Credential Innovation Strategy and Design - May 2027
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Register
- Non-member - $599
- Member - $499
Course Description
Credential innovation has become an essential strategy for colleges and universities seeking to meet evolving learner needs, respond to workforce demand, and expand educational opportunity. This course explores the strategic planning, design, and implementation of innovative credentials, including certificates, microcredentials, digital badges, and other non-degree offerings within the context of online and professional education.
Participants will examine how institutions identify market opportunities, develop high-quality credential offerings, establish supporting policies and infrastructure, and engage stakeholders across the institution. Through practical examples and applied planning activities, learners will explore how credential innovation can advance institutional priorities while maintaining academic quality, market relevance, and learner value.
Designed for professionals responsible for program development, academic innovation, and lifelong learning initiatives, this course provides practical strategies for building credential portfolios that support learners, employers, and institutional success.
Two Ways to Participate
This course is part of the Professional and Continuing Education concentration for the Enterprise Leadership Certificate and may also be taken independently as a Professional Practice course. Participants who enroll individually may be able to apply the course toward future certificate requirements.
What You Will Explore
Market and Institutional Opportunity
Evaluate learner demand, workforce needs, institutional priorities, and market conditions to identify promising opportunities for new credential offerings.
Credential Strategy and Design
Explore approaches for designing certificates, microcredentials, digital badges, and other offerings that deliver meaningful learner value and maintain academic quality.
Implementation and Growth
Examine the policies, processes, partnerships, marketing strategies, and infrastructure needed to launch, evaluate, and grow a sustainable credential portfolio.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Evaluate opportunities for credential innovation based on institutional priorities, learner demand, and workforce needs.
- Design innovative credential offerings that align with institutional mission, academic quality standards, and market expectations.
- Develop policies, processes, and stakeholder engagement strategies that support successful credential implementation.
- Apply best practices for marketing, delivering, and evaluating innovative credential programs.
- Assess emerging trends in credential innovation and identify opportunities for future institutional growth.
Course Structure and Expectations
This instructor-supported course is delivered over four weeks. Each week combines asynchronous coursework with a one-hour live session that provides opportunities for faculty guidance, collaborative discussion, peer exchange, and application of course concepts.
Asynchronous Coursework
Complete readings, case examples, discussions, planning activities, and applied assignments within each weekly module.
Weekly Live Session
Participate in a one-hour synchronous session each week to discuss emerging practices, examine institutional examples, and receive faculty guidance.
Applied Credential Planning
Develop a focused strategy for a new or existing credential, including its intended audience, value proposition, institutional alignment, and implementation needs.
Who Should Enroll?
This course is designed for professionals involved in credential development, academic innovation, program strategy, and lifelong learning across online, professional, and continuing education.
Program Developers and Portfolio Leaders
Strengthen your ability to identify opportunities, design relevant offerings, and build credential portfolios aligned with institutional and market needs.
Academic Innovation Professionals
Explore practical approaches to credential design, quality assurance, institutional policy, and cross-functional implementation.
Current and Aspiring PCE Leaders
Build the strategic knowledge needed to guide credential innovation, lifelong learning initiatives, and market-responsive program growth.
Stacy Chiaramonte
Senior Vice President, Strategy and Operations for UPCEA Research and Consulting
UPCEA
Stacy Chiaramonte is Senior Vice President, Strategy and Operations for UPCEA Research and Consulting. Stacy has more than 20 years of experience in strategic planning, coaching and leadership, and operations in both mission-driven companies and higher education. Prior to joining UPCEA, Stacy was the Associate Vice President for Worcester Polytechnic Institute's (WPI) Graduate & Professional Studies, where she was responsible for strategy development and implementation of student-centric education programs, including programs for post-traditional students online and onsite at corporate locations. '
In addition to her responsibility for graduate education and workforce development training, Stacy led WPI’s exploration of alternative credentials as a part of the university’s 5-year strategic plan. She holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and a MBA from Babson College.
See what past participants have said about this course:
"This online course provided an excellent start and foundation in leading my university to develop a proposal plan to develop a microcredential program." Ervin Howard, University of North Georgia
"The content and format of the course was excellent and the resources provided were invaluable!" Peggi Kriegbaum Fresno Pacific University
"I loved that true adult education principles were applied in this course. The flexibility, the personalization, and the collegiality were exceptional!" Glenda Ballard, St. Edward's University
"Julie was great. She has such a positive, energetic demeaner and it was fun learning from her. She engaged the group well."
