Earn Career-Focused Certificates with Miami Online
Part 3 of the Miami Online Short-Term Learning Series comparing Microcredentials, professional education, and certificates.
Miami Online offers Microcredentials, professional education, and certificates to boost your resume and career growth. What are these programs, and how do you choose which one is right for you in your career journey?
What are Microcredentials, Professional Education, and Certificates; how do they differ?
We’ll define each of these categories broadly and explore the details of each type of program in our three-part series. This post shines the spotlight on certificate programs. First, a quick review of Miami Online short-term programs.
Microcredentials
- Microcredentials are a collection of 1 to 4 (typically undergraduate) courses designed to certify specific industry skillsets.
- Microcredentials earn college credit and can be applied toward a degree.
- The individual courses comprising Microcredential programs show up on your transcript, but the Microcredential program name will not.
- You receive a digital badge as “proof” of your learning.
Professional Education
- Professional Education is one or more non-credit courses that any adult or enrolled student can take to expand their expertise.
- Professional Education courses will not appear on your college transcript, and you will receive a digital credential and/or a certificate of completion.
Certificates
- Certificates are a collection of courses that earn credit and can apply toward a degree.
- The individual courses, as well as the name of your certificate, will appear on your Miami transcript.
Compare Microcredentials, Professional Education, and Certificates
| Microcredentials | Professional Education | Certificates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timeframe | 2 to 12 months | Hours to weeks | 6 months to 2 years |
| For Credit | X | X | |
| Apply toward a degree | X | X (depends on the program) | |
| Available Online | X | X | X |
| Start | Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer | Most available on demand any time | Fall, Spring |
| Digital Credential | X | X | X |
| Cost | Per credit hour | Varies: Free to $800 per program | May vary by program; per credit hour |
What Is a Certificate?
Certificates are for-credit academic programs made up of 9–20 credit hours of coursework. Students pursuing only a certificate are not eligible for financial aid or institutional funding (such as assistantships).
Each program is designed to provide in-depth knowledge in a specific area of study, helping you develop expertise that complements your degree or career path.
Because they’re for credit, certificates:
- Appear on your official transcript.
- Count toward your academic record.
- May be applied toward a degree, depending on your program.
Miami University offers a variety of graduate- and undergraduate-level certificates. Most are available online, but some are campus-based.
Build expertise with these certificates and more
- Deep Learning and Generative AI
- Child Life Specialist
- Business Operations (One of several business certificates that can stack toward your MBA.)
Flexible Options for Different Learners
Some certificates are designed for current degree-seeking students, while others are open to learners who are not pursuing a full degree.
This flexibility allows you to:
- Add a specialization to your current studies.
- Explore a new field without committing to a full program.
- Build credentials that align with your career goals.
Miami University offers several certificates for educators for specific licensures and certications.
Build Expertise That Sets You Apart
Certificates are especially valuable if you want to differentiate your resume with targeted knowledge.
They can help you:
- Develop expertise in a niche or specialized area.
- Complement your major with career-relevant skills.
- Prepare for roles that require focused subject knowledge.
For example, pairing a Healthcare Sales certificate with a business degree can position you for roles in the health insurance industry.
Why Certificates Matter for Your Career
Employers are looking for candidates who bring both broad knowledge and specialized expertise.
Certificates show that you’ve gone a step further to:
- Build deeper understanding in a key area.
- Strengthen your academic experience.
- Align your education with specific career paths.
Certificates are a practical way to add value to your education — and your future opportunities.
Have questions about certificate programs? Contact us at [email protected].
Explore all of the certificates Miami Online offers.
What Pathway is Right for You?
Microcredentials, professional education, and certificates offer ways to boost your résumé and career advancement. Consider factors such as how much time and money you want to invest. Do you want to earn credit that could build toward a degree?
If you missed our previous in-depth posts about Microcredentials or Professional Education, check them out now.
If you’re unsure where to start, contact us at [email protected]. We’d love to connect you to the right person and program for your educational and career goals
Content written by Miami Online Staff.