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Master of Arts - Human Resource Studies

Human Resource Studies

Developed with practicality in mind, the Master of Human Resource Studies not only focuses on assisting students in acquiring a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of HR- its breadth and depth, but also on fostering a learning experience that promotes critical application of the acquired knowledge to real world HR scenarios.

The mission of the Master of Arts in Human Resource Studies (MAHRS) is threefold: first, to assist in educating students in the Human Resource (HR) discipline; second, to prepare them for careers in HR; and third (and finally) to assist in equipping them to make scholarly contributions to the field of HR. Whether you are totally new to the HR discipline and desire foundational HR knowledge or are already a seasoned HR professional looking for additional education to combine with your experience and certifications to take your career to the next level, the MAHRS degree is designed for you!

Developed with practicality in mind, the MAHRS degree not only focuses on assisting students in acquiring a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of HR- its breadth and depth, but also on fostering a learning experience that promotes critical application of the acquired knowledge to real world HR scenarios. We believe this holistic approach will uniquely position students to readily enter the HR workforce with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to contribute meaningfully to organizations.

Below is just a sample of the topics the MAHRS degree is centered on.

  • Employment Law
  • Workforce Staffing
  • Benefits
  • Compensation
  • Employee and Labor Relations
  • HR Trends and Emerging Issues
  • Access and Opportunity
  • HR Strategy
  • Learning and Develop

APPLY 

Requirements

  • Apply to Graduate School at the University of Oklahoma
  • Check the Graduate College Bulletin for Admission Requirements; including conditional admission, and other admission criteria.
  • The following materials must be uploaded before an application will be deemed complete.
    • TRANSCRIPTS: Upload a copy of transcripts from every college attended. Official copies should also be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions (see address below).
    • GRE: The Graduate Records Exam is NOT a requirement for admission to our program.
    • RESUME
    • STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
    • TOEFL SCORE: International applicants must submit a score from either the TOEFL  (minimum of 600 on the paper-based test, 250 on the computer-based test or 79 on the internet-based test) or IELTS (minimum of 7.0) as well as a Confidential Financial Statement.
      School Code: 6879
    • APPLICATION FEE: A $50 ($100 for international applicants) non-refundable application processing fee is required to submit your online application.
    • Conditional Admission: Anyone admitted as "conditional" must take HR 5203 - Graduate Research and Writing and receive a "B" or better to remain in the Human Relations Graduate program. 
       

GPA of 2.5 to 2.99: HR 5203 - Graduate Research and Writing, must be completed within the first 12 hours of Human Relations coursework.

GPA of 2.49 and below: HR 5203  - Graduate Research and Writing, must be completed within the first 6 hours of Human Relations coursework.

Applications will be processed and evaluated upon the submission of a completed online application. Offers of admission will not be made until all of the above materials are received by the Graduate Admissions Office.

  • 6 hours of Human Relations core coursework
  • 21 hours of Human Resources core concentration coursework
  • 3 hours of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion coursework
  • 6 hours of Research and Application
  • Thesis and Non-Thesis options
  • 36 hours Total!

 

HR 5003 Theoretical Foundations

HR 5013 Current Problems-Human Relations

HR 5033 Leadership in Organizations

HR 5063 Strategies of Social Change

HR 5110 Organizational Intervention

HR 5113 Women’s Issues-Human Relations

HR 5113 HR Through the Lens of Law

HR 5133 Change & Creativity- Workplace

HR 5153 Human Emotions

HR 5203 Graduate Research/Writing HR

HR 5323 Organizational Behavior

HR 5343 Conflict Resolution

HR 5383 Public Policy- HR Professional

HR 5643 Crisis Intervention

HR 5653 Grief, Death, and Dying

HR 5693 Issues in Aging

HR 5713 Women, Work, and the Family

HR 5723 Sexism and Homophobia

HR 5743 Violence Against Women & Child

HR 5763 Human Sexuality

HR 5960 Directed Readings **

HR 5990 Independent Study **

Notes

** All Directed Readings and Independent Studies require approval prior to enrollment. Approval forms can be obtained in Room 730 of the Human Relations Department. Also, students should consult with their desired professor prior to presenting the approval form.

Recommended Course

HR 5053 Diversity and Justice in Organizations

Additional Approved Courses

HR 5013 Current Problems

HR 5063 Strategies of Social Change

HR 5960 Directed Readings **

HR 5990 Independent Study **

Notes

** All Directed Readings and Independent Studies require approval prior to enrollment. Approval forms can be obtained in Room 730 of the Human Relations Department. Also, students should consult with their desired professor prior to presenting the approval form.

Learning Outcomes

Building on our foundational goals, the MAHRS degree has several specific learning outcomes. Upon successful completion of the degree, students will be able to:

  • Explain the primary concepts and principles comprising the Human Resources discipline and its’ functional areas.
  • Describe in detailed and specific terms the role(s) HR occupies within organizations.
  • Articulate in detailed and specific terms the value HR brings to organizations.
  • Discuss both orally and in writing HR issues, principles, and concepts using generally accepted HR terminology.
  • Demonstrate understanding of HR concepts, principles, and employment laws.
  • Identify reputable reference sources for HR information and best practices.
  • Utilize reputable HR organizations and associations for professional practice and development.
  • Describe thoroughly the competencies necessary for HR professionals.
  • Create a plan for personal development.
  • Explain the relationship between Human Relations and Human Resources.

*This list is not exhaustive. The above only serve as a sample of the potential learning outcomes. Students can without a doubt expect more outcomes from completing the HR concentration.

 

Building on our foundational goals, the MAHRS degree has several specific learning outcomes. Upon successful completion of the degree, students will be able to*:

  • Explain the primary concepts and principles comprising the Human Resources discipline and its’ functional areas.
  • Describe in detailed and specific terms the role(s) HR occupies within organizations.
  • Articulate in detailed and specific terms the value HR brings to organizations.
  • Discuss both orally and in writing HR issues, principles, and concepts using generally accepted HR terminology.
  • Demonstrate understanding of HR concepts, principles, and employment laws.
  • Identify reputable reference sources for HR information and best practices.
  • Utilize reputable HR organizations and associations for professional practice and development.
  • Describe thoroughly the competencies necessary for HR professionals.
  • Create a plan for personal development.
  • Explain the relationship between Human Relations and Human Resources.

*This list is not exhaustive. The above only serve as a sample of the potential learning outcomes. Students can without a doubt expect more outcomes from completing the HR concentration.

 

HRS Characteristics

Students will not only enjoy a goal oriented program with specific theoretical and practical learning outcomes, but also a dynamic program designed for thier academic and career success.
 

Additional features include:

  • Knowledgeable faculty with real world HR experience.
  • Interactive learning methods such as group discussion and reald world case studies, focused on student engagement, interaction, and HR practice  applicability.
  • Accessible advisors eager to assist students in mapping out no only degree  completion plan, but also a career development plan.
  • Program flexibility-while students do have core course requirements, the program allows for and encourages student authorship.
  • Hybrid delivery with the ability to take courses online and on weekends.
  • Research and application component aimed at providing a culminating  experience for students!

Human Resource Studies Faculty

NameEmail
Marilyn Byrdmarilyn.bird-1@ou.edu
Lisa Cummingslisa.a.cummings-1@ou.edu
Aaron Friasaaron.frias@ou.edu
Shauntae Mohamshauntae.m.moham-1@ou.edu
Eric Sourieesourie@ou.edu
Anita Vanderveeranita.k.vanderveer-1@ou.edu

Program Documents