The following content first appeared on the news page while UMass Global operated under its former name of Brandman University.

IRVINE, Calif. (April 29, 2019)— Brandman University today announced the U.S. Department of Education on Friday, April 26, 2019, approved two new direct assessment competency based education (CBE) degree programs, paving the way for Brandman to expand affordable degree opportunities for students who enroll in Brandman’s MyPath™ self-paced learning modality and ensuring federal financial aid eligibility. Brandman is one of a select few approved nationwide and the only California based higher education institution to confer direct assessment/non-credit CBE degrees.

“The department’s approval is tremendously important for the types of students that Brandman serves, said Chancellor Gary Brahm. “Ninety percent of our students are in the workforce and 31% of our undergraduates are active military. Our competency-based degrees allow working adults with hectic schedules an opportunity to focus on learning the new skills they need to move forward while accounting for the knowledge they have already acquired. I am grateful the U.S. Department of Education has continued confidence in our ability to confer quality degrees to such a deserving student population.”

Brandman’s extensive research has found the two new degrees are in high demand by both students and employers. They will be offered fully online and students can enroll on any day. Tuition for the associate degree is $6,400, entitling students to 48 weeks of instruction. For the master’s degree, tuition is set at $7,000. Students can move at their own pace, finishing more quickly or slowly. Brandman degrees are developed by full-time faculty and advised by industry leaders to ensure the curricula remains relevant. Brandman also utilizes a variety of sources when researching degree competencies, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Information Network, Burning Glass Technologies’ Labor Insights, and Peer Competitors.

The mission of the CBE Associate of Arts Degree in General Business is to provide a solid foundation in the traditional liberal arts, fundamentals of management, leadership, economics, information technology and marketing. It is equivalent to a 60-credit hour associate degree. The CBE Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership will emphasize the foundations and application of organizational leadership using a theory to practice approach. Brandman already offers a Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Information Technology through its CBE, Brandman’s MyPath™, modality.

ABOUT BRANDMAN UNIVERSITY

Brandman University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). As part of the Chapman University System, Brandman blends a legacy of academic excellence with innovative curriculum and strong support services designed for students with busy schedules. The university offers more than 80 undergraduate, graduate, credential and certificate programs across its schools of arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and health. Brandman serves about 25,000 students seeking degrees and credentials with programs available at more than 25 campuses throughout California and Washington and online, and through its self-paced online competency-based education modality, Brandman MyPath™. For additional information, visit https://www.umassglobal.edu.  

ABOUT COMPETENCY BASED EDUCATION AT BRANDMAN

Brandman’s competency-based education (CBE) is self-paced and differs from its traditional degree offerings. Student progress is measured by subject matter mastery versus by a credit-unit. Brandman’s CBE degrees do, however, align with credit courses to ensure transferability of coursework. To confer CBE degrees, Brandman obtains Title IV waivers and other regulatory/accreditation approvals.

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Media Contacts:

Terri M. Carbaugh, Vice Chancellor of Public Affairs: carbaugh@umassglobal.edu

Victoria Lim, Director of Public Relations: vlim@umassglobal.edu