Master of Science in Human Resources (Credit Hour)

The Master of Science in Human Resources (MSHR) is designed to provide practitioners and leaders with the knowledge, skills and tools to maximize employee engagement and optimize organizational performance. It is a degree designed to promote the career development of human resources professionals.

Mission

The MSHR prepares graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver innovative ideas and solutions to advance the practice of Human Resource Management in the 21st century.

Program Learning Outcomes  

• Business Acumen: Apply an integrated and systems-oriented approach to Human Resources that aligns and supports business strategy.
• Globalization and Diversity: Assess the impact of globalization, multiculturalism, and multi-generational workforces on organizational policy, practices and performance.
• Workforce Planning: Design strategies to ensure workforce capabilities are aligned with organizational needs.  
• Talent Management: Develop strategies to ensure workforce performance is continuously aligned with organizational needs.
• Strategic Leadership: Build strategic partnerships that address complex business needs and meet corporate social responsibility, ethical objectives, and legal considerations.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Evaluate business data to make effective strategic decisions that align with and support business goals.

Requirements for Admission

The prospective graduate student in the MSHR program must demonstrate his or her readiness to succeed in graduate-level academic coursework by satisfactorily fulfilling one of the following admission options. All graduate admissions options listed below require an earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Admission by GPA

A 2.75 grade point average (GPA) calculated over the most recent 30 graded semester (45 quarter) credits completed in either a baccalaureate or post baccalaureate program, including credits earned toward a credential. All credits used for GPA calculation must be from a regionally accredited institution. For graduates of regionally accredited institutions that do not conduct a GPA calculation, an official letter from the University determining grade equivalency will be accepted.

Admission by Prior Graduate Degree

An earned master's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution.

Admission by Portfolio

Submission of a portfolio of evidence that shows adequate preparation for graduate studies. The portfolio will contain: writing samples that show graduate level communications and analytical skills; a detailed resume showing professional development and achievements; awards; professional recognition; letters of reference from persons who can attest to the applicant’s ability to do graduate level work; and a letter of explanation detailing the reasons the student believes they are a good candidate for graduate study in the field they wish to pursue. If the portfolio meets substantive approval of the committee, the applicant may be invited for an interview. The decision of the School Graduate Admissions Committee will be final.

Transfer of Coursework

A maximum of 9 semester credits may be accepted in transfer toward the Master of Science in Human Resources degree program. (See Academic Policies and Procedures section.)

In addition to university policies concerning transfer of coursework , the human resources program will accept transfer of military coursework which meet the following requirements:

1. Course requested for transfer must include an official transcript or copy of ACE evaluation which verifies graduate-level work;
2. Coursework must be letter graded or provide verification of completion at a grade of “B” or higher;
3. Coursework must be comparable to program requirements (if marginal comparability, a written statement of rationale must be provided); and

In addition to University policies concerning transfer of coursework, University of Massachusetts Global may approve the following exceptions:

Transfer of twelve elective credits to the MSHR Degree to eligible Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, retired and prior military service members for completion of military coursework comparable to OLCU 614 Leadership and Team Development, HRCU 605 Talent Management, HRCU 618 Career Management, and OLCU 641 Leadership in Military Communication. Qualifications and provisions of this twelve credit transfer opportunity follow: 

a. The service member must qualify for admission to the MSHR degree program. (See Graduate Admission section of this catalog).

b. Active Duty, active reserve, retired and prior service military members in the following ranks are eligible: Commissioned Officer (any rank), Senior NCO (E7 or above) or CW2 or above.

c. Commissioned Officers must be graduates of a commissioning program (OCS or equivalent, ROTC, Military Academy) and an officer basic career course. Senior NCOs must be E7 or above and graduates of a career NCO Advanced Course. Warrant Officers must be CW2 or above and graduates of a Warrant Officer Candidate School and a Warrant Officer career course.

d. The seven-year rule for completion of all coursework toward the MSHR degree applies, including transfer credit for military schooling. (See Seven-Year Limitation in Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures section of this catalog.)

e. Recipients of the nine credit transfer must complete all remaining coursework for the MSHR degree at University of Massachusetts Global in accordance with academic policy.

Course Substitutions

Students who received substitution credit, as an undergraduate, for HRCU 445 for the PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP or SHRM -SCP may only receive waiver credit for HRCU 600 as graduate students.