An evaluation of a human resource development undergraduate program based upon student perceptions

The purpose of the study was to evaluate an undergraduate distance education program based upon adult learner perceptions. The study investigated the value of the Human Resource Development (HRD) program at the University of Arkansas by examining the students' reasons for returning to college, their attitudes toward the program, and the impact that the program has had upon their lives. A survey instrument was developed and sent to all participants of the first six cohorts of the HRD program of the University of Arkansas. The instrument collected data concerning participant attitudes toward specific aspects of the program, their reason for returning to college, their ability to apply the skills taught in the program, and the economic benefit that they received from participation in the program. Analysis was conducted to determine if these perceptions varied by gender, degree completion status, or age. The final analysis conducted was to determine if there was a correlation between the participants' primary reasons for returning to college and their perceptions of the economic benefit that they received from participation in the program.; The results of this study indicated that student returned to college to complete their degree for employment concerns. Overall, participants had positive attitudes toward the program. They also indicated that they had been able to apply the skills and knowledge taught in the program. However, attitudes concerning the economic benefits of the program were less positive.; There were some significant differences in attitudes based upon gender and degree completion status in regards to specific aspects of the program. No significant differences were found based upon age.