Digital badges are a virtual representation of an accomplishment, skill, or credential that can be displayed, accessed, and verified online. Offering a new way to display industry-recognized, employment focused credentials, digital badges are quickly becoming the standard for identifying and publicizing professional development. The badge itself is a clickable image that houses information about an institution issuing the badge, the date the badge was earned, competencies earned by the badge, and evidence that shows a learner has completed the requirements to earn the badge.

Digital Badging through Villanova University

Students enrolled in Villanova’s Lean Six Sigma certificate program will earn a digital badge to demonstrate their skills and commitment to furthering their professional education when they successfully complete an individual course, the full certificate program, or earn certification as outlined below:

Courses:

• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

• Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt

• Lean Six Sigma

• Six Sigma Green Belt

Certificate Program:

• Lean Six Sigma

Certification:

• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

• Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt

• Lean Six Sigma Sensei

• Six Sigma Green Belt

Students who enrolled on January 1, 2022, and thereafter are eligible for badging (newly enrolled students). Students who enrolled in their final course for the program starting on January 1 are also eligible for badging. Badges will NOT be awarded retroactively.

How will I get my badge(s)?

Digital badges will be awarded upon successful completion of the course, certificate or certification by email to the student’s email address provided at the time of enrollment.

Enrolling in an online education program is a big decision. Typically, one of the most important decision-making factors for prospective students is cost and how they will pay for their educational needs. Program cost can be a roadblock, but it doesn’t have to be.

To help you, we created a guide to the savings and payment options available for Villanova’s 10 multi-course professional (non-credit) certificate programs.

Furthering your education with Villanova allows you to prep for industry certification and add professional credentials to your resume. Villanova’s programs also provide you with another level of expertise in your chosen field and may help advance your career opportunities and salary potential.

Finding Financial Help

Don’t let costs hold you back from achieving your academic goals. Some payment options to help meet your needs include:

• Corporate tuition assistance – In some cases, your employer may pay some or all your education costs. Learn how to determine the tuition assistance your company may provide and what you’ll need to maximize your employee benefits.
  
  
• Military benefits – Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits may be used for Villanova’s 100% online non-credit certificate programs, based on your individual eligibility. Learn what military payment options are available, and what you’ll need to provide to be eligible to receive tuition reduction.  

Access your Guide to Financing Your Professional Education to determine which option is right for you.

WorldatWork, an association for benefits providers, reported that 85% of U.S. employers offered tuition assistance in 2017. Employers can take many routes when designing their tuition assistance plans. Some may offer to cover all the costs related to education, while others may pay a portion. Some might pay up-front, and others after each course has been completed.

The requirements, details and eligibility vary by employer, so prospective students should contact their Human Resources or Talent Management department for more information.

Angela Lahr, Associate Vice President of Clinical Operations at Evangelical Community Hospital in Pennsylvania, utilized her employer’s tuition assistance benefits to earn an online Certificate in Lean Six Sigma and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification from Villanova University.

Lahr said her 2019 Lean Six Sigma credentials have already proven to be a valuable investment for her and her organization, adding that she has been able to apply what she learned to improve hospital operations.

“I frequently am asked to look at processes outside my areas and offer advice. From within my areas, I work with the Directors to identify processes that have opportunity for improvement,” she said. “I then guide them along by offering ‘just in time’ education on specific Lean principles. When needed, I apply the Six Sigma principles to the data we collect to analyze their improvement efforts.”

Employee Benefits

There are many reasons why professionals might consider higher education, including:

• Promotion
• Development
• Compensation
• Industry certification or continuing education credits
• Updated skill sets
• Soft skills
• Satisfying professional or personal curiosity

Tuition assistance is important because employees have come to expect their employers to play a role in their professional development.

“It’s expected by today’s talent,” writes Meghan M. Biro, HR Brand Strategist and CEO of TalentCulture, for Forbes. “It signals that the employer values their people and are actively interested in their success — not just on the job, but over the long haul.”

Online Advantages

Even with tuition assistance available, working professionals might be concerned about balancing education with work and life obligations. With immersive classes designed for adult working professionals, Villanova’s online classroom offers opportunities for students to balance their educational, family and career responsibilities in a flexible learning environment. Live, virtual class sessions provide an authentic learning experience to maximize interaction and collaboration with faculty and fellow classmates.

“I have taken online programs from other universities and Villanova’s classes are challenging, but very organized,” Lahr said. “The intensity of the program was very fulfilling. … All the information you need is in the curriculum.”

How Does the Employer Benefit?

While tuition assistance benefits can provide value to employees, they’re also beneficial for organizations. Research has shown that these benefits attract talent, retain workers, address skills gaps and improve productivity. A 2016 Accenture study involving health insurance provider Cigna demonstrated a 129% ROI for every dollar invested in education benefits. In addition, the study explained that employees who used the benefit were less likely to leave the company and more likely to receive promotions.

Additionally, a February 2019 article by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) titled, “Education Benefits Present a Learning Opportunity,” said that companies with tuition assistance report better overall performance, recruitment effectiveness and retention than those that do not. “Those who work and attend school are a self-selecting, motivated group… Online courses provide flexibility for employees who are trying to work full time, take classes and care for families,” the article said.

Lahr further emphasized the importance of continuing education, especially if support is available from an employer.

“Education is a valuable personal asset,” she said. “If you have the opportunity to learn new skills, I would recommend taking advantage of your tuition assistance benefits.”

“This new ranking is a significant milestone in the University’s history, and is one more example of how Villanova continues to move forward academically,” said Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, Villanova University President in a press release. “It signals the overall strength of the Villanova academic experience and the emphasis we place on successful student outcomes. It will also help Villanova to continue to attract the most talented undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff to our University.”

In early 2016, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching announced that Villanova University had advanced from the Master’s Colleges and Universities category to the Doctoral Universities category. The Carnegie Classification achievement meant that Villanova would no longer appear on U.S. News’ list of regionally ranked universities. Instead, Villanova would be listed among the best colleges and universities nationally.

What is the Carnegie Classification?

Since 1970, The Carnegie Classification has been the leading framework for the recognition and categorization of institutions in the United States that are focused on higher education. Each category is based on the nature and number of doctoral degrees awarded each year and the amount of research activity and grants, along with other measures of scholarly productivity. The classification has been updated every five years since 2000. The changes announced in 2016 were based on performance numbers from 2013-2014.

In 2014, Villanova awarded 20 PhDs spread across three disciplines – engineering, nursing and philosophy. University faculty and students were also involved in a number of research projects funded by federal agencies including the U.S. Department of Defense, the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The Doctoral Universities category is broken into three subcategories: Highest Research Activity, Higher Research Activity and Moderate Research Activity. The placement of institutions into these subcategories is primarily based on the funding and staffing of research activities and the distribution of doctoral degree conferrals across a number of different fields. Villanova is classified as a Doctoral University, Moderate Research Activity.

“With our new classification, we have the opportunity to create a new model as a doctorate-granting institution that produces a select number of PhD degrees, has research in niche areas and offers a wide variety of master’s degrees, while still being focused on – and devoted to – the undergraduate experience,” said Rev. Donohue. “Doctoral education and high levels of research are critical to Villanova’s future as a thriving academic institution and serves to enhance our mission.”

Methodology Behind the Rankings

Since U.S. News & World Report’s first college rankings list was announced in 1983, the Carnegie Classification has been the basis for the array of categories established by U.S. News. Each university is placed into one of four categories depending on its Carnegie Classification. The purpose behind the categories is to allow people to compare schools with similar missions.

Villanova now appears among other nationally ranked universities, each of which share the same dedication and commitment to higher education and the output of innovative research. The other three categories are National Liberal Arts Colleges, Regional Universities and Regional Colleges. It is uncommon for institutions in the Regional University category to offer even a small number of doctoral programs, which is why Villanova is no longer part of this category.

According to U.S. News, “schools in the National Universities category offer a full range of undergraduate majors, plus master’s and doctoral programs. These colleges also are committed to producing groundbreaking research.”

Once the schools are separated into categories, U.S. News gathers data from each college based on 15 of what they call, “indicators of academic excellence.” They assign each factor a weight reflecting their judgment about how much each particular measure matters. Then, the universities in each category are ranked based on their composite weighted score.

What a National Ranking Means for Villanova

Villanova’s shift from regional to national ranking not only reflects the growth of the university over the past few years, but also demonstrates the undeniable strength of its academic programs.

According to Villanova’s Provost, Patrick G. Maggitti, PhD, this strategic move by the school was intentional and has been in the works for some time.

“These changes allow Villanova to create a new model as an institution with an unwavering focus and commitment to undergraduate education that also graduates a select number of PhDs, produces world-class and relevant research in a variety of areas, and offers a wide range of master’s degrees,” he said.

“Villanova is an excellent example in higher education of how undergraduate and graduate education can strengthen the overall academic experience and provide a return on investment that is unrivaled,” Maggitti added.

Online education is a new contender in the world of higher education and comes in several distinct types depending on the degree or certification offered. Many programs have schedules that are considerably open, where students have the ability to view lectures and submit assignments at their own pace.

At the other end of the spectrum, online education can include preset requirements for students at a particular time and place, such as an online classroom. Others navigate the boundaries between traditional and online education, requiring students to attend certain functions in person.

This article highlights some of the positive aspects of online education and describes how it might fit your circumstances.

5 Notable Benefits of Online Learning

Convenience – In an online classroom, you can study from anywhere at any time. Although some programs do make use of fixed meeting times, the vast majority of courses allow students to complete assignments at their own pace. For students with unpredictable schedules, whether from work or from family obligations, the convenience of online education opens up the possibility of pursuing a degree or certification in a way not previously possible.

Access for students – Urban students sometimes take for granted the ease with which they can enroll in local classes. For the many prospective students living in rural communities, however, local education options may be lacking. Online education offers rural students who might otherwise not have access to a nearby college the ability to study and earn an education.

Students with disabilities may also find access to online education liberating. Online education often supports these students with specially tailored web platforms, eliminating the need to locate and navigate around an on-ground college equipped with appropriate accommodations.

Cost – While the cost per credit of an individual degree or certificate program online may be close to the cost of traditional programs, the overall cost of earning an education online may still be significantly lower. Online education takes collateral costs such as transportation or housing out of the picture. Some programs also remove the burden of paying for textbooks, instead offering free digital materials that students can download to their devices.

Learning environment – The freedom from physical classrooms can also offer benefits beyond a school commute. When studying, students can work in environments they find most comfortable. For some students, this may mean a local coffee shop or library, while others may find home to be the best location for studying and completing assignments.

Continue working – Earning a degree or certification online often will not require taking time away from work. The flexibility of online education allows student professionals to continue with their careers while taking classes. Although studying during what would otherwise be free time may sound like a bit of an overload, many full-time professionals manage to juggle both work and studies without issue.

Online Education Through Villanova University

Villanova University’s 100% online programs offer maximum flexibility to students of diverse backgrounds and life experiences, and are designed to fit your busy schedule. If you desire to earn a degree or certificate but have not yet found yourself with the ability to do so, the benefits of online education may allow you to pursue your goals and succeed.

In a traditional classroom, asking a professor a question and receiving an answer on the spot is considered normal. Establishing two-way communication in an online setting simply requires a different approach.  

Why is Communication Important in an Online Classroom?

Clear and frequent communication between student and professor is one of the most important aspects of a successful online learning experience and could determine whether a student successfully completes the class. Online students should understand that they can never ask too many questions.  

Professors in a traditional classroom can often get a feel for when their students understand or are confused by the day’s topics based on classroom Q&A. However, in an online environment, students must be proactive about contacting the professor with inquiries about unclear subjects in the course.

Communication Tools: Asynchronous vs. Synchronous

In most online classes, students are provided with two different kinds of communication tools – asynchronous and synchronous.

Asynchronous

Asynchronous communication allows people to interact at different times throughout the day. It is helpful in online learning because it enables students to have detailed interactions on a topic at a time of their choosing, rather than communicating in real-time. Examples of asynchronous communication include:

• Video lectures, audio (MP3) and podcast recordings
• Email
• Discussion boards

Synchronous

Synchronous communication allows real-time interaction. In the online education space, this means that everyone’s comments are relayed immediately. Unlike asynchronous communication, all students must be engaged in the same virtual place at the same time. When planning to interact using synchronous communication, professors and students often schedule a time when everyone can be included in the discussion. Examples of synchronous communication include:

• Instant messaging or a group chat
• Videoconferencing (Ex. Skype, ooVoo)
• Virtual classrooms (Ex. Elluminate, Blackboard, WebEx, Adobe Connect)

Both types of communication can help increase the quality of interactions between professors and students, while also improving student engagement and learning outcomes. This is why many online programs use a blend of asynchronous and synchronous communication.

7 Effective Communication Tips and Tricks

Whether in a traditional or virtual classroom, regular communication practices are important to successful learning. As a guideline, here are seven effective communication tips to help you communicate better with your online professor. 

1. Clarity – Clear writing is easier to understand. When you’re writing an email to a professor, consider your word choice and the formatting of the text to avoid confusion.
2. Completeness – While communicating, provide a complete picture encompassing the necessary information your professor will need to take action and respond.
3. Conciseness – While working within the requirements concerning completeness, try to avoid including unrelated information, repetition and lengthy explanations that do not add value to the conversation.
4. Concreteness – If needed, adding visuals to your communication can help reduce or even eliminate the possibility of your professor misunderstanding your message.
5. Correctness – A message with a typo is not professional. Proofreading should always be done before conveying information to your professor.
6. Courtesy – Even when conveying emotion or urgency in online communication, your tone should remain professional at all times.
7. Consideration – This tip is directly linked with courtesy. Remember to focus on the needs and expectations of your professors when communicating with them. 

It is important to note that not all certifications are equally valued. Certification programs must be accredited by national organizations and audited to ensure that coursework meets national standards. An accredited certification shows that a reputable organization is willing to attest to a professional’s high level of expertise and specialization in a particular area of knowledge.

Obtaining a certification can do more than offer independent verification. Certifications from national accreditation organizations can offer networking benefits, often connecting successful examinees with other certification holders. Depending on the nature of the certification, organizations may also offer special events, ongoing support and other career benefits to professionals.

Benefits of Certification

In addition to the benefit of independent validation of skill sets, obtaining certifications can have number of other advantages:

• Differentiate from competition – Certifications can be used to differentiate professionals from other competitors. Having a certification that a competitor does not have may offer an individual a significant advantage in the job application process.
• Network opportunities – Certifications can offer opportunities to network and connect with others who have obtained the same certification. Whether through meetings, socials, classes or other events and forums, certification authorities typically offer a number of ways to stay connected with others in your field. In some cases, pursuing a certification may connect test takers to others with similar interests and career experiences.
• New skills – Certifications can also broaden skill sets to include new tools and ways of thinking. While professionals can gain knowledge through working experience, certification may be a requirement to learn new perspectives and stay updated on industry trends and techniques.
• Higher potential salary – Though annual wage can vary depending on education, location, industry and employer, business professionals with accredited certifications typically have higher potential salaries than those without certifications or continuing education.
• Career advancement – Certifications can offer opportunities for career advancement and increased responsibility in new areas. Some professionals may want to use certifications as a way to change careers, particularly those who wish to take on more of a managerial role.

Certification Goals

When starting a new job, transitioning careers or further developing a career, certifications can offer opportunities for growth and may even serve as prerequisites for job advancement and other career milestones. While specific certification requirements may vary among professions, certifications can act as the next step toward pursuing your chosen career. 

Accreditation

Accreditation is usually done by a respected agency and involves ensuring that the program meets certain regional and national performance standards. While being accredited is only part of the overall story and does not necessarily indicate that the program is right for you, it does assure you that the school has achieved a certain benchmark level of quality. Be sure to examine the accreditation closely, finding the agency that granted it and the degree of proficiency it indicates.

Reputation

Reputation can be a tricky consideration. On the one hand, reputation isn’t everything, and there are cases where you can find excellent education at less-known schools and disappointing education at well-known schools. On the other hand, reputation does provide a starting point of consideration for the society in which we live. It is not uncommon for employers to weigh the value of applications based on the reputation of the applicant’s attended college.

Researching reputation can be done in two ways: checking online national college rankings and reading through student reviews. National college rankings can give an idea of the external opinion of the school, while student reviews may help show what previous students have thought of their education experience. Both approaches can be useful tools in providing a well-rounded view of the school(s) in question.

Programs

Next, pay attention to the specific programs offered and decide whether they meet your needs. If you’re not sure where to begin, one option is to look at the list of all programs offered and pick out a few that sound desirable. The number of programs offered can also tell you something of the degree to which an online program is established.

If a school offers a number of different programs in diverse areas, one could conclude that the school has a strong online support structure and experience creating distance-learning programs. Even so, just because a school only offers one or two programs, this does not mean that these are in any way weaker. If the school has what you want to study, then it should be given consideration.

Requesting Information

The final step is to take what you have learned and request more information on how to apply. While the school may offer online instructions on how to complete an application, it can still be worth contacting an admissions representative or sending an email request for more detailed instructions. The dialogue formed with a representative can also help give you your first real contact with someone at the school, and may help solidify your decision to apply.