degreebuilding

Degreebuilding is the process of constructing an academic degree by assembling modular units of study, credits, and experiential learning into a cohesive credential. It is a learner-centered approach that accommodates nontraditional students and lifelong learning, allowing individuals to tailor a degree to their professional goals or personal interests.

Key components often involved in degreebuilding include stackable credentials, such as certificates or microcredentials, that accumulate toward a higher degree; recognition of prior learning or work-based experience through assessments; and transfer credits from other institutions. Programs may use competency-based or time-flexible structures, where progression depends on demonstrated skills rather than seat time. Degree plans typically combine core requirements, electives, majors or specializations, and sometimes interdisciplinary or interdisciplinary options.

The process usually involves explicit advising and degree-planning tools to help students map out a path, monitor progress, and align credits with degree outcomes. Institutions may support degreebuilding through articulation agreements, credit transfer policies, and portfolio-based assessments.

Advantages of degreebuilding include increased flexibility, better alignment with career objectives, potential time and cost savings, and expanded access for adult or working students. Challenges include ensuring credit portability across institutions, maintaining program quality and accreditation standards, and communicating clear transfer and weighting of credits to students. Degreebuilding concepts are often associated with modular curricula, lifelong learning models, and the growth of online and competency-based education, reflecting broader shifts toward more personalized and flexible higher education pathways.