Credit Hour MAOL: This is the traditional approach where students earn credits by completing specific courses, as directed by the instructor. The number of credits required for a degree is predetermined, and students must meet specific requirements for each course.
Competency-Based MAOL: In this model (known as MyPath at UMass Global), students progress by demonstrating mastery of specific skills/competencies, rather than completing a fixed number of courses. The focus is on what the student knows and can do, not on the amount of time spent in class.
Key Differences:
Feature
| Credit Hour MAOL | Competency-Based MAOL |
| Progression | Based on completing courses and earning credits | Based on demonstrating mastery of competencies |
| Flexibility | Limited flexibility in terms of pacing and course selection | Greater flexibility, allowing students to learn at their own pace and choose relevant courses |
| Assessment | Primarily based on exams and assignments | Based on a variety of assessments, including performance tasks, projects, and portfolios |
In essence, a credit hour MAOL focuses on benchmarks set by the instructor and course completion, while a competency-based MAOL focuses on student achievement and mastery.
Competency-based formats are not for every student, however. To be successful in this format, students need to be self-motivated and disciplined, since there aren’t any specific deadlines set, such as homework due dates, quizzes, and the like. Some students need the structure (and corresponding set timelines) of a traditional instructor-led approach.
That is one reason UMass Global offers its Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership in both traditional and competency-based formats.
