"Competency-based Education is a game-changer for Winthrop! I enthusiastically endorse this new initiative that helps our students accelerate their time to a Winthrop degree."

What is Competency-based Education at Winthrop?

Edward Serna

If you’re reading this, then you have an interest in Competency-based Education (CBE) at Winthrop. It’s a new initiative for us, and one that I’m very excited for Winthrop to offer. I know it will be a game-changer not only for our university, but for our students who want—and frankly need—a unique and flexible approach to higher education that allows them to advance through their coursework based on their ability to master a skill or competency at their own pace.

Most importantly, CBE will give our students the opportunity to save money and accelerate their time to a college degree, all without sacrificing the academic rigor for which Winthrop is known. Here’s an example: CBE is a perfect fit for working adults who already possess real-world skills from years on the job. Getting credit for those life experiences is just one perk of CBE. It saves the student money and it gets the student a degree faster. It’s a win-win.

A lot of work has been done to get us where we are with this initiative and more is still underway. I encourage you to keep checking this site for updates and opportunities on how you can get involved with CBE at Winthrop.

Thanks for your interest!

Edward A. Serna ’02
President

Learn More About Competency-based Education

thumbnail image for CBEN video on competency based education

CBE Timeline