M.S. in Human Resources Development

Why McDaniel?

• Program emphasis is on human resources development which integrates training, organization, and career development efforts in order to improve individual, group, and organizational effectiveness.
• SHRM has acknowledged this program as aligning with its HR curriculum guidelines for HR studies at the graduate level.
• Meets professional standards and competencies established by the American Society for Training and Development.
• Follows a cooperative cohort model and small group classes — building teamwork, leadership skills, and professional networks.
• Offers a schedule convenient for students employed full-time.
• Emphasizes oral and written communications and using new technology.
• Encourages experiential and cooperative learning, leading to effectiveness as change agent.

Admissions Requirements

Initial Admission

• Completed application for graduate study
• Submit the non-refundable application fee
• Official transcripts verifying completion of an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75
• Three recent letters of recommendation from undergraduate faculty or employers
• Written statement of personal and professional goals (approximately 500 words) relative to the program of study

Full Acceptance

• Completion of 9 graduate credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above

Degree Requirements

• Complete 42 semester hours
• Minimum 3.0 GPA with limit of one course at or below “C”
• Successful portfolio review documenting professional growth and mastery
• 3-credit field practicum

Faculty

Alice Hajjar (M.G.A., University of Maryland) serves as the Human Resources Development (HRD) Program Coordinator.  Ms. Hajjar has over 30 years of human resources experience with the Federal government. Projects and tasks performed as both a Federal employee and contractor include training and facilitation, developing and facilitating new employee orientations, conducting job analyses, evaluating applicant qualifications, developing/maintaining HR websites, and providing HR-related advice and assistance to Federal supervisors and managers.

The HRD program at McDaniel College uses the services of experts in their fields to instruct the courses in various specialized areas. Practitioners bring real work place issues into the classroom and blend theory with practice to prepare students for success. In addition to valuable instruction, these instructors also provide useful networking connections for aspiring leaders.

 

Courses

Important Dates

Fall 2013 Cohorts (Westminster)

July 1, 2013 – Application Deadline (all application material due)
July 20, 2013 - New Student Orientation (Westminster)
August 3, 2013 - Classes Begin
 

Spring 2014 Cohorts (Arundel Mills)

Information Session - TBA
November 25, 2013 – Application Deadline
December 7, 2013 – Cohort Orientation
January 4, 2014 – Classes Begin

For questions or additional information, contact Alice Hajjar, HRD Program Coordinator at 410-871-3351 or ahajjar@mcdaniel.edu.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program find employment as specialists in the following Human Resources areas:

• Organizational development
• Training
• Instructional design
• Staffing and recruiting
• Career development
• Executive development
• Compensation and benefits

Program Locations

The HRD degree program at McDaniel is currently available in two locations in the Baltimore/Washington Corridor.

• McDaniel College Campus
   2 College Hill
   Westminster, MD  21157

• AACC at Arundel Mills
   7009 Arundel Mills Circle
   Hanover, MD  21076

In Westminster, new cohorts begin during the first week in August; Arundel Mills cohorts begin during the first week in January. The start of any cohort is based on student enrollments and not guaranteed.  Contact the Program Coordinator for availability.

FAQs

1. What is a cohort?
A cohort is a group of approximately 10 to 20 students who move through the program and sequence of courses together.  It is a unique group experience and an innovative approach to graduate education that allows for cooperative learning throughout the program.  It facilitates the development of teamwork, interpersonal skills, and important professional networks.

2. How does the HRD Program work?
The HRD Program is an accelerated program, and students complete three courses (nine credits) each semester. There are three "terms" within each semester, and each class runs for six weeks.  This means that HRD semesters run for 18 weeks, a little longer than usual.  Due to the accelerated nature of the program, we currently do not offer regular classes during the summer semester.

3. How long does it take to complete the program?
Students can complete 42 credit hours (including all coursework, the required practicum, and the portfolio project) within a three-year period.

4. Where is the program offered?
The HRD Program is offered in two locations: Westminster, MD (main campus) and Hanover, MD (Arundel Mills). Generally, we begin new cohorts in Westminster during the first week in August, and Arundel Mills during the first week in January.

5. When do classes meet?
Classes are held twice each week during the semester:  Wednesday evenings, 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., and Saturday mornings, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

6. Are any HRD classes offered online?
Currently, most classes in the HRD program are offered as in-classroom instruction only but there are a few courses currently offered online.  Contact the Program Coordinator for further information.

7. How and when do I apply for the HRD Program?
You may apply to the program either online or by mailing your application.  A complete application package includes:
•    Application
•    Official transcripts showing an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or better
•    3 Letters of Reference
•    Personal Goals Statement
All materials must be submitted before your application can be reviewed.  

8. How and when do I register for classes?
Once you have been accepted to the HRD Program, you will register for classes online using McDaniel’s registration system called Archway.  You are given detailed instructions about this after you have been accepted and before the start of the semester.

8. Do I have to go through the entire program without a break?
Due to the nature of the cohort experience, we recommend that students remain with their cohort throughout the program.  However, if necessary and in rare circumstances, breaks are permitted with approval from the program coordinator.

More questions?  Contact Alice Hajjar, HRD Program Coordinator, 410-871-3351, or email at ahajjar@mcdaniel.edu.