Frequently Asked Questions

Admission Requirements

The Graduate School will be authorizing standardized test waivers to applicants to this program!

The Master of Science in Human Capital Development emphasizes both a research and theory framework as well as the practical application of workplace learning and performance. The goal of the program is to prepare students to improve human performance, balance individual and organizational needs, build knowledge capital within the organization, and determine the return on investment of performance improvement programs. Students learn to think strategically to design and develop interventions that will positively impact workplace learning and performance. This program is administered from the Gulf Coast campus and combines 3-to-5 day, face-to-face courses blended with online instruction. The program is also offered in a fully online delivery format. Faculty and industry experts facilitate a think-tank learning environment where creativity flourishes and students engage with the best minds in workforce development.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the Admission Requirements and Procedures, the minimum standards for regular admission are as follows:

1. The applicant must provide evidence, by official transcript, of a grade point average of at least 2.75 (figured on “A” equals 4.0 scale) for the last 60 hours of undergraduate study.
2. Students whose native language is not English must meet the university’s minimum requirements of TOEFL or IELTS score.
3. The applicant must submit current resume or curriculum vitae (CV) via the online application.
4. The applicant must have at least three letters of recommendation submitted from persons (e.g. direct supervisors or academic faculty members) who are qualified to assess the applicant’s readiness for graduate work.
5. The applicant must submit a Statement of Qualification (SOQ) specifying areas of interest and career goals. The statement should address the following: reasons this graduate program was chosen, how the applicant plans to relate the specialty area to his or her education and experience, expected career benefits from this program, and any other matters that should be taken into consideration. The SOQ should be 2-3 pages, double-spaced.

Program Requirements and Academic Policies

1. Students must develop a degree plan to be approved by a faculty adviser and the Human Capital Development coordinator prior to the completion of more than nine (9) hours of graduate work.
2. Students must satisfactorily complete minimum of thirty (30) hours in graduate-level courses.
3. Students must perform satisfactorily on a comprehensive examination that is required for graduation. This exam is normally administered during the final semester of graduate work.
4. Students must complete a mastery project to be approved by a faculty advisor. This is usually completed in the final semester of graduate work.
5. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on all graduate courses completed.
6. Please refer to the Master’s Degree Requirement in the General Degree Requirements section of the Bulletin.

See General Degree Requirements and General Academic Information for other requirements and policies

The University of Southern Mississippi is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools of Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). That means you can expect a program with the highest standards and quality.