Badges are short credit courses that appear on a transcript indicating that academic work was successfully completed in a short course. Badges give the opportunity to be nimble in training working, non-degree seeking professionals. Successfully completing workforce related noncredit programs are also opportunities for badges to be awarded. 

Digital badges are often referred to as the web-based artifact received for completion of an experience containing metadata documenting completion. Microcredentials are short-term, measurable non-credit bearing activities or projects, and/or up to 9 hours of credit bearing course that provide specific career critical skills, competencies, and knowledge that are readily transferred to the workplace. 

Digital badges can be awarded without a microcredential. Likewise a microcredential can be earned without digital badge documentation. 

Yes. Badging for academic credit must meet University approved standards. 

Badge metadata is the verification piece of completion. Once badges are awarded, employers and potential badge earners can review metadata through Credly platform to understand what experiences were completed to obtain the badge. 

Badge credit hours can be applied towards a university degree and/or certificate. These credentials are able to "stack" allowing both Northeastern State University, employers, and learner to document quality of student learning in a formalized way. Because academic credit badges must meet University approved standards these courses can be articulated should the student be admitted to a degree program. 

Instructors must meet University and Higher Learning Commission credentialing policies including but not limited to possessing an academic degree relevant to what they are teaching and at least one level above what they teach. 

Badge offerings can be delivered online, traditionally, or in hybrid environment. 

Yes. Since badges have the ability to stack, badges can have pre-requisites. 

Each NSU approved badge will fit into one of two categories. For credit and non credit. Within those two categories a digital badge can fall into four levels. An example of NSU approved for credit and non credit badge designs are below (**note: these specific titled badges are not currently offered).

One of the key values of digital badges is the ability to connect to workforce ready skills. One way to identify what these might be for the badge metadata is through using Emsi Skills Extractor. Use this tool by copying badge descriptions, class syllabi, and more to find in-demand skills aligned with your proposed badge.  

Digital badges have the capability to meet a lot of organizational training needs which makes each badge unique. Because of the nature of digital badging there are multiple ways to earn a credential. 

Each Northeastern State University badge has a level associated with it resulting in the earner experience adjusting to the designated level. These levels are represented through icons on the badge graphic and are defined below. (See the above same badges for icons represented in each badge design).

EXPERIENCE (clock): Not measured, unstructured learning. This might include membership in organizations, volunteering roles, etc.	LEARNING (light bulb): Also not measured, but structured learning. This might include a self-led course, product knowledge, or "soft-skill" training.	VALIDATION (check): Measured and validated learning This might include providing portfolio evidence.	CERTIFICATION (certificate): Industry recognize, validated achievement. This might include industry certifications, licenses, or a terminal credential.

To ensure a quality credential is awarded, a badging committee has been created to evaluate proposals. At this time, to officially propose a Digital Badge the following form(s) are used to begin conversations. 

For questions regarding badging please contact Kim Williams. We will be happy to assist you as you create a plan for digital badging.

Request a New Digital Badge 

Northeastern State University's Badge Procedures can be found here.