Siemens and University of Colorado Boulder Celebrate First-Ever ABET-Recognized Industry Microcredential
Representatives from Siemens, University of Colorado Boulder, and ABET gathered in Boulder to celebrate this significant milestone.
Boulder, Colo. — Siemens Digital Industries Software and the University of Colorado Boulder’s Engineering Management Program celebrated a major milestone in workforce education on Thursday afternoon, May 14, 2026, in Boulder: full ABET recognition of every pathway within the Design for the Circular Economy microcredential. This achievement marks the first time an industry credential of any kind has received recognition under ABET’s Recognition of Credentials Standards.
The nine-course, approximately 180-hour microcredential is designed for graduate students and working professionals seeking to build applied expertise in sustainability. Offered on Coursera and requiring no formal prerequisites, the program provides flexible, accessible training aligned with evolving workforce needs. Learners can pursue one of three pathways—Sustainable Operations, Transformative Sustainability, and Sustainable Leadership—all of which now carry ABET recognition.
“This is a defining moment for workforce education,” Dora Smith, Senior Director of Future Workforce Strategy. said “Sustainability is one of the defining challenges of our time… [and] achieving ABET recognition… tells learners—and employers—that this credential delivers on that promise.”
ABET, a global quality assurance organization with more than 90 years of experience in STEM education, evaluates credentials based on factors including curriculum design, learning outcomes, and continuous improvement practices. Until now, its recognition had been reserved exclusively for degree programs at accredited academic institutions.
The microcredential was developed through a close collaboration between Siemens and ĐÔĘӽ紫ý, combining industry expertise with academic rigor. In addition to building practical sustainability skills, learners can apply completed courses toward a ĐÔĘӽ紫ý graduate certificate, which can also transfer into an aligned master’s degree program.
"Our partnership with Siemens reflects a shared belief that high-quality sustainability knowledge and skills should be widely available. The Design for the Circular Economy microcredential gives learners a focused, credible way to develop expertise in sustainable operations, supply chain, and leadership.” Wendy Martin, Lockheed Martin Endowed Professor and Engineering Management Program Interim Director, University of Colorado Boulder said. “Full ABET recognition of all three pathways is a meaningful validation of that work. Additionally, for those learners interested in continuing their education, progress from this microcredential can transfer and be upgraded toward an aligned ĐÔĘӽ紫ý graduate certificate or master's degree from the Engineering Management Program.”
Upon completion, learners earn digital badges that can be shared on professional platforms such as LinkedIn. Participants are also invited to join the Siemens Talent Directory, connecting them with employers worldwide seeking sustainability expertise.
The May 14 event in Boulder brought together leaders from industry and academia to recognize this achievement and underscore the importance of innovative, accessible education pathways in addressing global sustainability challenges.
About
Siemens Digital Industries Software helps organizations of all sizes digitally transform using software, hardware, and services from the Siemens Xcelerator business platform.
About the University of Colorado Boulder Engineering Management Program
The Engineering Management Program at ĐÔĘӽ紫ý prepares professionals to lead at the intersection of engineering, business, and innovation.
About
ABET is a globally recognized quality assurance organization for STEM education, with more than 90 years of experience and operations in 42 countries.