Deadlines and Important Dates
Online applications, including all supporting materials (transcripts, recommendations, statement of purpose, and résumé) must be submitted by the following dates to be considered for the corresponding semester.
- Fall Semester: June 1
- Spring Semester: November 1
- Summer Semester: March 1
Admissions Help
Admission to the MPS in HRER Program is competitive. A faculty admissions committee considers all of the materials submitted by each applicant, and makes admissions decisions based on the strength of the candidate's credentials. Applicants meeting the minimum prerequisites are not necessarily guaranteed admission to the program.
Prerequisites
For admission to the Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.
What You Need
Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:
Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Penn State alumni do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State, but must list Penn State as part of your academic history. If you are admitted, you will be asked to send an additional official transcript. You will receive instructions at that time.
GPA and Test Scores — Students who do not have a GPA of 3.0 will be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the quality of their overall application. Applicants who are still completing their baccalaureate requirements at the time of application may be admitted to the Graduate School conditional on the awarding of the baccalaureate degree. Students are also expected to have a minimum of two years of full-time work experience prior to admission.
GRE or GMAT scores are not required.
English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.
References (3) — you will need to initiate the process through the online application by entering names and email addresses of three references. Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to each reference requesting they complete a brief online recommendation regarding your commitment and ability for success in an online program. Please inform all references they must submit the form in order for your application to be complete.
We prefer references from supervisors and/or instructors with whom you have had a relationship within the last five (5) years. Family and friend references are not acceptable.
Program-Specific Questions/Materials
Résumé — Upload your résumé to the online application.
Statement of Purpose — a 2–3 page essay articulating career and educational goals that demonstrates your written communication skills.
Start Your Application
You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.
Begin the graduate school application
- Choose Enrollment Type: "Degree Admission"
- Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus
Checking Your Status
You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form.
Technical Requirements
Review the technical requirements for this degree program.