Your Future in Competency Based Education

Higher education is changing fast — and one of the most exciting innovations is Competency-Based Education (CBE). At South College, CBE is helping busy professionals earn advanced degrees without sacrificing their careers, families, or personal goals.
Dr. Michael Patrick, president of South College’s CBE division, recently joined the *Live From South College* podcast to share why this approach is transforming the way students pursue master’s and doctoral studies.

The CBE design allows students to leverage what they already know. Instead of moving through courses at a fixed pace, learners demonstrate mastery of key competencies through assessments and projects.
“It allows students to use their existing skills and prior experience,” explains Dr. Patrick. “They’re able to set their own due dates, work ahead, or slow down if life gets busy.”
That flexibility is especially powerful for working adults — from young professionals to CEOs — who want to keep advancing without putting life on hold.

Traditional graduate programs often require students to bend their schedules around rigid deadlines. For many, that’s a deal-breaker.
“One student told me, I needed a program that fit my lifestyle — where I didn’t have to rearrange my life to fit the program,” Dr. Patrick says. Whether it’s 3 a.m. writing sessions or taking a week off for family events, CBE lets learners progress on their terms.
This model has fueled rapid growth at South College over the past three years, particularly in its Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program. The DBA gives experienced professionals the academic edge of a doctorate — and the credibility that comes with it — without the barriers of traditional formats.

A common misconception is that flexible, asynchronous learning is less rigorous or isolating. The reality is the opposite.
South College pairs each CBE student with one-on-one faculty support, rapid feedback (often within 48 hours), and a strong peer network. Online discussion groups, lunch-and-learn sessions, and active Facebook communities help learners stay connected and motivated.
“You’re never on your own,” says Dr. Patrick. “We’ve built a program where faculty mentorship and student support are woven throughout.”

For doctoral students, the dissertation often looms as the most intimidating requirement. South College streamlines the process by encouraging the use of existing datasets — from state testing scores to HR engagement surveys — which fall under “exempt” research status.
This approach shortens the timeline by months while keeping the focus on solving real-world problems. Dedicated chairs, methodologists, and committee members guide students from proposal through defense, ensuring the experience is challenging yet achievable.

Note: Since the airing of the podcast, the availability of a capstone path has been made available.

Dr. Patrick’s biggest tip for success? Consistency.
“Set aside five to ten hours each week and stick with it,” he advises. “Writing improves with practice, and CBE gives you space to revise until you reach mastery.”
He also encourages students to lean on the community — whether faculty, classmates, or online groups — and to give themselves grace along the way.

CBE is more than a delivery model; it’s a philosophy of meeting learners where they are and preparing them for where they want to go.
As Dr. Patrick puts it: “We want our students to walk across the stage as ‘Doctor,’ knowing their degree reflects real mastery — and that it fit their lives every step of the way.”

The flexibility to learn at your own pace and to study anywhere you are on your own time.

A 1:1 partnership with our supportive community of faculty, advisors, staff, and you in an effort to create a collaborative environment in your pursuit of academic excellence.

A subscription-based tuition structure which allows for a 6-month “All You Can Master” approach. This flexible tuition allows for students to go as fast or as slow as your lifestyle dictates.

Move quickly through the areas you know and spend more time on the ones you need deeper study.

Each course requires successful completion of specific formative/summative tasks per competency that must meet or exceed Mastery level in order to progress to the next course. (Doctoral degree programs require a dissertation and successful defense of the dissertation earning a “Pass.”)