As an adult learner, you may have found yourself in a classroom frustrated that your time was not being used efficiently. Even in virtual classrooms or asynchronous online classes, you may have felt that you were being asked to do a lot of “busy work” that was not useful. Time spent in class, you may have believed, was a waste of your time. Maybe you also felt like your life experiences and industry expertise were just not being respected. It is a pretty typical experience for adult and returning learners to feel this level of frustration while completing a university degree that frankly does not fit the lifestyle of an experienced, working professional. If some of this sounds familiar and resonates with you, then competency-based education, or CBE, may be right for you.
What is CBE?
The U.S. Department of Education defines CBE as “that organizes academic content according to competencies—what a student knows and can do—rather than following a more traditional scheme, such as by course.” Here at Los Angeles Pacific University, we know that it is so much more. CBE encompasses a dynamic shift in how learning is assessed. Rather than merely spending time in a classroom, it is a system of teaching and learning that focuses on the gaining of skills and demonstrating knowledge.
Radically Student-Centered
CBE is also radically student-centered, less concerned with what an instructor can teach and more concerned with what you can demonstrate. This approach allows CBE to be more tailored to each student. Students do not need to spend time doing busy work towards a goal they have already mastered. Instead, students can devote their time and energy resources to gain new skills and competencies. You may say, “Oh, I am already really good at that! I can probably finish that project pretty quickly,” but then, “I am not yet skilled at this, so it will take me a bit more time and practice to learn.” Traditional educational models require all students to spend the same amount of time on classes and assignments, but CBE is self-paced and so designed around your educational needs. Here at LAPU, we believe that your real-world experience is valuable. We trust in your ability to self-direct your own learning and persist until you achieve your goals.
CBE Master’s Program at LAPU
One of our most recent CBE programs is the Masters in Instructional Design and Technology. In this program, you will learn and practice actual Instructional Design skills used on the job. You create projects that demonstrate your skills and can be used to build a portfolio that will be invaluable to your job search. This program is also portable; being mobile-optimized means you can engage with your course and content on any device, anywhere, anytime. Our program also allows you to go at your own pace, so you can manage your time based on the needs of your life, slowing down or speeding up as fits your lifestyle.

Here are some of the competencies you will learn in our MSIDT program:
- Design and implement instructional and non-instructional solutions, as well as assessments, based on sound instructional design principles that address organizational needs.
- Learn how to contribute to organizational improvement by implementing talent development and performance improvement initiatives.
- Acquire expertise in learning design to create effective learning experiences.
- Strengthen your understanding of ethical principles, legal requirements, and professional standards that guide human learning, talent development, and organizational culture.
- Acquire practical skills in designing and delivering effective learning experiences across various modalities, including facilitated sessions, online courses, and self-paced learning.
- Design and develop technology-enhanced learning resources that are inclusive, visually appealing, and effectively communicate information using sound messages and graphic design principles.
- Develop practical skills in utilizing knowledge management tools and systems to effectively store, retrieve, and reuse learning objects and instructional resources.
- Acquire practical skills that contribute to your professional growth and success in the learning and training industry, such as building relationships, communicating effectively, collaborating with others, and exploring career opportunities.
- Develop skills in assessing the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of learning experiences using both qualitative and quantitative methods. You also gain expertise in data collection, analysis, and interpretation to inform instructional design decisions.
- Apply research principles and methodologies to contribute to the body of knowledge on learning, application, practice, and utilization, supporting and informing instructional designers in their work.
- Refine and finalize your portfolio, showcasing your best work and reflecting on your growth and future career goals.
Learn more about CBE at LAPU
LAPU’s CBE programs value you and your learning. We are so excited to support you on your journey. If you are excited to gain practical skills to make yourself competitive in the marketplace, then we encourage you to get in touch. We can’t wait to see you here!
Want to read more about the MSIDT program? Read this blog: Advancing Your Career with a Masters in Instructional Design & Technology (MSIDT)