Senator Hassan Discusses the Importance of Competency-Based Education at Southern New Hampshire University

MANCHESTER – Senator Maggie Hassan led a roundtable discussion at Southern New Hampshire University yesterday on the importance of competency-based education. Competency-based education programs provide students with pathways to degrees through the mastery of relevant skills rather than through the traditional accumulation of credit hours. This allows students the flexibility to balance their studies with work and family obligations, as well as the opportunity for accelerated learning that can save students time and money.

“For students to be successful, we need to meet them where they are,” Senator Hassan said. “I’m proud of the innovative approaches that schools like Southern New Hampshire University are taking to provide students with the support and resources that they need to complete their education and contribute to the workforce.”

“Competency-based education allows students at Southern New Hampshire University to learn at their own pace, while also helping them save on the cost of education,” said Amy Stevens, Executive Director of Competency-Based Education, Southern New Hampshire University. “I want to thank Senator Hassan for hosting today’s roundtable and being a strong advocate for competency-based education at both the state and national level.”

Southern New Hampshire University offers competency-based education programs in fields including communications and health care management. The programs emphasize real-world projects, allowing for mutually beneficial partnerships between students and businesses. Learn more here.

In 2015, then-Governor Hassan applauded Southern New Hampshire University for launching College for America, one of their competency-based education programs, and has continued to support alternative pathways to higher education during her time in the Senate. This spring, Senator Hassan introduced bipartisan legislation that would reform the under-utilized experimental sites authorized by the Higher Education Act, encouraging innovation in institutions of higher education to better the student experience.

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