Understanding Your Credentials
The Right Signals Initiative, funded by Lumina Foundation, is part of Miami Dade College's commitment to student access and success. The initiative is based on communicating with current and prospective students about their MDC credentials. A credential is a documented award indicating achieved outcomes and employability skills. The overall credentialing system for MDC consists of more than 72 College Credit Certificates, 35 Career Technical Certificates, 49 Industry Certifications, 65 Associate in Science degrees, and 17 Baccalaureate degrees. At MDC, you can stack credentials.
IC - Industry Certification
A credential awarded by an industry recognized third-party certifying entity
CTC - Career Technical Certificate
A credential awarded based on clock hours for job preparation
CCC - College Credit Certificate
A credential with a specific job skill set related to an AS degree
AS - Associate in Science Degree
A credential with general education and career specific college credit courses
ATC - Advanced Technical Certificate
A credential to upgrade skills after earning an AS degree
BS - Bachelor Degrees
A credential obtained after an Associate degree
What is a Stackable Credential?
Connected career-focused credentials that create a coherent academic and career pathway with multiple entry and exit points. Stacking credentials can strengthen the connections and clearly show students and employers how programs build as career ladders.
Miami Dade College acknowledges each credential earned while progressing towards your goals. You can start at any credential level such as industry certificate, career technical certificate, college credit certificate, associate degree, and advanced technical certificate by which all can lead into a baccalaureate degree.
Use your credentials as you earn them to help start or advance your career—all while still in school.
Benefits of Stackable Credentials
- Career investment is just one of many benefits of stacking credentials. For example, a student pursuing an associate degree in transportation and logistics, can also earn a college credit certificate in international freight transportation and increase employability skills. Another benefit of stackable credentials is the flexibility to make the right choice. Earning a certificate is a good way to figure out if a career is right for you without having to invest a large amount of time and resources.
- A student could choose to earn a certificate, get started on a career, and continue toward earning a related associate degree. For adult learners, earning a certificate is a way to engage in the educational process, enhance employability skills, and validate knowledge.
- Stackable credentials can also benefit career choices and increase employment opportunities.
Academic Planning and Guidance
Please contact an academic advisor to plan and map stackable credentials for your program of interest.
Explore Academic Programs
Academic programs are grouped by broad program categories called meta-majors. For more information about academic programs and related credentials, please explore the meta-majors listed below.