MCC’s NEW Micro-credentials Debut as Part of Spring Mini-mester II

To help students access career growth and professional opportunities quicker, Middlesex Community College will offer micro-credential training as part of MCC’s Spring 2023 Mini-mester II session – starting on Monday, March 27. With micro-credentials, students will gain specific knowledge to earn focused, in-demand career qualifications in some of the fastest growing industries, including Business and Communications.

“We are excited to offer these accelerated, stackable three-course bundles for students to learn and build upon their skills,” said Jillian Freitas-Haley, MCC’s Assistant Dean of Admissions. “Micro-credentials are cost-effective, take less time, and are designed in consultation with the local workforce and industry partners to ensure that the skills taught are what employers are seeking. This leads to quicker job placement and advancement for many students.”

Each course as part of MCC’s micro-credentials run for eight weeks. All classes can be completed over the course of one semester. Taught by college professors and industry experts, the focus of each course is on professional and personal development.

Middlesex will offer two Business micro-credentials and three Communications micro-credentials. Both Business options – Culinary Skills and Restaurant Supervisor – will prepare students with the skills to get hired in restaurant positions.

“These credentials will provide a convenient and flexible way to get started in the culinary arts of restaurant supervision,” said Kim Morrissey, MCC’s Hospitality and Culinary Ars Program Coordinator and Professor. “Demand and pay rates are at an all-time high for these exciting industries, and MCC can help students get started.”

The three Communications micro-credentials include Media Writing, Media Studies, and Communication Skills. Each bundle teaches students effective communication skills to succeed in a variety of jobs within the industry.

“The Communication micro-credentials teach valuable writing and speaking skills that are important in many careers,” said Matthew Olson, MCC’s Dean of Liberal Arts. “They also introduce people to the quickly growing social media field. Completion of a micro-credential gives the student a concrete way to show current and potential employers these new skills.”

Upon successful completion of a micro-credential, students will earn a digital badge to promote their new skillset on LinkedIn and advance in their careers. As each micro-credential course is college-level, students can earn transferable college credit to apply it toward an MCC certificate, associate degree, and to most colleges and universities in Massachusetts and nationwide.

“These new micro-credentials are being offered online and in an eight-week format to meet the needs of our adult working students,” Olson said. “Our goal is to make college education accessible to everyone in order to allow people to move to the next level in their careers and improve their lives.