Human Resources (M.S.)

Required of ALL applicants to the M.S. Degree Program in Human Resources:

1. All undergraduate (and graduate if applicable) transcripts.  We seek overall GPAs of 3.0 or above (applicants with GPAs below the 3.0 may still be admitted with acceptable GRE scores or HR job experience as described below). The GRE (General Record Exam) is not required for applicants with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.
2. A one (1) page essay describing why you are pursuing a career in Human Resources on why you believe you are a “good fit” with the mission and curriculum focus of the WCU MSHR program.
3. All applicants must submit three (3) references (from current/former professors or job supervisors).

Applicants with overall GPAs below 3.0 may still be admitted into the program if one of the two additional conditions are met:

1. A min. of three (3) years of full-time HR work experience-OR:
2. *GRE scores of at least 150 in Verbal Reasoning, 141 in Quantitative Reasoning, and 3.5 in Analytical Writing.

*If extenuating circumstances prevent GRE testing, an applicant may be admitted conditionally, requiring GRE scores to be submitted within one semester.

Program Description

The WCU MSHR program’s mission is to develop the next generation of HR leaders for organizations of all types. The fully online curriculum consists of 7 required courses that all students take, and 5 elective courses listed below. HR 602, HR 605, & HR 610 are taken in the first two semesters of the program; HR 687 and HR 688 have prerequisites of 18 credit hours, and HR 687 must be taken before HR 688. Students with more than 5 years of full-time human resources-related work experience may substitute another WCU HR course for HR 688. HR 698 (capstone seminar) should be taken during a student’s last semester in the program and requires the completion of 21 credit hours.