicroMaster Degree Outcomes

After completing the program, you should have real-world relevant skills applicable to whatever career path you wish to take. You can also have college credit transferred towards a full master’s degree if you wish to pursue one in the future.

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Choosing the Right Micro Degree Program

Selecting the appropriate micro degree program is crucial for achieving your career goals and maximizing the benefits of this educational investment. In this section, we will discuss the factors to consider when choosing a micro degree program and offer tips for researching and evaluating potential options.

Factors to Consider

When exploring micro degree programs, keep the following factors in mind:

Your career goals and objectives: Choose a program that aligns with your professional aspirations and provides the skills and knowledge necessary for success in your chosen field.
The reputation and accreditation of the offering institution: Ensure that the program is offered by a reputable institution with proper accreditation to guarantee the quality of the education and its recognition by employers.
The cost of the program: Consider the overall cost of the micro degree, including tuition, fees, and any additional expenses, to determine if it is a financially viable option for you.
The duration and format of the program: Select a program that fits your schedule and learning preferences, whether it’s online, in-person, or a hybrid format.

Researching Micro Degree Programs

To find the right micro degree program, utilize the following research strategies:

Using online resources and directories: Explore reputable websites, directories, and databases that provide information on micro degree programs, including course offerings, institutions, and reviews from past students.
Seeking recommendations from peers and professionals in your field: Consult with colleagues, mentors, or industry professionals to gather insights and recommendations for suitable micro degree programs.
Evaluating the curriculum and course offerings: Analyze the program’s curriculum and course offerings to ensure they cover the necessary skills and knowledge for your career advancement.

Tips for Success in a Micro Degree Program

To make the most of your micro degree experience and successfully advance your career, consider the following strategies for balancing work, life, and education, maximizing your learning experience, and leveraging your micro degree for career advancement.

Balancing Work, Life, and Education

As an adult learner, finding the right balance between your professional, personal, and educational commitments is crucial for success. Some helpful tips include:

Time management strategies for adult learners: Develop a study schedule, set realistic goals, and prioritize tasks to effectively manage your time and stay on track with your coursework.
Creating a supportive learning environment: Establish a dedicated study space, minimize distractions, and enlist the support of friends, family, or co-workers to maintain a positive learning atmosphere.
Building a network of peers and mentors: Connect with fellow students, instructors, and industry professionals to share insights, advice, and encouragement throughout your educational journey.

Maximizing Your Learning Experience

To get the most out of your micro degree program, consider the following approaches:

Engaging with course content and materials: Actively participate in your learning by taking notes, asking questions, and reflecting on the material presented in your courses.
Participating in discussions and group projects: Collaborate with your peers, share your perspectives, and learn from the experiences and insights of others.
Seeking additional resources and opportunities for growth: Supplement your coursework with relevant resources, workshops, or networking events to expand your knowledge and skills.

Leveraging Your Micro Degree for Career Advancement

Once you have completed your micro degree, utilize the following strategies to showcase your achievements and advance your career:

Updating your resume and LinkedIn profile: Highlight your micro degree and the skills you’ve gained on your resume and online professional profiles.
Networking with professionals in your field: Attend industry events, join online forums, and connect with professionals in your field to expand your network and uncover new career opportunities.
Pursuing relevant certifications and credentials: Consider additional certifications or credentials that can further demonstrate your expertise and commitment to your profession.

Final Thoughts on Microdegree Programs

A degree in a relevant subject can do wonders for your career. And it can help you take the next step towards a high-paying job. Microdegree programs are great for people who may lack the financial resources to pursue a higher education, but still want the same career benefits. If you want the benefits of higher education for a fraction of the cost, earning a microdegree such as a microbachelor’s degree or a micromaster’s degree may just be the right path for you.