What's in a Badge?

Collage of University at Buffalo photos from left to right: students in Silverman Library with laptops open; student sitting in a study space working on laptop; students conducting wading in Ellicott Creek conducting research; and students examining teeth in the pre-clinical simulation lab in the dental school.

A micro-credential is a small program that allows you to gain relevant skills that are needed in today's workforce. A digital badge is a credential that allows you to show specific skills that you have gained through learning experiences. 

A digital badge is clickable and houses metadata such as the issuing institution, the date earned, the criteria required to earn the badge and the evidence that shows you have met the required criteria. Digital badges are dynamic credentials that you own, so you can decide how you want to use them. Digital badges can be shared on LinkedIn, added as a link to your digital resume, embedded in your e-portfolio and more.

University at Buffalo Digital Badge System digital badge.

More on Metadata

The information embedded within your digital badge also includes a description of the micro-credential program, a link to the program's website and a comprehensive list of what skills were gained. These skills are noted with tags.

Final evidence will differ from program to program and might include a reflection, paper, video, poster, presentation, etc. This evidence is the final culmination of your work within the micro-credential and is specially selected by the program designer to highlight your learned skillset. Since your experience will differ from others, this makes each badge unique!

Shapes and Colors: They Tell a Story

Did you know that each shape, color and symbol on the digital badge has a specific meaning? Colors and symbols can help distinguish between levels and types of digital badges users have earned.

Blue circle with white star in the middle.

Blue Star

Digital badges with a blue star represent micro-credentials with an academic credit-based experience that can be earned along your path to a degree. These are mini specializations that differentiate you academically.
Green circle with white plus sign inside.

Green Plus

Digital badges with a green plus represent micro-credentials with co-curricular or extracurricular experiences that enhance your diverse experiences and skills and recognize learning gained outside of the classroom.
Yellow circle with white up arrow inside.

Yellow Arrow

Digital badges with a yellow arrow represent micro-credentials with professional development opportunities that are generally taken as continuing education and highlight upskilling and reskilling opportunities.
Laurel wreath below a blue circle with a white star inside.

Laurel Wreath

Digital badges with a laurel wreath represent micro-credentials housed within graduate and professional schools. They can be based on academic, co-curricular or professional development experiences.
University at Buffalo badge with green banner ribbon over.

Banner Ribbon

Some digital badges showcase a series of program components completed. These achievement badges have a special banner that contains the symbol and color of the program.

Visit our Offerings page to learn more about the micro-credentials available and how you can enroll.