CU Boulder students can now expand their skillset with the latest Arduino knowledge – something in high demand in today’s job market.

The Integrated Teaching & Learning Program (ITLP) at the College of Engineering and Applied Science has launched the first micro-credential that focuses on technical content. Their goal with the new Arduino micro-credential program is to serve students looking to improve their proficiency with Arduino microcontrollers.

The Arduino micro-credential consists of six workshops, which include Arduino introduction, motion, communication, miniaturization, electronics introduction, and soldering. The program provides a way to recognize and document the acquisition of specific skills and competencies students will gain from all Arduino and electronics skill-building workshops. Linking the content of all six workshops together allows the student to explore innovative design paths and justify their design decisions.

“In order to become and stay ProReady in the engineering and applied science job market, students with an earned degree must seek continuing education and training to stay technically relevant,” said Ben Weihrauch, senior director of student professional development. “Earning micro-credentials through CU Engineering, such as Arduino, is a great way to be technically current and augment your degree to be more appealing to an employer.”

Upon successful completion of the Arduino micro-credential program, students will receive a digital badge with achievements of the program's requirements and learning objectives. This endorsement will display the student’s capability of combining and applying knowledge of Arduino, micro-controller, circuits, and electro-mechanical systems. The micro-credential will also serve as evidence that the student is able to optimize the implementation of an Arduino into robust, robotic systems.

Josh Miller is a mechanical engineering student and the first to enroll in the ITLP Arduino micro-credential. “The program has supplemented my academic journey. Being able to build circuits and understand resistor code has made me a valuable teammate in my subsequent circuits class in mechanical engineering. It was a great feeling to be the one in class helping others because of the knowledge I had acquired through the Micro-credential program,” said Miller.

The ITLP’s mission is to provide curriculum and support for hands-on engineering education across all engineering disciplines. They offer project consultation and engineering learning to all students. The team is prepared to support up to 10 students for the Arduino micro-credential program’s premiere semester.

For more information about the Arduino micro-credential, please contact ITLP Senior Engineering Project Consultant Lauren Darling via email or schedule an appointment. Visit the ITLP website for additional skill-building workshops and to check out their facilities.