The Master of Science degree with a major in management and human resources provides a flexible part-time or full-time evening format, allowing even fully employed students to complete the program. The program is a good fit for students from any background who want to lead and manage employees and prepare for moving into management positions in their industry or field, as well as those who plan to pursue their career in the area of human resource management. Applicants are strongly encouraged to maintain employment with an organization throughout the duration of this program.

Option Available

Course Only without Comprehensive Exams

Campus Code

Knoxville Campus

Admissions Standards/Procedures

• Students may only begin graduate course work for the Master of Science with a major in management and human resources in the fall semester. The online application deadline is February 1 (for domestic and international students).
  • Online applications by U.S. citizens and permanent residents received after the February 1 application deadline will be considered as space allows.
• In addition to the general admission requirements, MS applicants are required to take
  • The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
    • The GRE/GMAT admission requirement may be waived if the applicant holds an existing graduate degree in another discipline from an accredited university.  To be considered for this exemption, applicants must submit a formal request in writing to MSMHR@utk.edu, and they should attach a resume and transcripts. GRE/GMAT exemption requests are reviewed by selection committee, and applicants will be notified as to whether the request has been approved. Please note that approval of a GRE/GMAT waiver request is not a guarantee of admission into the Management and Human Resources Master of Science degree program.
  • Applicants whose native language is not English must submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
• For admission to the MS program, consideration is given to
  • Applicant resume, cover letter, and/or personal statement of interest.
  • Employment history
  • Professional and/or academic references (2 recommendations are required)
  • Applicant’s academic record with particular attention to the last two years of undergraduate work.
  • Scores on the GMAT or GRE (unless waived), and TOEFL for those whose native language is not English.

Academic Standards

• Courses may not be repeated.

Credit Hours Required

33 graduate credit hours

Required Courses

• MGT 520  (1 credit hour)
• MGT 553  (3 credit hours)
• MGT 555  (3 credit hours)
• MGT 556  (3 credit hours)
• MGT 558  (3 credit hours)
• MGT 561  (3 credit hours)
• MGT 562  (3 credit hours)
• MGT 565  (1 credit hour)
• HRM 521  (1 credit hour)
• HRM 535  (3 credit hours)
• HRM 540  (3 credit hours)
• HRM 545  (3 credit hours)
• HRM 550  (3 credit hours)

Additional Course Requirements

• In lieu of comprehensive exams, students must complete and pass a Capstone course (MGT 565 ) consisting of case studies and/or other activities requiring synthesis and application of knowledge from all areas of the program curriculum.