B.S.T.A?

In my previous post, I proposed that it may now be the time for academic programs to emerge focused on our profession. Is a Bachelor's Degree in Talent Acquisition the answer to legitimizing Recruiting as a profession? No, not by itself. But I do believe that formal education based upon our profession could raise the status and profile of Recruiting over time.

So I thought I would take a look at what my alma mater, The University of Maryland (Go Terps!) already has as course offerings that could fit the degree requirements for a Talent Acquisition Major. I was surprised to discover that the Business School has recently discontinued Human Resources as a major. (Hmmm...this could be our chance!) Regardless, here's a list of current course offerings at Maryland that could comprise the requirements of a Talent Acquisition major.

BMGT 230 - Business Statistics
BMGT 350 - Marketing Principles
BMGT 360 - Human Resource Management
BMGT 462 - Employment Law for Business
BMGT 362 - Labor Relations
BMGT 496 - Business Ethics and Society
BMGT 392 - Introduction to International Business
BMGT 463 - Cross-Cultural Challenges in Business
BMGT 451 - Consumer Analysis
BMGT 351 - Direct Marketing
BMGT 450 - Integrated Marketing Communication
BMGT 484 - Electronic Marketing
BMGT 485 - Project Management
PSYC 424 - Communication and Persuasion
PSYC 460 - Psychological Foundations of Personnel Selection & Training
SOCY 431 - Principles of Organizations
SOCY 460 - Sociology of Work
COMM 222 - Interviewing

The point here is that the existing courses at a school like Maryland could easily provide the foundation for an academic major, one that could provide a core of knowledge for our profession. Additional courses covering subjects such as Assessment and Selection, Research and Sourcing, Recruiting Technology, etc. would all add value and legitimacy to Talent Acquisition as an academic and professional discipline. Not to mention, this could only enhance our efforts as a profession to 'grow our own'. What do you think? Is this reasonable? Is there value to this? I'd love to hear the opinions of others on this topic.