Workforce Training and Development, M.S.

Heather Annulis, Ph.D.
Program Director

The Master of Science in Workforce Training and 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 Web-based instruction. 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:

1. An applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree from an institution approved by a recognized accrediting agency.
2. An applicant must be eligible to re-enter in good standing the last college of university attended.
3. 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 two years of undergraduate study, and a grade point average of at least 3.0 on undergraduate courses in the field of proposed graduate study.
4. Applicants must submit an online application and official transcripts from all college or universities attended. To be “official” the transcripts must be sent directly from the college/university to the Southern Miss Graduate School Admissions found online at http://www.usm.edu/graduateschool/.
5. Applicants must have current official GRE scores (all sections) (<10 years old) submitted to Southern Miss.
6. Applicant must submit current resume or curriculum vitae (CV) via the online application.
7. An applicant must have at least three letters of recommendation from persons qualified to assess the applicant’s readiness for graduate work.
8. 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. Maximum of three pages double-spaced.
9. An applicant must submit proof of immunization for two MMR (Measles, Mumps Rubella) vaccinations.
10. International students should submit TOEFL scores. for non-U.S. resident prospects, contact the Office of Internatinal Admissions at 118 College Drive #5151, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, or by telephone at 601.266.4841.

Plan of Study. Students must submit their signed, official Plan of Study Form to the Graduate School by the end of the second semester they are enrolled. The Plan of Study Forms are available at www.usm.edu/graduateschool/planofstudy.php - click on the “Plans of Study” link.

Responsible Conduct of Research Training

All faculty holding Regular or Associate graduate faculty status, must complete RCR training modules required by the Graduate School and their departments. All graduate students must complete the RCR training modules required by the Graduate School and their departments the first semester there are enrolled in graduate school. The RCR policy and training information are found on the Graduate School web page – www.usm.edu/graduateschool. Contact the Dean of the Graduate School if you have any questions regarding the policy of training information.

Degree Requirements

1. In addition to the degree requirements established by the Graduate School (30 hours with 18 hours at the 600 level), students earning the Master of Science in Workforce Training and Development must satisfy the degree requirements listed below.
2. Students must complete a project and develop a degree plan to be approved by a faculty adviser and the Workforce Training and Development coordinator prior to the completion of more than nine (9) hours of graduate work.
3. Students must satisfactorily complete 24 hours of core courses. These courses are determined after review of the student’s application materials.
4. During the first year of graduate study, students must select a graduate committee composed of three members of whom two must be members of the graduate faculty of the department.
5. 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.
6. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 based on all graduate courses completed.