A flexible competency-based approach to online education
Assessments, Not Classes.
WGU’s academic approach is fundamentally “competency-based” and dedicated to producing
highly competent graduates. This means that instead of basing progress on credit hours
and seat-time in the classroom, you earn your degree by demonstrating your skills
and knowledge (competence) in specific subject areas.
WGU’s competency-based academic approach utilizes a variety of assessments to measure
your skills and knowledge (or competence) in your chosen field. These assessments
require you to “prove” or demonstrate that you understand concepts and can perform
them in real-life situations. You’ll write papers, you’ll take tests, and you’ll
complete assignments, dependent upon the competencies you’re required to demonstrate.
The bottom line: You’ll learn what you need to succeed. Your diploma will mean you’ve
mastered the essential skills and knowledge the workplace demands.
Courses of Study
Your Academic Action Plan lists the assessments required to complete your degree.
Within each assessment description is a Course of Study. The course of study includes
five important aspects:
- Defined competencies you will be required to demonstrate.
- Learning resources you can use to gain the required competencies.
- Mentor guidance during the development of the competencies.
- Guidance to participation in an online learning community centered around the competencies.
- Assessment(s) of the competencies.
Click here to see an image example of a Course of Study.
The Assessments
As a WGU student, you will be required to demonstrate your mastery of competencies
in a variety of ways. An assessment may be a traditional “test,” a project, an essay,
or another practical demonstration of a required skill. Assessments can take many
forms. Here are some examples from various programs:
- Assignments involving problem solving. (e.g., Science or Information Technology)
- Computerized exams consisting of 50 multiple-choice, matching, and other question
types. (e.g., Mathematics)
- Projects requiring the student to design a lesson plan. (e.g., Teaching)
- Reflection essays about case studies. (e.g., MBA)
- Research papers on particular topics within the student’s field.
Your assessments — whether computerized exams or performance task — align to and demonstrate specific competencies in your chosen field.
How Assessments are Determined
Assessments at WGU are developed using a rigorous process that conforms to federal
guidelines and professional testing standards. WGU relies upon an Assessment Program
Council, comprised of leading test experts, to authenticate the quality and rigorousness
of WGU’s assessments. This process yields high-quality exams, reliable scores, and
supports valid conclusions about each student’s level of competence.
