The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has approved West Virginia Universitys human resources graduate program as aligned with national course guidelines. The designation recognizes that the WVU program�€in the College of Business and Economics�€adheres to guidelines the national organization issued in 2006, and its curriculum meets the needs of the professional community.

This special acknowledgment from SHRM , the world’s largest and most recognized human resource management association, reflects the fact that our curriculum is driven by employer needs and focuses on some of the most relevant and important issues in today’s organizations,said Dr. Jeff Houghton, coordinator of the colleges program.We are pleased to be one of only a small number of human resources masters programs to have achieved this recognition.

Established in 1957, the one year WVU program is one of the oldest in the United States and has an enrollment between 40-50 students. Additionally, it is accredited by AACSB International, which sets standards for business schools.

Now in our 50th year, the program has a great reputation for placing our students with companies such as General Electric, Pepsi Bottling and Marathon Oil, and we have graduates who work in top positions with firms such as Bayer, PPG Industries and General Motors,Houghton said.Now, with this recognition from SHRM , I believe our program is on the firmest foundation possible.

Students who earn a master of science degree in industrial relations from WVU find jobs ranging from training and development, human asset planning, change management and human resource information systems to compensation design and administration, employee benefits and health care plan operation.