By Christi Mays
Employers see hundreds—sometimes thousands—of resumes for job openings. Having a specialized credential that immediately sets a potential candidate apart is a huge advantage. That’s why the McLane College of Business (MCOB) recently began offering post-baccalaureate certificates, in data analytics and non-profit administration and leadership.
“We’re seeing the importance of micro-credentialing on the rise in the job market, and our certificates allow students to take advantage of that trend,” said Megan Gill, graduate recruiting coordinator. “The certificate also gives students an additional credential on top of the bachelor’s degree without the fully immersive commitment of graduate school.”
Each certificate consists of four courses, and students have up to 12 weeks to complete each self-paced course. The courses are 100 percent online so that students can work through the material entirely on their schedules and at their convenience. Students earning one of these two certificates will also earn 12 hours of graduate credit which can be applied to an MCOB Graduate degree should they decide to pursue one.
“The course material is broken down into logical chunks that allow you to move through in a way that feels purposeful and engaging,” Gill said. “You feel the progress you’re making as you work through each course.”
Professors (called moderators) are still attached to each course so that students have guidance and feedback. Gill, who serves as the program coach, handles advising and course management, and Tesha Graham serves as the success coach handling engagement and communication.
Several types of students can benefit from post-baccalaureate certificates, including students who use the certificate as a bridge between their undergrad and graduate degrees.
“This is a great option for students unsure about the job market or those undergrads who are not getting the job offers/placements they were hoping for,” she said. “They can come in and work on their certificate on their own time and at their own pace, while still getting work experience and exploring the job market.”
She added the certificate specialization could help them land more interviews and open the door to more possible job options. If students want, they can continue on to the master’s program, and the certificate will count toward four classes, fulfilling their elective requirement.
Students enrolled in an MCOB graduate degree program can earn both a concentration and a certificate if they choose to pursue Data Analytics or Nonprofit Administration and Leadership.
“The students see the value in using their elective requirement to earn a secondary credential that highlights their specialization in a high-demand area, like data analytics,” she said.
Students can work on certificate classes in tandem with their regular fall and spring core courses, or do the certificate courses over the summer.
Earning a certificate on its own can benefit students already in the workforce, she said.
“Students hoping to add crucial skills to their resume are good candidates for the certificate,” she said. “Since it is fully online and fully self-paced, it fits in seamlessly with a full-time workload and family life. The certificate is a great way to get a bump on your resume without fully immersing into a graduate degree.”
Administrators are looking to add more concentrations and certificates in the future, said Dr. Jim King, professor and graduate program director.
“We believe these new programs are going to get students well prepared and really excited to move into these career arenas that industry is clamoring for these days,” King said.
To learn more about the certificate program, visit umhb.edu/graduate/certificates or contact Megan Gill at mgill@umhb.edu or 254-295-4884.
