UNO Pioneers Flexible Graduate Pathway Program for Working Adults in Nebraska

Different people learn at different paces. It’s an easy concept, isn’t it? So, shouldn’t there be an educational model that allows students to do just that?

That’s exactly what The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is introducing through Maverick Flex Path. The competency-based education (CBE) model enables graduate learners to progress through their course by demonstrating that they’ve mastered the skills or competencies at hand, instead of progressing through a course based on time or a semester calendar.

Programs are offered fully online, so working adults can keep their jobs, families and other priorities at the center of their lives while earning their graduate credential. Courses are created and taught by UNO faculty, who stay closely involved with students through regular feedback and guidance.

UNO is one of the first universities in Nebraska to receive approval and accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) to launch the competency-based education model, Maverick Flex Path. These are fully accredited, graduate‑level UNO credentials that use a different learning format, not a separate or non‑credit track.

Simply put, Maverick Flex Path is an educational option at the student’s pace that provides skills that are aligned to workforce needs, fast-tracking learners toward their professional goals and more effectively filling gaps in Nebraska’s workforce without sacrificing quality.

Maverick Flex Path is organized in eight-week terms, with five different start dates each year, allowing students to begin when it works for them and move at a pace that fits their lives. Along the way, they receive personalized faculty feedback, support from a dedicated success coach, and real-world, skills-based assessments instead of traditional exams.

“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,” says Gurpreet S. Dhillon, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Business Administration, where the inaugural CBE program will be offered.

That course, the Graduate Certificate in Executive Business, is a 14-credit certificate designed for working professionals, with the first classes beginning in the Fall of 2026.

“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,” Dhillon adds.

The Graduate Certificate in Executive Business is the first program in the Maverick Flex Path portfolio. Teacher education programs are also approved, with new offerings planned for Fall 2027, including a Master of Science in Elementary and Secondary Education and a Graduate Certificate in Instructional Technology Leadership.

Together, these programs reflect Maverick Flex Path’s long‑term strategy to expand access in fields where Nebraska’s workforce needs are greatest.

"Over the past two years, we have partnered with national leaders in competency-based education to develop a model for UNO that supports our mission of accessible, high-quality education. Our product is second to none and will be a catalyst for workforce development in Omaha and beyond. We are excited to expand CBE to other programs at UNO,” says Erin Bass, the Executive Director of UNO’s Center for Competencies, Skills, and Workforce Development (CCSW).

“The feedback is clear: CBE is making a real impact, and helping students gain the skills they need,” Bass adds.

Maverick Flex Path uses a transparent, flat‑rate tuition model so students know the total cost of their program up front, with no surprise fees or additional charges as they progress. Tuition is set program by program, reflecting the expectations of each field and allowing working professionals and educators to choose the option that fits their goals and budget.

Within this structure, the Graduate Certificate in Executive Business serves as a premium, executive-level offering in the Maverick Flex Path portfolio, while upcoming programs in education and other fields will publish their own flat, all‑inclusive tuition as they come online.

Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, says Maverick Flex Path is yet another way that UNO is taking initiative and being a leader in innovative 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.”

For more information on Maverick Flex Path, contact mavflexpath@unomaha.edu or 402.554.3900.