Program Curriculum

• Leadership Courses – 12 credits
• HRD Specialization Courses– 15 credits
• Research Courses - 9 credits
• HRD Electives – 12 credits
• Capstone Project – 6+ credits

Leadership Courses (12 credits)

ADL 705 Theories of Leadership

Describes theories of leadership, studies the relationship between leadership style and organizational change, and examines the implementation process of a leader's vision.

ADL 717 Team Building for Leaders

Uses team building, group dynamics, and interpersonal sensitivity to motivate and inspire individuals and groups to work toward common goals.

ADL 739 Ethical Issues in Leadership

This course provides ethical frameworks and components in leadership experiences in both education systems and public service organizations. It provides opportunities to interpret, apply, and evaluate theoretical frameworks, resources for choices, and impacts of decisions.

ADL 745 Organizational Change

Explores organizational theories and development from a leadership perspective with a focus on change within organizations, groups, and individuals.

HRD Specialization Courses (15 credits)

HRD 644 HRD Theory and Practice

Examines the theory, processes, skills, and understanding related to human resources development. Concepts of the leadership role are analyzed and applied.

HRD 711 Performance Analysis and Improvement

Analyzes performance issues and examines techniques and methods for improving performance.

HRD 719 Organizational Learning

Studies psychological and organizational paradigms associated with learning of a collective whole. Examines the implications and challenges for learning brought about by the changing nature of work and global competition. Focuses on processes and procedures for achieving organizational learning through information distribution and interpretation, making meaning and organizational memory.

HRD 728 Program Evaluation in HRD

Examines the principles, practices and research of training program evaluations. Prepares students to design and conduct evaluation of HRD interventions.

HRD 745 Seminar in HRD

Examines current research issues, theories and models in HRD and implications for practitioners. Students will lead discussions and present papers on topics of their primary interest. Prerequisites: HRD 711, HRD 719, HRD 728.

Research Courses (9 credit hours)

HSE 703 Philosophy of Science and Theory Development

A critical analysis of philosophy of science and epistemology as applicable to theory development in the human science disciplines.

HSE 705 Qualitative Methods of Inquiry

A critical analysis of qualitative methods of inquiry for the human sciences to facilitate the understanding of the aims, processes, and outcomes of these methods. Prerequisite: HSE 703.

HSE 707 Quantitative Methods of Inquiry

Examines advanced competencies to conceptualize, design, execute, analyze, report and publish quantitative research that delivers new and useful knowledge. Balances its presentations of research theory and computer-based tools with applications to real world problems. Prerequisite: HSE 703.

Typical HRD Electives (12 credits)

HRD 645 Organizational Communication in the Work Place

Develops an understanding of the process of communication in leadership roles and the improvement of personal skills for effective communication.

HRD 646 Dynamics of Change and Planning

Examines how change that affects work related behavior takes place within organizations and individuals as a result of the purposeful interventions of a change agent.

HRD 647 Introduction to Instructional Design

Examines the principles of designing and conducting training seminars in an organizational setting.

HRD 648 Work Group Behavior in Organizations

Emphasizes knowledge and skills necessary to build an effective team and team relationships to carry out a work related goal. Topics include person-to-person communication, small group processes, conferencing skills, networking, and coaching.

HRD 652 Diversity in the Workplace

Explores the training and development of a culturally sensitive work force. Examines and explores innovative techniques for dealing with institutional "isms" (e.g., sexism, ageism, etc.), as they relate to management training, conflict resolution, career development, mentoring, performance appraisals, team-building, and peer rating methods.

HRD 659 Adult Learning and Motivation

Examines human learning and motivation for the purpose of creating and facilitating effective learning experiences for adults in a work-related setting. Projects are required which design the environment for effective adult learning and enhance the motivational value for task completion.

MBA 601 Human Resource Management

This survey course is designed to provide the line manager or staff specialist with an expanded understanding of the processes which management utilizes today to ensure that the right number/quality of persons are being hired, that appropriate governmental regulations are being adhered to, and that the internal policies provide a work environment which encourages cost-competitive labor costs and maximum worker satisfaction.

MBA 614 Cross-Cultural Management

International managers require sensitivity to the need to adapt their leadership and management skills and practices to culture-bound differences in workplace behavior and attitudes. This course explores how differences in cultural core values shape the behavior and attitudes of workers, managerial colleagues, and negotiating partners.

MBA 630 Managing Continuous Improvement

This course describes and illustrates techniques that lead to improved organizational performance and effectiveness, greater productivity, improved customer satisfaction as well as speed and dexterity in managing uncertainty. The course reviews the history, concepts and tools of quality.

Capstone Project (6 credits minimum)

HRD 798 Capstone Seminar I

HRD 799 Capstone Seminar II

HRD 800 Continuous Matriculation

Enrollment is required each fall and spring semester after the completion of HRD 798 and 799 until the capstone project is successfully defended. Prerequisite: ADL 799. CR/NC only.