Frequently Asked Questions About Digital Badges

A digital badge is a visual representation of having earned a micro-credential, which demonstrates that a student has achieved a certain level of mastery for a definable skillset or set of competencies. Badges can be shared on various online platforms to showcase the earner’s achievement. University College is in the process of developing badges in a variety of content areas. Here are two examples of University College badges (click on each badge for details).

Digital badges provide a transparent and evidenced-based demonstration of skills. Badges allow individuals to share their abilities online in a way that is simple, trusted, and can be easily verified in real-time. They provide employers and peers with specific evidence of their demonstrated skills. Badge recipients can choose where and how to share their digital micro-credentials. Badges are owned by the earner. 

Badges at University College are typically earned upon completion of two courses in a related area combined with an assessment or demonstration of acquired skills.  That assessment could be earning at least an A- in both courses, or it could be an additional project or a 3rd party evaluation that demonstrates those skills. For all University College badges, all required courses must be taken within a 2-year timeframe.  Badge requirements are listed within the “Earning Criteria” of the Credly badge (example here).

Expiration dates vary depending on the longevity of the skills acquired for that badge. A common expiration date is five years following the award of the badge.

Students should connect with their advisor if they have questions about badges.

There is no limit on how many badges students can earn, with one exception: if two badges share a course in common, students can only earn one of the badges.

A student can apply for a badge at any time before completing both qualifying courses. It’s important to realize that to qualify for a badge a student must complete both courses within two years.

A micro-credential is a small class, workshop, or program that students can enroll in in order to gain relevant skills needed for today’s workforce. A digital badge is the visual representation of having earned a micro-credential and can be shared on various online platforms to showcase the earner’s achievement. (Often the terms are used interchangeably.)

While badges do not meet the qualifications for financial aid check out our 6-course graduate certificates or master’s degrees if you will need financial aid to help fund your education.

If you are reimbursed by your employer, you are eligible to defer the reimbursed portion of your tuition each quarter. You must provide the “Employer Reimbursement Payment Agreement” or a letter from your employer and the top portion of the “Employer Reimbursement Payment Agreement” stating the terms of reimbursement. The University of Denver requires that this documentation is updated each fall. A $45 non-refundable processing fee is charged each quarter.

You are required to pay any tuition and fees which are not reimbursed by the employer. Deferred tuition is due 60 days after the end of each quarter to allow time for students to obtain reimbursement from their employers. University College can provide a letter that states the course title, fees and tuition, and grade received in the classes to facilitate employer reimbursement. The letter must be requested at the time of registration.

Deferred tuition must be paid in full by the due date, regardless of the assigned grade (including incompletes).

Employer Reimbursement Payment Agreement

While badges do not meet the qualifications for military/veteran educational benefits check out our 4-course specialized graduate certificates, 6-course graduate certificates or master’s degrees. We can help you determine your eligibility and in applying your benefits to achieving your academic and professional goals.