Professional development badges at Hood College.
The Skill Accelerator program offers a unique series of non-degree professional development badges.
A form of continuing education, digital badges are short, focused, competency-based credentials that provide in-demand skills, knowledge and experience. The Skill Accelerator program is designed for working professionals seeking to upskill and advance their careers without committing to the demands of a full graduate degree. Earning a Skill Accelerator badge is an educational achievement, which can show current and future employers that you are highly motivated to grow your career and dedicated to lifelong learning.
Most badges are offered online for convenience and flexibility. We offer badges in several focus areas, including business, computing, counseling and trauma, equity and inclusion, biotechnology and education. Topics range from finance, human resources, AI, data analytics, diversity in education and much more. Badges are offered at foundational, intermediate and advanced levels. Badges are stackable, and any badge can be applied toward a future master’s degree.
Badges are issued through Milestone™ and can be embedded on LinkedIn and similar online portfolios/resumes. Badges are verified and list the skills/competencies/credits acquired through completion of the course(s).
Reduced pricing opportunities are available for business and organizational cohorts. Content can be tailored to your organization’s needs with cohort agreements. For more information, please contact skillaccelerator@hood.edu.
Click below for the Skill Accelerator article in the fall 2024 edition of Hood Magazine.
The applicant should hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average (although some badges may require a higher GPA). Professionals applying for Skill Accelerator courses should enroll using the non-degree enrollment process.
Based on the applicant’s background, the program director may apply alternative criteria for approving enrollment into the badge course. With appropriate verification of successful completion, a badge may be retroactively awarded, up to one year after completion of the course.
What are digital badges?
Digital badges are non-degree credentials that provide focused skills, knowledge and experience.
What are the admission requirements for Skill Accelerator badges?
Anyone with a bachelor’s degree or higher can enroll in a Skill Accelerator badge course. (See Admission Requirements above for more details.)
What are the benefits of earning a Skill Accelerator badge?
Badges are a form of professional development. Current and future employers can easily verify the issuing organization, skills developed and industry standards achieved by earning a badge. Badges enhance a resume by providing additional details regarding the knowledge gained. With various focus areas, the Skill Accelerator badge program is an excellent option for professional development in fields like medicine/healthcare, education, business administration and military/defense.
What does a badge look like?
When someone clicks on the badge icon, they will be directed to the Milestone platform to view the badge information. A badge description, criteria for earning the badge and aligned outcomes will be visible, providing the viewer verified insight into your learned skills. View a sample badge here.
How do I access my badge?
Badges are issued through Milestone. If you don’t have a Milestone account, an invitation to set up your free Milestone account will be emailed to you. You will also be given the opportunity to set up your account at the time your badge is awarded. All your earned badges will then be available through Milestone and accessible to you throughout you career, whether you complete future badges or not.
How do I share my badge on LinkedIn?
Earned badges can be accessed through your Milestone account and are available to be posted on your LinkedIn profile. The best way to display your badge is by adding it to the “Certifications” section of your profile for maximum visibility. Simply follow the step-by-step guidelines here.
Marcy Taylor | Skill Accelerator Program Coordinator
Tel: 301-964-4678
Email: mtaylor@hood.edu
Marcy Taylor is managing the launch of Hood College’s new Skill Accelerator badge program, which is designed especially for working professionals seeking to boost their credentials by earning verifiable badges.Recently retired from a long career in aerospace, Taylor is applying her program management skills to launch this exciting program.
Born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Taylor came to Frederick, Maryland, to attend Hood College. After earning a B.A. in chemistry (Class of 1981), she settled in Frederick to start her career in the aerospace industry, managing NASA, commercial and development projects that included designing, manufacturing and launching satellites, rocket motor development and the construction of a launch pad in Wallops, Virginia. She earned her MBA from Hood College (Class of 2000) and is also serving on the College’s Board of Associates.
"Our MBA program equips students with the skills, knowledge and network needed to thrive in today’s competitive business landscape, resonating with Hood College’s integration of liberal arts and professions."