What Is a Competency-Based Degree Program?

A competency-based degree program measures learning by your mastery of specific skills, rather than time spent in a classroom. It’s more self-paced and designed to help you save time and money by testing out of the material you already know.

Whereas traditional college degree programs have rigid semesters and schedules and charge per credit hour, CBE programs typically use flat-rate, per-term tuition. The faster you complete your modules, the more money and time you save.

Purdue Global offers a competency-based program called ExcelTrack^®. These degree programs offer the same curricula, program outcomes, academic rigor, and faculty as traditional program options.

Here’s how competency-based programs are different:

• Courses are shorter. The 1-credit module courses (mini-courses) provide greater scheduling and pacing flexibility.
• You work at your own pace. You can register for competency modules at the start of a term, then register for more modules as you complete them.
• Competency assessments test your knowledge. You must pass a comprehensive competency assessment during the term to gain credit for the competency module.
• Optional academic support activities are available. Readings, discussion boards, faculty, and more are there when you need them.
• Each term has a flat tuition rate. Unlike a traditional degree program in which you pay for each course separately, competency-based programs have a flat rate per term, plus applicable fees.

For professionals with real-world experience, competency-based programs provide an opportunity to demonstrate skills and knowledge they've already developed. Instead of measuring progress by time spent in class or the number of assignments completed, the focus is on whether you've mastered the required learning outcomes.

Each module course in ExcelTrack^® consists of two components: a readiness check and a competency assessment.

1. Readiness Check

The first component is a readiness check. It helps determine what you already know about a particular subject and what you still need to master. If you need help, you can take part in optional readings, participate in discussion boards, complete practice activities, and get help from your instructor.

2. Competency Assessment

You'll complete and submit the assigned final project, lab, or evaluation when ready. You will pass if you demonstrate competence for all of the outcomes. If you do not pass, you'll have another chance before the end of the term to revise and resubmit the project, lab, or evaluation.

Competency-based education programs are available across a wide range of fields, including business, information technology, cybersecurity, health care administration, and nursing. Degree availability, however, varies by institution. Through its ExcelTrack^® program, Purdue Global offers these competency-based degrees and certificates:

ExcelTrack® Bachelor’s Degrees

Each of the following bachelor's programs is available through ExcelTrack® and is designed for working adults who may already have college credits, relevant certifications, or years of hands-on experience in their field.

• Analytics
• Business Administration
• Cloud Computing and Solutions
• Cybersecurity
• Health Care Administration
• Information Technology

ExcelTrack® Master’s Degrees and Certificates

Select master's degrees and certificates are also available through ExcelTrack® for experienced professionals who want a flexible, self-paced path to an advanced credential.

• Business Administration (MBA)
• Nursing (MSN)
• Nurse Educator
• Nurse Executive Leader

Competency-based degree programs are a great fit for students who have relevant work and college experience, are self-motivated, and have excellent time management skills. At Purdue Global, ExcelTrack® students should have:

• 3 or more years of work experience developing professional skills relevant to the program of study
• Successful completion of at least 3 courses at an accredited college
• Time management and organizational skills
• Basic technical skills (ability to navigate the learning management system, save files, etc.) as you would for any online program

Competency-based programs are ideal for:

Working Adults and Career Changers

Competency-based programs are well-suited for full-time employees who need to study on their own schedule — including those who work nights, weekends, or rotating shifts.

Because ExcelTrack® is fully asynchronous and self-paced, there are no required class times or fixed weekly deadlines. Learners with relevant career experience in fields such as IT, business, or health care are especially positioned to move quickly through familiar coursework.

Adults Returning to School After a Gap

For adults returning to college after a break, a competency-based program can help bridge the gap between past experience and future goals.

Rather than focusing on course time, it enables you to demonstrate what you already know, concentrate on what you still need to learn, and move forward at a pace that fits your life.

I chose Purdue Global because I needed flexible options to obtain my degree while working full time and being a busy mom.” 
— Jennifer M. Worthy, ExcelTrack® MBA