A digital badge is recognition for learning outside of the typical classroom environment. It is verified by an external entity and is skills and experience based. It incentivizes learning, measures growth, and creates pathways to careers (Reelworks, 2020). Digital badges represent achievements that can increase your employability by demonstrating the application of skills and knowledge in that area. Digital badges can be shared widely on platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, via email, or embedded in a website.

Career Ready Competencies

In order to increase the employability of our students, Thomas College offers them the opportunity to earn validation for several highly-sought after skills. Students are able to demonstrate these competencies through a wide variety of experiences AND can earn more than one badge at a time if their project satisfies all of the requirements. Each semester, students who earn badges are invited to a special celebration or “badg-u-ation”.

Professional Development Programs

Thomas College is known for offering high-quality professional development in the key professional areas of business, innovation, and information technology. These badges can be earned by completing the professional development course and earning an 80% or higher on the final assessment.

Specializations

For learners who want to engage in more than just a course, but less than a full degree program, the College has created a number of opportunities to earn a Specialization in a specific field. Specializations combine a variety of courses from the College’s non-credit online and in-person course catalogs. Upon successful assessment of all required courses, participants will be awarded a specialization badge that memorializes their achievement.