School of Leadership Announces New Names and Updates for Human Capital Development Graduate Programs
Mon, 08/24/2026 - 09:34am | By: Joyce Powell
Troy Simpson, LaSandra Kelly and Babatunde Adebayo - current Ph.D. students in the School of Leadership
The University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Leadership will introduce new names and updated curricula for its Human Capital Development
graduate programs beginning in Fall 2026.
The Master of Science in Human Capital Development will become the Master of Science in Leadership and Talent Development, while the Doctor of Philosophy in Human Capital Development will become the Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership and Organizational Development.
The changes are the result of an extensive faculty-led curriculum review. Through
that process, faculty examined the programs’ learning outcomes, course offerings,
degree structures and alignment with contemporary academic and workforce needs. The
revised names communicate the programs’ emphasis on leadership, workplace learning,
talent development, organizational change and performance improvement.
“These new names characterize the knowledge and capabilities our students develop
while reflecting the language used across today’s organizations,” said Dr. Jacob Breland,
director of the School of Leadership. “At the same time, the programs remain firmly
grounded in the human-centered principles that have defined Human Capital Development
at Southern Miss. This is an evolution of that foundation, not a departure from it.”
The Leadership and Talent Development Master of Science will prepare professionals
to lead organizational growth, design workforce and talent development initiatives,
and implement evidence-based strategies that strengthen individual and organizational
performance. The 30-hour, fully online program is designed for working professionals
and incorporates consulting-focused projects, applied learning and coursework in areas
such as leadership and talent development, evaluation and analysis, performance improvement,
research, and emerging technologies.
The Leadership and Organizational Development Doctor of Philosophy will prepare scholar-practitioners
to advance human-centered leadership, organizational learning and transformation through
rigorous research and applied practice. The 54-hour program will continue to use an
executive format that combines online instruction with three-day, face-to-face sessions
on the Gulf Coast. Its revised curriculum strengthens preparation in research methods
while expanding study in organizational development, performance improvement, workforce
development, leadership, and workplace learning and talent development.
Although the programs are entering a new chapter, they will continue to honor the
legacy of Human Capital Development at Southern Miss. The longstanding commitment
to developing people, improving workplaces and strengthening the workforce remains
central to both programs. The updated curricula build upon those roots while positioning
graduates to address emerging challenges in leadership, talent development, organizational
effectiveness and the future of work.
“I am incredibly proud to see the programs Dr. Heather Annulis and I founded more
than two decades ago continue to evolve and grow,” said Dr. Cyndi Gaudet, professor
emerita and founder of the Human Capital Development graduate programs. “Human Capital
Development was built on the belief that developing people strengthens organizations
and communities. I’m excited to see this next chapter build on that legacy and prepare
a new generation of leaders and scholar-practitioners.”
Current students will receive guidance from program faculty and advisors regarding
the transition. Prospective students may begin applying under the new program names
for Fall 2026 admission.
About the School of Leadership
The School of Leadership at The University of Southern Mississippi prepares students and professionals to
lead effectively across business, government, nonprofit, educational and community
settings. Housed within the College of Business and Economic Development, the School
offers undergraduate and graduate programs focused on leadership, workforce development,
organizational performance, applied technology and logistics and supply chain management.