East Texas A&M: Leading the Charge in Competency-Based Education

East Texas A&M University (formerly known as Texas A&M University-Commerce) is at the forefront of competency-based education (CBE), offering flexible, career-focused programs that empower busy adults to transform their careers. These accessible, affordable programs are a powerful tool for developing a pipeline of talented professionals for the industries that power today’s regional and global economies. 

The value of competency-based education 

Focusing on what students already know and can do, CBE offers four major benefits for experienced working professionals:  

  1. Skill mastery 

CBE shifts the focus from classroom time to skill mastery. Where traditional classes require that students complete a set number of hours, CBE allows students to advance through courses by demonstrating mastery of required competencies.  

To demonstrate mastery, students complete assessments at various stages in their coursework. They also complete projects that utilize real-world scenarios to prove what they can do. 

After successfully passing all assessments and projects, students can progress to the next course regardless of time spent on the material. Therefore, students with professional experience or who previously studied a subject can quickly advance and potentially graduate in less time than a traditional program. 

1. Flexibility 

CBE programs are a flexible option well-suited for busy professionals. Since CBE courses are fully online and asynchronous, students can earn their degree while keeping up with work, family and other commitments. 

The web-based delivery, which includes access to digital textbooks, allows students to study from any computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone with an internet connection. They can work on their degree at night, on weekends, or even during lunch breaks. 

2. Affordability 

Adult learners benefit from the affordability of CBE programs at East Texas A&M. For just $1,000 per seven-week term, students start with two courses and can advance to additional courses at no extra cost if they finish early. This flexible model, combined with textbook savings, allows students to lower their overall tuition and potentially complete more courses than they would in a traditional 16-week semester. 

Additionally, CBE degree programs qualify for financial aid, making them more accessible for adult learners on a tight budget. 

3. Career advancement 

Perhaps the most tangible benefit of CBE for working professionals is its focus on career advancement. Many professionals without degrees hit a ceiling that blocks their path into advanced roles or management. Therefore, a flexible, affordable path to earning a degree can be a game-changer. 

East Texas A&M’s partnerships with state and national organizations, like the Competency-Based Education Network and the American Institute for Research, ensure that its CBE programs meet workforce needs and position graduates for career advancement and increased earnings.  

Industry-aligned degree programs 

East Texas A&M’s CBE programs are designed to address skills gaps in key industries, including education, healthcare and law enforcement. 

For instance, the Pride Pathway program helps teachers’ aides and other school paraprofessionals earn a  bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate, addressing teacher shortages in Texas. 

In law enforcement, it’s increasingly common for agencies to require a degree for officers to advance into leadership. In response, East Texas A&M developed a competency-based criminal justice degree emphasizing law enforcement leadership. In the six years since its launch, nearly 500 officers across Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana have earned their degrees through the program. 

Other workforce-aligned CBE programs at East Texas A&M include health services administration, human resource development, city planning, an RN-to-BSN program, and  safety and health. 

For additional workforce alignment, the university recruits industry professionals who can share their insights and practical knowledge as instructors. These professionals also advise the university on potential program updates based on industry trends, legal changes in the field, or recent case studies that can reinforce students’ learning. 

Powering the future of work 

Looking ahead, East Texas A&M plans to introduce a broader range of CBE offerings, including graduate programs and industry-recognized micro-credentials and certifications to meet emergent industry needs. The university also intends to launch a dedicated center for competency-based education to serve as a hub for incubating and refining CBE initiatives in Texas and beyond. 

East Texas A&M is committed to shaping the future of education to meet the demands of tomorrow’s workforce. As the future of work evolves, these industry-aligned programs aim to connect talented professionals with the skills, certifications and degrees they need to thrive in an interconnected, global marketplace. 

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