South College expands flexible Competency-Based Education offerings with three master’s programs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 26, 2026

South College is adding three master’s level degrees through its Competency-Based Education (CBE) modality, including accounting, human resources, and instructional design and technology.

The CBE programs allow students to progress at their own pace by demonstrating mastery of course content and have become increasingly popular for working professionals.

“We evaluate the need for programs and intentionally respond to what individuals are seeking to grow and advance as professionals,” said Dr. Michael Patrick, South College CBE president. “The CBE model is ideal for students who are managing a current job and family or personal commitments. It’s part of our mission to empower more students to pursue their dreams.”

The Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology (MSIDT) launched Aug. 1, 2026, and provides program content in curriculum development skills, including adjusting learning environments for individual learners and using various techniques to assess learning.

Students use emerging technologies for teaching, learning, training and curriculum development and develop skills in project management, learning management systems, collaboration, written communication, technology-enabled media literacy, research, critical thinking and problem-solving. The 45-credit program must be completed within 36 months.

The Master of Science (MS) in Accounting will launch Oct. 1, 2026, and emphasizes knowledge and skills in financial reporting, taxation, business law, auditing, financial statement analysis, accounting information systems, managerial accounting, governmental and nonprofit accounting, and forensic accounting.

Students will develop critical thinking capabilities, problem and scenario analysis, communication skills and compliance with professional responsibility obligations and ethics specific to accounting. The 48-credit program must be completed within 36 months.

The Master of Science in Human Resources (MSHR) will launch Dec. 1, 2026, and is an interactive and engaged learning program that aligns with the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) standards. Students will understand the value of an internal team, define strategy as it relates to team performance, reinforce ethical foundations, lead through change, ensure effective communication and build the future of HR.

The 45-credit program provides advanced business concepts through the exploration and discovery of new knowledge, focused research and detailed analysis and is applicable across multiple sectors. The courses are conducted in an asynchronous online delivery format.

“We’re excited to add these master’s programs to our CBE course offerings to help professionals embrace new challenges and advance in their fields,” Patrick said.

Since launching in October 2021, South College’s CBE modality has expanded, growing its program catalog to include Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (Post-Master’s), DNP (Post-Master’s) in Executive Leadership, DNP (Post-Master’s) Nursing Education and DNP (BSN to DNP).

South College also offers CBE programs, including master’s, doctoral and post-doctoral certificates, in business and technology; criminal justice; and ministry.

Students in South College’s CBE programs enroll in a six-month subscription-based model with no set due dates and the convenience of online learning. The CBE model also provides an interactive online environment that allows students to engage with faculty and foster collaboration.

For more information and to apply, visit south.edu/cbe.

About South College

South College serves more than 20,000 students and is proud of its more than 25,000 graduates. The institution offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia; Columbus, Ohio; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Dallas, Texas; and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online. South College focuses on ensuring high standards and quality educational offerings, maintaining multiple authorizations and accreditations.

South College’s programs span diverse fields such as business, criminal justice, education, dental hygiene/assisting, diagnostic medical sonography, nursing, occupational therapy, paralegal studies, physical therapy, radiography, respiratory therapy, physician assistant studies, pharmacy and surgical technology. The institution is dedicated to preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for the professional opportunities ahead of them. For more information, visit south.edu.