Wichita State University has launched a new badge program designed to make education accessible and affordable for the working professional. Coursework is structured for a student to complete online at their convenience in smaller increments than the traditional classroom.

The first badge course to launch is the Care of Population Health Professions, Badge 1, and it is aimed at public health professionals.

This badge is a 0.5-credit-hour class that will appear on a transcript indicating that academic work was successfully completed in a short course for less than a full credit hour.

The Care of Population badge program is broken into six badge courses, all tied directly to Tier 1 of the Public Health Core Competencies. Besides the core competencies, students can use the badge content for continuing education, and, in some cases, toward a degree.

Registration is now available for Badge 1. Badges 2-6 will launch spring 2016. Students can learn more about the badge program and register online at www.wichita.edu/badges.

“This badge program is a very exciting venture for Wichita State,” said Kimberly Moore, director of WSU’s Office for Workforce, Professional and Community Education. “It is a testament to the fact that WSU wants to make education available for everyone - - even busy professionals.”

For questions about the program or the Care of Population badge course, contact the Office for Workforce, Professional and Community Education at 316-978-7579 or conference.office@wichita.edu.