PATH Certificate
The Professional Advancement Through Hands-On Learning (PATH) Certificate equips you with industry-relevant skills through a structured, work-based learning curriculum. PATH integrates academic coursework with experiential learning opportunities, fostering career readiness and workforce development in high-demand fields.
Pending, Fall 2025
Certificate Overview
PATH bridges the gap between classroom and industry by integrating work-based learning into the academic experience. PATH empowers you to explore career paths, develop in-demand skills, and gain hands-on experience through a combination of design thinking, industry collaboration, and real-world projects.
Throughout PATH, you will engage with RISE Mentors and industry leaders, participate in career exploration events, and gain networking and mentorship opportunities to support your professional growth and achieve your career goals.
Why PATH?
Career Readiness
Industry leaders are seeking professionals with practical experience and adaptable skills to meet evolving the workforce demands. PATH equips you with real-world problem-solving abilities, industry knowledge, and mentorship to help you stand out and succeed in a competitive job market.
Hands-On Experience
Through project-based learning, internships, and industry collaborations, PATH ensures you gain valuable, applied experience in your field of interest. You will work alongside industry professionals, engage in team-based projects, and participate in mentorship programs that enhance your career development.
Innovative Curriculum
PATH integrates design thinking, personalized learning, and industry-driven coursework to provide students with cutting-edge education and practical skills.
Discover Your Passion
Through curriculum based in design thinking and opportunities to interact with professionals in fields of interest, you will discover where your passions are and how to align your career and skills to meet those interests.
Hands-On Experience
Gain valuable real-world experience that bridges the gap between classroom learning and professional application, preparing you to enter the workforce of the future.
Evolving Curriculum
PATH continuously adapts to industry trends and employer needs, ensuring that you receive the most up-to-date training and remain competitive in an ever-changing job market.
What can you do with a PATH certificate after graduation?
Here are just a few careers that can benefit from this certificate.
Supply Chain Analyst
A Supply Chain Analyst can leverage real-world projects to optimize logistics, demand forecasting, and inventory management using data-driven decision-making. Hands-on experience with industry partners enhances problem-solving and operational efficiency skills.
Marketing Specialist
A Marketing Specialist may gain expertise in digital strategy, market research, and consumer behavior through industry-led projects. The program helps develop skills in content creation, data analytics, and campaign performance tracking, making marketing efforts more effective.
UX/UI Designer
A UX/UI Designer can apply user-centered design principles in project-based learning, collaborating with industry professionals to create intuitive digital experiences. Learners gain hands-on experience with usability testing, wireframing, and prototyping tools.
Data Analyst
A Data Analyst can build technical and analytical skills through industry-focused modules, working with real datasets and business cases. Learners develop proficiency in data visualization, statistical analysis, and strategic decision-making.
Featured Courses
PATH courses give you the opportunity to explore career opportunities and gain hands-on experience to prepare you for a rewarding career.
CECS 101
Design Your Career, Design Your Degree
This innovative and learner-centered course empowers you to craft a personalized educational journey that aligns with your unique interests and career aspirations. You are equipped with the tools to shape your academic experience and future career paths using design thinking methods to spur curiosity and creativity, pushing you to think both broadly and deeply.
*Previously ITS 101
CECS 102
Industry CoLab
This course empowers you to select topics of interest from various online, asynchronous modules created by CECS in collaboration with industry partners. You will select a domain of interest and be required to submit a plan of study that identifies a 10-module path to the faculty facilitator for approval. As a group, you will have a virtual 1-hour meeting with your domain RISE mentor during the eighth and final week of class to discuss your skill and knowledge development.
CECS 301
Industry Action Lab
This course immerses you in real-world problem-solving through team-based, project-driven learning experiences. These hands-on projects challenge you to apply your skills in a dynamic, team-oriented environment. You will select from multiple small-team project modules, each designed to address current industry challenges across various fields. Throughout the semester, you will complete three distinct projects, developing critical competencies such as collaboration, leadership, adaptability, and innovative thinking.
Experiential Learning
PATH INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
You will apply your knowledge in a professional setting by selecting either an Internship (N) or Service (S) course. This experience allows you to engage with real-world industry challenges, develop hands-on skills and build valuable connections in their chosen field. Gain direct exposure to workplace environments, contributing to projects that align with your career aspirations. Those who choose a service-based option will collaborate with organizations to apply their skills in a community-focused setting, solving industry-related problems with a social impact.
Related Programs, Certificates & Minors
CECS offers innovative, customizable majors, minors, and certificates in areas of emerging technology and the skills required by the workforce of the future.
Admissions and Aid
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