LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Graduate students in Panama are now able to earn a master’s degree from the University of Louisville’s College of Education and Human Development without leaving their home country.
The college has launched a master’s degree in human resources and organizational development for up to 30 Panamanians. The classes are being offered at Panama City-based Quality Leadership University (QLU).
CEHD Interim Dean Blake Haselton signed an agreement in 2012 with QLU President Oscar Leon to offer the program. As part of the agreement, some UofL faculty will teach and conduct research at QLU as faculty residents.
Leon said the UofL degree will be the first human resources master’s program in Panama.
The Latin American country has one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, serving as a hub for logistics and for international companies such as Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Procter & Gamble, LG and Caterpillar Inc.
CEHD faculty member Rod Githens, who directs the program, said students in Panama won’t be the only ones who benefit from the agreement.
“It also opens doors for our Louisville-based students,” Githens said. “They will have opportunities to apply for internships and scholarships as part of the Panama partnership.”