The future of engineering education is modular: How microcredentials support flexible, inclusive programs

Engineering education in the U.S. is at a turning point. Declining enrollment, a growing skills gap and systemic barriers to diversity and inclusion have made it clear that the traditional four-year engineering degree no longer serves the full range of students who want to enter the field. The rigid, one-size-fits-all model often excludes non-traditional learners, those with gaps in math preparedness or students who need to balance school with other responsibilities.
Dr. Gary Bertoline, distinguished professor of engineering technology and computer information technology and former dean of engineering at Purdue University, has recently researched the question of how engineering programs can better meet the needs of today’s students.
Through his work with the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), he has developed a curriculum framework designed to make engineering education more accessible and adaptable. This framework is outlined in The Engineering Mindset report which Dr. Bertoline edited and coauthored with over 30 other engineering faculty members.
One of the most promising solutions to this challenge? Modularizing the curriculum and integrating microcredentials to offer students more flexible pathways through engineering programs.
To explore more insights from Dr. Bertoline and learn how to implement flexible pathways in your program, download our Revolutionizing engineering education ebook.
Why flexibility matters in engineering education
For many students, the traditional engineering curriculum is a roadblock rather than a pathway. Rigid degree requirements, strict math prerequisites and a heavy emphasis on full-time study make it difficult for non-traditional students — those returning to school, balancing work and family or coming from under-resourced high schools — to enter and succeed in engineering.
The consequences of this inflexibility are significant. The U.S. is facing a shortage of engineers, with the Boston Consulting Group and SAE International reporting that as many as one in every three new roles are at risk of going unfilled by 2030. At the same time, Statista reports that enrollment in undergraduate programs has steadily declined over the past decade.
And for women and underrepresented minorities, the barriers are even greater. According to The Engineering Mindset Report, achieving demographic parity in engineering would require doubling the number of women in the field, increasing Black representation by 2.5 times, and tripling the number of Hispanic engineers.
If engineering education continues to rely on outdated models, it risks not only excluding talented students but also failing to meet the workforce demands of the future. Creating more flexible pathways through the curriculum is essential to broadening participation in engineering and ensuring that students are prepared for a wide range of career opportunities.
Microcredentials: A key to flexibility
One of the most effective ways to introduce flexibility into engineering education is through microcredentials. These focused, stackable certifications allow students to build knowledge in smaller increments rather than committing to full-semester courses or multi-year programs. Instead of waiting years to earn a degree, students can accumulate credentials along the way, giving them recognized achievements that can immediately benefit their careers.
Microcredentials make engineering education more accessible in several ways. First, they create more entry points into the field, allowing students to gain foundational knowledge before committing to a full program. They also provide more career customization — rather than following a rigid track, students can earn credentials in areas that align with their interests and career goals.
For students who need to pause their education, microcredentials ensure that they leave with something valuable. As Dr. Bertoline explains, modularizing coursework would mean that even students who don’t complete a degree would have certifications that demonstrate their skills.
“Ideally, every three-credit course would be broken into a series of microcredentials — some technical, some soft skills. It’s about building a comprehensive skillset.”
Beyond accessibility, microcredentials also help students develop competencies that traditional engineering programs often overlook. Skills like coding, AI and data literacy are becoming essential in engineering careers, but they’re not always prioritized in undergraduate curricula. By integrating microcredentials, educators can more easily incorporate emerging technologies and professional skills without requiring a complete curriculum overhaul.
A more inclusive approach to engineering education
For engineering programs to meet the needs of today’s students, they must evolve beyond the rigid structures of the past. Making curricula more flexible through microcredentials offers a practical solution — one that enables students to learn in a way that fits their circumstances while still gaining the knowledge and credentials they need for their careers.
The best part? Engineering educators don’t have to rewrite their entire curriculum to implement microcredentials. Instead, they can start by validating the value that already exists in their programs. Every course, project, or experiential learning opportunity offers students valuable skills. By integrating microcredentials, educators can formally recognize these achievements, giving students proof of their competencies in a way that benefits both their education and their career prospects.
As Dr. Bertoline puts it, “Providing flexibility in course curricula that includes more options for electives, experiential learning, and sub-degree certifications will remove many barriers for nontraditional students.”
Engineering education is at a crossroads, but with the right strategies, it can become more inclusive, adaptable and better aligned with the future of work.
To explore other practical ways to create inclusive, flexible and dynamic undergraduate engineering programs, check out the full Revolutionizing engineering education ebook created in collaboration with Dr. Bertoline.