FAQs

The YourPace program at the University of Maine at Presque Isle represents competency-based learning at its best, allowing you to progress through earning your undergraduate or graduate degree more efficiently, while focusing on the learning you need. Since not everybody is familiar with this approach, here are answers to frequently asked questions about YourPace at UMPI.

The UMPI YourPace program is an innovative, competency-based way for you to earn your degree on your terms. The programs are delivered in online, eight-week sessions, using a digital platform. Each course you take is built around learning modules with embedded competencies. You progress as you demonstrate mastery of each competency. Once you demonstrate mastery of all the competencies, you have completed the course. Since you determine how many competencies to complete during each eight-week session, you have more control over your schedule and how quickly you progress toward completing your degree.

Yes, the YourPace program is accredited by The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Credit for Prior Learning Assessment (CPL) represents a process designed to give students course credit based on prior knowledge they have gained through experience outside of the classroom. We have a variety of different options that are available to you as a YourPace student and these include testing, certifications, and portfolio creation. You can get much more information on this process by talking to a member of our YourPace team.

That depends entirely on you! If you have a lot of prior coursework to transfer in and the freedom to dedicate a lot of time to your coursework, you can complete the program in as few as 12 months. The amount of time it takes is dependent on the number of credits transferred in and the time you have to study and complete your competency work.

Your real-life experience and prior knowledge counts! Using competency assessments, you can quickly earn credit for what you already know. Proving your knowledge by satisfying competencies through assessments means that you may significantly shorten the length of time it takes to complete your degree, as well as decreasing the total cost of the program.

There is no limit to the number of credit hours you can transfer.

Yes, international students are eligible to apply and enroll; however, an I-20 will NOT be provided as this is a fully online degree program.  In addition to the standard admissions requirements, international students must also meet the additional requirements specific to international applicants. International student questions can be directed to (207) 768-9433.

All international student applicants must request that an official English language proficiency exam score is submitted to the Application Processing Center (edocs@maine.edu) directly by the testing agency.

  • Only tests from the following will be accepted:
  • TOEFL (including the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition): Minimum score of 79 (iBT) or 550 (paper-based test)
    • UMPI’s institution code is 3008. Please note: We accept “MyBest Scores” and evaluate these scores the same way we consider superscores for all other tests.
  • TOEFL Essentials: Minimum score of 8.5
  • IELTS (including the IELTS Indicator online test): Minimum score of 6.5.
  • PTE (Pearson Test of English): Minimum score of 53
  • CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages): Completed level C1 Advanced (Certificate of Advanced English)
  • DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.

English proficiency test scores are waived only if at least one of the following is met:

  • Native speaker of English with a permanent address from one of the following countries:
    • If you are from one of the following countries, where English is considered a primary language, you will be considered proficient.  If you are from or currently reside in one of these countries, you MUST submit a copy of your valid passport or a valid government issued ID with an address as proof of permanent residence.
      • Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Belize, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guernsey, Guyana, Ireland, Isle of Man, Jamaica, Jersey, Montserrat, Nauru, New Zealand, Pitcairn Islands, Puerto Rico, Saint Helena, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, United Kingdom, U.S. Virgin Islands, United States
  • High school transcript clearly states that English is the language of instruction for all
  • Student studying in-person at a regionally accredited higher education institution within the U.S., Canada, or England for two or more years and not in an ESL track.

No other requests will be considered.

In competency-based education, the goal is to help you focus on what you need to know and then to demonstrate the specific competencies that you have learned. Demonstrating competencies within a subject can take many forms including interactive discussion questions, quizzes, case studies, projects, papers, and more. The course content builds your understanding, preparing you for the final assessment where you demonstrate mastery of the competency.

YourPace is a flat rate tuition program ($1,700 for undergraduate, $2,350 for graduate per eight-week session) and you can take as many courses as you like, as you progress at your own pace, during each session.

All of our undergraduate YourPace programs lead to a Bachelor’s degree, which requires a total of 120 credit hours. The graduate YourPace program leads to a Master’s degree, which requires a total of 36 credit hours.

There are six sessions offered each year with each session lasting eight weeks.

You can take as many competencies as you can successfully complete within an eight-week session. Your advisor will work with you on scheduling to help ensure you are maximizing your time within the program.

Grades are based on the final exam. We utilize quizzes, practice questions, and interactive discussion questions for each objective within the competency to help prepare you for the final. These exercises are not graded and can be taken as many times as needed to achieve mastery. Once you have completed each objective and take the final exam, a minimum score of 80 is required to pass the competency. Learners may take the final exam up to two times to meet the minimum competency qualification and receive credit for the course.

YES! YourPace programs are fully eligible for financial aid. To learn more contact: Student Financial Services, umpi-financialaid@maine.edu or (207) 768-9510.

The faculty and staff at UMPI are dedicated to your success. You will work with an Academic Success Coach who will meet with you as little or as much as you would like in response to your needs. Generally, students prefer to meet weekly for one-on-one consultations. Our faculty are also readily available to answer any questions you may have about the content of your course or program.

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