A lesser known education model is making its way to Louisiana with a new degree program at Northwestern State University that lets students advance at their own pace, The Advertiser reports.
Competency-based degree programs surged in popularity in the U.S. over the last few years as universities started implementing them and the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the Advancing Competency-Based Education Demonstration Project Act in July 2014.
The competency-based program is a flexible education model that builds upon students’ prior knowledge and experience rather than spending a set number of hours in a classroom. Students advance as they demonstrate mastery of specific skills or knowledge called competencies.
If students can show mastery over material and pass a pre-assessment, they move to the next unit or competency. The opposite also is true; those needing more time to master an area can take that time.
In most cases, students have a set amount of time overall, like six months to complete all competencies, but they can spend as much time as needed on individual units.
Such is the case for NSU’s new competency-based program for students seeking a computer information systems degree or certification. School officials say using this model allows students to complete the program at a fraction of the time and cost. Students can go through the program at NSU on a credit or noncredit basis. Those who may need to gain an industry certification or gain a specific skill can take classes on a non-credit basis.
“This is the first of its kind in our system,” says Cami Geisman, communication director for the University of Louisiana System.
It also appears to be the first of its kind in the state. It’s a relatively new trend—with most programs younger than five years old—but it is catching on. The Atlantic reported at least 200 institutions had competency-based education programs in 2014. New Hampshire, Michigan and Ohio are among some state efforts listed by the U.S. Department of Education in 2016.
Advocates say this education model is more student-centered, letting them complete programs at their own pace and based around their lifestyle. Add to that benefits like quicker completion times and less costs for motivated students. And employers benefit in that they can judge prospective employees, the students, on demonstrated competencies that translate better to the work than traditional grades might.
