KSU Micro-Credential Initiative

Micro-credentials are digital documentation, as verified by an expert, that an earner has demonstrated a skill or competency that meets a specific workforce demand. In many cases, these digital records include archives (metadata) of the work that led to the award. While transcript-based records are restricted to the results of for-credit classes and programs of study, micro-credentials can be granted for any kind of learning initiative.

To learn more about the workforce alignment and career benefits of micro-credentials, visit the Department of Career Planning and Development.

Kennesaw State University supports a taxonomy of four types of micro-credentials. Each level of the taxonomy is distinguished by the level of the activity required to earn the credential.

KSU Taxonomy of Micro-Credentials

KSU uses common badge image templates for micro-credentials to increase alignment and further differentiate between our various levels of achievement. Badge Level I is represented with a silver background along with the title of the credential and issuer information, while Badge Level II uses a gold background along with credential-specific information. Additionally, digital certificate at the “practiced” and "expert" levels indicate a learner has earned a coherent sequence of Badge Level I or Level II micro-credentials leading to a digital certificate.

  • underwater fire prevention logo.
     

    Souvenirs

    Souvenirs document participation. They are best suited to awards for engagement in extra-curricular activities, attendance at one or more events, or active membership in a KSU organization. Participation should be meaningful and value adding for the participant but reflection or a tangible submission from participants is not necessary. 

  • KSU Badge Level I.
    KSU Badge Level I with Distinction

    Level I Badges

    Level I Badges document introduction to skills and competencies gained from opportunities for personal, career, and professional development. Level I Badges should demonstrate learning, but not mastery, and involve practicing skills and competencies in a simulated environment. Level I Badges require some artifact to be submitted and assessed by the Grantor(s) before being awarded, but the artifact does not need to be shared in the granting system.

  • KSU Badge Level II.
    KSU Badge Level II with Distinction.

    Level II Badges

    Level II Badges document skills and competencies that have professional and career value. Learner activities should demonstrate the mastery of skills and competencies and take place in professional environments. Level II Badges require artifact(s) be submitted and assessed by the Grantor(s) before being awarded, which is then shared in the granting system.

  • KSU Digital Certificate (Practiced)
    KSU Badge Level II (Expert)

    Digital Certificates

    Digital Certificates represent that an earner is qualified and capable of employing a collection of competencies or industry standards in professional environments. There are two types of digital certificates. The Digital Certificate (Practiced) is a combination of pre-defined Badge Level I micro-credentials. The Digital Certificate (Expert) is a combination of pre-defined Level II Badges stacked together.

Proposing and Implementing Micro-Credentials

Both academic and non-academic units can offer micro-credentials at Kennesaw State University. The proposal process is similar to the traditional curriculum process, with review from the Micro-Credential Committee (MCC). The committee reviews micro-credential proposals for alignment to workforce skills and competencies, the degree of fit between the proposal and our taxonomy, and the types of evidence earners provide to be awarded the micro-credential. For more information, please consult the Micro-Credential Guide.

Proposing a New Micro-Credential

  1. Issuers contact microcredential@kennesaw.edu indicating their intent to develop a micro-credential and receive customized support throughout the proposal process.
  2. Issuers submit the micro-credential proposal form via Curriculog. For questions about Curriculog, submit a Curriculum Service Request.
  3. The proposal is reviewed by the Department of Career Planning and Development for alignment to workforce skills, the issuer's unit leader, and the Micro-Credential Committee who review for issuer expertise, workforce skill and assessment alignment, and adherence to the taxonomy. 
  4. Following final approval by the Micro-Credential Executive Administrator, the credential moves into production and the micro-credential team trains the granting unit on how to issue micro-credentials.

Implementing and Issuing Micro-Credentials

Issuers at Kennesaw State University are responsible for implementing and issuing the micro-credentials in Canvas Credentials. To award a micro-credential to a learner as a Grantor, follow instructions found on the Canvas Credentials user-site.

The micro-credential team works with the issuers to identify qualified faculty and staff to issue the credentials and to develop a periodic evaluation plan to ensure continued micro-credential relevancy and support of the credibility of the entire KSU Micro-Credential Initiative.

Grantors: Award Badges

Publications & Presentations

Doehling, A. A., Head, M., & Lokey-Vega, A. (2025). An illustrative framework for microcredentials in STEM: The Kennesaw State University Model. In R. Moore, & K. Crippen (Eds.), Mapping the landscape of STEM microcredentials: Frameworks, applications, and future directions (pre-print).

Head, M., Lokey-Vega, A., & Doehling, A. A. (2025). Advancnig microcredentials through higher education-external partnerships - A vision for the future. In R. Moore, & K. Crippen (Eds.), Mapping the landscape of STEM microcredentials: Frameworks, applications, and future directions (pre-print).

Geisel, N., & Doehling, A. A. (Hosts). (2025, February 25). Credential chat with Ashley Archer Doehling [Video podcast episode]. In AACRAO Credential Chats. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jFEZnNTFpk

Lokey-Vega, A., Callahan, B. E., Doehling, A. A., & Head, M. (2024). Lessons learned in establishing an institutional micro-credential initiative. Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-12-2023-0590

Callahan, B., Doehling, A. A., Head, M. & Lokey-Vega, A., (2023, November). Three things you must do to make your microcredentials program a success. Session presented at the Convergence Conference of UPCEA and AACRAO, Washington, D.C.

Vega, A., Callahan, B., & Doehling, A. A. (2023, June). A governance model for micro-credentialing in higher education. Session presented at the 1EdTech Learning Impact Conference, Anaheim, CA.

Callahan, B., Doehling, A. A., & Lokey-Vega, A., (2023, March). Micro-credentials at Kennesaw State University. Session presented at the Modern Campus Fuel the Future Conference, virtual.