Human Resource Management, M.S.

The College of Business  offers a graduate major in Human Resource Management leading to the degree of Master of Science in Human Resource Management (MS in HRM) This degree program prepares students for positions of middle and top-level leadership.  It is a specialized program of study designed for students with preparation in a variety of fields such as business, psychology, sociology and communications. A broad core of courses provides an in-depth understanding of human resource management operations and management. In addition, selective courses provide a working understanding of the major business functions.

Program Expected Student Outcomes

Human Resource Expertise

1.1 Learners will apply broad-based HR knowledge to develop strategically- aligned responses to enhance organizational effectiveness.

1.2 Learners will analyze data using information technology resources to direct and evaluate HR decisions.

Values Driven Leadership

2.1 Learners will generate effective solutions that align with organizational values and professional ethical standards for HR.

2.2 Learners will appraise complex organizational situations and justify the appropriate change management initiatives.

Effective Communication

3.1 Learners will craft messages for high visibility organizational issues and communicate them effectively using various modalities.

4. Global and Cultural Acumen

4.1 Learners will integrate perspectives on cultural differences to ensure cross-cultural harmony and organizational success.

The MS in HRM at GovState is offered as both a face-to-face and a fully online and highly interactive specialized master’s degree in business program. All courses are taught by accessible and dedicated full-time faculty members who are experts in their fields.

Special Admission Requirements

In addition to university admission requirements, applicants must submit the following documents as part of their application package:

1. Two confidential letters of recommendation from professional references (e.g., current or former college faculty member, current or former work supervisor, community leader);
2. Current resume;
3. A two-page, double-spaced statement of intent. The statement of intent offers applicants an additional opportunity to demonstrate writing and communication skills and supports candidacy for the MS in HRM degree.

Please address the following questions within your letter of intent:

• What are your personal short- and long-term career goals?
• What are your reasons for pursuing an MS in HRM degree at this time?
• How do you plan to commit to starting and completing an MS in HRM program? In this response indicate your preference for the online or face-to-face program. If online is selected, also address your feelings and experience in working with others in an online setting.
• Discuss your level of self-discipline, planning, and organizational skills and impact on family, work, or finances.
• Give specific personal examples of leadership and provide other pertinent information to help the committee select candidates who can benefit and contribute to the program. 

4. GPA Requirements - Applicants shall meet one of the following:

• A cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher from a regionally accredited college or university.
• A cumulative G.P.A. of 2.75 and a G.P.A. of 3.0 in the last 60 hours of course work from a regionally accredited college or university.
• A cumulative G.P.A. of 2.75 from a regionally accredited college or university and at least 5 years HR experience in a complex organization.

5. GMAT/GRE not required for this program.

Candidacy Requirement

After admission as a degree-seeking student, a student also must apply for candidacy. Application forms are available in the Academic Advising Office. To qualify for candidacy, a student must:

1. satisfy all conditions of admission;
2. maintain an overall G.P.A. of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for all course work completed at Governors State University as a graduate student with no more than two grades of “C” in all required course work;
3. complete prerequisite competencies with a grade of “C” or higher and overall G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher;
4. apply for candidacy after earning a minimum of nine and a maximum of 15 graduate credit-hours (beyond prerequisite coursework). Completing the 15 hours and reaching candidacy may not mean that all the hours required for graduation have been completed.  Student may be required to complete as much as 18 additional credit hours for graduation. Please see your academic advisor for details.