What Is Competency-Based Education?
Designed to leverage your previous knowledge, college coursework, and work experience, competency-based education enables you to earn your degree at your pace as you demonstrate mastery of relevant academic content.
How our YourPace online programs save you time and money:
- Prove your knowledge, move ahead—the faster you advance, the more you save
- Flat tuition rate per 8-week session, no matter how many courses you complete
- With no weekly deadlines, you control the speed of completion*
*Time to completion varies by student and is based on several factors including prior college coursework, relevant work experience, amount of time dedicated to studying, and the number of courses completed each session.
Upcoming Session Dates
The Dates YourPace Students need to know
There are six opportunities throughout the year to begin our YourPace online program. Find the start date below that works best for you and apply before the application deadline. Please note, application and document deadlines are the same. UMPI must receive all documents including official transcripts by the document deadline to be considered. Transcripts can often take 10 or more business days from the request date to be received by UMPI, please plan accordingly.
YourPace Liberal Studies Program Offerings
The University of Maine at Presque Isle offers a range of Liberal Studies programs in the YourPace modality designed to match your career goals. With flexible options and expert faculty, we provide the tools and support you need to succeed in the competitive field of Liberal Studies. Explore our program offerings below and find the perfect pathway to build your future.
In-person Liberal Studies Program Options
Not interested in the YourPace modality?
We offer on-campus in-person Liberal Studies pathways to degree completion.
Maximum Flexibility
One of the biggest benefits of our Liberal Studies programs is that their flexibility leverages your previously earned credits and streamlines your pathway to degree completion.
YourPace Tuition
Learn more about our affordable tuition
The YourPace Liberal Studies Online Program offers an affordable flat tuition rate, ensuring you pay the same amount per session regardless of how many courses you complete. With no hidden fees or additional textbook costs, this flexible competency based education program allows you to save more the faster you finish. Whether you’re looking to accelerate your degree or complete courses at your own pace, you’ll benefit from transparent pricing and a cost-effective learning experience through the University of Maine at Presque Isle.
**Tuition and fees are subject to change
Tuition breakdown:
$1,700** per session
Flat-Rate Tuition
Frequently Asked YourPace ALiberal Studies Questions
Have questions or need more information about competency based education?
Ready to take the next step toward earning your degree online from UMPI?
UMPI is ranked as one of the top 10 Regional Colleges in the North for graduates with least debt—UMPI is the top institution in Maine and all of New England to appear on this list. – U.S. News & World Report, 2024.
EXPECT to Finish at YourPace
YourPace Admissions
Requirements for these Liberal Studies program offerings
We’ve made the admission process simple and streamlined so it’s easier for you to get started. Those interested in earning their competency based education degree in Liberal Studies should have the equivalent of a high school diploma and possess some prior college credit and/or work experience.
Admission Requirements:
No Application Fee
Minimum 1.75 GPA
YourPace Liberal Studies Courses
The University of Maine at Presque Isle’s YourPace Liberal Studies Program is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in today’s dynamic Liberal Studies landscape. Select the tab below to explore the degree option that aligns with your goals and start building a strong foundation for your future success.
Take a look at the online Bachelor of Liberal Studies – Accounting Minor curriculum
To earn your BLS – Accounting Minor, you need to complete 120 credit hours of coursework. Each course is built around a series of competencies. Once you have mastered the series, you complete the course. Using our personalized learning model, we look at your past college credit, prior learning, and work experience to create your custom degree plan.
The program includes 40 credit hours of general education courses, 18 credit hours of Accounting Minor core courses, and 62 credit hours of electives.
Criminal Justice, B.L.S.
The Bachelor of Liberal Studies in Criminal Justice at UMPI provides students with a strong foundation in liberal arts and criminology while focusing on the practical applications of criminal justice principles. This program integrates theoretical insights with hands-on learning, preparing students to address real-world challenges in the criminal justice system.
Graduates are prepared for careers in federal, state, and local law enforcement, corrections, criminal justice social services, and related areas. Additionally, the program offers an excellent foundation for those pursuing advanced studies, including law school. By earning a Criminal Justice B.L.S. degree at UMPI, students gain the expertise to make meaningful contributions in their communities and beyond.
Degree Requirements
To earn your B.L.S. in Criminal Justice, you must complete 120 credit hours of coursework. Each course is competency-based, allowing you to progress as you demonstrate mastery of the material. Using UMPI’s personalized YourPace model, your prior college credits, work experience, and learning history help create a custom degree plan.
Educational Studies, B.L.S. Minor
UMPI’s YourPace Bachelor of Liberal Studies (B.L.S.) program with a Minor in Educational Studies provides students with a strong foundation in teaching principles, learning methodologies, and educational systems. This minor is ideal for those interested in exploring careers in education, curriculum development, or youth advocacy.
The Educational Studies Minor within the B.L.S. program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovative approaches to education. Students gain insights into the social and psychological aspects of learning, preparing them for roles that demand strong leadership and communication skills.
Leveraging the YourPace model, students can complete the minor at their own pace, customizing their academic journey to fit their personal and professional ambitions. Whether enhancing their current role or preparing for graduate studies, the Educational Studies Minor offers a flexible and enriching pathway to success.
To earn your BLS – Educational Studies Minor, you need to complete 120 credit hours of coursework. Each course is built around a series of competencies. Once you have mastered the series, you complete the course. Using our personalized learning model, we look at your past college credit, prior learning, and work experience to create your custom degree plan.
Educational Studies Minor- 21 Credit Hours
History, B.L.S. Minor
The History Minor in UMPI’s YourPace Bachelor of Liberal Studies (B.L.S.) program empowers students to explore diverse perspectives through the lens of history. This minor strengthens analytical, research, and communication skills, preparing students for careers in law, education, public policy, or cultural organizations.
With the YourPace model, students can customize their learning experience and progress at their own pace. The History Minor is a flexible and engaging way to enhance your education while gaining valuable skills to excel in today’s interconnected world.
Minimum of 12 upper level credits in History (300-level and above)
Total: 18 Credit Hours
Liberal Studies – Business, A.A.
UMPI’s YourPace Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Liberal Studies with a focus on Business offers a flexible pathway for students seeking foundational business knowledge and skills. This program emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving, preparing students for entry-level roles in management, marketing, or entrepreneurship.
With UMPI’s innovative YourPace model, students can complete their degree at their own speed, leveraging prior learning and work experience. This A.A. program provides a strong academic foundation while equipping students for seamless transfer into bachelor’s degree programs or advancing their professional goals.
Liberal Studies – General, A.A.
The Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Liberal Studies – General at UMPI offers a versatile and customizable educational experience. This program focuses on developing essential skills in communication, analysis, and critical thinking, making it an excellent choice for students exploring diverse career paths or preparing for bachelor’s degree programs.
UMPI’s YourPace model allows students to progress through the program at their own speed, accommodating personal and professional commitments. With its broad foundation and flexible approach, this A.A. degree opens the door to endless possibilities in academics and beyond.
Management, B.L.S. Minor
UMPI’s YourPace Bachelor of Liberal Studies (B.L.S.) program with a Management Minor provides students with the skills to lead teams, organize resources, and drive business success. This minor emphasizes leadership, strategic decision-making, and organizational behavior, making it ideal for careers in business, nonprofit organizations, or public administration.
With UMPI’s flexible YourPace model, students can progress through the Management Minor at their own speed, tailoring their learning to fit their goals. Gain the tools and knowledge to excel in management roles and make an impact in today’s fast-paced professional environment.
The topics you’ll study in our online MIS courses
UMPI’s YourPace Bachelor of Liberal Studies (B.L.S.) program with a Management Information Systems (MIS) Minor equips students with the knowledge and skills to manage technology-driven business processes. This minor focuses on IT management, data analysis, and systems integration, preparing students for roles in business technology, data management, and organizational efficiency.
The YourPace model allows students to progress at their own speed, integrating prior learning and professional experience into their academic journey. With a focus on the intersection of business and technology, the MIS Minor provides the tools to thrive in today’s digital economy.
To earn your BLS – Management Information Systems Minor, you need to complete 120 credit hours of coursework. Each course is built around a series of competencies. Once you have mastered the series, you complete the course. Using our personalized learning model, we look at your past college credit, prior learning, and work experience to create your custom degree plan.
Political Science, B.L.S. Minor
UMPI’s YourPace Bachelor of Liberal Studies (B.L.S.) program with a Political Science Minor offers a deep dive into the study of governance, public policy, and global politics. This minor hones analytical, communication, and decision-making skills, equipping students for careers in law, public service, advocacy, or education.
With the flexible YourPace model, students can progress at their own speed, tailoring the Political Science Minor to their personal and professional goals. Gain the knowledge and tools to make a meaningful impact in today’s dynamic political environment.
Minimum of 12 upper level credits (300-level and above)
Total: 18 Credit Hours
Pre-Law, B.L.S. Minor
UMPI’s YourPace Bachelor of Liberal Studies (B.L.S.) program offers a Pre-Law Minor that equips students with the foundational skills needed to excel in legal studies and related professions. Combining liberal arts education with focused legal studies, this minor emphasizes analytical thinking, persuasive communication, and ethical decision-making.
The Pre-Law Minor within the B.L.S. program prepares students for diverse career paths, including public service, advocacy, and consulting, while also serving as a stepping stone for graduate or law school. The flexible YourPace model allows students to integrate prior learning and professional experience into their academic journey, creating a customized path to success.
Whether aiming for law school or a career in fields requiring legal acumen, the Pre-Law Minor in the B.L.S. program provides the tools and confidence to make a lasting impact.
Project Management, B.L.S. Minor
UMPI’s YourPace Bachelor of Liberal Studies (B.L.S.) program with a Project Management Minor provides students with the essential skills to plan, execute, and manage projects across industries. This minor emphasizes leadership, organizational strategies, and problem-solving, preparing students for roles in business, nonprofit management, or operations.
With UMPI’s flexible YourPace model, students can progress through the Project Management Minor at their own speed, leveraging prior academic credits and professional experience. Gain the expertise to successfully lead projects and deliver results in today’s fast-paced professional environments.
To earn your BLS – Project Management Minor, you need to complete 120 credit hours of coursework. Each course is built around a series of competencies. Once you have mastered the series, you complete the course. Using our personalized learning model, we look at your past college credit, prior learning, and work experience to create your custom degree plan.
The program includes 40 credit hours of general education courses, 18 credit hours of Project Management Minor core courses, and 62 credit hours of electives.
Psychology, B.L.S. Minor
UMPI’s YourPace Bachelor of Liberal Studies (B.L.S.) program with a Psychology Minor offers students a deeper understanding of human behavior, thought processes, and emotional well-being. This minor emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and the application of psychological principles, preparing students for roles in social services, education, or business.
The YourPace model allows students to progress through the Psychology Minor at their own speed, tailoring their learning experience to fit their goals. Whether you’re exploring career opportunities or preparing for advanced studies, this minor provides a flexible and enriching pathway to success.
Social Studies, B.L.S. Minor
UMPI’s YourPace Bachelor of Liberal Studies (B.L.S.) program with a Social Studies Minor provides students with a comprehensive understanding of history, geography, government, and sociology. This minor emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills, preparing students for roles in education, public service, or community outreach.
With UMPI’s flexible YourPace model, students can complete the Social Studies Minor at their own speed, tailoring their education to meet their goals. Gain the knowledge and skills to make an impact in diverse professional settings with this versatile minor.
NECHE
The University of Maine at Presque Isle is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
University of Maine System
UMPI is a respected member of the University of Maine System.
C-BEN
UMPI is proud to be a member institution in the Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN).
What can you do with a degree in Liberal Studies?
Next Step: Admissions
We’re so excited that you’re considering the University of Maine at Presque Isle! As a student at UMPI, we want your experience to be anything but ordinary! So what makes UMPI extraordinary? Our Learning Environment, Our Student Engagement and Our Location!
No matter what stage of life you are in, we can help you take the plunge into higher education and put you on YOUR PATH TO SUCCESS!
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