Introduction to the School of Accelerated Degree Programs: Graduate Students
The School of Accelerated Degree programs is specifically designed for the student with significant employment experience. Graduate students are challenged to expand their knowledge with exercises, techniques, and instruments to update and reinforce learning and enhance understanding of difficult concepts. In addition, students continue to develop their analytical and conceptual skills by enlarging their perspectives and identifying a balance between theory and practice with regard to their particular areas of study. At the completion of the program, students will be prepared to contribute to their organization’s goals by effectively administering and developing its resources.
Throughout their course of study, students will have the opportunity to develop their communication skills, demonstrate workplace responsibility, use interpersonal skills, practice working within a team, and develop an appreciation of the importance of continuing growth and education with an emphasis on values-centered thinking. Students are encouraged to engage in speculative thinking and to develop original work and/or research in their major areas of interest. This work should be analytical rather than descriptive, demonstrating a distinct, defensible, methodological and theoretical perspective.
Earning a Master's Degree
To receive a master’s degree from the School of Accelerated Degree Programs, students must complete a 48-hour degree program that typically includes five, nine-credit hour clusters, or six-credit hour clusters and with single course, and a three-credit hour capstone course, thesis, or culminating project, depending on the degree program.
In addition, all students must meet the following requirements:
1. Have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 overall and in the courses required for the degree.
2. Complete the objectives set forth in the program overview.
3. Complete all practicum, apprenticeship, and residency requirements connected with the degree program, as specified by the program overview.