Mar 28, 2024  
Graduate Catalog 2007-08 
    
Graduate Catalog 2007-08 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Master of Arts in Human Resources Development


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Advisors:
Nicholas Andreadis, Larry Buzas, Patrick Munley
Department Office, Room 3102, Sangren Hall.

The Master of Arts in Human Resources Development (HRD) provides graduate preparation for persons seeking entry into, or advancement in, a career in human resources development (also known as staff development, employee training, etc.) in business, government, education, and healthcare settings. This program prepares leading-edge HRD practitioners who are able to provide effective direction, through leadership and consulting roles, to assure that organizational learning and development functions are linked to, produce, and can demonstrate worthwhile organizational and individual performance results.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Master of Arts in Human Resources Development is based upon grade point average, educational background, professional work experience, as well as other factors. Prior to consideration by the M.A. Admissions Committee, applicants are required to complete and return a questionnaire prepared by the department.  Interviews, letters of recommendation, test scores, and other materials may also be required.

The Department has three different application deadlines for M.A. program admissions during the year:  January 15, for ensuing Summer and Fall semesters, May 15, also for the ensuing Fall semester, and September 15 for the following Spring semester. Applicants interested in beginning their graduate master’s degree studies in the Fall semester are encouraged to meet the January 15 application deadline. This allows applicants to receive admission offers well in advance of the fall semester. Also, applicants who plan to seek assistantships or campus employment beginning in the fall semester should apply by January 15 to be competitive for such assistance or positions. Applicants must complete a WMU graduate application and a Department application.

Applications materials may be obtained from the Office of Admissions and Orientation and from the Department, and are also available on-line through links on the WMU Office of Admissions and Department webpages. Upon admission, each student is assigned an advisor who will assist in preparing a program of study.  It is recommended that the program of study, which also serves as the application for candidacy, be completed during the first semester or session of enrollment.

The department recognizes the importance of increasing the educational opportunities of racial minority students, as well as the importance of ensuring an increased diversity of role models in the fields represented by its training programs. Therefore, the department strives to create an atmosphere conducive to the concerns of racial minorities and diverse populations, to integrate these concerns into programs and course offerings, and to fulfill its commitment to recruit, admit, support, and graduate a diverse population of students prepared for their chosen careers.

Program Requirements


The Human Resources Development program requires a minimum of thirty-six semester hours, including seven, three-semester-hour core courses. A curriculum guide for the program is available from the department office.

The Human Resources program provides flexibility in designing a course of study to meet the interest and needs of the student. In addition to the core courses, students must, with approval of advisor, select courses for an option in human resources development. The options are human performance and technology, counseling and organizational psychology, organizational communication and development, instructional design and technology, public administration and leadership, and school leadership and administration.

3. Electives (12 hrs.)


Students, in consultation with advisor, will pursue one of the following HRD specialty options from which a minimum of 12 hours of course work is selected.

  • Human Performance and Technology
  • Counseling and Organizational Psychology
  • Organization Communication and Development
  • Instructional Design and Technology
  • Public Administration and Leadership
  • School Leadership and Administration

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