College of Innovation and Design Resources: Competency-Based Education Student Handbook
The College of Innovation and Design (CID) Competency-Based Education (CBE) Handbook serves CID students in undergraduate and graduate-level CBE programs. This handbook contains information, guidelines, procedures, and resources regarding CBE at East Texas A&M University.
East Texas A&M reserves the right to change policies and procedures without notice. The CBE Handbook is not intended to be and should not be regarded as a contract between the university and/or any student or faculty.
Welcome
The College of Innovation and Design is a university-wide hub that works collaboratively with faculty, students, alumni, and industry to assess and prepare students for the demands and opportunities of our ever-changing world and workplace. The college serves as an incubator for new initiatives, badges, certificates, and degrees that transcend single disciplines or departments. Together, we ensure students are successful for their first year of college as well as their first, second, or third career later in life.
Our online degree options are perfect for working adults who are seeking to earn a degree or certificate. Whether you choose our self-paced, competency-based programs or our traditional online programs that provide a more structured environment, you are sure to find learning opportunities that match your learning style.
Mission
By combining unique programs, personalized advising and career planning, the College of Innovation and Design provides students with the knowledge, confidence and practical tools needed to become career-ready professionals, prepared to compete in the marketplace and add value to the global environment.
Vision
Unlocking the future of learning by redesigning education for all learners.
Student Resources
All listed resources, excluding the Food Pantry, are available remotely via phone or Internet.
Active Texas Police Officers
Full-time Texas police officers receive a $300 tuition rate reduction each term. This is verified by a review of a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Personal Status Report (PSR) which shows state commission status and agency employer.
To receive a reduction, students must email their advisor a copy of their TCOLE/PSR.
Note: This reduction is limited to only TEXAS police officers enrolled in undergraduate courses at public institutions.
Important Dates
Week 5
- Drop Deadline, Wednesday @ 5 p.m. CT
- Acceleration Deadline, Friday @ 5 p.m. CT
Week 6
- Withdrawal Deadline, Wednesday @ 5 p.m. CT
Week 7
- End of Term – all assignments and tests due, Friday @ 11:59 p.m. CT
Current Programs
The College of Innovation and Design has CBE programs. Each program follows the guidelines and procedures outlined in this handbook.
Competency-Based Education Model
The Competency-Based Education (CBE) model allows students to complete courses based on their ability to master a skill or competency at their own pace and in any environment. The time it takes to demonstrate competencies varies, while the learning expectations are held constant. Students acquire and demonstrate their knowledge and skills by engaging in learning exercises, activities and experiences that align with clearly defined programmatic outcomes.
CBE has Five Core Elements:
- Student advances based on mastery, not on seat time.
- CBE programs in CID are 100% online and 100% Open Educational Resources or no-cost course materials.
- Courses are mastery-based with flexible pacing. Students obtain mastery by completing course requirements with a grade of “B” (80%) or higher and receiving instructor feedback confirming completion.
- Students who meet these requirements before the end of week 5 may begin the next course within the same term.
- CBE courses in CID are offered in seven-week terms at a flat rate of tuition. Undergraduate students may accelerate into as many courses as they are able to within the five-week window of each seven-week term at no additional cost. Graduate students may accelerate into one extra course per term at no additional cost.
Terms
All competency-based programs in the College of Innovation and Design are offered in seven-week terms. There are two CBE terms within each Fall and Spring traditional semester, and two terms during the Summer.
2026 CBE (7-Week) Terms
May-Mini
May 11 – June 26
Summer 2
July 06 – August 21
Fall 1
August 31 – October 16
Fall 2
October 26 – December 11
Students are not permitted to “carry-forward” any work between terms. Students are expected to complete all pretest, post-test and required course assignments in each class they enroll in, including acceleration courses, within the 7-week term of their enrollment.
Pacing and Acceleration
Undergraduate
The ability to accelerate to another course during a term will be provided to eligible students. To be eligible, the student must receive a score of 80% or better on all module post-tests and the culminating project by the below acceleration deadline. Students must successfully complete the first two courses in a term before being eligible to accelerate. If a student drops a course, then the student is no longer eligible to accelerate.
Once the student completes the course successfully, a completion email will be received from the instructor. The student then sends the completion email to their advisor to be accelerated into another course.
ACCELERATION DEADLINE: Friday of Week 5 at 5 p.m. CST.
If you plan to accelerate, all required assignments must be submitted no later than the below-listed submission deadline. This ensures the instructor has ample time to grade your work and provide the required completion email.
SUBMISSION DATE: Wednesday of Week 5 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
Please contact your instructor should you have additional questions or concerns.
Graduate
In accordance with ETAMU Graduate Procedure 13.99.99.R0.38 (section 1.2), graduate students may enroll in up to one additional semester credit hour beyond the number of weeks in a term. For a seven-week term, this permits a maximum enrollment of 9 semester credit hours (3 courses).
Students in CBE graduate programs begin each seven-week term enrolled in a maximum of 6 semester credit hours (2 courses). Upon successful completion of both courses, a student may accelerate into one additional course to reach the 9 semester credit hour maximum for the term.
To initiate acceleration, the student must provide their academic advisor with a completion confirmation email from their course instructor(s). Enrollment in the accelerated course is contingent upon advisor approval and seat availability within the term.
ACCELERATION DEADLINE: Friday of Week 5 at 5 p.m. CST.
If you plan to accelerate, all required assignments must be submitted no later than the below-listed submission deadline. This ensures the instructor has ample time to grade your work and provide the required completion email.
SUBMISSION DATE: Wednesday of Week 5 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
Please contact your instructor should you have additional questions or concerns.
Transfer Course Request Process
- Confirm eligibility with your Advisor.
- You must hold full or conditional admission to a degree program before initiating a transfer review.
- Request a review.
- Contact your advisor to request a transfer course evaluation. If an official transcript showing the course has not already been submitted to the Graduate School, the student must provide one at this time.
- Complete the Transfer Review Form.
- The advisor will provide you with the Transfer Review Form. Complete the form and return it to your advisor.
- Department Head review.
- The completed form will be routed to the Department Head for review and then forwarded to the Dean of the Graduate School.
- Graduate School decision.
- The Dean of the Graduate School will review the request and make a final determination.
- Decision Notification and credit posting.
- The Graduate School will notify you and your advisor of the decision. If approved, the Graduate School will apply the course to your DegreeWorks file.
Program Costs
Undergraduate
| Program | In-State (Texas Resident) | Bordering Counties (Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arkansas) | Neighboring States (interior counties in Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arkansas) | Out of State |
| Alt Cert | $1,000 | |||
| CJCB/JUCB | $1,000 | $1,000 | In-State + $30/hour | $2,000 |
| ORGL | $1,000 | $1,000 | In-State + $30/hour | $2,000 |
| SHCB | $1,000 | $1,000 | In-State + $30/hour | $2,000 |
| HSCB | $1,000 | $1,000 | In-State + $30/hour | $2,000 |
| GSCB | $1,000 | $1,000 | In-State + $30/hour | $2,000 |
Certified Peace Officers working full-time in the state of Texas as a Peace Officer will receive a $300 tuition rate reduction for undergraduate tuition per CBE term.
Additional exceptions may exists.
Always confirm anticipated costs by reaching out to [email protected]. To schedule an appointment with the financial aid office.
Graduate
| Program | In-State (Texas Resident) | Out of State |
| M.Ed. Instructional Design | $2,000 | |
| M.S. Public Safety | $2,000 | $3,000 |
| M.S. Organizational Leadership | $2,000 | $3,000 |
Always confirm anticipated costs by reaching out to [email protected]. To schedule an appointment with the financial aid office.
Course Materials and Open Educational Resources
All courses use free access materials called Open Educational Resources (OER). Students will not be required to purchase any textbooks. All materials are embedded within the course and are accessible via the internet.
How to Pay for Classes?
Student Accounts
When making payments towards a tuition balance or when there are questions regarding refunds, reach out to the Cashier’s Office.
Learn how to make payments and more about the student accounts by visiting the Cashier’s Office.
Financial Aid
When looking to identify funding opportunities or to answer questions about the FAFSA, reach out to the Office of Financial Aid.
Available Financial Aid (FA) for CBE students includes:
Check federal loan and Pell Grant history by visiting Student Aid.
Satisfactory Academic Progress is required for FA eligibility.
Financial Aid must be accepted before each Spring, Fall, and Summer semester.
The FA office will reach out via student email (LEOmail) when requesting verification documents or awarding aid. Students need to check their LEOmail daily.
To schedule an appointment with the Financial Aid office.
Registration
Registering for courses takes place each term. Advisors will email students a list of course options near the 3rd week of their current term. Students will notify the advisor of their selected courses and the advisor will register the student. It is recommended that before and after registration students check their degree plan on DegreeWorks.
CBE Acceleration Process
- Step 1
- Pass all current courses and send verification to your advisor
- Step 2
- Discuss course options with your advisor and select the best choice for acceleration.
- Step 3
- Review syllabus and reach out to the instructor of the new course.
- Step 4
- Enroll in new course and begin coursework.
- Step 5
- Successfully complete and pass the course before end of term.
Undergraduate
Undergraduate students initially register for up to six semester hours (two courses) per term as full-time enrollment. There is an opportunity to accelerate into another course with the expectation that the coursework will be completed by the end of the term. After the first six semester hours are complete, a student may request to accelerate into additional courses before the Week 5 Acceleration Deadline. To initiate acceleration, the student must provide their academic advisor with a completion confirmation email from their course instructor(s). Enrollment in the accelerated course is contingent upon advisor approval and seat availability within the term.
Graduate Course Load and Acceleration Policy
In accordance with ETAMU Graduate Procedure 13.99.99.R0.38 (section 1.2), graduate students may enroll in up to one additional semester credit hour beyond the number of weeks in a term. For a seven-week term, this permits a maximum enrollment of 9 semester credit hours (3 courses).
Students in CBE graduate programs begin each seven-week term enrolled in a maximum of 6 semester credit hours (2 courses). Upon successful completion of both courses, a student may accelerate into one additional course to reach the 9 semester credit hour maximum for the term. To initiate acceleration, the student must provide their academic advisor with a completion confirmation email from their course instructor(s). Enrollment in the accelerated course is contingent upon advisor approval and seat availability within the term.
Major Change
Students interested in changing their major need to reach out to their academic advisor to discuss the changes in the degree plan. After confirming that the student may change their major, the student needs to speak with the financial aid office.
Major changes from a traditional undergraduate or graduate program to a CBE program may only take place before the start of Fall 1, Spring 1, or Summer terms.
Communication
Instructors and advisors in the College of Innovation and Design have 24 hours to respond to student emails. This timeframe applies to communication and not grading time frames. Replies will be in the order in which emails were received.
When emailing instructors follow these guidelines:
- Send messages from your LEOmail account.
- Include the course name and title in the subject line (ex.ORGL 111)
- Include your name and CWID within your signature.
Many instructors are professionals working in industry and teach in addition to their full-time careers. As a result, their responses may be during non-business hours. During the last week of classes be aware that grading may take additional time, exceeding 48 hours. This is a busy time for grading and instructors strive to provide quality feedback alongside grades.
DegreeWorks
DegreeWorks is a web-based planning tool to help students and advisors monitor student's progress toward degree completion. DegreeWorks is not a substitution for consultation with an academic advisor. DegreeWorks shows the student in an easy-to-read format, the courses and program requirements that must be completed to achieve their chosen degree. All currently enrolled undergraduate students who attend East Texas A&M University should use DegreeWorks.
DegreeWorks is accessed through myLEO. It is located under the “Student Resources” tab, and is listed as “Undergrad DegreeWorks”.
MyLEO portal
MyLeo is the student portal powered by D2L Brightspace. Here, a student can access their student email, pay their university balance, review registration, access online courses, accept financial aid, and more.
Duo
Duo is East Texas A&M's authentication tool, to enhance security. Learn more.
D2L
All students' courses are accessed through D2L. Within D2L, you will be able to read course materials, take tests, submit assignments, and more. To access D2L, login to myLEO then click the Apps tabs and locate “myLeo Online (D2L Brightspace)” with the laptop icon. After clicking this icon, students will be automatically logged into D2L.
EAB
EAB is used as a communication and documentation tool in the advising office as well as other offices around campus. Students utilize EAB to schedule appointments with their advisor. Students can use this link to access EAB. Once a student logs in, they click the get assistance button on the right-hand side and follow the prompts to set up an appointment. Advisors have individual links that take the students directly to their scheduling once they log in. If no appointments are available when you can meet, you can request an appointment, and the advisor will contact you directly. Check out the guide on how to schedule an appointment through EAB.
CBE Course Structure
Modules
Courses are broken down into modules. Think of the course as a book and modules as chapters within a book.
Pre-Tests
At the beginning of each module there is a pre-test. This test is not part of the overall course grade. It is used to gauge the student's knowledge of the materials in the module. Pre-tests may include multiple choice, short answer, true/false, and other types of questions. These tests are often timed.
Assignments
Courses will have a variety of activities or assignments. The pre-test grade will determine which activities a student is required to complete. Please reach out to the instructor of the course for more details on the activities required.
Post-Tests
At the end of each module is a post-test. So each course will have multiple posttests. These tests are part of the overall course grade and require a score of 80% or higher. Students have three attempts at these tests. Post-tests may include multiple choice, short answer, essay, true/false, and other types of questions. These tests are often timed.
Culminating Projects
Each course requires a culminating project due after completing the post-tests. The culminating project requires an 80% or above to pass and is part of the overall course grade. Students are allowed three attempts for the culminating project. It is recommended to submit the culminating project before the end of week 7 in the course. This will allow for enough time to resubmit the project if needed.
Graduate Programs Comprehensive Exam Process
The 595 Research Literature and Techniques course is the culminating requirement for all CID master’s degree programs and must be completed at East Texas A&M University — it cannot be transferred from another institution. Per the ETAMU Graduate Catalog, non-thesis students are required to complete both the 595 course and a departmental comprehensive examination. The program 595 Comprehensive Examination satisfies both requirements simultaneously: successful completion of the course and its embedded examination fulfill the 595 credit requirement and serves as the department’s comprehensive examination for the degree. There are no partial credits awarded and no alternative path to completing the declared program.
To be eligible, students must be in good academic standing (graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher), enrolled in their final term of the program, and have completed at least four graduate courses at ETAMU, three of which are in the major field. Acceleration into the 595 course is not allowed, and the course is always completed in a standard 7-week term.
Students are permitted up to three formal attempts at the Comprehensive Examination, consistent with ETAMU Graduate Catalog requirements. A student who does not complete module prerequisites at 80% or higher by the end of Week 5 will not be able to access the examination, will fail the course, and must re-enroll the following term; because the examination was never opened, this does not count as a formal attempt. A student who opens the examination but does not submit it, or who submits below the 80% threshold, has used a formal attempt. The student may resubmit during that same term by the end of week 6, utilizing the same research information. Second attempts in a subsequent term require a student to start the comprehensive exam over with new research. A third attempt requires the recommendation of the Graduate Department Head and approval of the Dean of the Graduate School per University Procedure 11.99.99.R0.13. A student unsuccessful on a third attempt is ineligible to receive the master’s degree and will not have their degree conferred.
Failing a Course
The following scenarios will result in a student failing a course;
- Not achieving an 80% on both the Course Assignments, Post-Test, and/or Final Project within 3 attempts
- Not submitting the Post-Test or Final Project before the term deadline
- Plagiarism
- Cheating
When retaking a course, the student must still pay for the course. If a student retakes a course a third time, there is an additional fee. In the event a student fails a course, their advisor will discuss the best plan for retaking the course.
Students are not allowed to drop a course due to failure in the course. In the event a student does not make 80% or higher on a post-test or culminating project by the third attempt, the student is not allowed to drop the course due to this failure. The student is ineligible to“accelerate” and/or re-take the course in the current term.
Academic Dishonesty
Undergraduate students at East Texas A&M University are expected to maintain high standards of integrity and honesty in all of their scholastic work. Conduct that violates generally accepted standards of academic honesty is defined as academic dishonesty. Additional information can be found within the East Texas A&M Policies and Procedures.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, the following acts defined below.
CHEATING: Intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, notes, study aids or other devices or materials in any academic exercise. Unauthorized materials may include anything or anyone that gives a student assistance, and has not been specifically approved in advance by the instructor.
PLAGIARISM: The appropriation of another person's ideas, processes, results, or words without giving appropriate credit.
Academic Integrity
Students at East Texas A&M University are expected to maintain high standards of integrity and honesty in all their scholastic work. For more details and the definition of academic dishonesty see the following policies: Undergraduate Academic Dishonesty 13.99.99.R0.03, and Graduate Student Academic Dishonesty 13.99.99.R0.10.
Policy on Academic Integrity
Academic dishonesty includes cheating, complicity in cheating, multiple submissions (or substantial portions) of the same work for credit without authorization, submitting another's work, plagiarism, submitting algorithmically (AI) plagiarized work, and other acts that may reasonably be called academic dishonesty.
- Students who commit academic dishonesty will receive a grade of 0 for the assignment in the course and be issued a Written Warning that is reported to the CID Assistant Dean's office and listed in a database.
- If the student does NOT have a previous Written Warning for academic dishonesty reported in CID courses and has additional attempts available for the assignment, the student may resubmit the assignment (this applies to CBE courses only).
- If the student has a Written Warning of academic dishonesty reported in CID courses, the student may NOT resubmit the assignment. For Undergraduate students, the instructor will follow the procedure detailed in Policy 13.99.99.R0.03 for Undergraduate Academic Dishonesty and report the incident to the Provost’s Office. For Graduate students, the instructor will follow the procedure detailed in Policy 13.99.99.R0.10 for Graduate Student Academic Dishonesty and report the incident to the Dean of the Graduate School.
ADA Accommodations
All are students eligible for the same accommodations as students enrolled in traditional 16 week programs. Accommodations are set within the duration of the course and do not extend beyond the end of the semester. Students must request their accommodation letters each 7 week term and for each course when accelerating. Contact the Student Disability Services Office at 903.886.5150.
Accreditation Statement
East Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral degrees. Questions about the accreditation of East Texas A&M University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling 404.679.4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website.
To inquire about East Texas A&M University's accreditation status, please contact Dr. Ricky Dobbs, at 903.886.8707.
Notice of Non-Discrimination
East Texas A&M University is committed to providing safe and non-discriminatory learning, living, and work environments for all members of the University
community. The University provides equal opportunity to all employees, students, applicants for employment or admission, and the public regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Texas A&M University will promptly,
thoroughly, and fairly investigate and resolve all complaints of discrimination, harassment, including sexual harassment, complicity and related retaliation based
on a protected class in accordance with System Regulation 08.01.01, University Rule 08.01.01.M1, Standard Administrative Procedure SAP 08.01.01.M1.01, and applicable federal and state laws.
In accordance with Title IX and its implementing regulations, Texas A&M does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity, including
admissions and employment. The University's response to allegations of discrimination, harassment, complicity, and related retaliation will be 1) prompt,
thorough, and equitable; 2) intended to prevent the recurrence of any harassment; and 3) intended to remedy its discriminatory effects, as appropriate. A substantiated allegation of such conduct may result in disciplinary action, up to and including separation from the University. Visitors,contractors, and third parties who commit discrimination, harassment, complicity, or related retaliation may have their relationships with the University terminated and/or their privileges of being on University premises withdrawn.
The procedures for responding to allegations of discrimination, harassment, complicity, and related retaliation against students, faculty, staff, and third parties
are detailed in the University's SAP. The sanctioning guidance for substantiated allegations against employees and students can also be found in the SAP. Additional sanctioning guidance related to substantiated sex-based allegations against students can be found here: Title IX Cumulative Sanctioning Matrix. Questions about the University's policies or procedures should be directed to the Office of University Ethics and Compliance.