Three Principles of Competency-Based Learning: Mission, Mission, Mission

Abstract

NASPAA adopted new accreditation standards in October 2009, requiring Masters programs of public administration, public policy, and public affairs to adopt and implement competency-based learning. This learning approach, however, is not new to public administration. Scholars have been promoting competency-based education for more than 25 years (Greenhill, Metz, & Stander, 1982). This article expands on the previous work of competency-based education, presenting lessons learned from the experience of the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). A systematic competency-based learning system was adopted and implemented in support of its mission statement of preparing public service leaders. The purpose of these lessons is to help NASPPA-accredited programs, of all sizes, conceptualize and advance their approaches to competency-based learning, including the need for a shared understanding of the program’s mission and the need for faculty flexibility when making curriculum changes.

Keywords:

• curriculum
• competency
• accreditation

Additional information

Notes on contributors

William C. Rivenbark

William C. Rivenbark is a professor of public administration and director of the Master of Public Administration Program in the School of Government at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His research involves financial and performance management in local government. He has published in Government Finance Review, International Journal of Public Administration, Journal of Public Affairs Education, Journal of Public Budgeting, Accounting & Financial Management, Public Administration Quarterly, Public Administration Review, Public Budgeting & Finance, Public Finance Review, Public Management, Public Performance & Management Review, and State and Local Government Review. He also is the coauthor of Performance Budgeting for State and Local Government, 2nd edition (M. E. Sharpe, 2011) and Capital Budgeting and Finance, 2nd edition (ICMA, 2009).

Willow S. Jacobson

Willow S. Jacobson is an associate professor of public administration and government in the School of Government at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and director of the LGFCU Fellows Program. Her research interest includes strategic human resource management, leadership, and organizational performance. Her work has appeared in the Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, Public Administration Review, and the Review of Public Personnel Administration. She holds a PhD from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University.