Graduate Degrees: Human Development and Consumer Science

Chair: Dr. Carole Goodson

Master of Science in Human Resources Development

Advisor: Dr. Consuelo Waight

The department offers a Master of Science degree in Human Resources Development. It is designed for the professional who seeks advanced preparation to facilitate sustainable change in diverse organizations. Students build an understanding of adult learning theory and organizational dynamics. They examine research and productivity measurement techniques and e-learning tools to create individual and organizational change. Students focus on critical thinking, the theoretical foundations of the field, instructional design strategies and the use of appropriate assessment techniques.

Degree Requirements 

The degree program requires all students to complete courses in human resources development plus approved electives. Student may elect a thesis or non-thesis option. Program and thesis guides specifying other requirements are updated regularly and are available from the department office.

Students needing improvement in their oral and written communication skills as determined by their course instructor(s) may be required to take TELS 5363 or an equivalent course with a grade of B or better. This course is designed to help students develop effective oral and written communication skills. This leveling course or an equivalent course as approved by the HRD program advisor may be assigned post admission to the graduate program.


Thesis Option

RequirementsHours
Core Courses 27
Approved Electives 3
Thesis 6
Total 36

Non-Thesis Option

RequirementsHours
Core Courses 27
Approved Electives 9
Total 36

 

Master of Science in Future Studies in Commerce

Advisor: Dr. Peter Bishop

The Master of Science in Future Studies, offered by the Department of Human Development and Consumer Sciences, is an interdisciplinary program that prepares strategic foresight professionals for careers in long-term forecasting and planning. This program uses a wide range of theoretical and practical models to examine the sources, patterns and causes of change in order to map probable, plausible and preferable futures.

The curriculum is unique and rigorous. It emphasizes foresight, creativity and innovation in order to gain competitive advantage in the job market. The 36-hour degree pulls from other academic disciplines such as Business, Government and Education. Courses include: Forecasting, World Futures, Systems Thinking, Consumer Sciences, and Social Change.

RequirementsHours
Required Courses 24
Domain Courses 9
Project or Internship 3
Total 36

 

Master of Science in Global Retailing

Advisor: Dr. Shirley Ezell

Interactive courses, and global cases and experiences designed and taught by a team of industry executives and retail faculty creates a new generation of creative global retail thinkers.  The Global Retailing Master’s program at The University of Houston looks different because it is different.

Globalization, already standard practice, will be a key driver of future growth for retailers.  Houston, as a city filled with global industries and opportunities, is poised as a hub for global retail expansion.  The Master of Science in Global Retailing, taught by collaborative teams of retail professionals includes:  the dynamics of global strategic forces; analysis or world regions; multi-cultural consumer behavior; retail analytics, profitability and financial models; cross-cultural consumer behavior; retail analytics, profitability and financial models; cross-cultural perspectives in retail management; international product sourcing and distribution; applied retail management; international product sourcing and distribution; applied retail market research and evaluation; international regulations and trade restrictions; and global trends.  Optional electives allow individuated enrichment that facilitates probing future ventures and pushes the boundaries of new ideas.

The Masters in Global Retailing program expands opportunities to operate, lead, and innovate, successful retail markets throughout the global economy.  Coursework and experiences prepare students to actively respond to pressing questions such as: How will social innovation, diverse cultures and now organizational retail practices affect the way we live and deliver innovation?  In the face of globalization, how do we establish meaningful connections with local and global communities?

Retailers throughout the United States are now expanding their organization into global markets and need executives prepared to lead in these new markets.  The applied research thesis is an option for those graduates anticipating continued graduate work, teaching, consulting and retail planning.  This program serves a unique need to shape global retail visionaries for a proactive retail workforce with excellent placement opportunities for promising graduates in compelling new global markets.

The degree program requires all students to complete courses in Global Retailing plus approved enriching electives.  Students elect a thesis or non-thesis option.  Program and thesis guidelines specifying other requirements are updated regularly and are available from the department office.

 

Requirements Hours
Thesis Option
Core Courses 18
Approved Electives 12
Thesis 6
TOTAL 36

 

Special Admission Requirements-Department of Human Development and Consumer Science

In addition to the College of Technology admission requirements, applicants for the Master of Science in Human Resources Development or Master of Science in Futures Studies in Commerce degrees must submit transcripts of all college-level course credit. Students must also submit scores from either the Miller Analogies Test (MAT), the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), or the verbal quantitative, and analytical writing sections of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

Catalog Publish Date: January 14, 2013
This Page Last Updated: October 19, 2012