Page 24 - The Human Resource Development - New Student Orientation Handbook (REVISED)

The Human Resource Development
Orientation Handbook and Research Guide

Degree Requirements

You have seven (7) years to complete all requirements for the degree. This includes 39 credit hours,
thesis, and comprehensive exam. The date is computed by the date of admission to the Graduate
School or by the date of any transferred credit hours, whichever is earlier.

Required Credit Hours:
You are required to complete a total of 39 credit hours in the HRD program. Thirty of the credits
must be the required core courses listed in the Course Section. You must also take (9) elective credit
hours. Credits transferred from other academic institutions may apply. Discuss this with your
advisor.

Weekend Cohort
The delivery of all program formats are infused with robust experiential classes based on real
business issues and solutions. Additionally, students will be engaged in projects to develop strategic
skills and competencies essential to all industries to improve organizational performance.

The weekend cohort offered at BSU’s main campus consists of three innovative five-week sessions
per semester that can be completed in 12 months. Students meet once a week on a Friday, Saturday
or Sunday.

Traditional vs. Accelerated Track:
For a traditional experience, students follow the program at a less accelerated pace and complete
the program within a two-year period. We offer an accelerated track in which learners can complete
their degree within 12 to 15 months. The program, in both formats, is offered during the evening
to accommodate working adults and may be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis. Both
traditional and hybrid courses are available. The accelerated track offers courses weekly with
two (2) eight- week sessions per semester.

Students should consult with an academic advisor to ensure proper sequencing of courses as there
are advanced courses that require certain prerequisites. Thirty-nine credit hours (13 courses: 10
Core courses and three electives) must be completed to meet the degree requirement.

Sample Study Plans can be found in the HRD Plan of Study section (page 47).

Comprehensive Examination:

Candidates seeking a HRD graduate degree must take and pass a written comprehensive
examination. You cannot take the comprehensive exam until you have completed 24 semester
hours and have a 3.25 grade point average in the first 12-15 credit hours. You must also have
Advanced to Candidacy. The HRD comprehensive exam is offered in the Fall and Spring
semesters. You have two (2) opportunities to pass the written Comprehensive Exam with a score of
80 percent or greater. In the event that you are unable to pass, you may take it a third and final time
after meeting guidelines set by your advisor.

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