Master of Science (M.S.) Degrees in Adult Education
and Human Resource Development

Two Master of Science (M.S.) degrees are offered in the graduate program in Adult Education and Human Resource Development:

• The Master of Science Degree in Human Resource Development (MS/HRD), presented below.

• The Master of Science Degree in Adult Education (MS/AE), click here to go to the description of the MS/AE.

Master of Science in Human Resource Development (MS/HRD)

The MS/HRD program is designed for persons interested in the design, implementation, evaluation, and management of human resource development (HRD) programs. The program consists of 36 hours minimum, with 21 hours required in the AE/HRD program area, 3 hours of research methods, and a minimum of 12 hours of elective courses selected in consultation with your advisor in relation to your professional and personal career goals. Following is a typical program sequence:

Electives

A wide variety of elective courses are available in the following areas of focus: organization development, performance improvement, human resource management, knowledge management, educational technology and distance education, literacy, workforce education, urban and community education, and international and global education. Information on these areas is available from your advisor.

Admission

In addition to the University minimum admission requirements, program admission requirements for both masters programs include the following:

1. Completed graduate application, which includes a personal statement, 1,000 words or less, describing (a) your personal and professional goals and how the degree program will enable the accomplishment of these goals, and (b) the ways in which you will be an asset to the program.
2. Transcripts from all institutions attended beyond high school. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is required and calculated on the basis of the last 60 hours of coursework completed for the baccalaureate.
3. Complete and current résumé listing educational and professional background.
4. Three letters of recommendation, at least one of which (two are preferred) must be from a person familiar with your undergraduate work and able to comment knowledgeably on your ability to perform graduate-level work.
5. Application deadlines are June 1st (for Fall semester), October 1st (for Spring semester), and March 1st (for Summer semester).

Progression

The following six steps mark the major milestones that will occur during your pursuit of the master’s degree.

1. Consultation: You should schedule an appointment with one of the core faculty members listed at the end of this program description to discuss your plans or questions with regard to the master’s program. The pursuit of a master’s will likely require a minimum of two to three years. Before applying, assess the appropriateness of this action in terms of your personal and professional realities, ambitions, resources, and constraints.
2. Application: Graduate application forms are available online at http://gradschool.fiu.edu/admissions.htm. All application documents should be sent to Florida International University, Graduate Admissions Office, 11200 SW 8th St. Miami , FL 33199. Phone: 305-348-7442.
3. Beginning as a Non-Degree-Seeking Student: You may take courses in a non-degree status. This procedure is available as a matter of convenience to persons wishing to begin study while admission documents are processed. It does not guarantee admission in any way. No more than 12 semester hours of approved courses may be taken in this mode. All such courses will count toward the master’s requirements provided that (a) full admission is subsequently achieved and (b) prior approval of the courses taken as a non-degree student is obtained from an AE/HRD faculty member.
4. Admission: Full admission is a precondition of proceeding beyond the 12 hour non-degree student status. Full admission means you have provided all required documentation, meet the admission criteria and are accepted into the program by the admissions committee. Full admission will be acknowledged by an official letter from the Office of Graduate Admissions. When you receive this letter, contact an AE/HRD faculty member for selection of a formal academic advisor.
5. Select your Advisor: Prior to full admission, counseling and advisement is fulfilled by any AE/HRD professor. Upon gaining full admission, you need to select one of the faculty members listed below as your advisor.
6. Complete the Designated Coursework: You must complete the required courses and appropriate advised electives in the masters program you select. It is highly recommended that you complete at least four required courses before enrolling for your first elective course. You will then have a base of understanding of the field and profession, enabling you to better select the electives that will best complement the required courses and your professional goals. Alterations to the stated program must be approved by your advisor.

Faculty Contact Information

Dr. Tonette S. Rocco, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, and Program Director
Florida International University, 11200 Tamiami Trail, ZEB 360-A
Miami, FL  33199-0001, 305-348-3418   roccot@fiu.edu

Dr. Thomas Reio, Ph.D., Associate Professor & Co-Program Director
Florida International University, 11200 Tamiami Trail, ZEB 362-A
Miami, FL  33199-0001, 305-348-3418   reiot@fiu.edu

Dr. Douglas H. Smith, Ph.D., Professor
Florida International University,11200 Tamiami Trail
Miami, FL  33199-0001, 305-348-3418   smithdh@fiu.edu

Updated: 8/12/08