Accelerated Bachelor Degree Completion Program in Human Resource Development

Updated on Thursday, June 12, 2008 3:01 PM

Accelerated bachelor's degree completion for working adults

Human Resource Development: Improving workforce performance

Web-based program at under $185 per credit hour (2007-08 school year)

Web-based Master's, mostly-Web Doctoral degrees also available

The Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.E.) degree from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville (U of A) with a major in Human Resource Development (HRD) is more affordable than most highly-advertised private or out-of-state Internet-based universities. Tuition for the 2007 school year was under $185 per credit hour (tuition generally increases annually). Board of Trustees policy currently does not charge out-of-state tuition for Web-based programs (any policy may change without notice). Financial aid is available for those who qualify. A limited number of U of A scholarships and College of Education and Health Professions scholarships are available for students meeting the criteria.

Web-based classes allow academics to be balanced with the demands of family and work life. HRD Professional courses are taken by a fixed group of students called a cohort in a set rotation to facilitate mutual encouragement and support. A student-instructor ratio of about 20-1 creates an environment for interaction and learning. Credit for job knowledge and professional certifications can accelerate completion of a marketable bachelor's degree from the flagship campus of higher education in Arkansas.

HRD curriculum uncovers the “people” skills and effective strategies leaders use to facilitate improvements in workforce performance beneficial to individuals, teams, and organizations. These skills are ideal for many career and leadership positions. Undergraduates also obtain a solid academic base to pursue graduate studies.

Historically, about two out of every three Arkansans who started college didn't finish within five years and went into the work force. The HRD program is specifically designed for these working adults needing to complete a bachelor's degree that opens the doors to opportunity and personal growth. Full-time working adults with as few as 43 hours total of general education requirements and five years of full-time work history can qualify to bid for an available space in an HRD cohort that starts each fall semester. All openings in the 2008 cohort have been reserved; a waiting list has been started.

Completing the HRD program of study awards the B.S.E. from the U of A, but does NOT lead to traditional licensure for teachers in Arkansas. More information about teacher licensure requirements is available from the teacher licensure checklist or the Arkansas Department of Education at 501-682-4342.

Requirements to qualify for an HRD cohort:

Be currently working full time
Have at least five years of full-time work experience
Have at least 43 college credits graded "C" or better of General Education requirements in the HRD program of study

Get the process started...

Both departmental approval and full admission to the U of A are required for HRD cohort membership. Distant students are advised to wait for approval before applying for admission.

Start by submitting a Request for Departmental Approval (Adobe Acrobat Reader required). An alternative Portable Network Graphics (PNG) version, printable through your Web browser, is also available. Fill out and send in the form by May 15th to get a no-cost, no-obligation review of your qualifications. A cover letter, résumé, and readable transcript showing the college courses, credit hours, and grades should be attached. We can reached by phone at (479) 575-4709, by fax at (479) 575-3767, or by e-mail at hrd@uark.edu

Candidates with approval will be invited to commit to the next available cohort. If space is available, those responding will be given a limited, but reasonable, time to pursue membership in the cohort by completing all admission requirements to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. If no space is available, candidates will be added to a waiting list.

After admission, cohort members must then secure their membership by completing New HRD Student Web-based Orientation. Enrolling in classes and obtaining textbooks equips them for the start of the semester. Other routine student obligations must be completed by their respective due dates.

Additional facts about the HRD Major:

All HRD classes cost less than $185 per credit hour (Arkansas residents) in the 2007 academic year (tuition expected to increase annually). Current Board of Trustees policy does not charge out-of-state tuition for Web-based degree programs (any policy may unexpectedly change)
Financial aid is available to students who qualify. Students admitted by February for the following fall semester might qualify for specific U of A and/or College of Education and Health Professions scholarships
Students completing the HRD program of study have their name added to the historic "Senior Walk" on the Fayetteville campus after graduation
Eight HRD cohort courses are offered in a set rotation spanning two fall and two spring semesters only. New students may enter a cohort only at the begining in the fall. Starting in fall 2008, HRD Professional courses each semester are Web-based.
One cohort weekend conference each fall and spring semester is expected to involve travel to Fayetteville
Starting in fall 2008, all HRD courses are delivered over the Internet; accessed at the student's convenience by due dates posted across a normal semester schedule. The only time HRD Professional (cohort) Web-based classes actually meet in person is the weekend conference mentioned above. A mimimum of five additional Web-based non-cohort HRD classes complete degree requirements.
All HRD students have an academic advisor to develop an individualized plan of study to complete all degree requirements
Up to 68 hours of lower-division credit can transfer to the U of A. Until senior status is reached, all upper-division (junior or senior) credit that relates to the occupational goal can transfer. Transfer course work must generally be from an accredited institution of higher learning and have a grade of "C" or higher.

Please browse the Frequently-Asked Questions and the HRD Plan of Study for more details.