A University of Phoenix education stresses eight core competencies throughout the curriculum in all of its programs. Various adult learning theories from Knowles to Kolb have been integrated into the andragogical underpinnings of the UOP model. The emphasis on the core competencies ensures that students demonstrate or acquire those basic skills, which form the foundation for baccalaureate and graduate studies. The core competencies cover written communication skill, oral communication skills, computer literacy, quantitative analysis skills, critical thinking ability, interpersonal skills, intrapersonal skills, and study group skills. Because these skills are applied, reinforced, and evaluated in courses at every level across the graduate and undergraduate curriculum, campus enrollment counselors, staff, and faculty alike must understand core competency.

University of Phoenix students learn to produce writing that is clear, coherent, mechanically and grammatically sound, and appropriate to purpose and audience. Students produce effective writing, which synthesizes information from sources by quoting, paraphrasing, summarizing, and properly crediting sources.

Such writing is necessary to communicate thought with a minimum of distortion and misunderstanding in order to succeed in college-level courses, to succeed in one's career, and to succeed in everyday life. Those who can write Standard English have more power than those who do not. Skills in acquiring, organizing, evaluating, interpreting, and communicating data are necessary to function in college and the job market.

University of Phoenix students learn to competently and confidently speak and listen in the public, small group, and interpersonal contexts. Oral communication is pervasive at all levels of our lives. Seventy-five percent of our waking time is spent communicating. To live and work successfully in the information age, students must be able to communicate well. The ability to express and receive messages determines the level of success in college, the workplace and relationships.

Each University of Phoenix student must possess basic computer literacy. We are ensconced in an information-based society where computer skills are required for success in the workplace and for access to information within the home. As more workplaces incorporate computers into all processes, and universities incorporate them into classes and assignments, comfort with and basic knowledge of computers will make our students more likely to succeed in their future activities.

University of Phoenix students have the ability to select and use appropriate methods of analysis by solving a wide variety of quantitative problems. Students are able to apply basic arithmetic and algebraic skills to solve problems. Students are able to read, interpret, and analyze data contained in graphs, tables, and statistical reports.

University of Phoenix students have the ability to use data to make complex decisions after giving consideration to every idea and accepting and/or rejecting ideas after logical evaluation. Students are able to identify a problem to be solved, task to be performed, or decision to be made. Students are able to identify appropriate information from multiple sources and make inferences and connections using the sources gathered. Students are able to formulate alternative solutions, processes, or decisions and identify potential consequences. Students are able to select the most appropriate solution, process, or decision and evaluate the results.

University of Phoenix students must demonstrate the ability to: communicate effectively, orally, in writing and graphically; demonstrate self confidence, time management and self motivation; understand the role and motivation of others and participate in professional and inter-professional teamwork; gather information, evaluate and use data and propose solutions; identify problems and set and achieve personal objectives and targets; understand and, where appropriate, apply marketing and negotiating skills.

Intrapersonal skills are the abilities of an individual, such as communication, including language and listening skills; the ability to come to a conclusion, negotiation, learning abilities, tolerance and flexibility; the ability of realistic self-perception and others-perception, sensitivity and creativity. Intrapersonal acumen includes, but is not limited to the following:
Decisiveness - Ability to take the initiative or risk required to make decisions;
Organizational Agility - Ability to negotiate well within the organization;
Self-knowledge - Awareness of one’s own talents, abilities, opportunities, strengths, limits and weaknesses.

Study Group Skills

Study groups are an important component of UOP; central to a Teaching / Learning Model identified by employers as an essential workplace "competency." Much of the learning that goes on at the University of Phoenix occurs outside of the classroom, especially in small groups of students. Study groups allow students to: review material from class; exchange notes to gain new perspectives on class discussions; explain concepts to each other; and form social ties with other students with similar interests. Task Teams of 3-6 students in each course prepare oral and written reports. Task Teams prepare case analysis and discussion. Task Teams conduct subject matter review and provide mutual support.