Less Is More: Exploring the Value of Micro-Credentials Within a Graduate Program

Abstract In navigating the current climate of higher education in the United States, university faculty and staff are increasingly tasked with doing more with less. In this article, we explore the value of micro-credentials as a way to benefit both students and universities. We include an account of the successful creation of several graduate certificate programs that exist as subsets of a Master of Science in Leadership program. The authors also share reflections on the challenges and opportunities realized during the process of designing these certificates and suggestions for the application of micro-credentials in various settings.