UMass Boston

UMass Boston Professional Development focuses on current and future industry professionals who want to acquire new skills and credentials fast. Professional Development covers everything outside of our credit-bearing academic programs—including stackable microcredentials, tech-focused bootcamps, and non-credit certificates.

• Microcredentials. These are short programs of study, from online modules to intensive in-person bootcamps, designed to help you develop specialized skills fast. Completion earns you a digital badge for sharing via social media, your résumé, your email signature, and beyond.
• Pathways. Some microcredentials are stackable, meaning that completion of several microcredentials signifies completion of a learning pathway. Pathway completers also earn a digital badge.
• Non-Credit Courses. These are the same as UMass Boston credit-bearing courses, but without the requirement that a student enroll in a full academic program. Some non-credit courses may earn you a microcredential.
• Non-Credit Certificates. Our largest Professional Development offerings, non-credit certificates consist of multiple non-credit courses resulting in full development of a new skill practice area. The certificate of completion is like a non-credit diploma. Some non-credit certificates also prepare you for a related professional certification exam.