Rasmussen College Continues to Advance Competency-Based Education with New Program Model

Minneapolis (November 17, 2016)—Rasmussen College, a regionally accredited private college, today launched the Flex Choice® Competency-Based Education (CBE) program model, providing students with an efficient, relevant and flexible way to earn a college degree. The model is initially being rolled out to the College’s seven business bachelor’s degree-completion programs with plans to expand to other degree programs. In the unique CBE program model, students choose between traditional courses and competency-based education courses that allow them to earn credit for skills they already have while mastering the skills they need to complete their degree. Students can complete the Rasmussen College Competency-Based Education business programs in as few as 18 months.¹

Competency-Based Education Gaining Significant Interest Nationwide

Competency-based education is an emerging educational model that is getting national attention. It allows students to build on their knowledge and apply new skills to scenarios that will help prepare them for the real world and the workplace.

“Colleges and universities across the country are looking for innovative ways to prepare students to flourish in today’s ever-changing, demanding workforce,” said Dr. Trenda Boyum-Breen, president, Rasmussen College. “Rasmussen College developed its Flex Choice CBE program model with the goal of helping the estimated 37 million Americans with some college credit earn a college degree and advance their careers. We believe competency-based education is a compelling and in-demand option for the challenges facing higher education.”

Flex Choice CBE Program Model a More Efficient Way for Students to Earn Advanced Degrees

The Rasmussen College Flex Choice CBE programs offer a mix of traditional and self-paced course options. With either option, students engage with rich, interactive content while collaborating with faculty and fellow students to learn the course material. The self-paced, CBE courses allow students to demonstrate skills they already have from either previous college or work experience by completing coursework that is project-based and reflects real-life work. In short, students can show what they know as soon as they know it — meaning student learning is measured by the demonstration of skills and competencies, more so than by hours spent in a classroom.

“Competency-based education provides new learning models of quality that are affordable, accessible and convenient,” said Charla Long, executive director at the Competency-Based Education Network, of which Rasmussen College is a member. “CBE offers clear pathways that lead to further education and employment, and allows students to demonstrate that they meet rigorous, real-world standards for applying knowledge and skills. Today, more than 600 institutions nationally are exploring or developing competency-based programs. Their efforts are grounded in a belief that competency-based education offers significant potential as a better way to plan, organize, deliver and support education for students who aren’t well served by traditional instruction.”

Enrollment in the new Flex Choice CBE program model is immediately available in the following business bachelor’s degree-completion programs with classes beginning in January.

• Accounting
• Business Management (with two specializations)
• Finance
• Healthcare Management
• Human Resources and Organizational Leadership
• Marketing
• Supply Chain and Logistics Management

To learn more about the Rasmussen College Flex Choice CBE programs, please visit www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/flex-choice/.

To learn more about competency-based education and its role in higher education, please visit the Rasmussen College interactive CBE Guide www.rasmussen.edu/student-experience/college-life/what-is-competency-based-education/.

¹Completion time is dependent on transfer credits accepted and courses completed each term.