Alternate credentials are short-term learning experiences that allow you to gain relevant skills and knowledge needed in today’s workforce. Some require you to complete a small set of college courses; at WP these are called “certificates.” Some require completion of a training program without taking a college course. Some credentials can be earned through co-curricular activities. Why enroll in an alternate credential program? Alternate credentials take less time to earn than a full degree. Most for-credit alternate credentials require 12 or fewer credits and can be completed in 1 to 3 semesters; most non-credit credentials require even less time. You can earn a credential and leverage your work-ready skills for employment long before you earn your degree. You choose what you learn. Alternate credentials give you the freedom to learn what you want, without the financial and time commitment of a full degree. You can earn a credential that demonstrates specialized skills in your own field of study or you can earn a credential from a different discipline that complements your field of study. You choose what you earn. Alternate credentials can be credit-bearing (certificates) or not-for-credit. Students who complete a credit-bearing credential will receive a notation on their academic transcript and a digital badge that can be shared with potential employers on a resume or social media platform, such as LinkedIn. Students who complete a non-credit professional training program receive a certificate of completion. Some non-credit programs can be converted to credit if and when a student enrolls in a full degree program. Students earn digital badges for completing co-curricular alternate credentials. You control the cost. For students enrolled in a degree program at WP, there is no additional cost for a credit-bearing certificate. The credits earned while completing a certificate can be applied to requirements and electives in a full degree program. Some non-credit programs offered through your department and college can be completed at no additional cost. While many other non-credit programs require additional cost, some can be converted to college credit at no additional cost if you enroll in a WP degree program.
