Frequently Asked Questions

Executive Master of Science in Human Resource Development

Program information

What will I learn and how can I use it?
The Executive Master’s in Human Resource Development is a unique, experiential program that develops participants to lead strategy execution by leveraging learning and change from a global perspective. The program enables graduates to leverage learning and change theories, frameworks, tools and techniques that facilitate strategy execution. An integral component of the curriculum is immediate workplace application. Students are required to complete action research projects that relate to change and learning in a work setting. The action research projects start during the first semester and extend throughout the program, resulting in a capstone presentation in the final semester.
What are the differences between the executive program and the traditional program?
The traditional program is designed for students who have limited professional and managerial experience related to human resource development. The executive program was developed to offer emerging leaders the resources to lead and manage learning and change. Applicants must have a minimum of 5 years of relevant job experience in their profession.
How long is the program?
The program is three semesters long. Depending on when you enter the program, you will attend fall, spring, summer or spring, summer, fall.
What is a cohort?
A cohort is a group of students who progress through the program together, taking the same courses at the same time. As a member of a cohort, you will have opportunities to build professional relationships with your fellow classmates.
Is there an international component?
Yes; each cohort will have a one-week, cross-cultural experience during the summer term that will include business and cultural visits. Places visited thus far include Prague, Czech Republic, Lisbon, Portugal, and São Paulo, Brazil.
Who should I contact for more information?
Please contact executivehrd [at] uh.edu (Dr. Consuelo Waight) at executivehrd [at] uh.edu (executivehrd[at]uh[dot]edu) for questions about the program or for application materials.
Who are the faculty?
Faculty are experts with research and work experience in the areas of leadership, performance improvement, training, and organization development.

Admissions/Application

What are the application deadlines?
The deadline to submit items to join the fall session is July 1st (April 1st for international students) and to join the spring session is December 15th (October 15th for international students). Because cohort sizes are limited, we recommend that you submit your application items well in advance of the published deadlines. Applications are evaluated as they become complete.
What are the admission requirements?
Students are admitted on a rolling basis. To be considered for admission, in addition to submitting application items, an applicant must meet the following requirements:
1. Have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
2. Minimum of five years relevant full-time business or professional experience
3. Endorsement from senior-level management
4. Letter of recommendation from an immediate supervisor
5. Resume
6. Complete an interview with the faculty
Who should complete my recommendation and endorsement letters?
Two (2) reference letters.
1. One letter from senior-level management
2. One letter from your supervisor or someone who has worked closely with you
Do I need to take a standardized test?
Standardized test scores are not required. Professional experience and endorsement from senior management along with an applicant interview are taken into consideration as part of the admission process.
How many students are admitted for each cohort?
At this time, no more than 15 students are admitted for each cohort.

Course Information

What are the courses?
Classes include courses in organization learning and performance, assessment and evaluation, research, quantitative and statistical methods, designing organization interventions, design and management of e-learning, learning methods, and leadership. Special topics will also be incorporated into the curriculum.
Who are the instructors?
Faculty, adjunct faculty, and guest lectures are experts with research and work experience in the areas of leadership, performance improvement, training, and organization development.
Where are the classes held? What are the delivery methods?
On-site classes are held at the UH Sugar Land campus. Instruction and participation will also take place in e-learning formats synchronously via Teams.
Does every class meet every week during the term? What if I am absent due to a work commitment?Not every class meets every week. Some weeks there will be projects that you complete rather than meeting on-site. Students who are unable to be present during a class session can participate remotely via Teams or can access the class archives to review a class at a later time.

Expense and Financial Aid

How much is the program? What's included in the cost?
The University of Houston System Board of Regents sets and approves program costs each year. Please contact the program manager for the current cost at executivehrd [at] uh.edu (executivehrd@uh.edu), which includes in-class instruction, on-line support, textbooks, case studies, and the international travel component.
How do I obtain financial aid?
Federal loans may be available to students who are U.S. Citizens or permanent residents. To begin the aid process, students need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at studentaid.gov. The UH school code is 003652.
Can I use my veteran's benefits?
You may be eligible to use your veteran's benefits. For more information about veteran's benefits for study at the University of Houston, please contact the UH Veteran's Affairs Office by email at UHGIBILL [at] UH.EDU (UHGIBILL@UH.EDU), or in person at the Welcome Center.
How can my organization sponsor me?
A financial commitment form is included as part of the application package. If your employer wishes to sponsor part or all of your program cost, that form may be completed and submitted. The program facilitator will work with your employer to invoice and collect payment.

Information for international students

What are the specific requirements for international students?
In addition to application items mentioned above, international students must pay a $75 international applicant fee and may be required to submit TOEFL / IELTS / DUOLINGO scores and have non U.S. transcripts evaluated and translated. For international graduate applicants, the University of Houston Graduate School has approved the Duolingo English Test for English proficiency exams. Duolingo English Tests are valid for two years from the date the test was taken.
When is the deadline for international students?
The deadline for international students for the fall cohort is April 1 and spring cohort is October 15.