Competency-Based Education (CBE) Programs

CBE Baccalaureate Degrees in High Demand Fields

Texas Education Code 51.3535 requires each university system to ensure that at least one of its institutions has a competency-based baccalaureate degree in a high demand field. The statute also limits the tuition that can be charged to the student for the degree program. (see also House Bill 4848, 89th Legislature)

Steps to Request Approval of a Degree Program for Compliance with TEC 51.3535

Required Documents:

For approval of a NEW bachelor’s degree program with Less Than 50% New Content or 50% or More New Content, the institution must include the required documents as attachments to the new degree program proposal.

For approval of an EXISTING degree program to be offered through CBE, and institution must submit the required documents as attachments under an “Other Program Change” request.

Rules adopted by the Coordinating Board in January of 2026 identify CBE programs under the following Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) codes as meeting the high demand field designation of HB4848:

  • 11 – Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
  • 51 – Health Professions and Related Programs
  • 27 – Mathematics and Statistics
  • 30.70 – Data Science,
  • 30.71 – Data Analytics
  • 30.08 – Mathematics and Computer Science

An institution may propose a CBE program to meet the requirements of HB4848 with a CIP code outside the high demand CIP codes identified above, if it provides in its degree program proposal sufficient data demonstrating the program leads to employment in a high demand field. A request outside the identified CIP codes requires Commissioner approval.

Texas Education Code 51.3535 does not allow institutions to charge more than one-half the average cost of attendance at an institution of higher education. The Coordinating Board is proposing new rules related to this requirement that are scheduled for adoption at the April 2026 quarterly Board meeting. This section will be updated with final guidance upon adoption.

Other Competency-Based Education Programs

Contact

Inquiries regarding Competency-Based Education Programs should be directed to Jessica Acton, Senior Director, Academic and Health Affairs.

Email Jessica Actonhyperlink to fast program page