Is a competency-based MBA easier than a traditional MBA?

A competency-based MBA is not necessarily easier or harder than a traditional MBA since it doesn’t change the curriculum or academic standards, just the way you progress through your courses.

Who is competency-based education best for?

Competency-based education is best for:. . Busy professionals who need a flexible way to earn their degree while balancing work, life, and other priorities. . . Working adults who have already developed skills and knowledge they can draw upon to demonstrate competency, and who want to avoid spending time in areas they’ve already mastered. . . Learners who prefer independent studying with optional access to instructor help and other support resources. . .

What’s the difference between a competency-based MBA and a traditional MBA?

With a traditional MBA, you’ll be graded on weekly assignments, quizzes, or scheduled exams — and progress through a fixed schedule to complete set credit hours. . . With our competency-based MBA, you’ll be graded on 3 competency assessments for each course. These assessments allow you to progress at your own pace by demonstrating your skills and knowledge.

Do competency-based MBA programs have GPA?

Yes, competency-based MBA programs have a GPA. Your Fast Track MBA’s GPA is determined by the cumulative grades you receive on your competency assessments. .

How much time does a competency-based MBA take per week?

The time you spend on a competency-based MBA per week is determined by you. Some skill areas may be familiar enough that you can move through them quickly, while others may be new and take more time. . . However, a realistic study schedule for 2 courses is about 10 to 20 hours per week, depending on your schedule. .

Does financial aid apply to competency-based programs?

Traditional financial aid like scholarships, grants, alumni and family discounts, and military tuition pricing cannot be applied to our competency-based programs. However, you can apply employer tuition reimbursement to cover the cost and/or eligible transfer credits to potentially reduce the number of courses you’re required to take. .

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Is a Competency-Based MBA Right for You? 5 Questions to Ask

By DeVry University

Oct 13, 2026

6 min read

The decision to pursue your MBA is an exciting one — but it’s not the only one you’ll need to make. You might prefer weekly classes with your peers, or you may prefer independent, self-paced study. The great news is that you have options for finding the right learning format. With a competency-based MBA through DeVry-Keller Fast Track, you can take a different approach from a traditional master’s program by demonstrating your skills to progress through your courses at your own pace.

Wondering which learning format fits your needs? In this blog, we’ll cover 5 questions to help you decide by exploring essential aspects of our Fast Track MBA such as academic credibility, support structure, schedule, cost, and learning style.

1. Will employers respect a competency-based MBA?

Yes, employers respect a competency-based MBA. The format is different from a conventional master’s program, but it shares the same career-aligned curriculum and academic standards. In fact, you’ll receive the same MBA diploma as students in our traditional format. It won’t indicate that you completed your degree through Fast Track.

2. How much structure do you want?

Do you prefer traditional weekly, scheduled classes that keep you accountable? Or do you prefer more flexibility?

While our Fast Track MBA allows you to move through lessons at your own speed, it also includes a mix of human and digital support resources to facilitate your learning and help you stay consistent so you can reach your goals:

Regular advisor check-ins to help you navigate challenges and cheer you on
Accessible instructors who answer coursework questions, hold office hours, and more
Virtual dashboard tools to track your progress, monitor milestones, and provide a personalized study plan

3. What does your schedule look like?

Does your life accommodate the set class schedule of a traditional graduate degree, or do you need a more adaptable program to balance other priorities like work and family?

Our competency-based MBA is designed to flex with your busy life: Your schedule is determined by how quickly you can demonstrate your skills in each course, and there are no set log-in times. However, we recommend a study schedule of 10-20 hours per week when taking 2 courses.

Additionally, there are a few requirements to remain enrolled:

Complete a minimum of 1 learning activity within the first 21 days of your subscription period.
Log in a minimum of 1 time every 21 days.

Earning an MBA is a commitment, and the right schedule can set you up for success. Be sure to choose a learning format that fits your timeline and helps you stay on track.

4. What is the cost and timeline?

Our Fast-Track MBA is subscription based. The subscription period starts the first Monday of every month and you’ll pay a flat rate for each 16-week subscription period. During this time, you can complete as many courses as you want, potentially helping you to pay less depending on the number of courses you complete per 16-week period.

Our MBA is 13 courses, but if you’ve earned your bachelor’s in business or technology, you may be eligible to waive up to 3 courses (9 credit hours) from your program — reducing the time it takes to earn your degree.¹

5. How do you learn?

Do you thrive with in-person learning, class discussions, and group projects, or do you prefer to study remotely with instructor guidance when you need it?

With Fast Track, you’ll get a mixture of learning tools and support, so you’re never alone in your academic journey:

Guided, hands-on lessons
Optional weekly live (recorded) lesson
Student Support advisor check-ins for one-on-one help
Instructor office hours for course questions and discussion
Competency assessments evaluated by your instructor and graded using clear rubrics
Instructor competency assessment feedback within 72 hours
24/7 access to your AI Lumi tutor, our e-library, course materials, recorded lessons, and more

Whether you choose to pursue a competency-based MBA or a traditional one, you’ll receive a robust learning experience designed to help you develop job-ready business and leadership skills.

There’s no wrong answer, only the right fit

Choosing the right MBA program is a bit like choosing how to take a trip: Do you drive your car or take a train? Should you take the highway or the scenic route? The difference isn’t the destination; it’s the journey.

With a traditional MBA, you progress though a set course schedule and class time, while our Fast Track MBA allows you to advance by demonstrating your mastery of skill and knowledge. The experiences are different, but both lead to the destination: your MBA credential.

Use our Fit Finder to see which program matches your goals.

Fast Track Intro Content

Is Fast Track right for you?

Use our Fit Finder tool to find out if Fast Track is a match for your learning style and goals.^†

Fast Track Result Content

You're a Good Fit for our Fast Track learning format!

A flexible learning format may be a strong fit for you.

Based on your responses, you may do well in a format that gives you more control over your pace and schedule. This option is designed for students who are comfortable working independently, balancing multiple responsibilities, and moving forward as they master new skills.

You’ll still have structured milestones and support from faculty and mentors to help you stay on track. .

Request info Retake

Traditional Result Content

You're a Good Fit for the Traditional learning format!

A more structured learning format may be a strong fit for you.

Based on your responses, you may benefit most from a learning experience with structured schedules, regular deadlines, and ongoing instructor guidance. This format provides a clear weekly pace designed to help you stay organized and focused.

You’ll still have flexibility while following a more guided academic path.

Request info Retake

^†Fast Track is currently only available for our MBA program. Additional programs will be available soon.

Prove your skills. Power your progress.

Earn your MBA — your way.

Learn more about Fast Track

Frequently asked questions

A competency-based MBA is not necessarily easier or harder than a traditional MBA since it doesn’t change the curriculum or academic standards, just the way you progress through your courses.
Competency-based education is best for:
- Busy professionals who need a flexible way to earn their degree while balancing work, life, and other priorities.
- Working adults who have already developed skills and knowledge they can draw upon to demonstrate competency, and who want to avoid spending time in areas they’ve already mastered.
- Learners who prefer independent studying with optional access to instructor help and other support resources.
With a traditional MBA, you’ll be graded on weekly assignments, quizzes, or scheduled exams — and progress through a fixed schedule to complete set credit hours.

With our competency-based MBA, you’ll be graded on 3 competency assessments for each course. These assessments allow you to progress at your own pace by demonstrating your skills and knowledge.
The time you spend on a competency-based MBA per week is determined by you. Some skill areas may be familiar enough that you can move through them quickly, while others may be new and take more time.

However, a realistic study schedule for 2 courses is about 10 to 20 hours per week, depending on your schedule.
Traditional financial aid like scholarships, grants, alumni and family discounts, and military tuition pricing cannot be applied to our competency-based programs. However, you can apply employer tuition reimbursement to cover the cost and/or eligible transfer credits to potentially reduce the number of courses you’re required to take.

¹Eligibility and application of course waivers vary based on the type of course waiver credit earned, the student’s enrolled location and/or the student’s state of residence. For more information, please refer to the Course Waiver section of the Keller academic catalog.