Get the details on how to apply to the Human Resource Development (M.S.) program.
Application Deadline
While students may apply to the program at any time during the year, decisions about
admissions will be limited to twice a year according to the following schedule:
- For admission to the Fall semester, all application materials must be received by
the graduate school by June 1. If you would like to be considered for an Early Admission
Decision for the Fall Semester, the deadline is April 1.
- For admission to the Spring semester, all application materials must be received by
the graduate school by November 1.
Admission Requirements
- Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or
university*.
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 is required to be considered for full admission;
a 2.80 GPA is required to be considered for conditional admission to the program.
All GPA calculations are made based on the last 60 credits of undergraduate and post-baccalaureate
study.
- Applicants must submit the following items as part of their application packet in
addition to transcripts from their undergraduate and/or prior graduate schools.
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to your academic background,
professional experience and/or personal qualities (Email addresses of recommenders
must be entered on application).
- Resume.
- A personal essay (approximately four pages, double-spaced) that includes your specific
plans for the program, including information about:
- your reason for pursuing the degree and desired emphasis of study
- your past work and/or volunteer experiences
- yourself as a learner, including what learning activities you undertake outside of
or since your undergraduate study
- your expectations for graduate study
- your projected career goals
Admission is granted on a competitive, space available basis. While applicants are
not required to have work experience in the HR field, we do give admission preference
to individuals who do have such experience.
Non-immigrant international students: See additional admission information in Graduate Admissions.
*See Exceptions to Policy in Graduate Admissions.
For information on all matters related to admission procedures, please contact the
Graduate School.
For interested applicants without HR Experience
Given the limited number of openings, we want to make sure that students are making
a solid judgment in the choice of a professional career in Human Resources and the
graduate study needed to achieve that choice. We assume that applicants who are currently
working in the HR field have the experience to make that solid judgment. For applicants
without that work experience, there are several ways by which you can strengthen your
admission application. While not required, providing evidence from any or all of
the following activities will greatly improve your chances for a successful application.
- Undergraduate or even graduate course work in courses like Industrial or Organizational Psychology, Human Resources Management,
Employee Communications or Training, or other courses that deal with the science or
practice of human resources and managing the employment relationship. Be sure to note those courses in your Admission Essay and why you found that course/s
interesting and valuable.
- Internship in an HR-related work experience. As an undergraduate, you may be able to take an internship for credit in an HR department
or a related functional area. Be sure to describe this internship in your Admission Essay and what you learned from
that experience that led to your interest in Human Resources.
- Non-traditional work experience in an HR capacity. You may be able to obtain HR-related experience in two ways: first, by working as
a volunteer in an HR department with a non-profit agency (check with a church, hospital,
United Way agencies, large clubs or groups, and so on); or second, ask to get involved
in HR tasks with your current employer (like offering to lead a training program or
helping in new employee hiring). Be sure to describe any such experience in your Admission Essay and what you learned
from that experience that led to your interest in Human Resources.
- Informational interviews with people currently working in HR. An information interview is a way to gather information about a potential job or
career by talking with someone currently working in that job. For more information
about informational interviewing, consult the popular book What color is your parachute?
You may know HR people personally or from work; your friends and/or family may be
able to refer you to someone they know; you can simply contact larger businesses or
agencies; prior faculty may know someone; and/or you may be able to locate HR professionals
through your local chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management. (In Baltimore,
that chapter is the Chesapeake Human Resource Association.) You can also check with
the Towson University Career Center who maintains a list of alums who are ready and
willing to mentor current students interested in Human Resources. While there is no
mandatory number of interviews, applicants should consider doing at least two or three. Use the Informational Interview (PDF) form to record what you have learned and note that learning in your Admission Essay.
Be sure to attach a copy of each completed form to your Application.
It is our job to make sure as well as we can that the applicants we admit into the
HRD degree program are committed to professional career in the HR field. If you do
not have work experience in HR, one or more of these options will give you the opportunity
to make a stronger case for admission.
Feel free to contact the Program Director if you have questions or wish clarification.
Good luck!
For information on all matters related to admission procedures, please contact the
Graduate School.
For questions about course registration, fees or payments, please contact the Registrar's Office.
Graduate Admissions
Enrollment Services Building
Phone: 410-704-2113
Fax: 410-704-3030
E-mail: grads AT_TOWSON