Semester Requirements

http://www.rit.edu/cast/servicesystems/human-resources-development.php

Program overview

The master of science degree in human resource development prepares students to influence and develop the human assets of an organization to positively impact organizational outcomes.

The program requires students to build competencies in effective employee and talent development practices as used by world-class organizations, outcome and evidence-based training and learning, instructional design and delivery, career development, and workforce development. The curriculum combines a competency-focused program with solid scholarship, writing, and analytical skills required of today’s human resource professional.

Applicants are often experienced human resource practitioners eager to build new competencies in training, instructional design, talent and employee development; managers who want to encourage employees to reach their potential; and individuals interested in starting a career in the human resource development field. Courses are offered in the evening and online.

Curriculum

The degree requires completion of a minimum of 36 semester credit hours. Students are required to complete a comprehensive exam at the conclusion of their course work. Students may opt to complete a graduate project or thesis in place of the exam. These options require the approval of the faculty and department chair.

Electives are chosen by the student and are used to fulfill their career interests. Courses may be taken in other graduate-level programs, with permission. A limited number of credit hours (not counted toward another degree) may be considered for transfer credit from another college or university.

Upon matriculation, each student is assigned an adviser who will work with the student to develop a plan of study.

Human resource development, MS degree, typical course sequence (semesters), effective fall 2013

* Students typically complete the Comprehensive Exam (HRDE-797), Integrated Problemsolving, and Breakthrough Thinking, Creativity and Innovation (SERQ-770). However, with department approval, students may request to complete a capstone project plus Breakthrough Thinking, Creativity and Innovation (SERQ-770), or a thesis (which requires no additional course work).

Concentrations

A customized concentration of three courses may be developed, but requires department approval. A customized concentration cannot include additional business-related courses.

Admission requirements

To be considered for admission to the MS program in human resource development, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university,
• Submit official transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work,
• Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above (or evidence of relevant professional performance),
• Submit two letters of reference,
• Submit a writing sample designated by the department,
• Participate in an interview with a faculty member (when possible), and
• Complete a graduate application.
• International applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language. Minimum scores of 570 (paper-based) or 88-89 (Internet-based) are required. Scores from the International English Language Testing Systems (ILETS) will be accepted in place of the TOFEL. The absolute minimum scroe for unconditional acceptance is 6.5 Upon arrival at RIT, international students may be asked to take an English Language Proficiency exam. Those who do not meet the minimum standard will be required to take additional English language courses.

All required admission materials must be submitted and reviewed by faculty prior to the completion of 9 semester credit hours of graduate work in the program.