List of Competency-Based Degrees at University of Phoenix 2026

University of Phoenix has been serving working adults since 1976, and its competency-based programs (CBE) represent one of the more focused and deliberately designed portfolios among large online universities with competency-based programs. University of Phoenix has built a targeted set of competency-based programs in fields where professional experience most directly translates into academic acceleration: business, healthcare administration, information systems, and nursing.

This article covers University of Phoenix's CB programs in detail: what's available, how CBE works, and whether the format is the right fit for your situation. If you're weighing University of Phoenix against other CBE options or simply want a clear picture before reaching out to admissions, you'll find what you need here.

Does University of Phoenix Offer Competency-Based Degrees?

Yes, University of Phoenix offers competency-based programs at both the bachelor's and master's levels, though the CB format is available for a select set of programs rather than across the full degree catalog. The university uses two related but distinct CBE models: a credit-based CB format for its business, healthcare, IT, and nursing programs, and a direct assessment format for its MS in Psychology.

The credit-based CB programs are eligible for federal financial aid and carry the same credit structure as traditional degree programs, making them straightforward for employers and graduate programs to evaluate. The direct assessment MS in Psychology operates outside the traditional credit hour system and is not currently eligible for federal financial aid, which is an important practical consideration for students weighing that option.

Competency-Based Degrees Available at University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix's CB programs span three graduate fields and one undergraduate nursing completion pathway. The programs are intentionally built around fields where professional experience is most likely to accelerate progress.

Master's Degrees

University of Phoenix currently offers three competency-based master's degrees and one direct assessment graduate program, all designed for experienced professionals in business, healthcare, and technology. Each program can be completed in under 12 months for qualified students who enter with relevant field experience.

Master of Business Administration (MBA-CB)

The MBA-CB is University of Phoenix's flagship CB program and one of the most competitively priced competency-based MBA degrees available from an accredited institution. The program consists of 33 credits organized into 11 courses, with students taking three to four courses concurrently over 16-week terms. A dedicated faculty mentor supports students throughout the program, while individual course faculty provide subject-matter guidance and unlock competency assessments when students are ready to demonstrate mastery.

The curriculum is mapped to in-demand workforce competencies identified through labor market research. Admission requires an undergraduate degree in business or a related field, making the program best suited for professionals who already have a business foundation and want to advance it efficiently. The MBA-CB holds ACBSP accreditation alongside the university's traditional MBA program.

Master of Health Administration (MHA-CB)

The MHA-CB is built for experienced healthcare professionals aiming to move into administrative and executive leadership roles. Students take three to four courses concurrently over 16-week terms, and the program is designed for completion in under 12 months for professionals who enter with the required experience. Admission requires a bachelor's degree or higher and three years of leadership or management experience in a healthcare environment within the past 10 years.

What distinguishes this program from most competitors is its Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) accreditation, a specialized credential that SNHU, Walden, Capella, and most other large online institutions do not hold for their health administration programs. For professionals targeting hospital systems, health networks, or other organizations where CAHME recognition matters in hiring decisions, this is a meaningful differentiator.

Master of Information Systems (MIS-CB)

The MIS-CB is designed for IT professionals looking to step into leadership roles that require both technical knowledge and organizational management skills. Students advance by demonstrating mastery of IT and management competencies through applied assessments, with three to four courses running concurrently over each 16-week term alongside a faculty mentor who guides progress throughout.

The MIS-CB requires an undergraduate degree and relevant IT experience for admission, positioning it as an advancement credential for practicing technology professionals rather than an entry point into the field. The program is structured to be completable in under 12 months for qualified students who can leverage their existing IT background to move efficiently through the competency assessments.

Master of Science in Psychology (Direct Assessment)

The MS in Psychology at University of Phoenix is offered through a direct assessment format, where students advance by completing competency units rather than traditional credit hours. As with University of Phoenix's other CB programs, a faculty mentor provides support throughout, and students can move faster through competencies where their professional or academic background is strong. 

This is explicitly a non-licensure program: it provides a foundation of knowledge in psychology but does not prepare students for professional certification or licensure as a psychologist or counselor.

There is one significant practical consideration: the direct assessment MS in Psychology is not currently eligible for federal financial aid. Students financing their education through loans or Pell Grants cannot apply those funds to this program, which changes the affordability calculation considerably compared to the other CB programs. Veterans' education benefits and employer tuition assistance may still be applicable.

Bachelor's Degree

At the undergraduate level, University of Phoenix's CB format is currently available for one program: a nursing degree completion pathway for licensed registered nurses.

RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN-CB)

The RN-to-BSN CB program is University of Phoenix's competency-based pathway for registered nurses seeking to complete a bachelor's degree in nursing, and it's one of the most flexible RN-to-BSN programs available through the CB format. Students take three to four courses concurrently over 16-week terms, advancing through nursing competencies at their own pace with support from a dedicated faculty mentor and individual course faculty.

The program holds CCNE accreditation, ensuring it meets the national standard recognized by employers, state boards of nursing, and most hospital tuition reimbursement programs. The program is available to registered nurses with an active, unencumbered RN license who hold at least an associate degree in nursing or a nursing diploma from an accredited institution.

How Competency-Based Learning Works at University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix's CB model is built around concurrent course enrollment and a dedicated mentorship structure that stays with students from start to finish. Here's what the experience looks like in practice.

Course Structure and Pacing

Students enroll in three to four courses simultaneously at the start of each term:16 weeks for the credit-based CB programs and 12 weeks for the direct assessment MS in Psychology. Within that window, students work through each course's competency assessments on their own schedule, moving faster through familiar material and investing more time where new learning is required.

Faculty Support

Every CB student is assigned a program-level faculty mentor who remains with them throughout the entire degree, providing strategic guidance and accountability across terms. Individual course faculty are available for subject-matter support and are responsible for unlocking competency assessments when a student is ready to demonstrate mastery.

Assessments

Rather than traditional exams, students demonstrate mastery through applied tasks, case studies, and professional deliverables evaluated against rubrics tied to specific competency criteria. The concurrent enrollment model means students are always working across multiple subject areas simultaneously, which mirrors professional environments more closely than single-course sequential models.

Transfer Credit and Prior Learning

Transfer credit is evaluated at admission, and University of Phoenix's prior learning assessment process can potentially reduce program length by up to nine credits. The Tuition Guarantee locks in a fixed tuition rate from enrollment through graduation, regardless of how many terms the program takes to complete.

How Much Do Competency-Based Degrees Cost at University of Phoenix?

University of Phoenix structures its CB tuition differently depending on the program type. The credit-based CB graduate programs are priced per credit, with the MBA-CB running under $10,000 for the full 33-credit program and the MHA-CB priced at $300 per credit for a total of approximately $10,800 at 36 credits. The direct assessment MS in Psychology uses a fixed per-term tuition model rather than per-credit pricing, with total cost varying based on how many courses a student completes per term.

Students who complete the program faster pay less when pricing is structured per credit, and University of Phoenix's concurrent enrollment model means motivated students can cover multiple courses in a single term. Prior learning assessment credits, which can reduce total program length by up to nine credits, represent a meaningful cost-saving opportunity for students who qualify.

Financial Aid for Competency-Based Degrees at University of Phoenix

Most of University of Phoenix's CB programs are eligible for federal financial aid, but one program is a notable exception, a detail worth clarifying before enrollment.

• Federal financial aid: The MBA-CB, MHA-CB, MIS-CB, and RN-to-BSN-CB programs are all eligible for federal financial aid through FAFSA, including Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans for graduate students and Pell Grants for qualifying undergraduates. The direct assessment MS in Psychology is not currently eligible for federal financial aid; students pursuing that program should plan for alternative financing.
• Scholarships: University of Phoenix offers unlimited scholarships: if you qualify, you receive one. Available awards include the Phoenix Master's Scholarship, the Forever a Phoenix Scholarship for returning alumni, and the Current Student Scholarship. Students should ask an enrollment advisor about current scholarship availability and eligibility criteria.
• Employer tuition assistance: University of Phoenix maintains education benefit alliances with more than 2,700 organizations, covering a wide range of employers in healthcare, technology, and business. Students employed by partner organizations may access discounted tuition or reimbursement benefits that can significantly reduce out-of-pocket cost.
• Military benefits: University of Phoenix accepts GI Bill education benefits and military tuition assistance across its CB programs, and active-duty service members may qualify for a reduced military tuition rate. The university has an established process for applying military benefits to CB programs, and a finance advisor can help veterans and service members understand their specific eligibility.

Who Should Consider Competency-Based Degrees at University of Phoenix?

University of Phoenix's CB programs are narrowly aimed at experienced working professionals. Most programs require not just a relevant undergraduate degree but also documented professional experience in the field. This isn't a model built for students entering a field from scratch; it's built for professionals who already have substantial domain knowledge and want a graduate credential that reflects and extends it.

That focus is one of the model's most compelling features for the right candidate. A nurse manager who has spent a decade in hospital administration can move through the MHA-CB significantly faster than a traditional 16- to 24-month graduate program would allow. Similarly, a technology director with 15 years of experience managing IT infrastructure can accelerate through the MIS-CB by demonstrating competency in areas already deeply familiar, investing real study time only where the curriculum extends beyond current expertise. For professionals in such situations, University of Phoenix's CB programs offer a well-structured, affordable, and accredited pathway.

How To Apply to University of Phoenix's Competency-Based Programs

Applying to University of Phoenix's CB programs is straightforward, with no application fee and no standardized test requirements. Here's what the process looks like.

1. Confirm Program Eligibility

Before applying, verify that you meet the specific admission requirements for your target CB program. Most programs require a relevant undergraduate degree and documented professional experience in the field. An enrollment representative can help you assess your eligibility before you formally apply.

2. Submit Your Application

University of Phoenix's online application is free and takes only a few minutes. No SAT, GRE, or GMAT scores are required, and the university will request your transcripts directly from prior institutions at no out-of-pocket cost to you.

3. Undergo Prior Learning Assessment

Once admitted, University of Phoenix evaluates your prior college credits and relevant work experience to identify opportunities to apply transfer credit or prior learning credit toward your program. Students can earn up to nine credits through this process, which directly reduces the total number of competency units needed and lowers overall program cost.

4. Lock In Your Tuition Guarantee

When you enroll, University of Phoenix locks in your tuition rate through the Tuition Guarantee, ensuring the rate you start with is the rate you finish with regardless of how many terms your program takes. This step happens automatically at enrollment but is worth confirming with your enrollment representative so you understand exactly what you're committing to.

5. Apply for Financial Aid

Complete the FAFSA if you plan to use federal financial aid and confirm that the specific CB program you're enrolling in is federal aid eligible before you do. Finance advisors at University of Phoenix can walk you through your options, including scholarships, employer benefits, and military education programs.

6. Connect With Your Faculty Mentor

Once enrolled, you'll be paired with a faculty mentor who will guide you throughout the program. Your first conversation with your mentor typically covers your degree plan, your pacing expectations, and how to approach the concurrent course load in your first term.

FAQs About Competency-Based Degrees at University of Phoenix

These questions address what prospective students most commonly want to know before committing to a University of Phoenix CB program.

Does University of Phoenix Offer Competency-Based Bachelor's Degrees?

Yes, but currently the only competency-based bachelor's program at University of Phoenix is the RN-to-BSN CB, a degree completion program designed specifically for registered nurses with an active RN license and an associate degree or nursing diploma. The university's broader undergraduate catalog is offered in a traditional format. Students interested in a CB bachelor's in fields other than nursing should contact University of Phoenix directly to inquire about any additions to the CB program lineup.

Are University of Phoenix's Competency-Based Degrees Accredited?

University of Phoenix holds institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which it has maintained continuously since 1978 and was recently reaffirmed. Several CB programs also carry specialized programmatic accreditation: the MBA-CB is ACBSP-accredited, the MHA-CB holds CAHME accreditation, and the RN-to-BSN-CB is CCNE-accredited. These program-level accreditations are recognized by employers, licensing bodies, and graduate programs in their respective fields.

Can You Finish Faster at University of Phoenix?

Yes, and the concurrent enrollment model is specifically designed to make that possible. By taking three to four courses simultaneously and demonstrating mastery at your own pace within each 16-week term, students who enter with strong professional backgrounds can complete graduate CB programs in under 12 months. Prior learning assessment credits can further reduce total program length, and the Tuition Guarantee means finishing faster directly reduces what you pay.

Does University of Phoenix Accept Transfer Credits?

University of Phoenix accepts eligible transfer credits from more than 5,000 accredited institutions, and the Prior Learning Assessment process can apply relevant work and life experience toward program credits as well. Students pursuing CB programs can potentially earn up to nine credits through transfer or prior learning, which reduces the remaining competency units required and lowers total cost. An enrollment representative can evaluate your specific transcripts and experience during the application process.

Are University of Phoenix's Competency-Based Degrees Worth It?

For the professionals these programs are designed for, they offer a compelling combination of accreditation, affordability, and speed. The CAHME accreditation on the MHA-CB is a genuine differentiator in healthcare management hiring, the MBA-CB's sub-$10,000 price point is difficult to match among ACBSP-accredited programs, and the RN-to-BSN's CCNE accreditation meets the standard recognized across the nursing industry. The value depends on fit: if you meet the experience requirements and can sustain the self-direction the concurrent model demands, University of Phoenix's CB programs are a well-documented, affordable path to an accredited credential.

Explore Competency-Based Degrees at University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix's CB programs represent a focused, professionally targeted approach to competency-based graduate education that rewards experienced learners with real flexibility and real cost savings. Use Learn.org to compare University of Phoenix's CB programs alongside other CBE options and connect with an admissions advisor to find the right fit for your goals.