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Is there a competency-based Masters in History or similar degree?
#1
I was able to just finish a competency-based degree in History. My job was affected by COVID-19 so after transferring in credits, was able to finish the 36 competency credits in 6 months. That meant cost was really affordable. If I could find a similar master's program, I'm sure I could finish it similarly fast as well, at least until my job returns to normal. The cheapest regular college program I know is FHSU at ~$8000-9000 and my local university would be $11,000, but my competency BA was just $3000 due to how fast I did the courses, hence I am looking for that format again. Additionally, I worked way better not having pressure of due dates for work, I am self-motivated, don't like working to other people's deadlines.

Last I checked for History competency-based Masters degrees was several years ago, and there were none then, but I know new programs and opportunities are appearing and I've not checked this forum in a long time, and know recently many schools that weren't on-line now are due to COVID-19.

Is there currently any competency-based Masters (or even PhD) in History or a similar subject?

Similar subjects would be those falling into Social Sciences, like anthropology, archaeology, area studies, cultural studies, art history, human geography, military studies, etc.
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#2
Just wondering... Where did you finish your History? I like competency based degree providers for the same reasons as you, it also saves on cost/energy if you can time yourself.
Study.com Offer https://bit.ly/3RTJ3I9
UPI Study https://www.upistudy.com/?ref=f6bc41

Pre-Med Online, MSc Biomedical Sciences (Starting Jan 2026)
In Progress: UoPeople BS Health Science

Completed: UMPI BAS & MAOL (2025)
TESU ASNSM Biology, BSBA (ACBSP Accredited 2017)

[Image: e7P9EJ4.jpeg]
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#3
I don't think that there is any competency-based degree in any of these subjects.
In progress:
TESU - BA Computer Science; BSBA CIS; ASNSM Math & CS; ASBA

Completed:
Pierpont - AAS BOG
Sophia (so many), The Institutes (old), Study.com (5 courses)
ASU: Human Origins, Astronomy, Intro Health & Wellness, Western Civilization, Computer Appls & Info Technology, Intro Programming
Strayer: CIS175, CIS111, WRK100, MAT210
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#4
I studied the BA at the U of Maine.
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#5
Oh yeah, UMPI, nice choice, several members here are taking or have graduated from them too... they don't seem to have a grad program yet, oh wells... Since you mentioned Social Sciences, would a Masters in Psychology do for you? There are so many subjects you mentioned, LOL, there aren't many in those specific fields...
Study.com Offer https://bit.ly/3RTJ3I9
UPI Study https://www.upistudy.com/?ref=f6bc41

Pre-Med Online, MSc Biomedical Sciences (Starting Jan 2026)
In Progress: UoPeople BS Health Science

Completed: UMPI BAS & MAOL (2025)
TESU ASNSM Biology, BSBA (ACBSP Accredited 2017)

[Image: e7P9EJ4.jpeg]
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#6
I don't know of any master's programs which are CBE in history. There's not a ton of master's programs that are CBE. I'm hoping with the impacts of Covid and remote learning that this will change!
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#7
(01-17-2021, 12:22 PM)Pelican Wrote: I was able to just finish a competency-based degree in History...
MA in Military History at American Public University.  They have other stuff too.
Maybe something from Purdue Global?
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#8
(01-17-2021, 04:36 PM)Alpha Wrote:
(01-17-2021, 12:22 PM)Pelican Wrote: I was able to just finish a competency-based degree in History...
MA in Military History at American Public University.  They have other stuff too.
Maybe something from Purdue Global?

As far as I can tell, APU doesn't have a competency-based Master's degree. They charge per course. Granted, their fees page says it's $370/credit hour. https://catalog.apus.edu/graduate/tuitio...tion-fees/ and they do have a pure History degree https://catalog.apus.edu/graduate/academ...ementstext but 36 hours @ $370 per hour is $13320.
In progress:
TESU - BA Computer Science; BSBA CIS; ASNSM Math & CS; ASBA

Completed:
Pierpont - AAS BOG
Sophia (so many), The Institutes (old), Study.com (5 courses)
ASU: Human Origins, Astronomy, Intro Health & Wellness, Western Civilization, Computer Appls & Info Technology, Intro Programming
Strayer: CIS175, CIS111, WRK100, MAT210
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#9
(01-17-2021, 04:36 PM)Alpha Wrote:
(01-17-2021, 12:22 PM)Pelican Wrote: I was able to just finish a competency-based degree in History...
MA in Military History at American Public University.  They have other stuff too.
Maybe something from Purdue Global?

Purdue Global doesn't have any degrees in history. And only a handful of their degrees have the Excel Track option which is the CBE program. 
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#10
(01-17-2021, 05:35 PM)ss20ts Wrote:
(01-17-2021, 04:36 PM)Alpha Wrote:
(01-17-2021, 12:22 PM)Pelican Wrote: I was able to just finish a competency-based degree in History...
MA in Military History at American Public University.  They have other stuff too.
Maybe something from Purdue Global?

Purdue Global doesn't have any degrees in history. And only a handful of their degrees have the Excel Track option which is the CBE program. 
Yes well since our friend Pelican seemed a bit flexible as to the actual subject matter I thought I'd throw out the general idea.  No harm, no foul.

(01-17-2021, 05:13 PM)rachel83az Wrote:
(01-17-2021, 04:36 PM)Alpha Wrote:
(01-17-2021, 12:22 PM)Pelican Wrote: I was able to just finish a competency-based degree in History...
MA in Military History at American Public University.  They have other stuff too.
Maybe something from Purdue Global?

As far as I can tell, APU doesn't have a competency-based Master's degree. They charge per course. Granted, their fees page says it's $370/credit hour. https://catalog.apus.edu/graduate/tuitio...tion-fees/ and they do have a pure History degree https://catalog.apus.edu/graduate/academ...ementstext but 36 hours @ $370 per hour is $13320.

"American Public University System seeks to advance social, economic and environmental well-being through the transformative power of education with:
Dynamic, engaging, quality learning experiences;

  • Best-in-class student interfaces;

  • Diverse and career relevant degree programs;

  • Communities of lifelong learners and practice in selected disciplines;

  • Evaluation of transfer credit and competency-based learning;

  • Affordability relative to public institutions;

  • Strategic partnerships with key stakeholders; and,

  • Thought leadership that contributes to effective change in higher education"
I'm sure you know more about these things.  I don't know of any MA History degree that is entirely competency based.  I thought it might be helpful to point out that their degrees can be earned, at least in part, through competency based assessment.  Of course, this is likely true of a number of schools.  I thought it might be better to relax the criteria a bit and so have some options rather than remain rigid and have no options at all.
Mission and Vision | American Public University System (APUS)
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