Reimagining Higher Education: The Promise and Challenges of Competency-Based Learning in the Digital Age

Competency-Based Education (CBE) represents a significant shift from traditional higher education, emphasizing learning outcomes and mastery of specific skills over time-based credit systems. Synthesizing findings from 73 peer-reviewed empirical studies and official institutional data, the analysis examines the core principles of CBE, its implementation frameworks, and its practical application in higher education institutions. The analysis further reveals how CBE addresses current challenges in postsecondary education, including providing flexible learning pathways, developing industry-relevant skills, and achieving measurable learning outcomes. Through institutional case studies and implementation strategies, this analysis provides a framework for understanding CBE's role in transforming higher education and assessing student achievement.