What Is Competency-Based Education?

Our understanding of the human mind has evolved over time, and models for education have changed along with it. Most classes once looked the same: Instructors delivered long lectures while students were expected to sit quietly and take notes. Today, we understand that education is much more effective when it’s engaging and student-centered.

That’s why the University of West Alabama is now offering more flexible, learner-driven degree pathways that utilize the concept of competency-based education (CBE). Available in select programs, CBE degrees allow students to set the pace of their learning and finish courses faster, ultimately graduating in less time.

What is Competency-Based Education?

Competency-based education (CBE) focuses on students’ capabilities rather than on the amount of time they spend on each course. The structure of CBE learning varies across institutions depending on each one’s philosophy toward education and the age of the student population. However, CBE degree programs tend to have at least a few things in common:

• All students learn the same concepts, but instructors vary their methods to support diverse learning styles
• Assessments are used to measure skills mastery and guide further instruction
• Instructors encourage students to connect lessons to their life experiences
• Lessons are student-centered instead of instructor-centered
• With flexible pacing, students set the timeline for their learning

Some common elements of CBE may sound familiar to you, especially if you’ve attended a school that emphasized outcome-based education (OBE), also known as standards-based education. While the two methods of education share similarities, they are different in a few important ways.

Outcome-Based Education vs Competency-Based Education

While CBE is a somewhat new concept, outcome-based education has been a common model of instruction in U.S. schools for decades, according to a report from the Connecticut Office of Legislative Research. In institutions that implement OBE, curricula is designed according to what students should be able to do, know, and understand when they leave the school system. Instruction is then guided by learning outcomes designed to incrementally build students’ capacity to meet these expectations.

The first major difference between CBE and OBE lies in the learner’s ability to further personalize their experience in a CBE model. When a school implements competency-based learning, it commits to empowering students to move through the curriculum at their own pace, even if that means moving much faster than their classmates.

Additionally, CBE learning places much more emphasis on how students’ life experiences have prepared them with competencies that meet course objectives. While instruction takes place and certainly prepares students with new knowledge and skills, CBE instructors acknowledge that some students may already possess the skills mastery they need to move on to their next lesson instead of spending time re-learning concepts they already know.

The specific elements of CBE that differentiate it from outcome-based education are typically more pronounced when it’s implemented in colleges and universities, as students attending these institutions are ready for more independence than those in K-12 schools.

How Does CBE Work at a University Level?

At the university level, CBE learning is structured to best fit the needs of the institution and its students. Among the universities that offer CBE degrees, you’ll most likely recognize similarities in instruction, but more differences when it comes to procedures and implementation. Competency-based education is still a new concept, and it is likely to continue to evolve over the coming years.

Here is a snapshot of how we’re approaching CBE degrees at the University of West Alabama:

• If your degree program is eligible for CBE, you may choose to follow the CBE track after completing the first 60 credit hours of the program
• Each course in your program will have clearly defined competencies that students must demonstrate proficiency in to pass
• Once in the CBE degree track, you’ll be able to complete courses as quickly as you want through skills mastery demonstrated on individual assessments
• The grades you receive on competency assessments will result in an overall course grade that factors into your GPA just like any other course
• You can complete as many courses as you want through CBE each term
• You will still complete all the required courses for your program, but by finishing each class as soon as you can demonstrate competency, you can move much faster through the program and graduate sooner

If moving through your program at your own pace interests you, then a CBE track may be the right option. Learn more about the benefits of competency-based education below.

What are the Benefits of Competency-Based Education?

While CBE degree programs at different universities can vary in many ways, they all share some common benefits that make them attractive options for students. Benefits of competency-based education include:

• Faster paths to graduation
• Flexible pacing
• Individualized instruction
• More equitable learning
• More student agency
• Self-paced programs
• Student-centered learning

Who Does Competency-Based Education Benefit Most?

Since competency-based education is designed to award college credit based on your abilities, students who already possess skills and expertise developed through life experience stand to gain the most from taking part in CBE degree programs. CBE learning is most likely to benefit students who:

• Have some college credits and are returning to finish their degree
• Have work experience in schools/classrooms
• Start their degrees later in life
• Would benefit from graduating faster due to other responsibilities, such as parenthood or a full-time job

Does CBE sound like something that could benefit you? If so, you may have a few lingering questions about this new system for learning – and you’re not alone. Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below.

Competency-Based Learning Frequently Asked Questions

As a pioneer in competency-based education, UWA is here to answer any questions you have. Review the frequently asked questions below, and if you have a question that isn’t answered, visit our CBE page and contact an enrollment counselor to learn more.

If I choose CBE, will I take fewer courses?

No. You will still take all the courses required for your degree, but with CBE, you may complete those courses much faster. As soon as you demonstrate skills mastery of all the competencies required for each course, you’ll be ready to move ahead.

Will I receive grades?

Yes. For proficiency demonstration, you’ll take assessments that will be graded by your professors. Those grades will result in a final grade for each course, which will be included in your overall GPA.

Will I still be able to interact with my professors and other students?

Yes! CBE allows you to move through your program much faster, but you still have access to all the resources offered at UWA, including expert professors and opportunities to collaborate with your peers. Keep in mind that CBE learning doesn’t require you to move through a course quickly – it just gives you that option. If you need to spend more time receiving instruction and participating in lessons to master the skills required for a certain course, you can. That’s the whole point of flexible pacing.

Will my degree say I was in a CBE or online program?

No. Your degree will not indicate which format or track you chose for your education.

What do employers think of competency-based education?

Employers want employees who have the skills to do their jobs well. According to an article from Inside Higher Ed, many are now using skills-based hiring to find qualified candidates, and graduating from a CBE program means that you’ll know with confidence that you’ve demonstrated proficiency in the skills and competencies required for your credential. In this way, CBE can help prepare you with the career-focused skills you need to impress future employers.

Competency-Based Degrees at The University of West Alabama

The University of West Alabama currently offers Competency-Based Education tracks for three online degree programs:

*Visit the program page for information on special admission requirements for this Educator Preparation Program.

Students in the above programs will have the option to follow the CBE track after completing the first 60 credit hours of their degree. By choosing CBE in your education program, you can graduate faster and start teaching sooner. Learn more about how to get started below.

How to Start a Competency-Based Education Program

With the University of West Alabama’s Competency-Based Education option, you’ll earn a degree you can be proud of on a timeline that works for you. Offering a generous transfer credit policy and competitive tuition, UWA empowers students to take control of their futures. Visit UWA’s CBE page to learn more about your options for setting the pace of your education.