University Catalog

Objective

The Master of Science in Human Resource Management degree provides students with both a general knowledge of business and a specialized knowledge in human resource management. Students are exposed to the theory, research and practical applications of numerous content areas, including human resource strategy and policy, human resource planning, human resource information systems, career planning and development, employee relations law, organization change and development, employee selection, compensation, training and development and employee diversity in organizations. The program prepares students for human resource management careers in business and industrial firms, as well as government and nonprofit organizations.

Accreditation

The Master of Science in Human Resource Management is accredited by the AACSB-International (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business-International).

The Master of Science in Human Resource Management curriculum aligns with the Society for Human Resource Management's recommended requirements for Human Resource degree programs.

The Master of Science in Human Resources Management curriculum is certified to meet the guidelines for the HRCI re-accreditation.

Admission Requirements to the Master of Science in Human Resource Management

Admission to the Master of Science in Human Resource Management (MSHRM) program is based upon the completion of the general admission requirements of Graduate Admissions. For admission into the MSHRM program an acceptable score on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and acceptable academic undergraduate performance are required. The GMAT is strongly preferred.

Students for whom English is not their native language must also take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), TOEFL iBT, or International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

A standardized test score (GMAT or GRE) will not be used as the sole criterion or the primary criterion for determining an applicant's admission to the MSHRM program. Specifically, multiple criteria are used to make admission decisions. Unconditional acceptance is based on consideration of all the information listed below and the decision to deny admission is not based on any single criterion.

Applicants are encouraged to submit with the application a résumé that highlights professional and personal accomplishments, linguistic abilities, computer expertise and HR experience.

Along with the grade point average and GMAT or GRE scores, admission criteria include the following:

1. An undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.0 scale, as calculated by Graduate Admissions, is typical of a successful candidate. This will be integrated into a formula or index that multiplies approximately the last 60 hours of the undergraduate GPA by 200 and adds the resulting value to the GMAT Score. An index score greater than 1100 is typical of a successful candidate.
2. GMAT sub scores (verbal and quantitative) are also considered in the admission decision. A GMAT total score greater than 500 is typical of a successful candidate.
3. A GRE quantitative percentile greater than 50% and Verbal percentile greater than 50% is typical of a successful applicant.
4. An applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate a sufficient level of skill with the English language to assure success in graduate studies as defined in the TOEFL and IELTS Test Score Minimums section  under Admissions Requirements and Procedures in the Graduate Catalog.
5. Grades in specified undergraduate business and non-business courses (math, accounting, economics, statistics, for example)
6. Educational objectives and quality of written expression of the 200 word application essay.
7. Letters of recommendation from three persons familiar with the applicant's academic background and/or work experience who can assess the aplicant's potential success in graduate school.
8. General and specific program accreditation status of degree-granting institution.
9. Professional work experience.
10. Professional certification or licensure.

Unconditional Admission

For unconditional admission, the applicant's composite total from the index must be 1100 or higher.

Students who are unconditionally admitted, have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.00 as calculated by Graduate Admissions (or 3.00 at the graduate level), and enroll for a minimum of six semester credit hours will be eligible for available fellowship and/or scholarship support. A standardized test score (GMAT) will not be used as the sole criterion or the primary criterion for determining fellowship and/or scholarship eligibility.

Probationary Admission

For an applicant with an index score below 1100, probationary admission may be available when at least three items of 1 through 5 above strongly indicate potential for successful academic performance as a graduate HR student. Items 6 through 10 will also be used to identify positive indicators for admission.  Probationary admission requires the student to maintain a 3.00 grade point average for the first two semesters of enrollment. Additionally the student may be required to take deficiency courses.

Provisional, Deferred and Denied Admission

A provisional decision to admit may be granted when the applicant meets criteria for unconditional or probationary status but one or more applicant credentials are incomplete. A deferred decision may be made when an applicant's file is not sufficiently complete to make an admit or deny decision.

For an applicant with an index score less than 1040 and other evidence indicating lack of potential for academic success as a graduate HR student, admission will likely be denied. However, all applicant data will be carefully reviewed before a denied admission is made.

Degree Requirements

The program is between 36 and 42 semester hours.  A student who does not have a bachelor's degrees in business administration may have to take additional coursework (up to 12 semester hours) to acquire sufficient general business knowledge for effective performance as a human resource executive.

Coursework for the program includes six hours of required work in research and statistical methods, 24 hours of required work in human resources and policy, and thesis or elective hours (between 6 and 12 hours)  in related management courses to complete the 36-hour requirements. For the students who are accepted into the 30 hour thesis program, the six hours of thesis (taken in the final semester) will involve working closely with one or more members of the graduate faculty from the Department of Management on a research project in a specialized area of interest in human resource management.

The curriculum is as follows:

Waivers and Transfer Credit

There are three types of required courses: deficiency, core and advanced. Programs of work will normally vary in length from 36 to 42 hours (plus deficiency courses), depending upon waivers granted. Applicants may have both deficiency and core courses waived without the requirement for a substitute course if they have completed, during the last 10 years, a similar course at a recognized college or university and received a "B" or better grade.¹ Extensions to this 10 year limit may be granted for managers and executives who have completed educational activities to remain current or have extensive related experience. Additionally, a maximum of 9 hours of advanced coursework may be transferred in from other AACSB accredited schools if approved by program advisor. Transfer of graduate classes from other universities will be considered on a case by case basis.