The framework outlines the elements associated with integrating industry certifications into bachelor’s degrees, leading to the development of a successful certification-degree pathway. The framework can be used by certification bodies and universities to test different strategies and practices to better align certification and degree programs. The framework is designed to be accessible to and used by all students — especially those historically underserved. Each pathway would incorporate the individual elements identified in the framework: Certification-Degree Pathways Framework Leadership buy-in Faculty University deans, provosts, and presidents Certification body executive director and director of certification Students – new, returning, and enrolled Employers Community Create a common language to facilitate communication and understanding of embedding certifications into bachelor’s degrees Faculty Certification body executive director and director of certification Accreditors Align competencies assessed on the certification exam to course and/or academic program learning outcomes Align competencies with regional workforce needs Compare competencies between degrees and certifications and identify gaps Determine appropriate “fit” for certification within an academic program Course capstone Program capstone Align curriculum with competencies for certifications that require a bachelor’s degree as a pre-requisite After the completion of a series of courses Allocate resources needed to support the program Find funding to cover the cost of the certification exam Promote the program to students Identify employers who will value and will hire students who have earned the certification and the degree Support students to pursue the new pathway Identify how credentials will be communicated to an external audience Transcripts Learning and employment records Badges Digital portfolios
