Substantive Change: Competency-Based Education

Prior HLC approval may be required for new competency-based education (CBE) programs, including credit-based or direct assessment programs. See HLC’s Glossary for definitions of competency-based education, credit-based competency-based education program and direct assessment competency-based education program.

Note: If an institution is partnering with a third-party entity to offer a program, it might need to notify HLC about or apply for prior approval of a contractual arrangement. Prior HLC approval or notification may also be required for changes to existing educational programs.

Guidance on CBE Programs

U.S. Department of Education

Before applying for HLC approval of a competency-based education program, institutions should review the U.S. Department of Education’s guidance on CBE programs.

HLC Guidelines

See Evaluating Competency-Based Education for guidance on demonstrating compliance with HLC requirements with respect to CBE programs. 

Types of Requests

The following information is provided for general guidance. Institutions planning a change related to their CBE programs should contact their HLC staff liaison to confirm that prior HLC approval or notification is required.

Prior HLC Approval Required

How to Apply

Submit the CBE Program Application.

Review Process

Change Panel

Review and Decision-Making Timeline

At least five months from the submission of a complete application. Due to the nature of HLC’s review of CBE program applications, the process may take longer than other types of requests.

Prior HLC Approval Required

How to Apply

Submit the CBE Program Application.

Important: Credit-based CBE programs that were offered prior to May 1, 2015, and reported to HLC through the survey sent in the spring of 2016 are included in the institution’s approvals. These programs are listed in an institution’s Institutional Status and Requirements (ISR) Report under Accreditation Stipulations. They do not count toward the first two program approvals.

Review Process

Change Panel

Review and Decision-Making Timeline

At least five months from the submission of a complete application. Due to the nature of HLC’s review of CBE program applications, the process may take longer than other types of requests.

Contact the institution’s HLC staff liaison

Contact the institution’s HLC staff liaison to discuss the proposed program and determine whether prior HLC approval or notification is required. An institution’s staff liaison is identified in its Institutional Status and Requirements Report.

Important: Credit-based CBE programs that were offered prior to May 1, 2015, and reported to HLC through the survey sent in the spring of 2016 are included in the institution’s approvals. These programs are listed in an institution’s Institutional Status and Requirements (ISR) Report under Accreditation Stipulations. They do not count toward the first two program approvals.

If Prior Approval Is Required

Submit the CBE Program Application. The application will be reviewed by a Change Panel, and the review and decision-making process will take at least five months from the submission of the application.

If Notification Is Required

If needed, update the institution’s degree program information in the next Institutional Update.

Contact the institution’s HLC staff liaison

A program would be considered a significant departure from the institution’s existing programs if the institution does not currently offer other programs at the same degree level and in the same general discipline (i.e., with CIP codes with the same first two digits as the proposed program). A program may also be considered a significant departure based on other factors, including, but not limited to, whether the institution plans to hire additional faculty with new expertise or to acquire specialized accreditation.

Contact the institution’s HLC staff liaison to discuss the proposed program and determine whether prior HLC approval or notification is required. An institution’s staff liaison is identified in its Institutional Status and Requirements Report.

If Prior Approval Is Required

Submit the CBE Program Application. The application will be reviewed by a Change Panel, and the review and decision-making process will take at least five months from the submission of the application.

If Notification Is Required

If needed, update the institution’s degree program information in the next Institutional Update.

Questions?

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