UMass Global MyPath: Self-Paced Programs

UMass Global MyPath is a competency-based learning experience where you progress by demonstrating mastery of defined competencies instead of earning credit for attendance, participation, or weekly assignments. Unlike traditional online courses that follow fixed weekly schedules and due dates, MyPath programs have no fixed time in class requirements, offering flexibility to study around your schedule while progressing through structured learning milestones.

MyPath is intentionally designed for a wide range of students — those early in their careers, changing professions, returning to college, experienced professionals, military-affiliated learners, and students balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. While prior workplace or life experience can help you progress faster through some subjects, success in MyPath is more closely tied to motivation, persistence, time management, and a willingness to engage actively in the learning process.

Each MyPath course is organized around competencies that measure applied knowledge and skills, supported by learning resources, activities, and milestone-based experiences that prepare you for final assessments. Instead of traditional letter grades, your record reflects whether you have demonstrated mastery of the required competencies, emphasizing critical thinking, applied understanding, and real-world performance rather than averaging scores or tracking seat time.

Despite its self-paced nature, MyPath is not an isolated study model. Faculty are actively involved in evaluating your assessments, providing feedback, answering questions, and guiding your improvement over time. You also work with academic advisors and one-stop specialists who help you set goals, monitor your momentum, and make term-by-term decisions that support steady progress toward graduation.