As job markets evolve and companies require increasingly complex skill sets, universities are meeting the demand by offering more options for stackable credentials—in the form of specialized certificates and courses—to help professionals remain competitive.
These programs allow students to earn short-term certifications in specific skills and competencies that can later be combined into full degrees, offering a flexible pathway to lifelong learning. Institutions including Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) and the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) are at the forefront of this educational shift, responding to increasing industry demand for specialized, up-to-date abilities.
Traditional degree programs have long been considered the gold standard for higher education. However, as industries change and workers seek to stay relevant, universities are shifting toward more modular, flexible learning options. Stackable credentials provide a way for professionals to gain immediate skills while keeping the door open for continued education.
According to a report from nonprofit think tank Education Design Lab, 63% of employers believe micro-credentials, such as short-term certificates and online learning badges, add value to a candidate’s resume. The U.S. Department of Education has also recognized the importance of these programs, encouraging universities to develop alternative learning pathways that align with workforce needs.
Georgia Tech has emerged as a leader in stackable credentials with its Analytics MicroMasters program, offered in partnership with online learning platform edX. Comprising three foundational courses—pulled directly from Georgia Tech’s interdisciplinary Online Master of Science in Analytics degree—it provides advanced content and in-depth training in data science, machine learning, and business intelligence.
The program, one of the university’s most popular, allows participants to earn credentials that can later be applied toward a master’s degree at Georgia Tech or other participating universities.
“Students want flexibility, and employers need workers who can keep pace with technology. Our MicroMasters programs allow professionals to upskill efficiently and on their own time,” said Nelson Baker, dean of professional education at Georgia Tech.
Similarly, UW-Madison has introduced short-term certificates tailored to employees seeking career advancement. These programs focus on high-demand areas such as behavioral health, leadership, and business management.
“We designed these certificates to meet workforce needs while giving professionals the flexibility to stack their learning into a degree if they choose,” said Jeffrey Russell, vice provost for lifelong learning at UW-Madison.
One example is Applied AI for NonTechnical Leaders, a program designed for someone looking to understand and utilize AI tools in their work. The university also offers certifications in project management, digital marketing, and cybersecurity, catering to workers looking for targeted upskilling opportunities.
Stacking Potential
A leader in the development of stackable credentials, Ohio began passing state legislation to roll out initiatives nearly twenty years ago, in part by establishing agreements with the state’s public education and training programs that require credit be awarded for blocks of coursework that had previously been ineligible, and increasing funding for the availability of certificate programs. The RAND Corporation and the Ohio Department of Education partnered to develop a multi-year study tracking the student outcomes of these efforts and found that many who pursued certificates eventually went on to earn degrees, and that the stacking of credentials increased over time—primarily in community colleges. They also found that students who stacked credentials saw higher earnings, particularly those who focused on health care.
The demand for lifelong learning is being driven by rapid technological advancements and shifting job market requirements. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, 50% of employees will need reskilling by 2025 due to automation and new technologies. Companies are increasingly interested in personnel who proactively acquire new skills and adapt to industry changes.
“We’re seeing a paradigm shift. Employers are looking for candidates who can demonstrate competency, not just those with traditional degrees,” said Michelle Weise, author of “Long-Life Learning: Preparing for Jobs That Don’t Even Exist Yet.”
Large companies, including IBM and Google, have begun recognizing stackable credentials as valid indicators of job readiness. Google, for instance, has developed certificate programs in IT support and project management, which are accepted by a growing number of employers.
As the trend gains momentum, colleges and universities are expected to continue expanding their offerings and design programs that provide students and professionals with the most relevant and practical skills.
“The future of higher education is shifting toward more accessible, career-aligned learning opportunities,” said Sean Gallagher, executive director of the Northeastern University Center for the Future of Higher Education and Talent Strategy. “Stackable credentials provide a pathway for lifelong education without requiring students to commit to a full degree from the outset.”
While traditional degrees remain valuable, stackable credentials offer a new level of flexibility that is proving essential in today’s workforce. As universities like Georgia Tech and UW-Madison continue adapting to these demands, more institutions are likely to follow suit, ensuring that education evolves alongside industry needs.
