Human Capital Development, M.S.

Heather M. Annulis, Ph.D.
Program Director

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. For additional program information or updates, please contact Heather Annulis, program director, at 228.214.3517 or heather.annulis@usm.edu.

Admission Requirements:

The minimum standards for regular admission are as follows:

1. An 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. Applicants must have competitive official GRE or GMAT scores (all sections) (<10 years old) submitted to Southern Miss.
3. Applicant must submit current resume or curriculum vitae (CV) via the online application.
4. An applicant must have at least three letters of recommendation submitted from persons qualified to assess the applicant’s readiness for graduate work.
5. Applicant must submit a Statement of Qualifications. This statement is an important part of the application portfolio. The statement should address the following: reasons this graduate program was chosen, how the applicant plans to relate the speciality area to his or her education and experience, expected career benefits from this program, and any other matters that should be taken into consideration. This should be a minimum of two pages double-spaced.

Research and Scholarly Integrity Education

All graduate students must complete the CITI training modules required by the Graduate School and their schools the first semester they are enrolled in graduate school. The RSIE policy and training information are found on the Graduate School web page –www.usm.edu/graduate-school. Contact the Dean of the Graduate School if you have any questions regarding the policy of training information.

Degree Requirements

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 27 hours of core courses and 6 elective hours.
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 the final semester of graduate work.
5. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 based on all graduate courses completed.
6. Please refer to the Master’s Degree Requirement in the General Degree Requirements section of the Bulletin.