Non-Degree Credentials
Blue Mountain Christian University's Policy 2.47 establishes guidelines for non-degree credentials, which are educational programs that provide focused learning and demonstrate mastery of specific knowledge, skills, abilities, or competencies. These credentials are smaller than a degree program but typically more substantial than a single course.
Types of Non-Degree Credentials
BMCU offers two categories of non-degree credentials:
1. Academic Certificates – Award academic credit.
2. Micro-Credentials – Do not award academic credit.
Academic Certificates
Academic Certificates recognize completion of a planned sequence of undergraduate or post-baccalaureate courses. Key requirements include:
• Minimum of 12 credit hours.
• May be completed as a stand-alone program or alongside a degree program.
• Must meet federal financial aid requirements if offered as stand-alone programs.
• Undergraduate and post-baccalaureate certificates with 12–18 credits must consist of at least 75% upper-level coursework.
• Prerequisites must be clearly stated in the catalog.
• Courses must generally be graded with letter grades.
• New certificate programs must follow the University's standard curriculum approval process.
Micro-Credentials
Micro-Credentials are focused, narrowly scoped programs designed to enhance student learning and respond to workforce and educational needs, particularly for adult learners seeking shorter-term credentials. Key requirements include:
• May be discipline-specific or interdisciplinary.
• Require 6–9 credit hours.
• Can be stand-alone or embedded within degree, certificate, minor, or major programs.
• Coursework may count toward other academic programs, subject to departmental approval.
• Cannot contain separate concentrations due to their limited scope.
• Must consist of approved academic courses and undergo the University's new program approval process.
• Must be supported with sufficient resources and not negatively affect existing programs.
• Approved Micro-Credentials are recorded on student transcripts and require a graduation application.