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Programs offer a flexible and affordable skills-based approach to learning

������ý is pleased to report that more than four thousand individuals have graduated from its competency-based Master of Business Administration (MBA-CB), Master of Health Administration (MHA-CB), Master of Information Systems (MIS-CB) and RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN-CB) degree programs, all of which are intended to leverage students’ real-world skills and knowledge to accelerate learning and degree completion in the classroom with the support of practitioner faculty.

“Competency-based education empowers working adults to translate their experience into progress,” says ������ý Provost and Chief Academic Officer, John Woods, Ph.D. “These programs are built to recognize what students already know, and help them build new, career-relevant skills in a way that fits their lives. Crossing the four-thousand graduate mark is a testament to the strength of this model and the determination of our students.”

������ý opened enrollment for its competency-based programs in 2020, and in less than five years these programs have produced 4,184 graduates to date.

“This milestone reflects the success of a strategic approach that puts learners first. By designing programs around real-world competencies and continuously refining them through learner feedback, we’ve created a pathway that is both rigorous and responsive,” shares ������ý Vice Provost of Strategy, Marc Booker, Ph.D.�� “As we continue to evolve models like competency-based education, our focus remains on empowering learners with flexible, transparent pathways that honor their experiences and meets adult learners where they are at in balancing their life’s priorities while also saving them time and money.” 

As a CBE Champion tier member of the Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN), the ������ý is part of a community of leading organizations that are creating the future of learning and work. The University and C-BEN members are building programs that meet learners where they are, create better outcomes for learners, and build bridges to career advancement.

Donzella Campbell is earning her Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree through the ������ý’s competency-based program and is slated to complete the program next month. For Campbell, the experience has been both transformative and deeply personal.

As a working mother of two, Campbell balanced her academic goals with the demands of parenting. She describes the experience as challenging but deeply motivating. “Starting this journey last year in November with a seven-month-old baby and a seven-year-old son was not easy,” she shared. “But I looked to them for my motivation; I wanted to show them that no matter the circumstances, you can follow your dreams and push through even when you can’t see the finish line.”

Campbell says her commitment to setting an example for her children became a driving force throughout her studies. “I wanted to show them how important it is to believe in yourself and always strive for success in everything that you do,” she said. “With that mentality, and having them as my motivating factors, I am making it to the finish line. I owe it all to them and to ������ý.”

������ý was recognized for its excellence in competency-based education program development with a Catalyst Award in 2023. The University’s Competency-Based Education Program team was awarded the Teaching & Learning award for their efforts in leveraging tools and resources to transition ������ý standard academic degree programs into credit-based CBE delivery models, which allow students to earn certain graduate degree programs in less than a year for under $11,000. This cross-functional effort brought together academic colleges, curricular design, technology, student services and enrollment teams to ensure the creation of an interconnected and holistic learning experience.

In addition to the competency-based MBA, the ������ý also offers a traditional MBA program, which takes approximately 16 months to complete. Both the traditional and competency-based MBA programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, fully online, taught by faculty with an average of 28 years of industry experience.�� In the traditional MBA program, students take one six-week course at a time. The competency-based MBA program allows students to take multiple courses at once and can be completed online in as few as 12 months. Additionally, the competency-based programs are currently fully mapped to skills and features digital badging, which allows learners to share their new skill on digital platforms and with their employers. The University’s competency-based Master of Health Administration is also fully skills mapped, costs $300 per credit, and can be completed in as few as 12 months.��

Learn more about competency-based programs at ������ý here.��

About ������ý

������ý innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit  phoenix.edu/blog.html.