Through Southern New Hampshire University, you can earn credentials throughout your degree program. These badges are worthy of attention on both your resume and social media.
A Mark of Mastery
When you get a badge from SNHU, you’re able to quickly highlight the skills you’ve recently developed.
These badges also may be worth academic credit. So not only does the time you spend upskilling get you that, but it could also save you money on your college degree. (Possibly thousands!)
SNHU has been a leader in innovative thinking. Online for 25+ years, it awards credit for eligible coursework, exams, training – almost anywhere that learning happens.
Establish Your Expertise
Find out what a digital badge can do for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a digital badge?
A digital badge is a visual symbol of accomplishment that can be displayed, accessed, shared and verified online.
In addition to some form of image, a badge includes information that digitally communicates key details, like:
- Who earned the badge
- When it was issued
- Who issued the badge
- The criteria by which it was awarded
What is upskilling?
Upskilling is the act of developing new skills in your career. And upskilling is something you can do in almost any field out there.
And why is upskilling important? Whether you work with clients, patients, customers or even other employees within your organization, it’s crucial for your skill set to be up to date to best serve needs and solve problems.
In some fields, upskilling is necessary to stay employed. You may need a certain amount of continuing education credits each year, or you might have to take exams to keep your certifications current.
If upskilling in your industry is required – and even if it’s not – gaining knowledge can help you do your job better. It could even set you up for advancement within your organization.
Can I get a job with a digital badge?
It’s very possible that a digital badge could give you the edge over other job candidates! Your badge – combined with other skills you’ve developed throughout your career – could help set you up for advancement or changing careers.
Showing employers your passion for learning is an attractive quality for them. It makes you an employee they’re more interested in retaining: Organizations want to invest in people who invest in their own development.
Having a digital badge may motivate you to learn about other learning opportunities outside your degree. If you’re able to earn several credentials throughout your program, you’ll have quite the impressive resume upon graduation.
What can I do with a digital badge?
After you’ve upskilled with a digital badging program and have earned a digital badge, it’s time to show it off!
Here’s how you can do that:
- List your achievement on your resume to show employers that you continue to brush up on your skills.
- Post it on LinkedIn or other social sites to share with friends and colleagues. (Your badges are stored in your digital backpack, which makes it even easier to share them.)
- Add it to your email signature, where it could be a conversation starter.
- Connect with others who’ve earned the same badge to begin networking.
Is there badging at SNHU? Who can do SNHU’s badges?
Yes, badging opportunities are available through Southern New Hampshire University! SNHU offers its own badges, but it also accepts the credential from a number of other institutions.
SNHU has 3 types of badges:
- Foundational: Earning a badge means you’ve completed a skills-based experience. It may or may not offer credit.
- Meta: Once you earn a few related badges, you may be eligible for a meta badge. These recognize the collective experience of the single badges, and they are frequently credit bearing.
- Microcredential: These serve as a standalone credential and signify your competence in a particular area. They’re made up of several foundational or meta badges. While microcredentials are not credit bearing, you may have earned credit from the components that led to it.
While SNHU does offer academic credit for several of its digital badges, that may not be the case at all colleges you’re considering. Be sure to research all the alternative ways that you can earn course credits toward your degree – saving you both time and money.
Are SNHU’s badges credit bearing?
Some of Southern New Hampshire University’s badges are credit bearing. (That’s great for you!)
It’s a two-part win: You’ve upskilled to position yourself better for the jobs you want, and you can get credit toward the degree you’re earning. (Haven’t started a program, but want to? Put the credits toward it to give yourself a head-start!)
If you’re interested in receiving academic credit toward a degree for your microcredentials or have other related questions, reach out to digitalbadge@snhu.edu.
How do I know digital badges are right for me?
Digital badges can definitely be worth it in the right industries.
For example, say you’ve earned a bachelor’s degree in a field that typically doesn’t need a master’s degree. But you’re a few years into your career when you notice new best practices developing. By enrolling in a microcredential program instead of that advanced degree program, you could save both time and money on your way to getting the skills you need.
Because each digital badge has its own criteria, you’ll want to research programs to find the one that best fits your goals.
There are lots of ways to get an education. And Southern New Hampshire University provides you with the options that can help get you where you want to go.