How UT Arlington is Integrating Micro-Credentials to Address Texas' Evolving Workforce Needs

Overview

The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), a Carnegie R1 research institution with over 40K students, takes bold steps to address the evolving needs of Texas' workforce. In October 2023, UTA expanded its partnership with Coursera to offer free access to Career Academy for all current students, employees, and alumni as part of a system-wide move by UT System. This initiative provides a wide range of professional certificates on Coursera from leading companies such as Google, Salesforce, IBM, Meta, and Intuit across 29 different areas.

The implementation of Career Academy at UTA already shows promising results. With 1.8K enrollments in just ten months, UTA has seen strong initial interest from students, faculty, and staff. UTA President Jennifer Cowley emphasizes the value of this initiative: “When you combine a UT Arlington education with micro-credential programs that offer high-demand skills training, you are prepared for a successful career in a high-value position,” she says. “Thanks to the intentional efforts of our faculty, we have been able to integrate micro-credential programs into some of our classrooms, exposing more students to the benefits these programs provide.”

The challenge: Evolving curricula to meet academia and industry

Similar to other institutions in the UT System, UTA recognizes the need to align curriculum with rapidly changing industry needs while maintaining a high bar for academics. With a diverse student body of over 40K students, many of whom are career pragmatists seeking immediate and long-term ROI, the university works to provide flexible, scalable solutions that cater to varied career aspirations.

A key challenge is motivating busy students to complete micro-credentials alongside their regular coursework. Therefore, UTA must balance seamless integration with robust support, while meeting the demands of Texas' evolving job market. Additionally, understanding and proactively addressing concerns about private-public partnerships can support faculty as they incorporate micro-credentials into their courses.

The solution: Integrating micro-credentials to enhance student employability

UTA's solution, as part of the UT System's Texas Credentials for the Future program, is a comprehensive partnership with Coursera to provide micro-credentials both as part of the academic curriculum and as co-curricular offerings. The partnership further aligns educational programs with industry needs to enhance graduate employability in a rapidly changing professional landscape. 

Amber Smallwood, vice provost of academic innovation, emphasizes, "We're seeing a growing trend where industry partners tell us they value graduates who possess both a degree and high-demand skills credentials. There's growing interest in micro-credentials developed by or in collaboration with industry."

The approach: Faculty-driven implementation and student engagement 

UTA's approach focuses on both curricular and co-curricular implementations. The university's Power Up + Tech Up program, launched two years ago, has been a cornerstone of this effort. So far, this faculty-coached co-curricular program has guided over 200 students toward completion of Google professional certificates in five areas: data analytics, digital marketing and e-commerce, IT Support, project management, and UX design.

UTA is now embedding industry-developed micro-credentials into its curriculum. Micro-credentials are being integrated at all levels—graduate, upper division, and lower division courses—with many serving as on-ramps and off-ramps for degree programs.

The Summer Micro-Credentialing Institute set to launch this year will support 16-20 faculty members in integrating industry-developed micro-credentials into their courses. Courses with embedded micro-credentials will soon be clearly marked in the class bulletin, allowing students to make informed decisions about their course selections.

Dr. Masoud Rostami, a faculty member in UTA's Division of Data Science, says: “My primary motivation for integrating Coursera into our courses is to provide students with a dual learning experience. As they engage with the material in my classes, they simultaneously benefit from courses offered by renowned industry leaders, such as IBM, through Coursera. This approach not only deepens their understanding of the subject matter but also allows them to earn industry-recognized certificates that they can showcase on their CVs. By the end of their studies, our students are not just equipped with academic knowledge but also with credentials that significantly enhance their employability and increase their chances of securing a job in a competitive market.”

Dr. Smallwood adds: "It's important to be transparent with our students. Choosing to attend UTA is choosing to pursue an outstanding education in a welcoming environment with access to exceptional career opportunities including high-demand industry micro-credentials through Coursera."

Impact: Expanding opportunities and developing career-ready skills

Students are recognizing the value of these microcredentials in the job market. As one student shared, “I feel more confident about my communication and technology skills in order to better myself on my career path.” Another noted, “I liked the hands-on work experience of the Google certificate. I shared each certificate for each course in the [...] program. This helped to reach out to potential employers.”

Looking ahead: Curricular integration through faculty engagement

UTA aims to significantly expand its micro-credential program in the coming year, with 2K students positioned to earn a micro-credential by 2025. This growth will be supported by the Summer Micro-Credentialing Institute, where eight faculty have already chosen micro-credentials from the Career Academy, potentially impacting more than 1K students through curriculum-embedded offerings. 

The university is focused on marrying curricular and co-curricular approaches, offering micro-credentials at no additional charge to students. This strategy not only bridges the gap between academia and industry but also prepares students for successful careers in Texas' dynamic economy. 

Ongoing assessment of student feedback and career outcomes will drive continuous improvement, helping UTA refine the program to meet the evolving needs of both students and employers. By focusing on these areas, UTA is cementing its position as a leader in innovative higher education, providing students with the skills and credentials needed for immediate and long-term career success.