What is Competency-Based Education?
Transforming Higher Education
Designed for busy adults and working professionals, CBE offers the flexibility of a fully online format and 7 week terms, making it easy to balance your education with your personal and professional life.
Competency-based education (CBE) focuses on what you know and can do, rather than the time spent in a classroom. It empowers you to take charge of your learning at your own pace, with personalized guidance from supportive instructors and advisors.
Three Benefits of Competency-Based Education
Cost-Effective
Your degree is more affordable than ever with a fixed tuition rate that includes digital textbooks!
Fast Track Your Degree
You’ll begin each term by registering for up to two courses. After completing your courses before the term ends, you’ll have the opportunity to complete additional courses to significantly shorten your time to degree completion.
Fully Online
Our fully online courses allow you to complete your coursework in the time and place that works best for you. Competency-based education is a flexible choice for working professionals and post-traditional learners who are caretakers for children or family members.
Explore the East Texas Center for Competency-Based Education
Discover how East Texas A&M is advancing competency-based education through research, collaboration, and support for institutions across Texas and the nation.
Explore Our Programs
Alternative Teacher Certification Competency-Based
Make a difference in the lives of students sooner than you might think with our fully online competency based Alternative Teacher Certification program.
Criminal Justice (BS) Law Enforcement Leadership Emphasis, Competency-Based **Ideal for students with law enforcement training**
The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Law Enforcement Leadership (BSCJ-CJCB) at East Texas A&M University is a 100% online, competency-based program designed specifically for first responders: law enforcement, peace officers and military personnel with existing work experience, police academy training, or other certifications. Courses are offered in an accelerated format, so students can move swiftly through material they already have mastery over, and focus more attention on topics that are new and challenging to their existing knowledge base. The courses are flexible, so students can work according to their own schedule. Students in the BSCJ-CJCB program develop practical workplace competencies that meet current and future challenges facing first responders today.
Early Childhood Education (BS) Competency-Based
The Competency-Based Early Childhood program at East Texas A&M University helps prepare you to become a confident, highly skilled educator for children from Pre-K through 3rd grade.
Elementary Education (BS) Competency-Based
The Competency-Based Elementary Education program prepares candidates to become highly skilled teachers for children from Pre-K through 6th Grade.
General Studies (BGS) Competency-Based
The Bachelor of General Studies competency-based degree allows you to explore your strengths and apply prior learning experiences to a degree that fits your goals. You will learn about leadership, problem-solving and design thinking while exploring career options and preparing for academic and career success.
Health Services Administration (BAAS) Competency-Based
Our BAAS program is flexible, affordable and 100 percent online. If you have earned or worked toward an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree, our innovative BAAS program will provide you with a cost-effective pathway to earning your Bachelor degree. We will accept up to 84 hours of your previous coursework from an accredited institution, which means you are only 37 hours away from earning your degree!
Human Resources Development (BAAS) Competency-Based
Develop leadership skills to become a human resources professional who prepares employees for future positions and works to develop and retain existing talent. Play a pivotal role in creating positive, productive work environments that align with the strategic goals of your organization.
Instructional Design (M.ED.) Competency-Based
Graduates of the M.Ed. in Instructional Design often pursue careers as curriculum developers, e-learning specialists, educational technology coordinators, and learning experience designers across education and corporate settings.
Nursing (RN-to-BSN) CCNE Accredited
Our competency-based RN-to-BSN degree program recognizes the skills you’ve already learned as a registered nurse or student nurse. We are dedicated to helping you grow and deepen your knowledge to demonstrate competency and clinical judgment at the baccalaureate level.
Organizational Leadership (BAAS) Competency-Based
The Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Organizational Leadership (ORGL) degree is a competency-based program that prepares innovative leaders for employment in an increasingly technological and global society. This program provides opportunities for students to receive credit for what they know and can do already, allows them to accelerate completion of their degree and — because it is fully online — students are able to plan their study schedule around the rest of their day to complete the coursework.
Organizational Leadership (MS) Competency-Based
The M.S. in Organizational Leadership enhances your leadership skills and prepares you for higher management roles by developing strategic thinking, ethical decision-making, and effective communication needed to guide organizations in today’s complex business environment.
Pride Pathway (BAAS) Competency-Based
The Pride Pathway program at East Texas A&M University offers a flexible, competency-based route to teacher certification tailored for those balancing busy professional lives. Whether you’re beginning your journey or completing your degree, this program provides the essential knowledge and expertise required to thrive in the classroom. With a focus on practical application, you’ll benefit from affordable tuition, expedited 7-week terms and a curriculum designed to accelerate your path to becoming an educator efficiently and cost-effectively.
Public Administration, City Planning (BAAS) Competency-Based
Public administration and city planning are essential to shaping vibrant, sustainable communities. This program equips students with the knowledge and skills to lead in government, nonprofit, and urban development roles. Learn to navigate complex challenges in public policy, budgeting, infrastructure planning, land use, and community engagement while fostering economic growth and sustainability.
Public Safety (MS) Competency-Based
The M.S. in Public Safety at East Texas A&M University offers advanced study in emergency management, crisis response and public safety leadership with opportunities to explore critical infrastructure areas. Coursework emphasizes the theories, strategies and analytical approaches used across government, healthcare and public safety organizations.
Safety and Health (BAAS) Competency-Based
Our BAAS program is flexible, affordable and 100 percent online. If you have earned or worked toward an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree, our innovative BAAS program will provide you with a cost-effective pathway to earning your Bachelor degree. We will accept up to 84 hours of your previous coursework from an accredited institution, which means you are only 37 hours away from earning your degree!
Sports Media Studies (BS)
The Bachelor of Science in Sports Media Studies at East Texas A&M University prepares students for careers in sports reporting, broadcasting, and digital media through hands-on, industry-focused learning.