Competency-Based Education

Abstract

This chapter will review what competency-based education is and how delivering traditional educational credentials and degrees in a non-traditional, non-term program can better engage students and promote their success in the new higher educational market. It will discuss how the CBE model can benefit students, especially non-traditional populations. Students can leverage this type of “just in time” flexible education to obtain credentials, degrees, and certificates needed to meet professional goals and career requirements in the current job market. The chapter will summarize some of the common challenges administrators can face while administering CBE programs related to information technology barriers, student retention and motivation, and faculty perception and make recommendations for addressing these challenges. This discussion will better-prepare institutions of higher education in creating and implementing their own CBE programs.