week of 3/13/02
 
 
 

Western revamps human resources degree program
SMN
Western Carolina University’s master of science degree program in human resources is undergoing a major reconstruction, with changes including a new name, new specialization tracks, new courses and a new delivery mode.

Long known as human resource development, the graduate-level program has changed its name to human resources, a move designed to reflect a broadening of the academic curriculum, said James Kirk, coordinator of the degree program at Western.

“In the past, the program mainly focused on training and development,” Kirk said. “The new program will give greater attention to human resource management systems, organization development and strategies for linking training to individual and organization performance.”

As part of an effort to make the master’s degree in human resources more accessible to busy professionals in Western North Carolina, the program, beginning in August, will offer all of its human resources courses online over the World Wide Web, and during evenings on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Asheville.

Program organizers have scheduled several events in March and April to give prospective students information about the degree in human resources.

A three-hour workshop on the e-learning specialization and the basics of Web publishing is set for 11 a.m. until 1 pm. Friday, March 22, in Room 242 of Carmichael Building on the UNCA campus. Cost of the workshop is $15, which includes a compact disc. Reservations by Wednesday, March 20, are required.

An open house will be held from 5:30 until 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, in the Laurel Forum room of UNCA’s Karpen Hall. The session is an informal gathering where participants will be given information on the new master’s degree program in human resources and have an opportunity to have their questions answered.

A luncheon program to officially launch Western’s new degree program will be held at noon Wednesday, April 10, as part of the regular meeting of the Society for Human Resource Management at the Best Western Hotel on Smoky Park Highway in Asheville. The cost of the lunch is $16 for members of SHRM, and $20 for non-members. Reservations by Thursday, April 4, are required.

To reserve a spot in any of Western’s human resources program events, contact Pat Marshall at the WCU Programs in Asheville office, telephone 828.251.6642, or via e-mail at Marshall@email.wcu.edu.