What are micro-credentials?
Micro-credentials are short, flexible, asynchronous learning modules designed to help participants develop the specialized, job-ready skills.
Our micro-credentials deliver 21st century innovation, design thinking, and entrepreneurship skills through in-person and online modules. Participants who successfully complete micro-credentials earn digital badges via Credly to document and share their achievements. These micro-credentials are short, competency-based recognitions and are not counted as an academic program or degree.
Why They Are Worth It
Learn on your own terms
Short, flexible, and fully online
Build confidence
Get practical experience without the pressure
Strengthen your resume
Showcase your skills with verified proof
Prep for real-world moments
From job interviews to pitch events you'll the practice to kill when it counts
Pair with your projects
Apply what you learn to your own creative work
Sync or Solo You Choose
Go live with us, or take it at your own speed.
Learn With Us Live
Join interactive sessions led by experts — whether online or in person. Engage with fellow participants, apply what you learn in real time, and walk away with actionable insights.
Go Asynchronous
Prefer to go solo? Our asynchronous modules are flexible, self-guided, and led by da Vinci Center educators and industry experts. Dive into concepts like human-centered thinking whenever it fits your schedule.
Start Here
Design thinking is all about collaboration and problem-solving!
Unleash your creative potential by mastering the principles of design thinking. There is an increasing emphasis on skills such as problem-solving, adaptability, and empathy to current as well as future job roles. Through this immersive workshop, participants will be introduced to the six foundational steps in the design thinking process: defining How Might We challenges, seeking extremes, creating options, selecting ideas, prototyping, and feedback.
There are two ways to our Design Thinking programs:
1. Our live workshops
Note: The workshop is interactive and will utilize features within the Zoom platform. Program participants are encouraged to have their cameras on to increase participation and engagement. To access the session, participants will receive one link to register and join. Registration protects the privacy of the session and allows da Vinci to monitor attendance. Attendees are encouraged to test their technology prior to the session to ensure access.
See all upcoming Design Thinking Workshops and Events >>
2. At your own pace
Take this asynchronous workshop on the practice of human-centered thinking. Delivered by the Executive Director of the VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation, this experience gives participants the opportunity to actively engage in their learning.
Ever feel like your business idea is a jumbled mess of possibilities? Turn that "aha!" moment into a masterpiece with the VCU da Vinci Center's Intro to Business Model Canvas micro-credential course! This bite-sized, online learning experience is your key to unlocking the secrets of the Business Model Canvas, a framework used by innovative minds worldwide.
Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned executive looking to sharpen your presentation skills, our Introduction to Pitching and Storytelling micro-credential will equip you with the tools and techniques to succeed in any setting. Join us and unlock your potential to inspire, influence, and persuade with impact.
This micro-credential is designed to equip learners with the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary to create prototypes, tangible representations of ideas or concepts. Participants will explore various prototyping methods, understand the importance of iteration and feedback, and develop the ability to communicate their ideas effectively through physical models.
Meet the Instructors
Cael Parker
Cael is a Postdoctoral Fellow in Innovation and Human-Centered Design at the da Vinci Center. With roots in fine arts and a background in product development and entrepreneurship, she blends creative insight with strategic thinking. Her distinct approach brings energy and a creator’s mindset to every workshop and project.
“I’m dedicated to empowering creators."
Manjari Kumarappan
Manjari is the Assistant Director at the da Vinci Center for Innovation, where she brings together students, faculty, staff, and community partners across disciplines. With a background in public health and human-centered design, she blends systems thinking with playful creativity to help teams tackle complex challenges.
"I help teams turn insights into action."
Find Us
Come see where ideas come to life!
Shift Retail Lab is located on Broad Street across from the Stuart C. Siegel Center.