What Is Competency-Based Education?
Designed to leverage your previous knowledge, college coursework, and work experience, competency-based education enables you to earn your degree at your pace as you demonstrate mastery of relevant academic content.
How our YourPace online programs save you time and money:
- Prove your knowledge, move ahead—the faster you advance, the more you save
- Flat tuition rate per 8-week session, no matter how many courses you complete
- With no weekly deadlines, you control the speed of completion*
*Time to completion varies by student and is based on several factors including prior college coursework, relevant work experience, amount of time dedicated to studying, and the number of courses completed each session.
Upcoming Session Dates
The Dates YourPace Students need to know
There are six opportunities throughout the year to begin our YourPace online program. Find the start date below that works best for you and apply before the application deadline. Please note, application and document deadlines are the same. UMPI must receive all documents including official transcripts by the document deadline to be considered. Transcripts can often take 10 or more business days from the request date to be received by UMPI, please plan accordingly.
YourPace Human Services Program Offerings
The University of Maine at Presque Isle offers a Human Services program in the YourPace modality designed to match your career goals. With flexible options and expert faculty, we provide the tools and support you need to succeed in the competitive field. Explore our program offerings below and find the perfect pathway to build your future.
Gain insights into our online Human Services program
The mission of the Associate of Arts in Human Services program is to prepare students for meaningful work in a variety of helping professions by fostering skills in ethical practice, cultural humility, communication, and critical thinking.
As a graduate of this program, you will be able to:
- Support positive outcomes in both rural and urban communities
- Understand the historical and contemporary development of the human services field
- Apply critical thinking using credible sources and problem-solving frameworks
- Use theory and evidence-based practices in real-world scenarios
- Demonstrate cultural awareness and ethical responsibility in professional settings
- Communicate effectively in writing, speech, and digital platforms
- Collaborate with individuals, families, and interdisciplinary teams
- Act with accountability in diverse service environments
Bachelor’s Degree Pathways
For those who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree after completing a Human Services A.A., consider these other degree completion pathways.
We offer a semester-based Bachelor of Social Work program, offered in-person and online, and a session-based YourPace Psychology program.
Career Pathways
This associate degree opens doors to a variety of entry-level roles in the helping professions, such as:
- Youth advocate
- Community outreach worker
- Behavioral health technician
- Residential care staff
- Family support aide

YourPace Tuition
Learn more about our affordable tuition
The YourPace Human Services A.A. Online Program offers an affordable flat tuition rate, ensuring you pay the same amount per session regardless of how many courses you complete. With no hidden fees or additional textbook costs, this flexible competency-based education program allows you to save more the faster you finish. Whether you’re looking to accelerate your degree or complete courses at your own pace, you’ll benefit from transparent pricing and a cost-effective learning experience through the University of Maine at Presque Isle.
Financial aid is available in the form of loans on the FAFSA website. UMPI school code 002033
Tuition breakdown:
$1,800 per session
Flat-Rate Tuition
Have questions or need more information about competency-based education?
Ready to take the next step toward earning your degree online from UMPI?
UMPI is ranked as one of the top 10 Regional Colleges in the North for graduates with least debt—UMPI is the top institution in Maine and all of New England to appear on this list. – U.S. News & World Report, 2024.
EXPECT to Finish at YourPace
YourPace Admissions
Requirements for these Human Services A.A. program offerings
We’ve made the admission process simple and streamlined so it’s easier for you to get started. Those interested in earning their competency-based education degree in Human Services should have the equivalent of a high school diploma and possess some prior college credit and/or work experience.
Admission Requirements:
No Application Fee
Minimum 1.75 GPA
YourPace Human Services Courses
The University of Maine at Presque Isle’s YourPace Human Services Program is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in today’s dynamic landscape.
Associate of Arts in Human Services
UMPI’s YourPace Associate of Arts (AA) in Human Services is designed for individuals who are passionate about supporting and advocating for individuals, families, and communities. This fully online program offers a flexible, career-ready path for those seeking to enter the helping professions, laying a strong foundation for continued academic or professional growth.
With an emphasis on real-world application, the Human Services AA helps students develop a practical understanding of human behavior, ethics in the helping professions, and core skills like crisis intervention and case management. Through integrated coursework, students gain the ability to assess client needs, navigate support systems, and serve diverse populations with empathy and professionalism.
The Human Services AA is a strong standalone credential for those pursuing roles in social services, behavioral health, community outreach, or non-profit support. It also functions as a launchpad for bachelor’s-level degrees in psychology, social work, criminal justice, and related fields.
Built within the YourPace learning model, the program allows students to progress through coursework based on their mastery of specific competencies. By evaluating your prior work experience, previous academic credit, and individual learning style, UMPI creates a custom degree plan that helps you move forward—on your terms.
To earn your Associate of Arts in Human Services, you will complete approximately 60 credit hours of coursework. These courses are structured around learning outcomes that reflect industry standards and the expectations of today’s human services employers. Whether you’re beginning your career or reentering the workforce, this flexible and affordable degree positions you to make a lasting impact.
NECHE
The University of Maine at Presque Isle is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
University of Maine System
UMPI is a respected member of the University of Maine System.
C-BEN
UMPI is proud to be a member institution in the Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN).
What can you do with a degree in Human Services?
Next Step: Admissions
We’re so excited that you’re considering the University of Maine at Presque Isle! As a student at UMPI, we want your experience to be anything but ordinary! So what makes UMPI extraordinary? Our Learning Environment, Our Student Engagement and Our Location!
No matter what stage of life you are in, we can help you take the plunge into higher education and put you on YOUR PATH TO SUCCESS!
