Stackable Microcredentials

Cutting edge technical skills, offered where you are, when you need them

Are you ready to take your career to new heights?

ASU Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering is thrilled to introduce Stackable Microcredentials – a cutting-edge approach to learning designed to align your skills with the dynamic needs of today's workforce. Taught by ASU faculty and industry experts, stackable microcredentials offer flexible and targeted learning in emerging technologies including smart manufacturing, robotics, and automation.

What are Microcredential Badges

Microcredentials are earned through specialized courses that provide a path to learn focused, industry-relevant skills. These courses allow learners to break down learning into manageable tasks, and build expertise in specific areas or progress toward larger certifications. Take a recommended series to earn a badge, or take one to earn a micro-badge. Quickly certify your knowledge and skills to level up your resume and your career.

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Badge

Earn the full badge within a topic area by completing four micro-badges within an approved sequence. Badges are offered across many topic areas, aligned to the needs of industry.

 

Micro-badge

Earn a micro-badge by successfully completing one short course and assessment, typically requiring 10 hours of instruction alongside 5–10 hours of additional study. Micro-badges are offered at four distinct levels, culminating with experiential learning activities to ensure you can apply the skills you gain. 

Upcoming Microbadges

Explore our upcoming microbadges designed for flexible, stackable learning. Gain targeted skills in engineering, technology, and emerging industries at your own pace. Whether upskilling, reskilling, or advancing your career, our microbadges offer a convenient way to learn. Check the calendar for upcoming schedules courses.

Badges

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) with MQTT Protocol Badge

 

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Equip yourself with essential skills in Smart Manufacturing, MQTT communication, and practical applications using Raspberry Pi.

Take one micro-badge or complete all four to earn the badge!

 

Detail the first principles of Smart Manufacturing and specify the 5-layered architecture governing the flow of data from machine assets to factory information systems.

This micro-badge will enable you to:

  • Describe the foundational principles and application of smart manufacturing.
  • Explain data flow in industrial processes and how it contributes to smart manufacturing initiatives.
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Simulate MQTT-based machine data publishing and subscribing in Node-RED and create a dashboard for monitoring simulated machines.

This micro-badge will enable you to:

  • Gain proficiency in implementing MQTT communication.
  • Develop a dashboard using Node-Red.
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    Simulate MQTT-based publishing and subscribing for a simulated machine asset streaming data in Node-RED, and concurrently develop a Factory User Interface (UI) Dashboard for visualizing factory data.

    This micro-badge will enable you to:

    • Create interactive web-based dashboards using Plotly Dash.
    • Communicate an understanding of Pub-Sub communication.
    • Raspberry PI with MQTT
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    Configure Raspberry Pi devices with sensors, develop middleware services for data transmission, and integrate them with SQL databases to create a functional IIoT solution, focusing on backend-middleware-frontend architecture for smart manufacturing environments.

    This micro-badge will enable you to:

    • Leverage Raspberry Pi's capability for data collection and transmission in IIoT applications.
    • Understand Middleware services development.
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    Earn the badge and gain the ability to:

    • Describe how data flows from the machine asset to the factory information system
    • Identify, interpret, and apply publish-subscribe (Pub-Sub) based MQTT communication protocol
    • Develop a front-end User Interface (UI) using the Plotly Dashboard Python-based framework
    • Deploy middleware services that connect the backend and front end of an IIoT hardware-software stack

    Microcontroller Applications: Programming and Electrical Basics to Integration

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    Unlock the potential of microcontrollers in our comprehensive Microcontroller Applications badge, mastering essential skills such as integrating electrical components, programming for practical applications, utilizing sensors and actuators, and designing real-world assistive technology solutions.

    Take one micro-badge or complete all four to earn the badge!
     

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    Cover foundational electrical concepts, circuit assembly, and an introduction to microcontrollers, essential for integrating them into electronic systems

    This micro-badge will enable you to:

    • Simulate basic electrical circuits
    • Understand the usages of microcontrollers and integrate them into electrical circuits
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    Master the fundamentals of microcontroller programming through structured modules covering program structure, flowchart representation, logic and loops, and debugging techniques.

    This micro-badge will enable you to:

    • Demonstrate the appropriate solutions to use various coding elements in microcontroller applications
    • Effectively use debugging tools to fix defective code
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    Delve into microcontroller sensors and actuators, mastering motor types, H-bridge circuits, and sensor-driven actuator control.

    This micro-badge will enable you to:

    • Develop a fundamental understanding between digital and analog sensors and the appropriate usage of each&
    • Intelligently use a microcontroller to control and actuator based on the feedback from a sensor
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    Master the development of assistive technology prototypes, covering engineering design principles, research strategies, and material selection, to address real-world challenges.

    This micro-badge will enable you to:

    • Integrate and build upon the skills developed in the previous micro-badge courses to develop a solution to a real-world assistive technology project using a microcontroller
    • Demonstrate ability to create effective virtual and physical prototypes utilizing microcontrollers
    academic-badge

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    Earn the badge and gain the ability to:

    • Identify and utilize basic electrical components and integrate them into a simulated microcontroller system
    • Using loops, if-else logic, and basic troubleshooting feedback, program a microcontroller for simple practical applications
    • Utilize servos, DC motors, linear actuators, and both analog and digital sensors to add more intelligence to microcontroller applications
    • Design a solution to a real-world assistive technology need using microcontrollers, sensors, and actuators

    Modeling and Control of Industrial Robots

     

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    Dive into the complexities of Industrial Robotics with our specialized badge, designed to arm engineers with advanced skills in modeling, analyzing, and controlling robotic systems using MATLAB/Simulink, preparing you to drive innovation in manufacturing and automation.

    Take one micro-badge or complete all four to earn the badge!

     

    Deepen your understanding of robotic arm mechanics through advanced kinematic algorithms and practical MATLAB simulations.

    This micro-badge will enable you to:

    • Implement and analyze kinematic algorithms.
    • Apply homogeneous transformations.
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    Master the dynamics of robotic arms through advanced motion equation analysis and dynamic modeling techniques.

    This micro-badge will enable you to:

    • Derive and analyze motion equations
    • Apply Dynamic Modeling Techniques
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    Gain in-depth knowledge of robotic control systems and advanced control techniques to enhance system efficiency.

    This micro-badge will enable you to:

    • Implement advanced control systems
    • Enhance robotic system reliability
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    Master the modeling, simulation, and control of industrial robotic arms with in-depth training in advanced simulation techniques, enhancing your ability to design precise robotic systems.

    • This micro-badge will enable you to:
    • Conduct kinematic and dynamic simulations using MATLAB/Simulink
    • Design and implement robotic controllers
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    Earn the badge and gain the ability to:

    • Perform forward/inverse kinematics for robotic arms
    • Derive motion equations for industrial robots
    • Implement motion and force control strategies
    • Utilize MATLAB for robotic system modeling
    • Simulate robotic behavior with Simulink

    Semiconductor Packaging: Fundamental Concepts and Drivers

     

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    This course provides an in-depth look at how semiconductor packaging protects and enhances the functionality of integrated circuits, which are integral to all modern electronic devices.

    Take one micro-badge or complete all four to earn the badge!

     

    Explore semiconductor structures, packaging types, and their impacts on electronic performance, including advanced 3D interconnects and co-packing optics.

    This micro-badge will enable you to:

    • Understand and differentiate semiconductor packaging types.
    • Understand essential semiconductor packaging techniques to enhance device functionality and reliability.
    microbadge for introduction to semiconductor packaging

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    This course delves into power supply, voltage regulators, signal integrity, and advanced power delivery schemes, equipping learners with foundational and advanced skills in semiconductor design.

    This micro-badge will enable you to:

    • Optimize power delivery networks and implement signal integrity solutions.
    • Enhance semiconductor performance with advanced voltage regulation and noise reduction techniques.
    microbadge for intro to electrical concepts semiconductor packaging

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    Explore essential techniques for managing heat and mechanical behavior in semiconductor packages, focusing on optimizing thermal resistance and ensuring mechanical integrity.

    This micro-badge will enable you to:

    • Enhance thermal management and optimize properties in semiconductor packages.
    • Improve mechanical integrity through advanced analysis and testing.
    microbadge for intro to thermal management and mechanical properties

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    Delve into the specialized materials and manufacturing processes critical to semiconductor packaging, focusing on polymers, thermal interface materials, quality assurance, and process control.

    This micro-badge will enable you to:

    • Apply knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes to improve semiconductor packaging.
    • Implement quality assurance and process control techniques to enhance production reliability.
    microbadge for intro to packaging materials and manufacturing

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    Earn the badge and acquire: 

    • Understanding of semiconductor packaging and design
    • Knowledge of electrical concepts in semiconductor packaging
    • Fundamentals of thermal management and mechanical properties of packages
    • Insights into packaging materials, manufacturing, testing, and reliability

    Semiconductor Packaging, Assembly, and Test

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    Dive into the world of Semiconductor Packaging, Assembly, and Test with our comprehensive micro-badge program. Gain practical skills and knowledge in 2D packaging, material selection, and quality assurance to excel in the semiconductor industry.

    Take one micro-badge or complete all four to earn the badge!

     

    Embark on a journey into semiconductor packaging with the 2D Packaging and Assembly micro-badge.

    This micro-badge will enable you to:

    • Master lead frame assembly
    • Apply wire bonding techniques
    • Utilize flip chip technology
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    Master the applications and core principles driving semiconductor manufacturing operations and advanced materials selection for thermo-mechanical and electrical performance.

    This micro-badge will enable you to:

    • Understanding fundamental thermo-mechanical and electrical properties
    • Analyzing thermo-mechanical and electrical challenges in packaging
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    Understand the core principles and applications behind semiconductor operations and advanced modeling techniques.

    This micro-badge will enable you to:

    • Understanding fundamental thermo-mechanical properties in semiconductor packaging
    • Comprehending essential electrical properties for packaging materials
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    Acquire a comprehensive understanding of how data analysis drives quality, performance, and reliability in modern electronics.

    This micro-badge will enable you to:

    • Perform data collection and analysis from packaging processes
    • Apply Failure Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA)
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    Earn the badge and gain the ability to:

    • Master key processes such as lead frame, wire bonding, flip chip, underfill substrate, and PCB assembly
    • Learn to select materials that optimize both thermal and electrical performance
    • Develop skills in applying models to predict and improve packaging performance
    • Understand how to collect data, identify failure modes, and ensure quality and reliability in semiconductor packaging

    Deep Learning with TensorFlow

     

    Deep Learning with TensorFlow Badge

    Learn the essentials of TensorFlow to develop cutting-edge deep learning models. Gain hands-on experience with neural network architectures and practical applications, equipping you with the skills to excel in the AI and machine learning landscape.

    Take one micro-badge or complete all four to earn the badge!

     

    Equip yourself with the ability to import pretrained deep learning models in TensorFlow.

    This micro-badge will enable you to:

    • Import pretrained TensorFlow models
    • Utilize data processing and analysis techniques
    Import Pretrained DL Models in TensorFlow badge

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    Cover fundamental concepts of deep learning-based decision-making and feature extraction using TensorFlow.

    This micro-badge will enable you to:

    • Utilize feature extraction techniques
    • Code with TensorFlow
    Utilize Pretrained DL Models in TensorFlow badge

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    Learn the fundamentals of image convolution and its application in Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) using TensorFlow.

    This micro-badge will enable you to:

    • Advance in CNN model design
    • Excel in TensorFlow coding and debugging
    Develop Convolutional Neural Networks with TensorFlow badge

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    Develop a deep understanding of RNN fundamentals, enabling you to optimize model performance and address engineering challenges effectively.

    This micro-badge will enable you to:

    • Design and code RNN models
    • Analyze time series data
    Develop Recurrent Neural Networks with TensorFlow Badge

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    Earn the badge and gain the ability to:

    • Access and import pretrained deep learning models
    • Perform feature extraction and decision-making using pretrained models
    • Design and implement Convolutional Neural Networks
    • Construct and apply Recurrent Neural Networks

    New courses in development

    Are you ready to take your career to new heights?

    ASU Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering is thrilled to introduce stackable microcredentials – a cutting-edge approach to learning designed to align your skills with the dynamic needs of today's workforce. Taught by ASU faculty and industry experts, stackable microcredentials offer flexible and targeted learning in high-demand fields like cloud computing and automation.

    FAQ's

    Microcredentials are focused credentials with content designed to provide you with knowledge and specific skills in technical fields. A microcredential badge demonstrates proficiency in a specific skill or attainment of certain knowledge. 

    Our micro-credentials are stackable towards aggregated skills in specific technical topic areas, offering varying levels of complexity (1-4) to provide you with the opportunity to “stack” your skills through into micro-badges and badges along specific topic areas within an emerging technology space!

    A badge is earned when successfully completing four approved micro-badges within a specific topic area. 

    A micro-badge is earned by successfully completing one short course and assessment, typically requiring 10 hours of instruction alongside 5-10 hours of additional study. Micro-badges are offered at four distinct levels, culminating with experiential learning activities to ensure you can apply the skills you gain!

    A badge is earned when you successfully complete four approved micro-badges within a specific topic area. Each micro-badge is estimated at 10-20 hours of learning time, equating to 40-80 hours for a full badge.

    Navigating the vast landscape of learning options can be daunting, which is why The Fulton Schools of Engineering created a clear and structured leveling system for Micro-badges. Micro-badges are offered in four levels and are designed to guide you through a seamless progression of knowledge and skills, ensuring that each builds upon the last. 

    Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your expertise, our Micro-badges offer a flexible and customizable learning pathway to suit your needs. Here's how our four levels work:

    • Level 1: Foundational knowledge introduction
    • Level 2: Introductory practical application within the emerging technology space
    • Level 3: Skill refinement towards industry-relevant hardware or software
    • Level 4: Advanced technical skills and troubleshooting with industry-relevant hardware or software

    After successfully completing the requirements of the course. You will receive an email with instructions on accessing your digital badge. Badges can be proudly displayed digitally on social media and referenced on your resume.

    We are committed to providing high-quality programs and are consistently working with faculty and industry experts to develop and deliver courses. We hope to offer more in the coming months and invite you to continue checking back for the latest offerings.

    If you have recommendations for course topics, please submit them here.

    We are happy to work with you to design and deliver a program that addresses the needs of your workforce. In general, we offer a 10% discount to groups of 5 or more employees, and a 20% discount for 10+ employees. Please email us at exec-fseonline@asu.edu for more information on bulk discounts.

    Yes, you can enroll in as many badges and micro-badges as you like. We recommend registering for the full badge offerings, which offer a discounted rate for the badge package.

    Depending on the course offering and level of microbadge, there may be skills required to support your success in the course. We recommend reviewing the micro-badge website description for the courses you are interested in, as some skills build upon prior knowledge.

    Stackable microcredentials are offered with the flexibility to directly enroll without an admissions process and do not currently provide college credit.

    Proudly displaying your newly acquired skills on your resume and social media profile is easy to do! Simply download your badge and add it to your account to signal your skills to hiring managers. The badges can be easily shared on LinkedIn as a digitally verifiable badge.