Things you need to know about competency based degrees?

The world is rapidly changing. All walks of life are seeing unprecedented progress and development, and the field of higher education is not an exception. Amongst many innovations within the industry, competency-based degrees are seen as one of the bigger ones, and an innovation that allows for never-before-seen flexibility that can only be beneficial for students, taking into account the high pace of today’s everyday life.

If you are curious and want to know more about competency based degrees, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will explore the world of competency based degrees online and on campus, while sharing invaluable tips on choosing the right competency based college for you.

What are competency-based degrees

The underlying premise of competency-based degrees is that the students should be judged on the mastery of certain skills and knowledge rather than the time spent in classrooms and classes because the latter is rarely an indication of skill and potential.

Competency based degree programs acknowledge the fact that each individual student is different, learns at a different pace, and finds different learning methods and approaches optimal. This approach is aimed at getting the best out of each student, regardless of their preferred methods of learning.

It’s important to emphasize that, as opposed to traditional degree programs, where the students must adhere to a strict schedule, competency based degree programs allow the student to move on to the next module as soon as they have mastered the material from the previous one, which allows for a shorter time needed to obtain your competency based degree.

In any case, competency based degrees afford an additional degree of personalization and flexibility which undoubtedly results in a more student-centered, and conducive learning environment. 

Is it possible to get a competency based degree online?

Without beating around the bush: Yes, it’s possible to get a competency based degree online! Moreover, the availability and flexibility of online classes are usually one of the first reasons that students name when asked why they opted to pursue a competency based degree. 

The benefits of being able to access the classes at your convenience, utilizing your time as you see fit, accompanied with the availability of all learning materials online, which eliminates the use of physical materials, which often results in cost savings, are just some of the reasons why there is a growing number of competency based online colleges and why their popularity is growing.

How long does it take to earn a competency-based degree?

Many students see the schedule flexibility of competency based degrees as one of their biggest benefits, as it allows the student the opportunity to earn their degree faster than the traditional way.

Since students are allowed to learn and absorb knowledge at their own pace, which means that they can move on to the next lesson as soon as they have mastered the previous one, they often earn their competency based degrees much quicker than their peers enrolled in traditional programs.

The above will depend heavily on the student and educational institution, but if speed is of the essence, competency based degree programs may well be your best bet!

How to choose the right competency-based program for you?

Choosing the right competency based program for you is not much different than choosing the traditional one, in the sense that it’s up to the student’s preferences, skills, and ambitions. 

There are too many competency based colleges and programs to touch on all of them, but it would be a good idea to look into accredited institutions that have been at the forefront of competency based education like Western Governor University(WGU), because despite the influx of new schools WGU degrees may hold more weight, because of the institutions long-standing reputation.

Conclusion

Competency based degree programs are an excellent choice for any prospective student who values flexibility and personalization above all. With flexible schedules and the possibility of online learning, they are perfect for today’s fast pace of life. 

Choosing the right program for you will depend on many factors, from the students preferences and ambitions, to the specificities of each college and degree program, but no matter what program you’re looking for; if you value flexibility and student-centeredness, competency based degrees may just be the right choice for you!