Earning and Using Alternate Credentials

Find the right program for you and enroll

Review our offerings pages or work with your academic advisor, career advisor and faculty mentor to find the perfect alternate credential program (or programs) to complement your field of study and professional goals.

 

The enrollment process varies by program. To enroll, visit the program's page to find full enrollment directions. You will also find the contact information for the program lead for any questions or concerns about the program or enrollment.

 

For undergraduate, for-credit alternate credentials, current students enroll using the certificate selection menu in WP Connect. If academic courses are part of the program, you will need to register for and successfully complete each course.

 

Non-WP students wishing to enroll in a credit-bearing certificate program need to apply through WP Admissions.

 

Information about enrolling in non-credit, professional training programs can be found at https://www.wpunj.edu/cpe/professional-certificate-programs/.

 

Current students can learn about and enroll to earn co-curricular badges at https://www.wpunj.edu/campus-activities/Leadership-Badge.html.

Complete your program

Once enrolled, complete your requirements in a timely fashion. If your requirements involve course work, be sure to work with your advisor for proper course planning, especially if you have financial aid. Upon completion of a for-credit credential, the Registrar’s Office will automatically post a notation on your transcript and a digital badge will be generated in the Milestones portal which you can access through WP Connect.

 

Digital badges will be posted to your Milestones portal as you complete the requirements for co-curricular badges.

 

Certificates for non-credit, professional training programs are generated by the School for Continuing and Professional Education.

 

All coursework and requirements must be completed prior to conferral of certificates or badges. If you are registered in a for-credit certificate but unable to complete the program prior to completion of your degree, please contact the Registrar to unenroll.



Access your digital badges

Milestones is the platform used by William Paterson to issue and archive your digital badges. You can access your Milestones portal on WP Connect. Use your WP credentials to login and see and share the badges you have earned,



Digital Badges Defined

A digital badge is a new type of credential that allows you to show specific skills that you have gained through learning experiences. A digital badge is clickable and houses information such as the issuing institution, the date earned, the criteria required to earn the badge and the evidence that shows that 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 and other social media platforms, added as a link on your digital resume, embedded in an e-portfolio, and more.