USM Online Master of Science Program in Human Capital Development Ranked No. 1 Nationally

Tue, 03/29/2022 - 01:40pm | By: Van Arnold

The University of Southern Mississippi’s Master of Science degree program in Human Capital Development has been rated as the nation’s top program in rankings released recently by OnlineMastersDegrees.org (OMD).

In developing the rankings, OMD researched and analyzed more than 7,700 accredited schools using data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) as well as data from the schools themselves. Primary data points included affordability, availability of online learning, and student support performance metrics.

“The online MSHCD program was designed more than 20 years ago to meet the needs of students with full-time careers,” said Dr. Heather Annulis, Director of USM’s School of Leadership. “Other graduate programs in Human Capital Development are also offered in executive format at USM. Continuous evaluation and improvement are at the heart of all of our programs.”

Dr. Bret Becton, Dean of USM’s College of Business and Economic Development, notes that the impressive ranking serves to validate efforts by faculty, staff and students associated with the innovative graduate program.

“We are happy to see the MS in Human Capital Development receive this lofty ranking. The program has an impressive history of preparing graduates for careers as training and organizational development professionals in many different industries and it is rewarding to see the efforts of our faculty and staff recognized,” said Becton.

USM’s Master of Science in Human Capital Development emphasizes both a research and theory framework as well as the practical application of workplace learning and performance. The goal of the program is to prepare students to improve human performance, balance individual and organizational needs, build knowledge capital within the organization, and determine the return on investment of performance improvement programs.

Students learn to think strategically to design and develop interventions that will positively impact workplace learning and performance. Faculty and industry experts facilitate a think-tank learning environment where creativity flourishes and students engage with the best minds in workforce development.

Dr. Hamett (Quincy) Brown, Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director for Human Capital Development, echoed his colleagues’ sentiments.

“Our mission is to develop and advance organizational leaders at the local, national and international levels. Recognition like this affirms that our hard work is not going unnoticed among educational professionals,” said Brown.

To learn more about programs offered by the University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Leadership, visit https://www.usm.edu/leadership.