Purdue Polytechnic to offer university's first competency-based degree

Purdue Polytechnic Institute’s competency-based education program has cleared its final hurdle, becoming the first baccalaureate program of its kind in the nation.

The Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation organization, approved Purdue University’s degree in Transdisciplinary Studies in Technology, the first competency-based degree at Purdue.

Competency-based education gives students direct measurable learning objectives. Purdue’s program allows students to develop skills in an individualized program of study based on their interests.

Jeff Evans, interim associate dean for undergraduate programs, said the program emphasizes creation, application and transfer of knowledge through hands-on learning. Overall, learning is the constant through this program, not time.

“We believe that transdisciplinary studies in technology at Purdue Polytechnic is the first program which combines individualized plans of study, close faculty mentoring of students and a competency-based approach for traditional learners at a public research university,” Evans said.

Read the full announcement from Purdue University.