Dual Degree - ORL to LDR B.S./M.S.

141 Credit Hours

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 Leadership (ORL) and an M.S. in Leadership (LDR) within a single accelerated program. This program provides qualified students a faster, more cost-effective 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 shortest time possible. Those accepted into the Dual Degree will be allowed to begin the Master’s program after completing 108 hours (rather than the required 120), given all General Education and ORL Major course requirements have been completed. Within the Dual Degree program, the first four (4) courses in the Master’s program will count toward the completion of the undergraduate degree.

Students should consult with their academic advisor to determine if the Dual Degree program would benefit them.A student may request to be a Dual Degree Candidate at any time, if he or she has 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 ORL Major.

Admissions Criteria

1. Possess a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in student’s total program at PBA.
2. Obtain a GPA of 3.5 based on the first four courses in the ORL Major:
   • ORL 3013 - Group and Organizational Behavior  
   • ORL 3053 - Writing for the Modern Workplace  
   • ORL 3143 - Organizational Administration  
   • ORL 3153 - Organizational Leadership  
3. Complete the Dual Degree Application packet with a written letter of recommendation from an ORL professor.
4. Provide a writing sample of a previously submitted research oriented paper from one of the ORL courses.

Regular tuition rates apply, dependent upon course division (ie: undergraduate tuition for undergraduate courses).

Within the Dual Degree program, the first five courses in the Master’s program will count toward the completion of the undergraduate elective credits needed for the degree. Then, Dual Degree students will continue through the final seven Master’s level courses to receive the Bachelor degree in Organizational Leadership and the Master degree in Leadership. Students will receive the B.S. degree in Organizational Leadership and the M.S. in Leadership at the same time.

In the event a student is unable to complete the program, any graduate-level courses completed will be counted as elective credits toward the undergraduate degree.

Note: Students must complete 120 hours to earn the undergraduate degree.

Students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA in order to remain in the Dual Degree program.