After months of preparation, Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) is proud to announce its first competency-based program (CBE), with the intent to further implement this program model in the future programs.
Unlike traditional educational programs, this instructional model allows students to demonstrate their ability to master a set of skills or competencies as they move through a program of study at their own pace.
“This program allows students to capitalize on their present skills, knowledge and experience and apply them to assessments in the program,” Dedra Daehn, director of curriculum and operations for the DeVoe School of Business, said. “If a student already has a background in accounting, they can go directly to the final assessment in their accounting class and, if they pass it, they can move on to the next course.”
This modality will be offered in the bachelors of science in management program (BSM). Daehn said that this program was selected as the first CBE program because it prepares students for a number of different professional opportunities in the business field.
“This is an exciting opportunity for students who want the opportunity to work through a program at their own pace with the opportunity to finish a program in a shorter amount of time,” Daehn said. “Students can save time and money in this process.”
The CBE-BSM program was officially approved by the Higher Learning Commission in April 2019. However, the pilot program isn’t set to launch until November 2019. This launch will be the culmination of almost 20 months of planning and development.
Daehn believes that the details of IWU’s CBE program will set it apart. In order to help students be successful in the program, an academic coach will be assigned to each student and will serve as the student’s primary point of contact throughout their program. The coach will help motivate and monitor student progress throughout their program of study.
Additionally, workplace skills are emphasized throughout the program.
“Workplace skills have been vetted by outside business professionals and are woven into the curriculum along with the intentional integration of faculty and student engagement in the program,” Daehn said.
To learn more about this program visit the CBE-BSM web page. Applications for the pilot program’s November start date are now being accepted.