Microcredentials at CALS

A new layer in the CALS E3 learning ecosystem

Microcredentials are short, focused learning experiences that result in a verified, shareable credential — like a LinkedIn badge or certificate. They're designed to help you build specific, in-demand skills on your own schedule, without adding a course requirement (these learning experiences do not provide academic credit).

At CALS, we don't point students to a marketplace of everything. We've curated two trusted providers (E-Cornell& the United Nations Food & Agriculture Organization) whose content aligns with our mission and the skills employers are asking for most.

Why microcredentials matter

According to the Coursera and Lumina Foundation Micro-Credentials Impact Report 2025 — a survey of more than 2,000 students and 1,000 employers across 10 countries — microcredentials are reshaping how candidates are evaluated at hiring.

96%

of employers

say microcredentials strengthen a candidate's application

92%

of employers

are more likely to hire a candidate with a GenAI microcredential

90%

of employers

are willing to offer higher starting salaries (10–15% more) to holders

94%

of students

say microcredentials build essential career skills

85%

of students

report improved job prospects after earning one

83%

of students

say microcredentials give them confidence to adapt to new roles

What's available

1. eCornell Certificates

eCornell certificates focus on AI and leadership — the two skills employers are demanding most right now.

Leadership track

Leadership Essentials — Build practical leadership skills to lead teams, make decisions, communicate effectively, and deliver results in real-world work settings.4 months, 3–8 hours per week. Retail: $3,750.
Psychology of Leadership — Leverage behavioral science of influence and motivation to influence others, manage emotions, and motivate teams to improve performance and succeed in the workplace. 3 months, 4–6 hours per week. Retail: $3,750.

AI track

Generative AI for Productivity — Gain hands-on skills to use AI tools to streamline work, boost productivity, and solve real business challenges; an immediate skill boost for any major. 3 months, 6–8 hours per week. Retail: $3,750.
Agentic AI Architecture — Learn to create autonomous AI agents, apply advanced AI techniques, and deploy them to run specific tasks on your behalf, and tackle practical, real-world problems. 2 months, 8–10 hours per week. Retail: $3,750.

CALS student cost: $150 per certificate

Availability: Summer 2026

Format: self-paced online

Outcome: LinkedIn-visible authenticated digital certificate upon completing a 85%+ final assessment

Best for: any major; ideal for completing alongside a summer internship

Important:

CALS students cannot enroll directly through the eCornell website. Access to these certificates at the CALS student rate is available through a special enrollment link that CALS will send to students via email. Watch for that communication before attempting to register.

2. FAO eLearning Academy

The FAO eLearning Academy offers free, globally recognized courses created by leaders in agriculture, food, environment, and policy. CALS has an active MOU with the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization, making these available to our students at no cost.

Topic areas include:

Better Production: animal health, fisheries, crop improvement
Better Nutrition: food security, healthy diets, food safety
Better Environment: climate change, soils and water, biodiversity
Better Lives: rural resilience, gender equity, youth employment

Cost: free

Availability: Any time

Format: self-paced online; approximately 3 hours per module

Outcome: LinkedIn badge upon completing a 75%+ final assessment

CALS FAO Scholars: students who complete 30 or more hours can apply to receive the status of “CALS FAO Scholar” and receive priority consideration for CALS Global Fellows FAO internships & other opportunities