Competency-Based Degrees and Programs
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In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, competency-based programs have emerged as a dynamic alternative to the traditional higher education structure.
As industries demand practical skills, flexible learning options like competency-based programs address these needs by focusing on mastery rather than time spent in the classroom. These programs also offer a fast way to earn college credit.
We’ll introduce competency-based degrees, spotlight several of the top programs, and explain why these flexible and affordable college options might be a solid choice for you.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Is a Competency-Based Degree?
Competency-based degrees and programs focus on assessing your mastery of specific skills and knowledge rather than relying solely on traditional credit hours and class structure.
In these programs, you progress at your own pace and move through the curriculum as you demonstrate proficiency in various predetermined areas. Simply put, the quicker you master a subject, the quicker you can complete course requirements.
Once you prove competency, you accumulate credits toward a degree. This learner-centric approach allows you to tailor your learning experience and earn a degree based on demonstrated capabilities.
These programs often utilize real-world projects, assessments, and personalized learning pathways. Competency-based degrees are ideal for self-directed learners and experienced adult students, allowing you to showcase existing skills and accelerate through familiar material.
Most competency-based degrees are also online.
Competency-Based Bachelor’s Degree
A competency-based bachelor’s degree places a strong emphasis on practical skills and knowledge that are directly applicable in the workplace, making it especially relevant for those who want to quickly apply what they’re learning to their current job or who want to improve their job prospects while still in school.
Because competency-based programs focus on experience, bachelor’s level programs are suited for career professionals. For example, if you’re a working nurse with an ADN, a competency-based degree could help you quickly earn your BSN degree more quickly.
Competency-Based Master’s Degree
A competency-based master’s degree program is designed around the competencies required for success in your chosen field, and your progress is determined by your ability to demonstrate proficiency in these areas.
The practical focus of these programs can provide a significant boost to your career, as you’ll be learning and applying skills that are immediately relevant in the professional world.
You’ll typically need several years of professional experience to participate in a competency-based master’s program.
8 Competency-Based Colleges and Universities
Several universities and colleges have embraced the competency-based education model, offering unique programs designed to cater to the needs of nontraditional learners.
University of Massachusetts Global
The University of Massachusetts Global offers competency-based programs under its MyPath initiative. These programs are self-paced, semester-free and utilize a time-based billing system. This means students can start their competencies at any time and complete as many as they can within a billing period, providing a high level of flexibility for adult learners.
Texas A&M University, Commerce
Texas A&M University Commerce offers a range of competency-based programs aimed at providing students a flexible, cost-effective, and rapid route to obtaining their degrees. These programs are tailored to the needs of working professionals, allowing them to earn their degree faster and at a lower cost.
University of Wisconsin
The University of Wisconsin’s competency-based programs are designed to foster student success by focusing on skill mastery rather than classroom hours. The UW Flexible Option program offers a highly individualized and adaptable learning journey, allowing students to start at any month and learn at their own pace.
Western Governors University
Western Governors University (WGU) is known for its wide array of competency-based programs in areas like business, education, IT, and health. WGU structures its programs with predefined competencies aligned with industry needs, and you progress through coursework while receiving personalized support from mentors. With the support of faculty mentors, students can progress at their own pace, making WGU an excellent choice for those looking to balance work and study.
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) provides competency-based degrees where students advance by demonstrating skills through self-paced, project-centric learning. In addition to course requirements, you receive guidance from coaches and faculty mentors, accelerating through the material you grasp quickly. It offers degrees in areas like communication, healthcare management, and management, making it a perfect fit for nontraditional students such as working professionals.
Purdue University Global
Purdue University Global’s ExcelTrack program is designed for working professionals looking for flexible, self-directed learning. It offers both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in fields like business administration, cybersecurity, and nursing, allowing students to control the pace of their learning and balance their educational pursuits with their professional and personal responsibilities.
Walden University
Walden University offers the Tempo Learning program, which provides competency-based degree opportunities. The program is self-guided and allows students to progress by demonstrating proficiency in certain competencies.
With a three-month, fixed-cost subscription approach, students are encouraged to master as many competencies as possible within each term. Students also receive guidance and evaluation from faculty and academic mentors to facilitate their learning journey and monitor their progress.
University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix’s competency-based programs offer flexible, self-guided learning that caters to working professionals. These programs allow students to take on up to four courses at once within a 16-week frame, resulting in faster completion. The assessment process emphasizes skill mastery over traditional grading, ensuring students gain the vital skills needed for career progression.
Competency-Based Programs vs. Traditional Four-Year Programs
Competency-based programs are typically quick, flexible, and affordable, but are they right for you? Check out the table below to compare and contrast competency-based and traditional programs.
| Factor | Competency-Based Program | Traditional Program |
|---|---|---|
| Duration (Full-Time) | 1-2 years | Four years |
| Grading System | Pass/fail (may vary by school) | Traditional letter grades |
| Learning Format | Self-paced online (Asynchronous) | Instructor-led classroom (Synchronous) |
| Term Structure | 3-6 month terms (May vary by school) | Semester-long terms |
| Course Structure | As many courses as you’re able to demonstrate mastery in per term | 4-5 classes per semester (12+ credits for full-time students) |
| Tuition Structure | Per-term (may vary by school) | Per-credit |
| Earning Credits | Competency assessments on your own terms and pace | A passing grade for a semester-long course |
The Benefits of Competency-Based Degrees
Competency-based degrees offer a host of benefits that can make them an attractive alternative to traditional degree programs. These benefits include added flexibility, faster completion time, and potentially lower tuition costs.
Added Flexibility
One of the biggest benefits of a competency-based degree is the flexibility it provides. Because you can progress at your own pace and on your own schedule, you’ll have the freedom to balance your education with your other responsibilities.
These degrees often utilize online platforms, promoting remote access and personalized study plans. This flexibility caters to diverse learning styles while accommodating the responsibilities of work and home, thus expanding access to higher education.
Faster Completion Time
Another major advantage of competency-based degrees is the potential for a faster completion time. Because you can move on as soon as you’ve mastered a skill or competency, you may be able to earn your degree more quickly than you would in a traditional program. This can not only save you time but also help you to advance your career sooner.
Flat-Rate Tuition Costs
Many competency-based programs operate on a flat-rate tuition model, which can make them a more affordable option than traditional degree programs.
Rather than paying per credit hour, you pay a set fee regardless of the time you take to complete your program. This approach is beneficial as it allows you to quickly complete the material and complete the program faster.
Is a Competency-Based Degree Right for You?
To decide if a competency-based degree is right for you, consider your educational and career goals, your learning style, your need for flexibility, and your financial situation.
If you’re a self-starter who thrives in a flexible learning environment and want to quickly apply what you’re learning to your current job, or if you want to improve your job prospects while still in school, a competency-based degree could be a good fit for you.
For working adults, career changers, and military service members, competency-based programs are often advantageous. These individuals often have diverse personal and professional commitments, requiring enhanced flexibility.
Additionally, nontraditional students often bring prior knowledge and experience that are valuable in a competency-based program.
Frequently Asked Questions About Competency-Based Degrees
A competency-based master’s degree assesses your proficiency in specific skills and knowledge required for a specific field. Instead of following a fixed timeframe, you advance as you demonstrate mastery of the required topics. This approach often involves personalized learning, various assessments, and real-world projects.
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