Certificate Programs

Obtaining a certificate gives you a great opportunity to specialize in an area in your degree. The following certificate programs can easily be complemented with the Sociology curriculum. Take a look and find the one that is right for you.

Micro-credentials

Micro-credentials are focused, flexible programs designed to recognize specific skills and competencies through short, targeted learning experiences. Unlike traditional degrees or certificates, micro-credentials emphasize practical, skill-based learning and provide digital badges that showcase your accomplishments. Sociology currently offers  four micro-credential programs. For more information about these programs, contact their Director, Professor Don Grant (dogr2184@colorado.edu).

Designing and Executing Social Innovations

Problem solving is one of the most in-demand job skills today. This micro-credential equips students to become effective problem-solvers and prepares them to work in fields dedicated to advancing human welfare. Requirements: SOCY 4160 (Designing Social Innovations) and SOCY 4161 (Executing Social Innovations). *With the Director’s permission, SOCY 4932 (Internship in Social Innovation) can be substituted for SOCY 4161.

Caregiving and Collaborative Problem Solving

Modern care professionals are increasingly expected to work in teams to address their clients’ complex needs. This micro-credential equips aspiring helping professionals to integrate research on challenges common to caregiving with collaborative problem-solving practices. Requirements: SOCY 4160 (Designing Social Innovations) and one of the core courses of the Care, Health, and Resilience certificate program (SOCY 1022 (Ethics and Social Issues in U.S. Health and Medicine), SOCY 2080 (Sociology of the Helping Professions), SOCY 3045 (Sociology of Death and Dying), SOCY 3052 (Medical Sociology), SOCY 4052 (Social Inequalities in Health), SOCY 4062 (Suffering and Care in Society)).

Innovating Happiness

Happiness is a fundamental goal across societies, yet it remains elusive for many people. This program introduces students to collaborative problem-solving strategies, such as human-centered design thinking, that can be applied to foster well-being in workplaces and communities. Requirements: SOCY 2022 (Happiness in Society) and SOCY 4160 (Designing Social Innovations).

Solving Societal Problems

This micro-credential prepares students for working in fields that require both a deep understanding of social problems and skill to design effective solutions. Requirements: SOCY 2031 (Social Problems) and SOCY 4160 (Designing Social Innovations).