UW Flexible Degree Option

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What are Competency-Based Degree Programs?

Please read the CAEL report on Competency-Based Degree Programs in the U.S.:  Post Secondary Credentials for Measurable Stduent Learning and Performance.

This recently published report by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) provides an excellent summary of the state of post-secondary, competency-based degree programs in the United States. 

Post your comments about this report here.

Task Discussion


  • Suresh Chalasani   Aug. 23, 2012, 11:05 p.m.

    This is a follow-up to competency based programs and HLC accreditation.  The CAEL report by Rebecca Klein-Collins identifies two types of competency based programs:

    • Competency frameworks within the course-based programs (Course-based)
    • Competency frameworks that drive curricular redesign (Curricular Redesign)

    For HLC accreditation, course-based approach is probably safer. For example, Alverno College, which uses course-based approach is accredited by HLC.

    However, DePaul University, which used the curricular redesign model (for their Bachelor of Arts program in the School for New Learning), is also HLC accredited. See below.

    http://www.ncahlc.org/component/com_directory/Action,ShowBasic/Itemid,/instid,1083/

    May be we can learn more from DePaul on how the accreditation process worked with their competency based degree.