GD 989 Professional Development Special Topics Course 0-4 cr. Taught on demand when an organizational entity has identified a need for a professional development experience that is not currently offered by the university. Examples of potential needs include an area of study in which no graduate programs exist (e.g., history), a research experience in an established discipline (e.g., field research in education) and the provision of professional development credit for populations currently not served (e.g., Department of Natural Resources employees).