Microcredential Programs

A group of students reviewing career training opportunities and microcredential programs at FLCC.

Gain new skills through our short, flexible microcredential programs. These programs are a great way to enhance your resume and reach your career goals without slowing down. If you're looking for career advancement or a new challenge, a microcredential can help.

High-Quality Education Designed for Today's Job Market

As part of the SUNY system, FLCC's microcredential programs are setting the standard for high-quality stackable credentials.

Recognized by Employers

Our microcredentials align with industry standards. Strengthen your resume with current and emerging market needs.

Low Cost Career Training

Community colleges like FLCC provide valuable career training programs at affordable in-state tuition rates.

Fast & Flexible Design

With fewer courses than traditional degree programs, microcredentials focus on the career skills you need right now.


Explore Our Microcredential Programs

Choose from the following programs and start earning valuable industry-recognized credentials today.

Learn a new language and immerse yourself in a culture with deep roots in the Rochester region.

Delivery Mode In-person, online
Credit Hours 6-12
Time to Complete 2-4 semesters
Stacks to A.A. American Sign Language

Gain intermediate to advanced proficiency in ASL in as little as one year. You'll practice signing and receive feedback from your professor to boost your skills and confidence in this widely used language.

Each course in this sequence discusses topics such as deaf history, deaf education, and Deaf culture. Together, language proficiency and cultural knowledge will help you communicate with Deaf friends, family, and co-workers.

Course Requirements

Earn this microcredential by completing the following courses:

  • ASL 101 American Sign Language I
  • ASL 102 American Sign Language II
  • ASL 201 American Sign Language III
  • ASL 202 American Sign Language IV

Educators – Complete Your TESOL Certification Language Requirement

For educators that need 6 language credits to complete their TESOL certification: Take ASL 101 & ASL 102 (or ASL 201 & ASL 202 if you've already earned credit for 100-level ASL courses elsewhere).

Career Outcomes

Rochester has one of the highest per capita deaf populations among U.S. cities, which increases the demand for ASL communicators in our region. ASL is especially valuable for advancing careers in education and healthcare, as visual communication aids inclusive teaching and patient care.

Learn how to open, operate, and successfully manage your own small business.

Delivery Mode

In-person, online, hybrid

Credit Hours 16
Time to Complete 2-3 semesters
Stacks to Business Administration

Acquire the basic financial and management skills you need to become a successful small business owner. Start this program with a rough idea and leave with a plan to launch or expand your own business.

Learn about organizations that help entrepreneurs get started. Find out how the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Business Associations can help you succeed. You'll also develop the ability to recruit and oversee employees, promote your business, and file tax documents.

Course Requirements

Earn this microcredential by completing the following courses:

  • ACC 101 Financial Accounting (4)
  • BUS 147 Small Business Management (3)
  • BUS 221 Principles of Business Management (3)
  • BUS 222 Marketing (3)
  • BUS 224 Human Resources Management (3)

Career Outcomes

Small businesses account for over 40% of U.S. economic activity. Be a part of this vital and innovative community by growing your business with the knowledge you gain from this program.

The greater Finger Lakes region is home to a wide range of small and locally owned enterprises, such as:

  • Antique stores and boutiques
  • Breweries, wineries, and distilleries
  • Cannabis dispensaries
  • Farms and agriculture
  • Hospitality and tourism
  • Restaurants and food trucks
  • Services (fitness coach, massage therapy)

Prepare for administrator, operations, and support roles in the tech industry.

Delivery Mode

In-person

Credit Hours 6
Time to Complete 2 semesters (Spring semester start)
Stacks to A.S. Computer Information Systems

Cloud computing technologies are becoming the industry-standard practice for all business operations. Learn how to design network infrastructure, create virtual private clouds, and familiarize yourself with Amazon Web Services (AWS).

This two-course microcredential follows the AWS Academy curriculum. Prepare to take the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner and SysOps Administrator certification exams.

Course Requirements

Earn this microcredential by completing the following courses:

  • CSC 153 Introduction to Cloud Computing (3)
  • CSC 253 Cloud Operations (3)

Career Outcomes

AWS certifications prepare you for a variety of entry-level cloud computing and technical support careers, including:

  • Cloud Engineer
  • DevOps Engineer
  • Networking Specialist
  • Site Reliability Engineer
  • Support Specialist
  • SysOps Administrator

Refine Your Expressive Voice Through Engaging Writing Workshops.

Delivery Mode

In-person, hybrid

Credit Hours 15
Time to Complete 2-5 semesters
Stacks to A.A. Creative Writing

Embrace the art of storytelling and let your words inspire and move others. Learn new ways to transform your ideas into captivating fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. You'll also read contemporary literature to explore how some of today's greatest authors craft their prose. Our talented faculty will help you unlock your potential and become a better writer.

This program offers guidance for every stage of the writing process, whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out. From crafting vivid characters and figurative language to polishing dialogue and plot, you'll come away with the power to tell compelling stories.

Start your journey today and discover the writer within.

Course Requirements

Earn this microcredential by completing the following courses:

  • ENG 102 Introduction to Reading Literature
  • ENG 110 Introduction to Creative Writing
  • ENG 231 Fiction Writing
  • ENG 232 Creative Nonfiction Writing
  • ENG 233 Poetry Writing

Career Outcomes

The Creative Writing Experience prepares you for careers that involve storytelling and expressive writing.

Some related careers include:

  • Advertising
  • Content Writing
  • Editing
  • Journalism
  • Marketing
  • Public Relations

Earned credits may also count toward various degrees as SUNY General Education electives.

Earn your Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee (CASAC-T) certification online.

Delivery Mode

Online & remote synchronous

Credit Hours 9-11 per module; 29 total
Time to Complete 2-3 semesters
Stacks to A.A.S. Chemical Dependency Counseling

The CASAC-T certification is the credential you need to start working in the substance abuse treatment field. This program follows the standardized curriculum developed by the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) to train new chemical dependency counselors.

Course Requirements

Earn this microcredential by completing the following three course sequences:

Module 1
  • CDC 102 Concepts of Chemical Dependency (3)
  • CDC 103 Issues in Chemical Dependency (3)
  • CDC 115 Issues in Ethics for Chemical Dependency Counselors (3)
Module 2
  • CDC 200 Addiction Counseling (3)
  • CDC 210 Field Experience Practicum I (4)
  • CDC 211 Field Experience Practicum II (4)
Module 3
  • PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology (3)
  • PSY 220 Abnormal Psychology (3)
  • HUS 150 Interviewing and Counseling (3)

Career Outcomes

Assist those affected by the ongoing opiate overdose crisis and other substance abuse issues. After completing all three modules, you'll receive a CASAC-T certificate to submit to OASAS for your trainee credential. Learn more about OASAS and CASAC credentials.

Learn how to use ArcGIS software to map, analyze, and visualize geographic data.

Delivery Mode

In-person, online, hybrid

Credit Hours 6
Time to Complete 2 semesters
Stacks to A.S. Environmental Science
A.A.S. Horticulture
A.A.S. Natural Resource Conservation

GIS skills are helpful in fields like conservation, horticulture, and others that need detailed knowledge of a region. Current students can strengthen their resumes with this additional course sequence. Professionals can update their knowledge of GIS software and learn about the program's latest features.

Course Requirements

To earn this microcredential, you must complete the following courses:

  • GIS 241 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (3)
  • GIS 245 Applications in Geographic Information Systems (3)

Career Outcomes

Nearly all careers in conservation, horticulture, and environmental science require GIS skills. With this microcredential, you'll have the mapping and data analysis skills used in a variety of professional occupations, including:

  • Conservationist
  • Fish and Wildlife Technician
  • Land Manager
  • Remote Sensing Analyst
  • Soil and Water Technician
  • Urban Planner

Prepare for backstage production roles in the live events industry.

Delivery Mode

In-person

Credit Hours 8
Time to Complete 1-2 semesters
Stacks to A.A. Theatre Arts

Be a vital part of the theatre and the entertainment industry. This microcredential provides a basic introduction to stage craft, practical experience working on productions, and the flexibility to tailor the program to your area of interest. Broaden your skills and strengthen your resume by selecting a particular technical theatre focus during the backstage practicum and internship.

Our technical theatre microcredential is ideal for individuals looking to get their foot in the door at professional theatre and performance venues throughout the region, or support productions at local community theatres, churches, and schools.

Course Requirements

Earn this microcredential by completing the following courses:

  • THE 100 Stage Craft (3)
  • THE 115 Backstage Practicum (1)
  • THE 215 Scene Shop Practicum (1)
  • THE 250 Theatre Internship OR MUS 290 Sound Reinforcement / Live Recording (3)

Career Outcomes

Pursue careers in live theatre and music venues, churches, video production, trade shows, conventions, amusement parks, and casinos. You'll acquire experience and basic skills for a variety of technical positions based on your interests.

Some related careers and technical roles include:

  • Follow spot operator
  • Live sound technician
  • Scenic carpenter
  • Scenic painter
  • Stage lighting technician
  • Stage or shift crew
  • Stage management
  • Wardrobe crew or dresser

How to Earn a Microcredential

Earn a Microcredential Without Pursuing a Degree

  • If you are not a current student, complete our microcredential interest form.
  • Our academic advising office will contact you and assist with course registration.
  • Once you have completed the required coursework, you will receive a digital badge of completion through Credly.

Current Students Enrolled in an Academic Program

  • If you are already enrolled at FLCC, connect with your advisor to ensure you are registered for the microcredential courses.
  • Complete the program change form and select the "express intent to complete a microcredential" to have it added to your record.
  • Once you have completed the required coursework, you will receive a digital badge of completion through Credly.

More Information about Microcredentials

A microcredential is one of many ways to earn a college education and pursue technical careers with specific skill requirements. Here's what you need to know to decide if a microcredential is right for you.

A microcredential is a short, career-focused program that provides in-demand skills training.

  • Enhance your expertise, improve your employability, and keep you up-to-date with industry trends.
  • Show employers that you have a specific set of skills and serve as verified proof of that expertise.
  • Provide credits toward a college degree if you decide to continue your education.
  • Finish a college-level course sequence faster than a traditional degree program.

Microcredentials follow the same low-cost tuition rates as our traditional academic programs.

Microcredentials are charged on a per credit hour basis. Our standard part-time rate includes tuition and standard fees for NYS residents, plus any additional fees for specific courses, labs, and online instruction. For more detailed information, visit our Cost of Attendance page.

Many microcredential students attend classes part-time. Others are current, full-time FLCC students who want to supplement their primary area of study with a specific microcredential.

Access to financial aid is limited to matriculated students and varies by part-time and full-time status, your household finances, and other circumstances. Speak with our financial aid office to learn what options you have for grants, loans, and work study opportunities.

View Cost of Attendance

Students interested in workforce development and part-time programs within high-demand, growing fields are now eligible to receive Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) awards.

New York State students enrolled in non-degree programs may qualify for grants covering a portion of their tuition expenses.

At FLCC, these eligible programs include:

  • Business Entrepreneurial Studies
  • CASAC Completion Pathway I
  • CASAC Completion Pathway II
  • CASAC Completion Pathway III
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
  • Cloud Computing
  • Foundations in Advanced Manufacturing
  • Geographic Information Systems
  • Technical Theatre

SUNY takes pride in offering workforce development programs that lead to upward mobility for New Yorkers, providing pathways to future degrees and certificates.

Part-Time TAP for Non-Degree Programs

Everyone can benefit from flexible, low-cost career training.

Here are some people who have the most to gain from completing a microcredential:

  1. Professionals looking to upskill — If you already work in a specific industry and want to acquire new skills or deepen your expertise, microcredentials can provide focused learning opportunities to enhance your current skill set.
  2. Individuals seeking career change — If you are considering a career transition or looking to enter a new field, microcredentials can help you develop the necessary skills and knowledge to make a successful switch.
  3. Recent graduates and current students — Microcredentials can complement your primary area of study and make you more marketable in a competitive job market.
  4. Individuals with time constraints — Whether you have work commitments, family responsibilities, or other time constraints, microcredentials offer a more manageable option for skill development.
  5. Lifelong learners — Microcredentials offer a convenient and flexible way to engage in ongoing education and stay updated with the latest advancements in your field.

The value of a microcredential ultimately depends on your personal and professional goals. Take the time to assess your specific needs and choose a microcredential program that aligns with your career aspirations and areas of interest.

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