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Competency-Based Education at BSC

Advance by mastering skills — not by logging seat time.

¿´Æ¬Èí¼þ's Competency-Based Education (CBE) programs let you move at your own pace and earn credit for what you already know. Designed for working adults, CBE shifts the focus from hours in a classroom to mastery of skills and knowledge. Courses span a variety of subjects, from biology, computer science, and economics to public speaking, ethics, and psychology, giving you the flexibility to build both general education and career-specific skills.

Instead of progressing through weekly lectures, you’ll work through course materials on your own schedule, completing projects, assessments, and other real-world tasks that prove your mastery of the subject. Once you’ve demonstrated competency, you can move on to the next topic without waiting for a semester to end, making it possible to complete your education faster and with more control over your learning experience.

What is Competency-Based Education?

CBE is a flexible learning model that allows you to:

  • Progress at your own speed

  • Demonstrate mastery through projects and assessments

  • Skip content you already know

  • Focus on the skills that matter most for your career

Fully online, CBE courses are ideal for busy adults who need education that fits their life.

Why It Works for Adult Learners

Competency-Based Education is designed with the realities of adult life in mind, making it an ideal choice for learners balancing work, family or military service.

With flexible scheduling, you can learn anytime, anywhere, fitting your studies around your commitments instead of the other way around. The program recognizes the value of your prior knowledge and experience, allowing you to earn credit for what you already know and avoid repeating material. Courses are carefully aligned with current industry needs, so every skill you gain is relevant and applicable in the workplace. Your learning pathway is personalized, letting you focus on the competencies that will help you reach your goals faster. Plus, with courses offered 100% online, CBE is accessible wherever you are—perfect for working adults who need a program that moves at their pace and on their terms.

Who Benefits Most

CBE works especially well for:

  • Working professionals

  • Parents balancing school and family

  • Veterans and active service members

  • Adults returning to finish a degree

Take Control of Your Education

Available CBE Courses – Fall 2025
  • BIOL 111 – Concepts of Biology

  • BIOL 111L – Concepts of Biology Lab

  • COMM 110 – Fundamentals of Public Speaking

  • CSCI 101 – Introduction to Computers

  • ECON 201 – Principles of Microeconomics

  • ENGL 110 – College Composition I

  • MATH 110 – Math in Society

  • PHIL 210 – Ethics

  • PSYC 111 – Introduction to Psychology

  • SOC 110 – Introduction to Sociology

How to Get Started
  1. Explore Your Options – Review available CBE courses and programs.

  2. – Complete the admission process.

  3. Meet with an Advisor – Customize your learning path based on your goals and experience.

Your career won’t wait — and neither should your education. With BSC’s Competency-Based Education, you can fast-track your degree, gain skills employers value, and move forward on your own terms.

Start today: Contact Shawn Holz, Ph.D, Dean of Distance Education and Learning Support Services
(701) 224-5714 | shawn.holz@bismarckstate.edu