Pathway to the PhD Micro-credential

Pathway to the PhD—Preparing for Success is a cohort-based micro-credential developed to help early-stage PhD students uncover the essentials of success in their program, from writing abstracts to tracking progression through their programs to wellness and professional development. The micro-credential is offered in a hybrid format and managed via Brightspace with six in-person meetings. Currently, the Graduate School offers the Pathway to the PhD—Preparing for Success micro-credential to Presidential, Schomburg and Graduate School Fellows.

What will you learn?

Uncover the hidden curriculum of graduate school that you are just expected to know or learn on your own. In this micro-credential, you will learn how to:

  • Choose an advisor and build your own team. 
  • Get funding for your work.
  • Stay on track throughout your PhD. 
  • Publish and promote your work. 
  • Navigate the job market.
  • Participate in and attend conferences.
  • And more!
Pathway to the PhD Digital Badge.

Upon completion of the micro-credential, you will gain the knowledge and skills that are essential for navigating every step of your PhD journey.

Who is eligible to participate?

This micro-credential is currently offered to University at Buffalo Presidential, Schomburg and Graduate School Fellows, and School of Engineering and Applied Sciences graduate students.

Requirements

Upon registering for the micro-credential, participants will gain access to the micro-credential within the Brightspace learning management system. There are a total of eleven modules, which should be completed in sequential order.

Each module includes a video, assessment and an enhance your experience section. The enhance your experience section is optional but is highly recommended for you to get the most out of the micro-credential. Participants must watch the video and complete the corresponding assignment in order to move forward to the next module. To successfully earn the micro-credential, all eleven modules must be completed.

Modules

Module 1: Welcome to UB.

Module 2: Understanding Your Department and Jargon at UB.

Module 3: Building Your Network.

Module 4: Staying on Track and Tracking Progress.

Module 5: Understanding and Finding Funding.

Module 6: Writing at the Graduate Level and Publishing.

Module 7: Teaching in Graduate School.

Module 8: Promoting and Talking About Your Research.

Module 9: Participating in and Attending Conferences.

Module 10: Navigating the Job Market.

Module 11: The Balancing Act of Graduate School.

Additional Requirements

The final evidence will be a written response to a series of prompts regarding the personal and professional topics covered in the micro-credential. Learners will be asked to select five to seven book chapters/modules that they found most useful and, for each, provide an overview of the specific aspects that were impactful and how they will apply their learning throughout their academic and/or professional careers. The reflective piece will incorporate the goals and plans in the Individual Development Plan (IDP) that they will work on after the micro-credential is completed.

To Apply

For more information and to register, please email Elizabeth Colucci at grad@buffalo.edu. 

Visit the Office of Micro-Credentials website to learn more about micro-credentials and digital badges.