Validate your expertise with USD’s official digital credentialing framework.
At the University of San Diego, digital badges serve as verifiable, portable, and secure credentials that signify meaningful learning experiences and demonstrated competencies. This initiative bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, allowing students, faculty, and staff to communicate specific skills to employers, professional organizations, and graduate programs.
Our Badge Taxonomy & Rigor
We employ a centralized taxonomy to ensure that every badge issued reflects a distinct level of learning rigor.
| Badge Type | Purpose | Shape | Key Visual Element |
|---|---|---|---|
| Experience | Recognizes meaningful engagement in structured events. | Circle | Hands raised |
| Skills | Verifies introductory or foundational skill development. | Round Square | Lightbulb, checkmark, gear |
| Competency | Verifies applied competence or mastery of a discipline. | Shield | Stars surrounding person |
Note: Participation badges require attendance, while Skills and Competency badges require the submission of artifacts or performance-based assessments to demonstrate learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Badges do not replace academic credit, transcripted coursework, or degree programs. They are intended to complement curricular experiences by highlighting skills and outcomes that extend beyond the traditional academic record.
Every badge is centrally governed and quality-reviewed by the Learning Design Center (LDC). They must align with institutional learning outcomes, workforce-relevant skills, or professional standards to ensure they remain trustworthy to external audiences.
No. To preserve credibility, we do not badge attendance-only events, informal appreciation, or software access without assessed skill application. Badges must be tied to defined learning outcomes and assessment criteria, like a workshop.
Governance & Partnership
USD is the sole issuing authority for all digital credentials. While academic and administrative units act as partners, the LDC provides the governance framework to ensure consistency in branding, accessibility, and instructional quality.
- Faculty & Staff Partnerships: Developers receive instructional design, accessibility, and media support from the LDC, with opportunities for recognition in course creation.
- Industry Partnerships: USD collaborates with employers and professional organizations to co-develop workforce-aligned content, ensuring that credential standards meet industry needs.
Getting Started
For Learners
View our Public Badge Inventory to see current offerings and begin building your verifiable professional profile.
For Faculty & Staff
Ready to develop a credential? Our team is here to guide you through the consultation, proposal, and launch phases.
Contact the Learning Design Center
Have questions about the initiative or want to learn more? Contact LDCsupport@sandiego.edu.