Executive Master of Science in Human Resource Development — Frequently Asked Questions | UH Department of Human Development & Consumer Sciences

Program information

What will I learn and how can I use it?
The Executive Master’s in Human Resource Development is a unique, experiential program that develops participants to lead strategy execution by leveraging learning and change from a global perspective. The program enables graduates to leverage learning and change theories, frameworks, tools and techniques that facilitate strategy execution. An integral component of the curriculum is immediate workplace application. Students are required to complete action research projects that relate to change and learning in a work setting. The action research projects start during the first semester and extend throughout the program, resulting in a capstone presentation in the final semester.
What are the differences between the executive program and the traditional program?
The Professional Program is designed for individuals beginning their careers with limited work experience, while the Executive Program is tailored for emerging leaders with a proven professional background.
How long is the program?
The program is three semesters long. Depending on when you enter the program, you will attend fall, spring, summer or spring, summer, fall.
What is a cohort?
A cohort is a group of students who progress through the program together, taking the same courses at the same time. As a member of a cohort, you will have opportunities to build professional relationships with your fellow classmates.
Is there an international component?
Absolutely! Each cohort embarks on an exciting, one-week cross-cultural immersion during the summer term, blending business insights with rich cultural experiences. Past destinations have included the vibrant cities of Prague (Czech Republic), Lisbon (Portugal), São Paulo (Brazil), and Kraków (Poland) — with new locations added each year.
Who should I contact for more information?
Please contact executivehrd [at] uh.edu (Dr. Consuelo Waight) at executivehrd [at] uh.edu (executivehrd[at]uh[dot]edu) for questions about the program or for application materials.
Who are the faculty?
Our faculty are industry tested experts whose research and real world experience span leadership, performance improvement, training, and organization development.

Admissions/Application

What are the application deadlines?
The deadline to submit application for Fall semester is July 1st (April 1st for international students) and to join the Spring semester is December 15th (October 15th for international students). Because cohort sizes are limited, we encourage early application well in advance of the published deadlines. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis once they are complete.
What are the admission requirements?
We welcome applications on a rolling basis, allowing the flexibility to apply when you’re ready to take the next step in your academic and professional journey. To be considered for admission, applicants must submit all required application materials and meet the following criteria:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum of three years of relevant full-time professional or business experience
- Two letters of recommendation
- Current résumé
Our admissions process is designed to identify emerging leaders who are ready to advance their careers through experiential learning and workplace application.
Who should complete my recommendation and endorsement letters?
Two (2) reference letters.
1. One letter from senior-level management
2. One letter from your supervisor or someone who has worked closely with you
Do I need to take a standardized test?
Standardized test scores are not required. Professional experience and endorsement from senior management along with an applicant interview are taken into consideration as part of the admission process.
How many students are admitted for each cohort?
At this time, no more than 15 students are admitted for each cohort.

Course Information

What are the courses?
Our dynamic curriculum is designed to equip you with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills across a range of transformative topics.
- Generative Change
- Change Leadership
- Sense Maker
- People Analytics
- Tableau
- Organization Development and Change
- Methods of Adult Learning
- Global Leadership Development in Human Resource Development
- Applied Research Methods in Organizations
- Flawless Consulting
- Trends in Organization Development
- Leading Strategic Change Projects
- Instructional Design for Learning and Development Professionals
- Global Human Resource Development
- Cross-Cultural Fluency
- Designing Change Interventions
- Performance Management
Our curriculum is continuously refreshed to stay ahead of industry trends, ensuring you gain the most current and applicable knowledge to thrive in today's dynamic business environment.
Where are the classes delivered? What are the delivery methods?
Classes are delivered on-site at the University of Houston Sugar Land campus. Instruction and participation are also delivered synchronously online via Microsoft Teams.
Do all classes meet every week during the semester? What if I have a work-related absence?
Not all classes meet every week. During certain weeks, coursework may be completed through assigned projects instead of on-site sessions. If you are unable to attend a class due to work or other commitments, you may participate remotely via Microsoft Teams or access recorded sessions to review the material at a later time.

Expense and Financial Aid

How much is the program? What's included in the cost?
The program cost for Texas residents is $45,000.
Please contact the program manager for the out-of-state cost at executivehrd [at] uh.edu (executivehrd[at]uh[dot]edu).
The program cost includes course tuition and fees, career coaching, course materials, and on-the-ground expenses related to international residency. The program does not cover international airfare.
How do I obtain financial aid?
Federal loans may be available to students who are U.S. Citizens or permanent residents. To begin the aid process, students need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at studentaid.gov. The UH school code is 003652.
Can I use my veteran's benefits?
You may be eligible to use your veteran's benefits. For more information about veteran's benefits for study at the University of Houston, please contact the UH Veteran's Affairs Office by email at UHGIBILL [at] UH.EDU (UHGIBILL@UH.EDU), or in person at the Welcome Center.
How can my organization sponsor me?
A financial commitment form is included as part of the application package. If your employer wishes to sponsor part or all of your program cost, that form may be completed and submitted. The program facilitator will work with your employer to invoice and collect payment.

Information for international students

What are the specific requirements for international students?
In addition to application items mentioned above, international students must pay a $75 international applicant fee and may be required to submit TOEFL / IELTS / DUOLINGO scores and have non U.S. transcripts evaluated and translated. For international graduate applicants, the University of Houston Graduate School has approved the Duolingo English Test for English proficiency exams. Duolingo English Tests are valid for two years from the date the test was taken.
When is the deadline for international students?
The deadline for international students is April 1 for Fall semester and October 15 for Spring semester.