Competency-Based Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees: Should You Get One?

Q: How fast can you finish a competency-based degree?

The time to complete a competency-based degree varies, but many students finish faster than in traditional programs. Your progress will depend on prior knowledge, available study time, and how quickly you can demonstrate required competencies.

Q: Can you transfer credits into a competency-based program?

Yes, many competency-based programs accept transfer credits or credit for prior learning, though policies differ by school. You should confirm eligibility requirements and documentation standards before enrolling to avoid delays.

Q: What careers benefit most from competency-based education?

Careers in business, information technology, health care, education, and project management often benefit most from competency-based education because these fields value measurable skills, professional experience, and ongoing career advancement.

Learn what a competency-based master’s degree is, how these programs work, and whether they fit your goals, schedule, budget, and career advancement needs.

Updated on May 1, 2026

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Key Takeaways

Students in competency-based degrees progress by proving mastery in a skill, which can shorten completion time.
If you’re an independent learner seeking career advancement, can manage your schedule, and have prior transfer credits, you might be a good candidate.
Competency-based degrees offer flexibility for experienced learners and potential savings.

Competency-based degrees award credit once you demonstrate mastery of specific skills or knowledge, not for how long you sit in class. You can progress by completing assessments in a topic, allowing you to move at your own pace or accelerate your degree program.

These programs often work best for self-motivated learners, especially adults with relevant work backgrounds and strong time management skills. They’re not ideal for students who prefer structured schedules or traditional classroom interaction.

Should You Get a Competency-Based Degree?

You may be a strong candidate for a competency-based degree if you value flexibility and have relevant experience you can apply to coursework. These programs reward discipline and real-world knowledge. You may be a good fit if you are:

A working professional balancing school with job or family responsibilities
Seeking career advancement or a promotion in your current field
An experienced learner with prior knowledge, certifications, or industry skills
Comfortable managing your own schedule and learning independently

Competency-Based vs. Traditional Degrees

Understanding how competency-based and traditional degrees differ can help you choose the format that best fits your schedule, budget, and learning style. The table below highlights key distinctions.

Comparing Competency-Based and Traditional Degrees
Degree Type	Cost	Length	Flexibility
Competency-based	$5,889 – $9,920 per year	3 – 5 years	Highly flexible, often self-paced
Traditional	$29,900 public; $63,000 private	4 years for bachelor’s, 2 years for master’s	Limited schedule flexibility

Schools That Offer Competency-Based Degrees

When comparing schools that offer competency-based degrees, focus on accreditation, program reputation, transfer credit policies, and student support services to ensure the program aligns with your career goals.

Schools That Offer Competency-Based Degrees
School	Degree Level(s)	Length	Cost
East Texas A&M University	Certifications, bachelor’s	1-2 years (average)	$1,000 per term (in-state), $2,000 per term (out-of-state)
Southern New Hampshire University	Certificate, associate, bachelor’s	Varies	$342/credit undergraduate degrees; $659/credit graduate degrees
University of Massachusetts Global	Associate, bachelor’s, master’s	Self-paced	$3,400 per 24-week session (undergraduate), $3,915 per session (graduate); reduced fees for active duty military
University of Wisconsin	Certificate, associate, bachelor’s	Varies	$9,000 per year for all the classes you can complete in that time period
Western Governors University	Certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, graduate certificate	2.5 years (average)	$8,300 per year (average, bachelor’s), $8,856 per year (average, master’s)
Walden University	Bachelor’s, master’s, and graduate certificates	3-7 years	$1,650-$4,000 per three-month subscription period
Purdue University Global	Bachelor’s, master’s, and graduate certificates	Varies	$2,500-$3,200 per term, flat rate depending on program and education level

East Texas A&M University — Most Affordable

Subjects Offered: Teaching, criminal justice, nursing, public administration, human resource development
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Best For: Students prioritizing affordability

At just $1,000 per term for in-state students and $2,000 for out-of-state students, the competency-based degree programs at East Texas A&M are the most affordable on this list. You can also take as many classes as you want during each term without the rate rising. Your tuition also includes the cost of digital textbooks.

Southern New Hampshire University — Most Community-Focused Programs

Subjects Offered: Healthcare management, communication, management, general studies
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Best For: Students interested in in-person learning and support

SNHU’s Community Partnerships competency-based education program partners with organizations in 10 states to expand access to study spaces and build a sense of belonging.

University of Massachusetts Global — Most Unique Learning Formats

Subjects Offered: Organizational leadership, information technology, business administration
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
Best For: Students seeking a nontraditional learning style

UMass Global’s MyPath programs include simulation, game-based, and social learning that differ from test-based learning and sometimes mimic real-world challenges.

University of Wisconsin — Most Flexible

Subjects Offered: Counseling, nursing, business administration, biomedical sciences, information technology
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Best For: Students seeking maximum flexibility

On top of the self-paced, online learning that all programs on this list feature, UW’s Flexible Option allows students to start in any month. That’s compared to most traditional programs’ three start dates and most competency-based programs’ eight start dates.

Western Governors University — Best Selection of Programs

Subjects Offered: Data analytics, healthcare administration, marketing, communications, accounting, education, computer science
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Best For: Students seeking a wide variety of program options

Every bachelor’s and master’s program at WGU is competency-based. That means students have almost 90 competency-based program options to choose from — the most on our list by far.

Honorable Mentions

Both Walden and Purdue are solid choices for career-focused competency-based programs.

Walden University

Subjects Offered: 16 programs, including nursing, business administration, criminal justice, early childhood studies, and psychology
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Purdue University Global

Subjects Offered: Business administration, nursing, cybersecurity, information technology, cloud computing
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

How to Choose the Right Competency-Based Degree

Choosing the right competency-based degree requires careful review of several metrics, including accreditation, program quality, learning format, total cost, and transfer credit policies to ensure the program meets your academic and career needs.

Accreditation and Program Quality

Verify that the institution you are considering holds recognized accreditation and that the program reports strong student outcomes, such as graduation rates, licensure pass rates, and job placement results. Accreditation helps ensure strong academic standards.

Learning Format

Review whether courses are asynchronous, synchronous, or blended, and confirm the level of program flexibility. Consider whether the program is fully online, in-person, or hybrid, and choose the format that fits your schedule and learning preferences.

Cost

Compare total tuition, fees, and potential financial aid to determine overall affordability. Evaluate whether the degree’s cost meets expected salary growth or career advancement to ensure the investment delivers long-term value.

Transfer Credits

Ask how prior coursework, professional certifications, or credit for prior learning (CPL) will transfer into the program. Confirming policies in writing can help you avoid losing credits, which may extend your time to completion.

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 Programs

Do employers respect competency-based degrees?

Yes, competency-based degrees are generally respected by employers when earned from an accredited institution. Employers typically focus on accreditation status, demonstrated skills, and relevant experience rather than the specific learning format.