What are microcredentials?
Microcredentials are groups of three to five courses that can be taken as a standalone program or can eventually be stacked to earn a degree or certificate. They are designed to help you quickly develop relevant skills to prepare for entry-level employment or per-diem work, and can help those currently employed gain additional training to advance their career.
MVCC’s microcredentials can help you bridge the gap between college and a career, giving you a competitive edge before completing a degree program.
MVCC also has partnered with digital credentialing platform Credly, which empowers the College to officially recognize you for demonstrable competencies and skills.
NYS Part Time Tuition Assistance
Students taking a microcredential program may be eligible for NYS Part Time Tuition Assistance for Non-Degree Credentials. Learn more >
Microcredential Programs
School of Art
Available programs:
- Fine Arts: Drawing and Design
- Fine Arts: Painting and Printmaking
- Graphic Design: Layout
- Graphic Design: Publication
- Illustration: Digital and Drawing
- Illustration: Concepts
- Digital Media and Marketing: Content Design
- Digital Media and Marketing: Media Management
- Photography: Darkroom and Digital
- Photography: Studio and Portfolio
- Video Production: Capture and Post-Production
- Video Production: Effects and Narrative
School of STEM - Career
Available programs:
- Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems-Data Analysis
- Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems-Maintenance
- Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems-Operations
- Fabrication Welding
- Ornamental Welding
- Structural Welding
- Carpentry Fundamentals
- Masonry Fundamentals
- Industrial Wiring Specialist
- Motors and Controls Specialist
Fine Arts: Drawing and Design:
The microcredential will create an additional element of employability for individuals who pursue this path. Students in this microcredential will have acquired skills in perspective, proportion, and principles of 2D and 3D design. Opportunities for crossover include photography, graphic design, and illustration. The skills acquired would make those individuals more marketable as freelance artists. Skills: Drawing, Design, 2D design, 3D Design, Perspective, Proportion. Courses include:
- FA101 General Drawing 3 cr.
- FA103 Figure Drawing 1 3 cr.
- FA105 Foundation Design 3 cr.
- FA108 Three-Dimensional Design 3 cr.
Fine Arts: Painting and Printmaking:
The microcredential will create an additional element of employability for individuals who pursue the this path. Students in this microcredential will have acquired skills in acrylic and oil painting, reduction printing, and screen-printing. Opportunities for crossover include graphic design, marketing, and photography where the skills acquired in the Painting and Printmaking microcredential would make those individuals more marketable. Courses include:
- FA209 Painting 1 2 cr.
- FA218 Painting 2 3 cr.
- FA211 Printmaking: Relief 3 cr.
Graphic Design: Layout:
The microcredential will create an additional element of employability for individuals who pursue the this path. Students in this microcredential will have acquired skills in graphic design principles and introductory use of Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop. Opportunities for crossover include illustration, marketing, photography, and digital animation where the skills acquired in the Layout microcredential would make those individuals more marketable. Courses include:
- GD198 Graphic Design 1: Fundamentals 3 cr.
- GD199 Graphic Dsgn 2: Adv Des Studio 3 cr.
- GD145 Digital Applications 1 3 cr.
- GD146 Digital Applications 2 3 cr.
Graphic Design: Publication:
The microcredential will create an additional element of employability for individuals who pursue the this path. Students in this microcredential will have acquired skills in advanced graphic design principles, website design, and printing. Opportunities for crossover include illustration, marketing, photography, and digital animation where the skills acquired in the Publication microcredential would make those individuals more marketable. Courses include:
- GD297 Graphic Design 3: Design System 3 cr.
- GD298 Graphic Design 4: Soc Media & Web3 cr.
- GD299 Graphic Design Portfolio Workshop 3 cr.
Illustration: Digital and Drawing:
The microcredential will create an additional element of employability for individuals who pursue the this path. Students in this microcredential will have acquired skills in perspective, proportion, software use, and basic illustration techniques. Opportunities for crossover include graphic design, marketing, and digital animation where the skills acquired in the Digital and Drawing microcredential would make those individuals more marketable. Courses include:
- FA210 Digital Painting 3 cr.
- IL106 Sequential Art 1: Fig Illustration 3 cr.
- FA103 Figure Drawing 1 3 cr.
- FA104 Figure Drawing 2 3 cr.
- FA101 General Drawing 3 cr.
Illustration: Concepts:
The microcredential will create an additional element of employability for individuals who pursue the this path. Students in this microcredential will have acquired skills in book illustration, editorial illustration, and sequential art. Opportunities for crossover include graphic design, marketing, and digital animation where the skills acquired in the Concepts microcredential would make those individuals more marketable. Courses include:
- IL208 Sequential Art 2: Book Illustration 3 cr.
- IL201 Conceptual Illustration 3 cr.
- IL209 Sequential Art 3: Grphc Novel 3 cr.
Digital Media and Marketing: Content Design:
The microcredential will create an additional element of employability for individuals who pursue the this path. Students in this microcredential will have acquired skills in camera use, basic graphic design principles, and software use in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom and Premiere. Opportunities for crossover include photography, graphic design, fine arts, and illustration where the skills acquired in the Content Design microcredential would make those individuals more marketable. Courses include:
- PT207 Digital Photo 1: Camera & Editing 3 cr.
- GD145 Digital Applications 1 3 cr.
- GD146 Digital Applications 2 3 cr.
- PT106 Multimedia Photography 3 cr.
Digital Media and Marketing: Media Management:
The microcredential will create an additional element of employability for individuals who pursue the this path. Students in this microcredential will have acquired skills in branding, social media management, video, and motion graphics. Opportunities for crossover include photography, graphic design, fine arts, and illustration where the skills acquired in the Media Management microcredential would make those individuals more marketable. Courses include:
- PT103 Video and Narrative 3 cr.
- MD151 Fundamentals of Media 3 cr.
- MD254 Media Planning 3 cr.
- CG214 Motion Graphics 3 cr.
Photography: Darkroom and Digital:
The microcredential will create an additional element of employability for individuals who pursue the this path. Students in this microcredential will have acquired skills in camera use, darkroom procedures, printing, and software use in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Opportunities for crossover include video production, graphic design, marketing where the skills acquired in the Darkroom and Digital microcredential would make those individuals more marketable. Courses include:
- PT101 Traditional B & W Photography 3 cr.
- PT207 Digital Photo 1: Camera & Editing 3 cr.
- PT208 Digital Photo 2: Compositing 3 cr.
Photography: Studio and Portfolio:
The microcredential will create an additional element of employability for individuals who pursue the this path. Students in this microcredential will have acquired skills in studio procedures, lighting, printing, and portfolio preparation. Opportunities for crossover include video production, graphic design, marketing where the skills acquired in the Studio and Portfolio microcredential would make those individuals more marketable. Courses include:
- PT104 Studio Techniques 3 cr.
- PT204 Photography Seminar 3 cr.
- PT210 Portrait and Fashion Photo 3 cr.
- PT211 Digital Photo 3: Printing 3 3 cr.
Video Production: Capture and Post-Production:
The microcredential will create an additional element of employability for individuals who pursue the this path. Students in this microcredential will have acquired skills in camera use, video-editing, and software use with Adobe Lightroom and Premiere. Opportunities for crossover include photography, graphic design, marketing where the skills acquired in the Capture and Editing microcredential would make those individuals more marketable. Courses include:
- VP101 Introduction to Video Production 3 cr.
- VP102 Cinematography 3 cr.
- PT106 Multimedia Photography 3 cr.
- PT207 Digi Photo 1: Camera & Editing 3 cr.
Video Production: Effects and Narrative:
The microcredential will create an additional element of employability for individuals who pursue the this path. Students in this microcredential will have acquired skills in advanced video capture and editing, narrative storytelling, visual effects, and film-making. Opportunities for crossover include photography, graphic design, marketing where the skills acquired in the Effects and Post-Production microcredential would make those individuals more marketable. Courses include:
- VP201 Visual Effects in Video 3 cr.
- PT103 Video and Narrative 3 cr.
- VP202 Video Production Seminar 3 cr.
Sterile Processing Techniques:
This microcredential prepares students to pass the IAHCSMM certification exam required to work as a sterile processing technician in New York State. Courses include:
- ST120 Surgical Instrumentation 2 cr.
- ST130 Sterile Processing and Surgical Technology 3 cr.
- HM100 Medical Terminology for Health Professionals 3 cr.
- ST220 Sterile Processing Clinical Practice 6 cr.
Fabrication Welding:
This microcredential teaches the welding methods used in the fabrication of metal objects using mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Completion of this microcredential prepares students for entry-level positions as welder fabricators. Courses include:
- MT170 Oxy-Acetylene Welding Procedures 5 cr.
- MT270 Welding Procedures for MIG and TIG 5 cr.
- MT277 Welders Blueprint Reading and Metal Fabrication 5 cr.
- MT279 Sheet Metal Fabrication 3 cr.
Ornamental Welding:
This microcredential covers the welding methods used in the fabrication of ornamental metal objects and structures, providing hands-on experience with a variety of metals, including wrought iron, stainless steel, and aluminum. Completion of this microcredential qualifies students for entry-level positions as ornamental welders. Courses include:
- MT170 Oxy-Acetylene Welding Procedures 5 cr.
- MT270 Welding Procedures for MIG and TIG 5 cr.
- Welders Ornamental Iron and Blacksmithing 4 cr.
Structural Welding:
This microcredential provides essential knowledge and skills in Arc Welding and prepares students for welding certification exams for the New York State Department of Transportation and the American Welding Society (both can be taken at MVCC). Completion of this program qualifies students for entry-level or apprentice positions in structural welding. Courses include:
- MT174 Electric Arc Welding Procedures 5 cr.
- MT272 Advanced Electric Arc Welding Procedures 5 cr.
- MT278 Welding Inspection and Quality Control Testing 4 cr.
Carpentry Fundamentals:
This microcredential provides students with the knowledge and hands-on experience to work on construction sites for residential structures. It covers framing, subflooring, flooring, walls, and roofs, and introduces a variety of materials and methods used to finish the interior and exterior of a residential structure. Safety procedures are emphasized. Courses include:
- CB101 Carpentry 1 4 cr.
- CB102 Carpentry 2 4 cr.
- CB103 Carpentry 3 4 cr.
Masonry Fundamentals:
This microcredential provides the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to prepare students for entry-level work on commercial and residential construction sites utilizing any combination of concrete, block (CMU), or brick construction methods. Safety procedures are emphasized. Courses include:
- CB121 Masonry 1 4 cr.
- CB122 Masonry 2 4 cr.
- CB122 Masonry 3 4 cr.
- CB126 Blueprint Reading (Construction Trades) 3 cr.
Kitchen Competencies:
This microcredential will provide an early milestone for our Culinary Arts students as well as a credential for workforce development based on meetings with area employers looking for a specific skill set for their operation. Courses include:
- FS111 Food Preparation 1 4 cr.
- FS150 Safety & Sanitation 3 cr.
- FS112 Food Preparation 2 3 cr.
Introduction to Baking:
This microcredential will provide an early milestone for our pastry arts students as well as a credential for workforce development based on meetings with area employers looking for a specific skill set for their operations. This the first of two microcredentials in baking. Courses include:
- FS121 Baking 1 4 cr.
- FS213 Cake Decorating 3 cr.
- FS205 Baking 2 4 cr.
Advanced Baking:
This microcredential will provide a mid-program milestone for our pastry arts students as well as a credential for workforce development based on meetings with area employers looking for a specific skill set for their operations. This is the second of two microcredentials in baking. Courses include:
- FS208 Classical Cakes and Tortes3 cr.
- FS225 Advanced Bread Baking 3 cr.
- FS258 Advanced Bakeshop 3 cr.
Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems-Maintenance
This microcredential will provide a mid-program milestone for RPAS students as well as a mechanism to upskill the incumbent workforce to perform maintenance and routine service of RPAS, ensuring the aircraft conforms to design and safe operating conditions. Courses include:
- FB101 Introduction to Modeling & Fabrication 3 cr.
- ET112 Electronics of RPAS 3 cr.
- UA121 Mechanics of RPAS 3 cr.
Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems-Operations
This microcredential will provide a mid-program milestone for RPAS students as well as a mechanism to upskill the incumbent workforce to perform as RPAS pilots and mission planners for both multirotor and fixed wing RPAS. Courses include:
- UA120 RPAS Operations & Industrial Operations 3 cr.
- UA215 RPAS Mission Planning & Operations 3 cr.
- UA217 RPAS Operations 1 3 cr.
- UA218 RPAS Operations 2 3 cr.
Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems-Data Analysis
This microcredential will provide a mid-program milestone for RPAS students as well as a mechanism to upskill the incumbent workforce to collect, validate, georeference, and analyze data rendered from RPAS missions. Courses include:
- CT153 Introduction to Global Positioning Systems 3 cr.
- UA102 Introduction to Remote Sensing 3 cr.
- CT265 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems 3 cr.
- CT267 Advanced Geographic Information Systems 3 cr.
- CT266 Capstone in Global Positioning Systems 3 cr.
Information Technology Support Professional
The IT Support Professional microcredential is designed to prepare students for an entry-level role in IT support. A job in IT can mean in-person or remote help desk work in a small business or at a global company. The microcredential will introduce IT troubleshooting and customer service, networking, operating systems, system administration and security. This microcredential, with integration into the Computer Information Systems program, is designed to prepare for employment in this continuously growing field as well as provide a foundation for further education. Courses include:
- CI104 Introduction to Cybersecurity 3 cr.
- IS120 Computer Operating Systems and Environments 3 cr.
- IS240 Networking Essentials 3 cr.
Financial Crime Investigation
The Financial Crime Investigation (FCI) microcredential will provide students in the Criminal Justice AAS degree program with career-related elective options outside the traditional policing, courts, and corrections fields. The job prospects for fraud examiners, fraud investigators and fraud analysts have continued to grow, and the FCI microcredential will prepare our graduates for these types of positions within multiple industries. Courses include:
- AC115 Financial Accounting 3 cr.
- AC116 Managerial Accounting 3 cr.
- CJ206 Intro to Economic Crime Investigation 3 cr.
- CJ215 Principles of Fraud Examination 3 cr.
- CJ290 CJ Internship or BM290 Business Internship 3 cr.
Early Childhood Education
The fifteen-credit pathway in Early Childhood Education is designed for those in fields such as early childhood education, childcare, child development and human services who want to pursue or maintain initial employment in early childhood settings. All courses are required in the Childhood Education AS Degree Program (Utica University Transfer). Courses include:
- ED150 Social & Philosophical Foundations of Education 3 cr.
- ED205 Child Development 3 cr.
- ED201 Introduction to Early Childhood Education 3 cr.
- ED203 Early Childhood Methods and Materials 3 cr.
- ED211 Introduction to Exceptionalities 3 cr.
Childhood Education
The Phase 1 and Phase 2 - Childhood Education pathways consist of a sequence of courses designed to create a pathway for current and future teaching assistants to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to advance across the three teaching assistant levels designated by New York State. All courses are required in the Childhood Education Oneonta AS Degree Program. Courses include:
Phase One Childhood Education:
- ED151 Prevention & Safety Issues for the Classroom Teacher 1 cr.
- ED150 Social & Philosophical Foundations of Education 3 cr.
- PY101 Introduction to General Psychology 3 cr.
- EN101 English 1: Composition 3 cr.
Phase Two Childhood Education:
- HI214 New York State History 3 cr.
- ED205 Child Development 3 cr.
- ED211 Introduction to Exceptionalities 3 cr.