Department of Human Capital Development Updates Masters Degree
Tue, 07/22/2014 - 12:52pm | By: Charmaine Williams Schmermund
In response to student interest as well as meeting industry needs, the Department of Human Capital Development at The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Park campus has updated its master's degree program with the new name of Master of Science degree in human capital development.
The master's degree 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.
“We are excited about what the future holds for the Master of Science degree in human capital development,” said Dr. Cyndi H. Gaudet, director and professor for the Department of Human Capital Development. “The new name reflects the tremendous growth and change in the training and development field, and is more inclusive for everyone who develops people within organizations.”
The program, which creates a supportive environment for students to engage with content, faculty and other students, is research-based and practitioner-focused blending both a face-to-face and web-based delivery format for working professionals. By offering an executive format, working professionals are able to obtain their graduate degree and can immediately apply what is being learned.
“The Southern Miss Gulf Park campus is a great location for executive format education,” said Dr. Heather Annulis, assistant director and professor for the Department of Human Capital Development. “This new program is a unique, niche program offered in a unique and beautiful location conducive for learning, as well as being easily accessible. The curriculum of the program coupled with the format and location is a recipe for success.”
Providing opportunities to conduct research with experienced scholars, students in the master's degree program work with faculty who have conducted over $5 million in applied research from various sponsors, including NASA and the U.S. Department of Labor. These internationally recognized faculty have broad-based industry experience whose research expertise includes competency model development, change leadership, talent management, and workforce reskilling.
The program is currently accepting applications for admission into the fall 2014 semester. For more information about the Department of Human Capital Development at the Southern Miss Gulf Park campus, visit www.usm.edu/gc/hcd or call 228.214.3517.