World Languages Microcredential
A NEW Microcredential to Showcase Your Language Skills in a Global Marketplace
1) What is a microcredential?
A microcredential verifies that a specific skill has been achieved. It can be included in resumes and CVs. Usually, microcredentials are awarded in the form of a competency badge. Microcredentials are generally shorter and more narrowly focused than a minor or major.
2) What is the World Languages Microcredential?
The World Languages Microcredential attests that the student has attained intermediate proficiency in a world language at New Paltz (or during study abroad). It is designed for students who wish to go beyond the basic GE World Language requirement, but who cannot (or do not wish to) complete a minor or major.
This microcredential is focused on the Elementary and Intermediate language courses. It does not require additional upper division courses that are associated with existing programs that require language intermediate language proficiency or better. Examples of such programs include Spanish, French, Latin American & Caribbean Studies, Asian Studies and International Business.
Students who are not enrolled in a minor or major program that requires intermediate (or higher) world language proficiency will earn a verified intermediate language competency on their academic records (along with a digital badge). Students who go on to pursue a major or minor still receive the microcredential along the way.
Whatever your reason for language study, whether for career advancement, exploring one’s heritage, or a particular cultural interest, this microcredential offers a pathway to intermediate proficiency without the broader array of minor and major courses.
Students who arrive at New Paltz already at the intermediate proficiency level would not be appropriate candidates for this microcredential. They should seek another means of language skill verification, such as a certificate from the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) or College Level Examination Program (CLEP). Additionally, they should consider pursuing a minor/major on campus that will utilize their language proficiency.
This microcredential is open to non-matriculated students in the general community.
3) World Languages Microcredential guidelines and requirements:
This microcredential consists of 6 to 16 credits (depending on language and mix of 3 and 4 credit courses)
Students must complete the 202-level of a world language and have taken a minimum of 2 World Language courses at SUNY New Paltz (6-8 credits)
Students do not have start at the 101 level; they can transfer up to 6-8 credits from another institution
All study abroad language courses are eligible to be counted towards this
microcredential (they count as New Paltz courses)
A grade of B- or better must be earned in all courses in order for the credits to count towards the microcredential
4) Placement scenarios
A student arrives on campus and begins at the 101 level. They complete the sequence of courses over 4 semesters (101, 102, 201, 202). This would complete the microcredential (12 or 16 credits depending on language).
A student places at the 201 level and starts there. They would need to complete the 201- and 202-level courses. This would complete the microcredential (6 or 8 credits depending on language).
A student completes the GE requirement for World Languages and then goes on to study abroad. As long as the highest course passed while abroad is equivalent to the New Paltz 202 level, they would complete the microcredential.
In very rare cases, a student might start at the 202 level. In order to meet the
requirement for taking 6 to 8 credits at New Paltz, they would take the 202 course and a single upper division course (300 or higher).
Students who place at the 300-level or above do not qualify for this microcredential as their level would be beyond the scope of this microcredential.
SUNY New Paltz students who complete language courses up to 202 will automatically receive the World Languages Microcredential – an asset on your Official Transcript and a badge you can post on your professional profiles (LinkedIn, etc.) for future employers to see.
- No paperwork required
- No extra cost
- All you need to do is complete courses up to 202 in your language of choice, with at least 6 credits on site.
Earning the World Languages Microcredential is a sign that you possess a unique skill that will help you stand out in the job market.
Interested students are encouraged to register for introductory/intermediate language courses – it’s just that simple!
You can also speak with your academic advisor for more information about how you can build a four-semester plan to secure this credential.
Eligible courses include Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Students who enter SUNY New Paltz having already met an intermediate proficiency level are not eligible for the Microcredential; They are encouraged to expand their language education with a declared minor and/or a study abroad experience.
For policy details, click here.
