Overview

There are many examples of traditional higher education institutions that have implemented robust CBE learning opportunities within their curriculum. Examples can be found across the full spectrum of CBE pedagogy and include individual courses delivered using CBE pedagogy to entire programs offered exclusively through CBE. Below, you'll discover successful examples of CBE implementation at traditional colleges and universities. Read through each Institution's program and watch the associated videos if applicable.

Successful Examples

University of Wisconsin System

The University of Wisconsin System, for example, has several formalized completely CBE degree and certificate options through its UW Flex Program. CBE degree offerings include an AACSB accredited Business degree, Information Science and Technology, and Health Science and Nursing. Interestingly, UW also offers students in its UW Flex Program a flat tuition rate where students can take as many courses as reasonable during 12-week subscription, which does not include any additional fees beyond tuition.

University of Main at Presque Isle

The University of Maine at Presque Isle’s YourPace Program is the same as any other degree UMPI offers, but how students learn works a little differently. Instead of taking traditional, 15-week classes, students master individual competencies to advance through coursework—and the faster you prove your knowledge and move ahead, the more you save. Tuition is a flat rate per 8-week session no matter how many courses you complete. Plus, with no weekly course deadlines, students control the speed of completing their program. YourPace offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees to certificates and a non-degree option.

University of Kansas

Jayhawk Flex is the name for the University of Kansas' competency-based education (CBE) offerings. KU is working toward HLC accreditation for their Jayhawk Flex program with a Spring 2025 launch goal. The development process of the Jayhawk Flex Competency-Based Education initiative has been a highly collaborative one, drawing on the wealth of knowledge, skills, and expertise across several colleges and staff at the University of Kansas. KU started the same infrastructure project in 2022 that we at UNO are embarking on now.

The University of Kansas is another institution that has demonstrated a commitment to CBE through its Center for Certification & Competency Based Education (C3Be) which is singularly focused on supporting certification, competency-based, and work-place learning and education.

Summary

Though each of these institutions' approach to CBE is unique, they each represent well-established, traditional higher education institutions that have prioritized exploring CBE options for their diverse students in ways that make sense for their unique campuses.