Dual Degree Program Overview
The Dual Degree Program is a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree for highly motivated adult students who desire to earn both a B.S. in Organizational Management (ORM) and an M.S. in Leadership (LDR) within a single accelerated program. This program provides qualified students a cost-effective and faster avenue to complete their degrees, an earlier entry into the workforce and a competitive edge in their professional lives.
The Dual Degree combines two accelerated degree programs allowing students to complete both degrees in the quickest time possible. Those accepted into the Dual Degree will be allowed to begin the Master’s program after completing 105 hours (rather than the required 120) as long as all General Education and ORM Major course requirements are completed. Within the Dual Degree program, the first 4 courses in the Master’s program will count toward the completion of the undergraduate degree. Through this program students will save one full semester of coursework. A student who has transferred in an AA degree and who has satisfied all their electives through transfer credits or Professional Education Credits can earn both degrees in as little as 3 years (only 9 semesters).
Students may request to be a Dual Degree Candidate at any time as long as they have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA but cannot officially apply for acceptance into the Dual Degree program until they have completed the first four courses in the ORM Major.
Admissions Criteria
- Possess a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in student’s total program at PBA
- Obtain a GPA of 3.5 based on the first four courses in the ORM Major
- Complete the Dual Degree Application packet (with required references)
- Achieve a minimum score of 8 on the eWrite assessment (normally completed during the admissions process when students begin at PBA). Students may be able to retake the eWrite if needed.
Students will pay the normal per credit hour cost for undergraduate courses and for graduate courses depending on which one you are taking within any given semester, but since you are taking fewer courses you will save money through this program.
Students will receive the B.S. degree in Organizational Management and the M.S. in Leadership at the same time.
NOTE: Within the Dual Degree program, the first four courses in the Master’s program will count toward the completion of the undergraduate degree. Then, Dual Degree students will continue through the final six Master’s level courses to receive the Bachelor degree in Organizational Management and the Master degree in Leadership.
Graduate courses students complete within the dual degree program will apply toward their elective credits required for the undergraduate degree if they are not able to continue to full completion of the program. Note: students must have 120 hours to complete the undergraduate degree.
Students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA in order to remain in the Dual Degree program.
Required General Education Courses - 45 Credit Hours
All General Education courses must be completed prior to beginning the Organizational Management (ORM) major courses OR the student must be registered for any outstanding General Education courses prior to beginning the ORM major courses.
Required Undergraduate Major Courses - 44 Credit Hours
Students in the accelerated dual degree program must complete the required Organizational Management major courses. In addition, before a student can begin taking graduate level coursework they must have all elective courses completed.
ORM Elective Courses - 16 Credit Hours
These courses may be taken on either of the ground campuses or Online or may be satisfied through Professional Education Credits. (Refer to the Academic Policies chapter of this catalog for more details regarding PEC credits.)
Required Graduate Major Courses - 40 Credit Hours
The graduate major courses must be taken in sequence. A student can only take one graduate course per term (two per semester). See Degree Plan for schedule of courses.
- LDR 5014 - Foundations of Leadership Development
- LDR 5004 - Organizational Behavior and Group Formation
- LDR 5104 - Critical Thinking and Formation of Value Systems
- LDR 5034 - Needs Assessment and Performance Analysis
- LDR 5044 - Leadership in the Multicultural Environment
- LDR 5054 - Strategic Thinking and Planning
- LDR 5074 - Coaching and Consulting for Organizations
- LDR 5114 - Ethics in Leading
- LDR 5064 - Leading Organizational Change
- LDR 5094 - Action Learning Project