Microcredentials
What is a Microcredential?
Microcredentials are short, focused credentials designed to provide in-demand skills, know-how and experience. Columbia-Greene’s microcredentials are also “stackable” — meaning, they can provide a pathway to a certificate or full degree, now or when you are ready.
Who Can Earn a Microcredential?
Anyone seeking to advance their career or increase their earning potential, those needing to up-skill or make a career change, those looking to come back to the job market, and yes, those looking for fun, engaging, learning to support a hobby or interest can all find a Columbia-Greene microcredential that fits their needs.
Microcredentials are also suitable for current students and alumni who want to concentrate on a particular skill or area of interest. Credits earned in a microcredential program may apply toward Columbia-Greene degree programs. Check with your academic advisor to find out more.
Who Teaches Microcredentials?
Columbia-Greene microcredentials are taught by our college faculty. Students have access to academic supports and campus resources. Our microcredentials can be taught online or in the classroom, or even at your work or job site with support from your employer.
How Does a Microcredential Work?
Columbia-Greene microcredentials often combine courses from our registered degree programs, innovative learning experiences, preparation for industry certifications, and/or non-credit coursework. A microcredential could be coursework alone (the most common microcredential length is three courses), a series of workshops, or a combination of coursework and an applied learning experience or certification preparation.
All of Columbia-Greene’s microcredentials require a capstone project, in addition to coursework. Each capstone is tailored to your academic program. Examples of capstones might be artistic products or performances, a portfolio review, completion of a discipline-specific project, or passing a comprehensive written or oral exam.
Microcredential: Cannabis Cultivation and Processing
Time to Complete: 1 Semester (15 Weeks)
Approximate Cost (Speak to Financial Aid about your options): $2,025
Stacks: Completes 9 of 15 credits within the, Cannabis Careers Certificate
BU 170 – Introduction to the Cannabis Industry (3 credits)
TP 110 – Introduction to Cannabis Cultivation (3 credits)
TP 114 – Introduction to Cannabis Processing (3 credits)
Program Credits: 9
What You’ll Learn & What You Can Do:
This Cannabis Cultivation and Processing Microcredential provides you with specific knowledge and skills needed to work in both indoor and outdoor grow facilities, including greenhouses. You will learn about the cannabis growth cycle, elements of plant health, agricultural cultivation techniques, cannabis plant tracking systems, state regulations and inspections, and biosecurity measures. You will also learn how to properly harvest, dry, trim, and cure raw plant material, as well as the various methods for refining cannabis. Successful completion of this microcredential readies you to apply for a broad range of junior level positions at grow facilities such as cultivation associate or technician, harvest technician, cultivator or trimmer. Note: You may qualify for internships at local businesses and therefore must be 21 years of age to pursue this microcredential.
Microcredential: Cannabis Retail and Sales (Featured Industry Certification!)
Time to Complete: 1 Semester (15 weeks)
Approximate Cost (Speak to Financial Aid about your options): $2,025
Stacks: Completes 9 of 15 credits within the, Cannabis Careers Certificate
BU 170 – Introduction to the Cannabis Industry (3 credits)
SL 170 – Social/Cultural History of Cannabis (3 credits)
TP 114 – Introduction to Cannabis Processing (3 credits)
Program Credits: 9
What You’ll Learn & What You Can Do:
This Cannabis Retail and Sales microcredential includes New York State Responsible Vendor Training Certification! You will gain essential knowledge and skills in the cannabis supply chain, basic marketing, sales and communications, as well as various medical uses of cannabis as they apply to the sale of cannabis. You will also gain an understanding of the social and cultural history of cannabis. Successful completion of this microcredential prepares you to apply for retail positions at dispensaries, including budtender, sales associate, and, depending on your previous retail experiences, manager positions. Note: You may qualify for internships at local businesses and therefore must be 21 years of age to pursue this microcredential.
Microcredential: Small Business
Time to Complete: 2 Semesters
Approximate Cost (Speak to Financial Aid about your options): $2,700
Stacks: Completes 9 credits within the Business Administration A.A.S. Degree, the Business Administration A.A. Degree, and the Accounting A.A.S. degree.
BU 103 – Foundations of Business (3 credits)
BU 113 – Entrepreneurship (3 credits)
BU 209 – Business Professional Development (3 credits)
Program Credits: 9
What You’ll Learn & What You Can Do:
This microcredential helps you build an essential toolkit of the skills and resources needed to bring your business idea to reality. You will refine your idea as you develop a comprehensive business plan that will be reviewed by an expert panel for feasibility and funding potential. This nine-credit series integrates three courses: Foundation of Business, Business Professional Development and Entrepreneurship. Class includes in-person, remote, and self-paced online content.
Microcredential: Foundations of Vehicle Repair Safety Level I
Time to Complete: 2 Semesters
Approximate Cost (Speak to Financial Aid about your options): $2,700
Stacks: Completes 12 credits within the Automotive Technology Certificate and the Automotive Technology A.O.S. degree.
AU 128 – Introduction to Automotive Repair (4 credits)
AU 130 – Basic Steering, Suspension & Brakes (4 credits)
AU 132 – Electricity & Electronics (4 credits)
Program Credits: 12
What You’ll Learn & What You Can Do:
Consisting of three courses, this microcredential includes an applied capstone activity tailored to each student. Designed to build foundational technical skills, this microcredential also fulfills the prerequisite for the Foundations of Vehicle Safety Level II (Electric and Hybrid Vehicles) microcredential. This microcredential prepares students to demonstrate foundational automotive technical competencies, apply hands-on skills in real-world settings, and continue advanced training in electric and hybrid vehicle technologies.
Microcredential: Foundations of Vehicle Repair Safety Level II – Electric & Hybrid Vehicles
Time to Complete: 2 Semesters
Approximate Cost (Speak to Financial Aid about your options): $2,700
Stacks: Completes 12 credits within the Automotive Technology Certificate and the Automotive Technology A.O.S. degree.
AU 203 – Advanced Automotive Operations (4 credits)
AU 212 – Automotive Diagnostics (4 credits)
AU 132 – Body Electrical and Electronics (3 credits)
Program Credits: 11
What You’ll Learn & What You Can Do:
As hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) become more prevalent, automotive professionals must be equipped to work safely with high-voltage electrical systems and lithium-ion batteries. This is the second of two Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Safety Microcredentials that provide training for students, technicians, and industry professionals seeking to build or update essential safety skills across a range of vehicle types. Successful completion of this microcredential prepares students to safely identify, handle, and service hybrid and electric vehicle systems in accordance with industry safety standards, supporting career growth and customer confidence in an evolving automotive field.
Microcredential: AI and Human Skills for the Future Workforce
Time to Complete: 1 Semester (15 weeks)
Approximate Cost (Speak to Financial Aid about your options): $2,025
Stacks: Completes 9 within the Business Administration A.A.S. Degree and the Business Administration A.A. Degree.
HU 114 – AI in the Humanities (3 credits)
BU 230 – Management (3 credits)
CS 116 – Contemporary Computer Concepts (3 credits)
Program Credits: 9
What You’ll Learn & What You Can Do:
As Artificial Intelligence (AI) reshapes today’s workplace, employers are seeking professionals who can collaborate effectively with AI while demonstrating strong human-centered skills. The AI & Human Skills for the Future Workforce microcredential builds practical AI literacy alongside essential competencies such as emotional intelligence, communication, creativity, and leadership through hands-on learning, real-world case studies, and a capstone project. Designed for employees, job seekers, and students, the program focuses on preparing learners for success in AI-enabled roles across industries. Successful completion of this microcredential prepares learners to integrate AI tools into their professional roles, collaborate within AI-enhanced teams, and apply human-centered skills in modern workplaces.