Competency-Based Master’s and Bachelor’s Degrees: Should You Get One?
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Key Takeaways
- Competency-based programs prioritize skills and knowledge over traditional credits and often offer a faster pathway to earning a degree.
- Popular schools offering competency-based degrees include Western Governors University, Southern New Hampshire University, and Purdue University Global.
- Competency-based programs typically offer ample flexibility and a flat-rate tuition structure. They may be especially attractive to working adults, career changers, and self-directed learners.
Competency-based education (CBE) is a flexible alternative to traditional classroom learning that focuses on your life skills and overall competency in a subject rather than your grades. In other words, this approach lets you earn college credit quickly by taking into account your relevant experience.
A competency-based degree generally entails less classroom time, more flexibility, a stronger emphasis on real-world applications, and individualized learning. It also includes an assessment of your skills.
Keep reading to learn whether a competency-based degree is right for you and what programs are available.
What Is a Competency-Based Degree?
Rather than relying on traditional college credits, which can be pricey and time-consuming, a competency-based degree program assesses your existing skills and knowledge to award you credit toward your degree.
To put it simply, CBE recognizes the relevant, valuable experiences you’ve had outside the classroom.
You’ll move through the curriculum by proving what you already know. Many CBE students are adult learners with academic or professional experience in the subjects they’re studying.
One major benefit of CBE is that you can earn your degree more quickly than you can in a traditional degree program. This is because you can earn credit for relevant experiences.
CBE can also save you money, as you won’t need to pay for classes that teach skills you already have. Generally, the faster you earn your degree, the more money you can save and the quicker you can enter the job market.
Some competency-based degree programs charge a flat tuition rate as opposed to a set cost per credit. Think of this like a subscription model: The more you know, the faster you can progress through your program and the fewer terms you will have to pay for.
What Is a Competency-Based Bachelor’s Degree?
A competency-based bachelor’s degree generally caters to early-career professionals.
If you already have some training or experience in your industry and want a credential to prove your expertise, a competency-based bachelor’s degree could be a good fit for you.
Competency-based bachelor’s programs emphasize real-world skills over theories and philosophies. You should have a solid grasp of your field’s basic concepts going into this program so you can spend more time developing the skills you’re less confident in.
One common competency-based bachelor’s program is a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Many BSN programs require you to have a registered nursing license and a few years of work experience before you can apply.
What Is a Competency-Based Master’s Degree?
A competency-based master’s degree targets bachelor’s degree-holders who want to further their skills and deepen their expertise in the field they work in.
In addition to helping you qualify for higher-level positions, a master’s degree can help you earn a higher salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those with a master’s degree earn around 19% more per year than those with just a bachelor’s degree.
A competency-based master’s degree is a good choice if you have years — or even decades — of experience in your field and want to leverage that experience to advance your career and give yourself a competitive edge.
What Schools Offer Competency-Based Degrees?
Explore the table below to learn what schools offer CBE. You can find competency-based degrees in subjects like business, nursing, technology, and education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
For this table, we only chose accredited, nonprofit, four-year schools to ensure quality and a solid return on investment for students.
| School | Degree Level(s) | Subjects Offered | Accreditation | Length | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walden University | Bachelor’s, master’s, graduate certificate | Nursing, business administration, criminal justice, early childhood studies, psychology | Higher Learning Commission | 3-7 years | $1,600-$3,550 per three-month subscription period |
| East Texas A&M University | Certification, bachelor’s | Teaching, criminal justice, nursing, public administration, human resource development | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges | 1-2 years (average) | $1,000 per semester (in-state), $2,000 per semester (out-of-state) |
| Purdue University Global | Bachelor’s, master’s, graduate certificate | Business administration, nursing, cybersecurity, information technology, cloud computing | Higher Learning Commission | Varies | $2,500-$4,062 per term, flat rate |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Certificate, associate, bachelor’s | Healthcare management, communication, management | New England Commission of Higher Education | Varies | $4,995 per year |
| University of Massachusetts Global | Associate, bachelor’s, master’s | Organizational leadership, information technology, business administration | WASC Senior College and University Commission | Self-paced | $3,400 per 24-week session (undergraduate) $3,915 per session (graduate) |
| University of Wisconsin | Certificate, associate, bachelor’s | Counseling, nursing, business administration, biomedical sciences, information technology | Higher Learning Commission | Varies | $9,000 per year |
| Western Governors University | Certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, graduate certificate | Data analytics, healthcare administration, marketing, communications, accounting, education, computer science | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities | 2.5 years (average) | $8,300 per year (average, bachelor’s), $8,856 per year (average, master’s) |
Should You Get a Competency-Based Degree?
“Students with experience in their chosen field will benefit from competency-based degrees, particularly if they are already working in the field and wish to advance in their career,” says Norma Feriz-Gordon, a college and career success coach.
If you have no training or experience in the field you wish to study and work in, CBE is probably not the best choice for you.
That said, if you’re looking for a flexible, more affordable alternative to a traditional degree, you should look into CBE.
“The biggest downsides [of CBE] include not having the traditional college experience in which students can explore a variety of subjects and be exposed to various fields,” says Feriz-Gordon.
Take time to consider your educational and professional goals as well as your learning style to determine whether CBE is right for you.
Pros of Competency-Based Degrees
Flexible format- Often cheaper than traditional degree programs
- Shorter completion time
- Individualized, self-directed learning
- Real-world application and focus
Cons of Competency-Based Degrees
Limited emphasis on theories and concepts- Fewer program and school options
- Immediate employer needs a priority over long-term needs
- Less time to explore other fields
- Typically assessment-based
Frequently Asked Questions About Competency-Based Degree Programs
The purpose of competency-based education is to quickly and affordably help you demonstrate your real-world skills to employers and earn you credit for experience. In other words, CBE is an alternative education approach that emphasizes competencies, skills, and prior knowledge.
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