Kenneth J. Zula, Ph.D., SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Program Director
570-941-4333 Kenneth.zula@scranton.edu
Objectives
The Human Resources (HR) program is rooted in the Jesuit liberal arts tradition and prepares students to be proactive in their pursuit of fairness and equity within the workplace. The program is designed to educate students in the theory and practice of processes used to promote effective performance, development, and job satisfaction of employees. A strong knowledge base of theory is critical to the successful practice of HR, and students will be actively engaged in the application of theory and how those applications can influence the effectiveness of organizations.
The changing nature of work as influenced by social, economic, technological and educational forces is explored, both nationally and globally. Further, students will develop excellence in written expression and the effective utilization of technological advances.
Specifically, the program is designed to: 1. Prepare individuals academically to enter leadership positions; 2. Enhance the performance of individuals employed in leadership positions, but lacking academic training and credentials; and 3. Prepare individuals academically to enter or advance in a variety of human-resource-related positions and departments. The program emphasizes an active learning environment wherein the student can acquire knowledge, gain practical skills, and engage in self-exploration and personal growth. Prospective students should be aware that the HR program is not a business program and is not intended to be the equivalent of an MBA program.
Curriculum
The online Master of Science in Human Resources program offers a curriculum that fully aligns with the Society for Human Resource Management’s (SHRM) HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates. The HR curriculum requires 39 credits for students who were admitted prior to spring 2018, including 6 credits of prerequisite courses. Students admitted for the Spring 2018 term (January 2018) and thereafter are not required to complete HR 515 and HR 517, which reduces the total credits required for degree to 33 credits for those students only. Courses are offered in six 8-week terms each academic year. The prerequisite courses, Organizational Behavior & Leadership (HR 500 ) and Human Resources (HR 501 ), provide foundational knowledge in organization concepts, theories and human resources practices and should be taken in the first semester of study. Courses are offered in a web-based delivery format utilizing the Engage course management system. The capstone course, Capstone: Applied HR (HR 520 ), is normally taken in the final semester prior to graduation and draws upon the knowledge, skills, and abilities developed throughout the HR program. Computer applications are utilized throughout the curriculum; therefore, entering students are expected to have proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, and Internet applications.
Classes are offered only online during six eight-week sessions. HR 500 and HR 501 are required to be taken prior to any additional course work.
Professional Certification
Students are encouraged to join The University of Scranton chapter of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) and other professional organizations. Students can obtain information about professional organizations from the web sites listed below. Organizations that offer certification are noted with an asterisk (*).
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