Frequently Asked Questions about Human Resource Development

Is Drexel’s HRD program accredited?
Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges & Secondary Schools. This is the highest accreditation authority for colleges in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and other locations overseas. Institutions such as Carnegie Mellon, Columbia, Cornell, New York University, Princeton, and the University of Pennsylvania have the same accreditation.

What should I expect from Drexel’s online program?
You should expect the same content and rigorous academic standards as Drexel University’s on-campus programs. Our programs are usually taught by the same professors who teach on campus – typically tenured faculty members of Drexel University, with Ph.D. degrees and distinctions for their research and expertise in the subjects they teach.

There is no distinction between on-campus and online students. In fact, when you complete your degree, your diploma and university transcript will be the same as those of students who earn their degrees on campus.

Is this program 100 percent online?
Yes, the coursework for this program is 100 percent online and will not require you to travel to Drexel’s Philadelphia campus.

How much time do students spend on coursework?
Based on student feedback, we have found that students generally spend about 9-12 hours per week on coursework. This includes participating in online classes, responding to postings, reading assignments, and exams.

All of Drexel Online’s courses are presented in an asynchronous format. This means that students are not required to attend class at a certain time, but rather can login and do their coursework when it is most convenient for them.

What is the length of the M.S. in Human Resource Development program?
The time it takes to complete a program at Drexel will vary from student to student. Factors for determining the length of the program include transfer credits (which are only reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the program director) and how many courses a student takes per quarter. However, students who stay in their cohort and take two courses each term are generally able to complete their program in two years.

On average, students take one or two courses per quarter because of family and work commitments. Students may take as few or as many courses as they want per term, as long as the program is completed within seven years.

What is the application process like? How long does it take?
Applying to Drexel Online is a similar process to any other university. Prospective students fill out a complete application with information on previous educational experience, work experience, GPAs, admissions essays, and a resume.

As a convenience to you, the Drexel Online application process saves the work you’ve already completed, so you can take your time, returning to the application module when it’s convenient to you. In addition to that, there’s absolutely no application fee, unlike many other universities.

The application process can take several weeks to complete, once a prospective student has submitted their application. Admissions counselors will work with applicants to submit the proper transcripts and other necessary information and will send the complete application to our admissions board. Once they’ve reviewed an applicant’s information, a decision to offer enrollment will be made.

Our applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but to be considered for the next term, applicants must submit their materials by the next application deadline.

Does this program accept transfer credits?
Graduate transfer credits can only be reviewed for approval by the program director, once the student is admitted into the program.

How is a Human Resource Development degree different from a Human Resource Management degree?
While an HRM degree will focus more on the transactional functions of HR (such as compensation, compliance, and benefits), the HRD degree prepares professionals to focus on the strategic aspects of human capital. Students in the program will learn to facilitate workplace learning, performance, and change at the individual, group, and organizational level in any organizational setting regardless of sector and industry.

Why is the M.S. in Human Resource Development offered through the School of Education rather than the Business College?
While many human resource management degrees typically focus on the operations and structure of corporations and businesses, the human resource development degree focuses on workplace learning and performance in context of strategic human resources.

Is this a cohorted program, and do I have to stay within my cohort?
Yes, the M.S. in HRD is a cohorted program. Students in the Human Resource Development program are provided with a two-course-per-term plan of study that will lead students towards graduating within two years. Although students are encouraged to stay in their cohort, it is not mandatory. Students who do not stay in cohort will need to work with their academic advisor to formulate a new plan of study for degree completion.

Can I maintain my current employment while participating in the coop/capstone course?
Yes. The co-op/capstone experience can be completed within your current place of employment, but it will require that you go above and beyond your current responsibilities at work.

Can I take elective courses outside of the recommended electives for my declared concentration?
Students are strongly encouraged to take all three recommended elective courses for their declared HRD concentration. Any substitutions for elective courses will need to be approved by the program director.

Does Drexel have a deferred payment plan for employer reimbursement?
Drexel University has established a deferred payment plan for graduate students attending the University as part of an employer education assistance program. Students accepted into this plan may defer payment of the portion of their tuition reimbursable under their employers' program until the end of the second week of classes of the next term.

To be eligible to participate in this plan, the student must print out, complete and mail the application provided by the due date of the billing statement. Along with the application should be proof of employment, a copy of the employer's education assistance plan and a check, money order, or credit card authorization to cover the $30 participation fee. A completed application and fee must be submitted each term. For more information please visit; http://www.drexel.edu/bursar/SFS_ER_Information.html.

What is the tution cost for the HRD program?
Graduate tuition is $960 per credit. However, you may be eligible for a tuition discount if you have an affiliation with one of Drexel Online’s partners. To find out if your organization is a partner of Drexel Online, please go to the following website: http://www.drexel.com/drexelpro/