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How do I qualify?
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To be admitted to the program, you must have a minimum of 54 semester hours (81 quarter hours) of transferable college credit. To qualify you must also have a minimum grade point average of 2.0 and be employed or actively involved in an organization. Additionally, you should have exposure to the human resource function or have some academic or professional training in human resource management. The minimum age for enrollment is 23 years of age. You will also need to demonstrate a proficiency in your writing skills.
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How is it possible to complete my degree in four semesters?
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The human resource management program is a sequence of courses scheduled over four semesters that results in 50 semester hours of credit. A total of 122 semester hours is needed to graduate from Bluffton. Depending on the number of hours transferred, you may have additional hours to complete beyond your major. These additional semester hours may be obtained in several ways: through documenting college-level work/life experience and training through the Portfolio Development course; correspondence courses; College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or DSST exams. Additional courses may be taken at Bluffton or other institutions. Our academic advisers are available for consultation.
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What is the curriculum for the human resource management program?
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The curriculum is an integrative and comprehensive approach to human resource management based on current industry and academic standards. The program is designed to take advantage of the contributions that adult students bring to the classroom. The major curriculum is complemented by required courses in the liberal arts.
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How can I apply for work experience credits?
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Bluffton recognizes that not all learning takes place in the college classroom. There are two types of prior learning that may be awarded college credit through the Portfolio Development course: learning through work, home, community, and other environments and through your professional and technical training. Credits awarded for prior learning may be related to your major, general education or elective requirements. The Portfolio Development course is offered every semester as a directed study. During the course, you will collect documents consisting of a resume, summary of college course work, chronology (listing of significant dates), autobiography, technical/professional training and life learning essays. Through the portfolio assessment, you may earn up to sixteen semester credits with an additional two semester hours awarded upon successful completion of the course.
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What are the research projects and how will they benefit both me and my employer?
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The purpose of the first research project is to convey the value of the research process in human resource management. It will also improve skills in recognizing, stating and solving problems creatively, objectively and systematically. You will identify and research a human resource management problem or opportunity that exists in an organization with which you are familiar. Library research methods and resources will be introduced to assist you in the development of this project. The project will be presented in a written and oral form. The project is intended to help you solve a real workplace problem, as well as foster change in the organization for which it is designed. During the second research project you will perform a human resource-related needs assessment of an organization and develop a one-hour employee training plan related to one of the needs identified. |
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How will a degree in human resource management benefit me? What can I do with this degree? |
A degree in human resource management will benefit you in one of two possible ways. This degree will obviously prepare you for a career in HR, but if you choose not to pursue HR as a career then the knowledge and skills gained through this course of study will prove beneficial as you continue to advance your management career.
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When do classes start and what are the class hours?
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Classes for this program will begin in August. An average cohort of 12 students will remain together throughout the entire program. Your cohort will meet one evening per week from 6-19 p.m. and two Saturday mornings during Semester IV.
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Where do you offer this program?
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At this time we are only offering our human resource management program on the Bluffton campus. Future consideration may be given to offering it at our offsite locations at Edison Community College in Piqua, Ohio and Northwest State Community College in Archbold, Ohio.
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Is Bluffton University accredited?
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Bluffton University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org, 312-263-0456.
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Will I qualify for graduate school upon completion of this program?
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Many graduates of our adult degree completion programs have been accepted into master’s programs and are well prepared for this advanced level of study. Since Bluffton is regionally accredited, students should not have any difficulty in being accepted into a master’s degree program.
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Do I qualify for financial aid and what options do I have for paying for the program?
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Students in the human resource management program are considered full-time and may be eligible for state and federal grants or loans. Completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required to determine eligibility. Most students qualify for the Federal Stafford Loan Program. In addition to grants or loans, we offer a deferred payment plan to qualified students who are eligible for reimbursement by their employer. Check with your employer to see if they offer educational assistance. Another option is to arrange a personal payment plan, by either the semester or month.
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How do I get started?
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We encourage you to meet personally with one of our program representatives who will outline, in detail, how transfer credit applies toward this program, how to apply for financial aid, and what to expect in the curriculum. |
