Courses

Advance Your Career With Short, Skill-Focused Courses

Penn State microcredential courses are short, flexible online courses that help you build in-demand skills, earn a digital badge, and advance your career on your own schedule.

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Penn State Microcredential Course Offerings

Each microcredential course delivers practical experience and a digital badge in just 4-6 weeks.

Technical Leadership & Management Manufacturing & Automation Technical Courses Design & Innovation

Technical Leadership & Management

Business Fundamentals for Technical Leaders

Jan 30, 2026 – Mar 1, 2026

Develops financial fluency and strategic planning skills to help you articulate innovative concepts convincingly to upper management, align engineering work with business objectives, and communicate with stakeholders.

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Project Management Basics

Jan 30, 2026 – Mar 1, 2026

This course equips participants with a well-rounded understanding of technical project management principles, practical tools, and interpersonal skills essential for successful project execution.
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Communication for Technical Professionals (Jan 2026)

Jan 30, 2026 – Mar 1, 2026

This is an introductory level course for those who are or want to be technical professionals and hope to expand their communication skills and competencies. A college degree is not required to take this course. This iteration of the course is tailored to those in the manufacturing setting.
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Inclusive Teaming for Technical Teams

Mar 13, 2026 – Apr 12, 2026

This course offers a solid foundation in inclusive teaming for technical teams. Through this course you will gain clarity on the importance of understanding roles and responsibilities, learn to navigate personality dynamics and discover how to foster inclusive teams.
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Leading Technical Teams

Apr 10, 2026 – May 10, 2026

A foundational leadership course that emphasizes self-awareness, team relationship management, leadership theory, and performance enabling you to guide engineering teams more effectively.

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Professionalism in the Digital Age

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In this course, you will build confidence in your professionalism by mastering key concepts and their workplace applications. This includes understanding workplace culture, enhancing interpersonal skills..

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Manufacturing & Automation

Fundamentals of Robotics for Manufacturing (Jan 2026)

Jan 23, 2026 – Feb 22, 2026

This is an introductory level course for those interested in or currently working in the manufacturing field who want to gain essential knowledge about robotics. A college degree is not required to take this course.
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Essentials of Additive Manufacturing

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This entry-level 4-week course introduces the fundamental concepts and definitions related to modern manufacturing. Participants will explore key topics such as the evolution of manufacturing, common processes used in factories, the importance of safety, and available career paths in the manufacturing industry.

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Electrical Systems & Controls in Robotics

Mar 13, 2026 – Apr 12, 2026

This is an introductory level course for those interested in or currently working in the manufacturing field who want to gain essential knowledge about electrical systems and controls in robotics. A college degree is not required to take this course.
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Design for Additive Manufacturing

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This course offers a solid foundation in Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM). It focuses on identifying AM processes, materials, and designs for various applications while applying DfAM principles.

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Essentials of Modern Manufacturing

May 1, 2026 – May 31, 2026

Modern manufacturing has roots in the past with a transformation towards the digital age. This course introduces fundamental concepts for pursuing careers in modern manufacturing, including key topics such as the evolution of manufacturing, common processes used in factories, the importance of safety, and available career paths in the…
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Maintenance & Safety in Robotics

May 1, 2026 – May 31, 2026

This is an introductory level course for those interested in or currently working in the manufacturing field who want to gain essential knowledge about maintenance and safety in robotics. A college degree is not required to take this course.
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Use of Data in Modern Manufacturing

May 29, 2026 – Jun 28, 2026

Modern manufacturing relies on data to continually improve and compete across the globe. This course explores the basics of how data is collected, visualized, analyzed, and used for decision-making with real-world manufacturing examples.
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Role of Automation in Modern Manufacturing

Jul 3, 2026 – Aug 2, 2026

Explores how sensors, robots, and controllers enhance production efficiency, accuracy, and safety on the plant floor.

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Career Success for Manufacturing

Jul 31, 2026 – Aug 2, 2026

This entry-level 4-week course introduces the fundamental concepts and definitions related to modern manufacturing. Participants will explore key topics such as the evolution of manufacturing, common processes used in factories, the importance of safety, and available career paths in the manufacturing industry.
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Technical Courses

CFD for Multiphase Flows

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This course is structured for learners who have a basic background in fluid mechanics theory, numerical methods, and CFD methods, and some programming experience (MATLAB, C/C++, Python).
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Design & Innovation

Basics of Computer Assisted Design (CAD)

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This course is for learners interested in learning 3D modeling for career opportunities in additive manufacturing and other manufacturing industries. A college degree is not required to take this course.

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Designing for Innovation

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For cross-functional teams and creative problem-solvers

Utilizes human-centered design, empathy, and structured problem-solving to help you generate, prototype, and test innovative solutions to complex challenges.

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Patents for Innovation

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This innovation course gives an overview of how engineers can use their technical knowledge in the intellectual property (IP) field. This subject is an intensive introduction to the law of intellectual property, with major emphasis on U.S. patent law.
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How Microcredential Courses Work

Flexible Learning

Mix of on-demand lessons and live Q&A, designed to fit around full-time jobs.

Practical application

Apply new skills immediately through real-world assignments.

Peer & expert feedback

Engage with faculty and fellow learners for shared insights.

Credential Earned

Upon completion, receive a digital badge to showcase your achievement.

Ideal for individuals or teams looking for quick, meaningful upskilling without a degree timeline.

For Organizations & Managers

Do you think your company or organization would benefit from providing these courses to your team?
 See our Manager page for guidance on group enrollment, custom bundles, and pricing.

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Get Personalized Course Recommendations

If you’re unsure where to begin, fill out the form below. We’ll respond within 1–2 business days with tailored course recommendations and next steps.

Which Course Is Right for You?

Complete the form and a Penn State advisor will help guide you to the best fit, with no obligation. You can also join our email series for professionals.

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