Competency-Based Education

BADGERnews Continued Learning Through CompetencyBased Education Program

By Carol Kunzler

Continuing in the tradition of excellence and innovation, Snow College recently received approval from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) to be the first Utah public higher education institution to offer competency-based education (CBE) courses that lead to an Associate of Science in General Studies. CBE courses enable students to progress through a class as they demonstrate knowledge in key course areas. This method allows them ultimate flexibility to move through course material at their own pace, and most of the classes are completely online. Provost Melanie Jenkins said, “I am excited about this new course delivery option. While CBE courses can be beneficial for all types of students, we see this as being particularly helpful for our adult learners who come to us with life and job experience. These students are often balancing jobs and family and will really benefit from the flexibility CBE offers.”

The idea for this innovative CBE program surfaced when President Brad Cook came to Snow College in 2019. He saw a real need for better access to educational opportunities for rural communities. He noted, “There are generally fewer learning opportunities in rural areas. I knew that Snow College had the potential to provide more—to look toward the future of education that supports all who desire a pathway to learning both on and off campus.”

Some of the CBE courses currently available to students include technology focused courses, general education courses, and some technical education courses.

In keeping with the Snow College mission to advance students in the achievement of their educational goals, the college looks forward to serving all who desire to be a part of this innovative future of education.