College for America offers a competency-based education model that focuses on project-based learning and real-world deliverables assessed for mastery. Their low-cost programs, in partnership with employers, allow students to advance quickly through subjects they have mastered while providing additional support in areas they are less familiar with. The curriculum development process involves collaboration with subject matter experts, iterative feedback, and the use of technology to enhance learning experiences.

1. COLLEGEFORAMERICA.ORG
CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT: KEY DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
PROJECT-BASED SCENARIOS
Projects based on competencies
Curriculum is a series of project-
based scenarios
Students produce real-world deliverables
that are assessed for mastery
COMPETENCIES
Degrees are comprised of competencies
and are stackable (AA/BA)
Degrees are informed by accepted
academic frameworks
WORKPLACE RELEVANCE
Workforce development research
informs competency development
Scenarios and projects are developed
around realistic situations
MASTERY MODEL
“Direct Assessment” model
Students have multiple opportunities
to develop and demonstrate mastery
Substantive feedback within
48 hours (per submission)
1. Degree identification & research
2. Competency development
3. Collaboration with
Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
4. Project development
5. Iterative feedback and revisions
6. Student beta testing
7. Program launches to students
8. Project maintenance
DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

2. COLLEGEFORAMERICA.ORG
Creating Innovative Curriculum:
Using technology to design and deliver a
robust competency-based education program
College forAmerica
is radically expanding access to
and improving the quality of
higher education through low-cost,
competency-based college degrees
and credentials designed to drive
success in the workplace.
LOW COST
COMPETENCY-BASED EDUCATION (CBE)
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
ACCREDITED UNIVERSITY
We partner with employers nationwide
to bring our fully accredited degree
programs to their employees at a cost
of just $3,000 per year (or less)!
Students may advance very quickly through
subjects they have already mastered in their
life and career, and can get extra time and
support in areas new to them.
Our competency-based degree programs
help students master specific skills (not
just accumulate credit hours) to achieve
their degree.
College for America is part of
Southern New Hampshire University—
a fully accredited, nonprofit university.

3. CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT: TECHNOLOGY STACK
COLLEGEFORAMERICA.ORG
CUSTOM LEARNING PLATFORM
(SALESFORCE)
CUSTOM AUTHORING
ENVIRONMENT
INTERNAL COLLABORATION
TOOLS
CROSS-FUNCTIONAL
COLLABORATION
TOOLS
GUIDED
PRACTICE