What is the name of this degree?

The degree is a Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.E.) with a major in Human Resource Development (HRD).  The degree is offered by the Department of Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders, College of Education and Health Professions, University of Arkansas.  The BSE is a marketable U of A degree and qualifies you for the same privileges as any other graduate of the University of Arkansas.  The HRD program components are delivered over the Internet through the University of Arkansas Global Campus . 

How much do HRD classes cost?

Tuition for the 2007 school year is under $185 per credit hour (tuition generally increases annually).  Board of Trustees policy does not charge out-of-state tuition for Web-based programs (any policy may change unexpectedly).  The cost of books varies, but averages approximately $150 per semester (excluding tax and shipping). 

What financial aid and scholarships are available?

Several types of financial aid and scholarships are available to students in the HRD concentration.  The U of A Financial Aid Office administers financial aid concerning all the classes HRD students take, including the classes taken from certain other schools by way of consortium agreements.  The first step is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online.  The code number for the U of A is #001108.

In addition to financial aid, there are U of A scholarships and College of Education and Health Professions scholarships available to HRD students.  The Arkansas Scholarship Connection offers a comprehensive listing of scholarship and grant information. 

What is a Financial Aid Consortium Agreement?

HRD students taking at least six hours from the U of A who also need to take courses from certain distant schools to complete their degree requirements can request a Financial Aid Consortium Agreement (Adobe Acrobat required).  A consortium agreement allows the course load from other schools to be added to the U of A course load for financial aid eligibility purposes.  Contact Glennia Hunt to ask for details and guidelines (1-800-377-8632 or 479-575-3078). 

Do U of A System Employees get a tuition discount?

Yes.  The U of A Board of Trustees policy applies to HRD class tuition as well.  The price quoted above includes the distance education/administrative fee wihich is not discounted.   

Does this degree lead to traditional licensure for teachers in Arkansas?

No.  Even though it is a Bachelor of Science in Education, the HRD major does not lead to traditional licensure for teachers in Arkansas.  This major does create a learning environment in which graduates can gain the skills to become a professional leader in the development of people at the individual, small group, and organizational levels.  Nevertheless, some of our graduates have individually used their degree to achieve licensure through nontraditional means.  More information on teacher licensure requirements can come from either the College of Education 479-575-6740 or the Arkansas Department of Education 501-682-4342.   

What are the graduation requirements for this degree?

You need 124 credit hours to complete the degree.  Here is an overview of the HRD Program of Study:

Core & General Education Requirements (55 credits)		Hours
	English Composition I and II	6
	Advanced English (from U of A only)	3
	US History/Government	3
	General Psychology	3
	College Algebra	3
	Laboratory Sciences	8
	Social Science	6
	Fine Arts and/or Humanities	6
	Oral Communication	3
	Health, Wellness, Fitness, Physical Activity	3
	Computer/Information Systems	3
	University Electives (8 credits)	8
HRD Major Requirements (69 credits)
	HRD Technical	33
	HRD Professional (Cohort)	24
	HRD Practicum	12
	Total for the Degree:	124

For more detailed information on how the HRD can accelerate completion of the above requirements, visit the HRD Plan of Study page.

Where can I take HRD classes?

Starting if fall 2008, all HRD classes are scheduled for Internet delivery.  Web-based class assignments are accessed and completed at the student's convenience ahead of due dates posted across the normal 15-week semester schedule.

Can I start HRD Professional (cohort) classes at any time?

No, the first two classes offered in the HRD Professional (cohort) rotation are pre- or corequisites for all that follow.  Experience has shown that students who miss the foundational learning concepts in the first fall semester are disadvantaged throughout the remaining courses. However, students who have exceptionally completed (or are in progress with) all General Education requirements might gain departmental approval to begin in the spring semester by taking two non-cohort courses.  

What is a cohort?

Merriam-Webster's Unabridged Third New International Dictionary defines the noun cohort as “a group of warriors or soldiers” as well as “a company, band, or group.” Another definition includes the concept of companionship. Although cohort often has a negative connotation outside of education, we think this word is perfect.  We hope our working adult HRD students bond together to help each other overcome all the challenges life throws at them between now and graduation.

How do I join an HRD cohort?

Departmental approval, full admission to the U of A, and completion of an on-line orientation are all required for HRD cohort membership.  Distant students are advised to be approved before applying for admission.  Here are the steps to getting into an HRD cohort:

a.  The recommended first step is to seek departmental approval by May 25th.  Download and submit a Request for Departmental Approval (Adobe Acrobat Reader required.  An alternative Portable Network Graphics [PNG] version, printable through your Web browser, is also available).  Include a cover letter, a résumé, and a readable transcript (plain-paper copies preferred) of the classes you've taken. You can also request an RDA by phone (479-575-4709), by fax (479-575-3767), or by e-mail.

b.  Those requesting departmental approval should receive a response packet regarding the HRD program.  The packet includes an unofficial estimate of what credits apply and advice on what requirements remain for graduation.  Important "fine print" information fully informs the requestor's decision on whether to enter the HRD program.  Those with departmental approval will be invited to commit to an available space in the cohort by returning an HRD response card. 

c.  If space is available, those committing to a cohort will be given a limited but reasonable time to complete all admission requirements to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.  To apply for admission to U of A, candidates must submit an official application to the Office of Admissions, pay the application fee, and ensure that the U of A Admissions Office receives an official transcript from all other colleges ever attended--no exceptions.

d.  If candidates are approved by the department, commit to a cohort, and are officially admitted to the U of A by the given due date, they secure their membership in the cohort by completing on-line HRD Orientation and registering for HRD classes before the start of the fall semester. 

How do I register for HRD classes?

Completing the Web-based HRD Orientation will Registering and paying for HRD classes happens on line using ISIS.  Find many excellent downloadable instructions and videos on the ISIS training page. 

How do I know which HRD class to register for?

HRD students' academic advisor prepares an individual progress report for them before each fall and spring semester priority registration that lists their options and requirements for the upcoming semester.  In addition to that individual report, the HRD 5-Semester Degree-Completion Plan lists the general goals which HRD students should reach that semester. 

How many hours can I transfer into the University of Arkansas?

You can transfer in 68 lower-division (freshman or sophomore) hours to the U of A.  That's enough to cover all of your Core General Education requirements and almost half of your HRD Technical requirements.  Appropriate upper-division (junior or senior) courses from a 4-year institution of higher learning are unlimited until you reach senior rank.  For more information, read the transfer policies section of the U of A Transfer Policies page.   

How can I tell if my courses will transfer to the University of Arkansas?

The Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) is the official Web site for transferability of current and future courses between colleges in Arkansas.  The U of A, Fayetteville, Registrar's Office maintains the Transfer Credit Connection listing how courses previously transferred from colleges.  Follow screen directions to see if the other 2 or 4-year college is listed.  If so, you should be able to research the historical U of A equivalent courses, if any, to the ones you took at another school. 

How do I set up my UArk E-Mail Account?

Follow this link to instructions on how to set up your U of A E-mail account.

How do I find out...
   - What HRD classes to register for? 
   - What book(s) I need? 
   - Who the instructor is for the class?

Follow this link to the HRD 5-Semester Plan information page.

How do I request a U of A Independent Study (Correspondence) course?

Independent Study (formerly, correspondence) courses are offered through the U of A Global Campus.  HRD students should be admitted to the U of A to count these courses for graduation.  Financial Aid might apply if certain conditions are met. 

Current and prospective HRD students should follow these steps:

1. Browse the Independent Study Courses web page for course code, course title, and cost details
2. Print the Application for Independent Study form
3. Fill out the entire form, as applicable, except for the Course Enrollment section
4. In the Course Enrollment section, fill in ONLY the Course Code (such as ENGL 2013) and Course Title (such as Essay Writing) blocks.  Leave the rest of the Course Enrollment section blank.
5. Mail, fax, or scan/send the course application to the HRD Student Center

HRD Student Center
214 Graduate Education Building
1 University of Arkansas,
Fayetteville, AR 72701

or fax: (479) 575-3767 

or e-mail: hrd@uark.edu

If paying by check, mail the check directly to

Department of Independent Study,
2 East Center Street,
Fayetteville, AR 72701

If paying by credit/debit card,

after the Boyer Center has processed your request,
call Pam at the Independent Studies Office, 1-800-638-1217

What is the difference between Graduation and Commencement?

Graduation happens administratively at the end of whatever semester all 124 hours of degree requirements are posted on ISIS, whether students have participated in commencement or not.  Their diploma arrives in the mail two months later. 

Commencement happens only in May where students walk across the stage in a ceremony to receive a U of A diploma case, whether they have graduated or not.  Their pictures arrive in the mail about two months later. 

A graduation application and fee must be submitted to the Registrar's Office before students can do either.  Graduations applications are issued after the pre-graduation check is completed satisfactorily. 

How do HRD students qualify for a Pre-Graduation Check?

HRD students qualify for Pre-Grad Checks when they...

1. understand the difference between graduation and commencement
2. complete, exempt, or are in progess with the U of A Advanced English requirement
3. have all their NOCTI credit, if any, in their program of study, posted on ISIS
4. have all their transfer credit, if any, in their program of study posted on ISIS.  This happens when schools send official transcripts Robin Carr, U of A Registrar's Office, Fayetteville, AR 72701
5. have 112 or more credit hours on ISIS or in progress by the end of the current semester
6. have a specific plan by term for courses to complete all degree requirements
7. meet the U of A Senior Residency Requirement
8. have sent their current postal mailing address to the HRD Student Center

Upon completing their pre-graduation check, students will be mailed a graduation application and information about obtaining their commencement regalia. 

What do HRD students need to know about Commencement?

Follow this link to download commencement instructions for HRD students (Adobe Acrobat Reader, available free at the link, is required). 

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