UNO Launches Maverick Flex Path, Expanding Flexible, Workforce-Aligned Graduate Education

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is expanding its approach to workforce-aligned education through Maverick Flex Path, a new competency-based education model that enables graduate learners to progress by demonstrating mastery of clearly defined, industry-aligned competencies.

➡️ What’s new: UNO has received approval from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) to launch Maverick Flex Path, its new competency-based education (CBE) model, beginning with the Graduate Certificate in Executive Business through the College of Business Administration (CBA).

• This 14-credit graduate certificate is designed for working professionals and can be completed in less than one year.
• Applications and information requests are open, with the first classes beginning in Fall 2026.
• Contact mavflexpath@unomaha.edu or 402.554.3900 to learn more.

💡Why it matters: Maverick Flex Path represents a significant step forward in how UNO delivers flexible, workforce-aligned graduate education. The model is designed to:

• Provide flexible pathways for working professionals balancing career and personal commitments
• Emphasize applied skills aligned to workforce needs
• Expand UNO’s portfolio of innovative program offerings

🔎 What is competency-based education? Instead of progressing through courses based on time or a semester calendar like a traditional degree program, Maverick Flex Path students advance by demonstrating mastery of real-world competencies aligned with workforce needs. Key features include:

• Flexible pacing within structured 8-week terms
• Five start dates per year
• Personalized faculty feedback and success coaching
• Real-world, skills-based assessments

🎤 What they’re saying:

• Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA: “Maverick Flex Path positions UNO at the forefront of innovation in graduate education. This program reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality, flexible learning experiences aligned with the evolving needs of today’s workforce. Importantly, this is just the beginning as we build a broader portfolio of competency-based educational offerings at UNO.”
• Phil He, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs: “I want to congratulate our colleagues in ILCI and Academic Affairs for their leadership in innovating on behalf of all Nebraskans. Our workforce needs faster pathways to meaningful credentials, and employers need team members with job-ready, verifiable skills. Maverick Flex Path rises to meet both of those needs. I’m deeply grateful to the many members of our campus community whose collaboration and commitment made this milestone possible.”
• Jason Coleman, Ph.D., Associate Vice Chancellor for Innovative and Learning Centric Initiatives (ILCI): “This program represents an initial step in building a broader, scalable portfolio of competency-based offerings at UNO. It reflects a deliberate effort to create academic structures that align more directly with workforce expectations while maintaining the quality and rigor of graduate education.”
• Erin Bass, Ph.D., Executive Director, Center for Competencies, Skills and Workforce Development: “The launch of our first Maverick Flex Path program marks a major milestone in a years-long, campus-wide effort to bring competency-based education to UNO. This achievement reflects the dedication of dozens of faculty and staff who helped design, build, and refine this model from the ground up.”
• Gurpreet S. Dhillon, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Business Administration: “This is a win for Omaha’s workforce ecosystem. At a time when technology is rapidly reshaping industries, professionals need access to education that builds durable, future-ready leadership skills. The Graduate Certificate in Executive Business equips learners with knowledge and experiences they can immediately apply while giving employers confidence in the verified skills their teams bring to the table. It strengthens both individual career growth and organizational success.”

⚡️ What’s next: This program represents the first implementation of Maverick Flex Path, with additional offerings under development as UNO continues to expand its competency-based education portfolio.