OVERVIEW
Earn Your Master's Degree in Human Resource Management and Make a Difference
This human resource management master’s degree is designed to help professionals working in human resources enhance critical leadership skills and earn the credentials they need to take their career to a higher level. If you're a current or aspiring HR leader, earning your master’s degree at WGU is a great next step in your own professional development.
To be successful in the HR field, there are certain skills that are extremely valuable. You will learn many of these skills in your human resource management program, including:
- Talent management
- HR technology
- Policy and procedure strategy
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion in growing organizations
- Global HR practices
The online master's program in HR management from WGU helps equip you with the skills and credentials you need to be successful. And your master’s degree isn’t the only credential you will earn—this degree program contains a WGU certificate in HR Technology and Analytics for Decision Making, as well as the opportunity to earn the SHRM Inclusive Workplace Culture specialty credential as part of your capstone experience, helping you boost your resume before you even graduate!
61%of graduates finish within
18Months*
WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance as soon as you're ready. The result: You may finish faster.
*WGU Internal Data
Flexible Schedule
Tuition per six-month term is
$4,755
Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps students control the ultimate cost of their HR degree. Finish faster, pay less!
Average salary increase
$11,813*
School of Business graduates report an average salary increase of$11,813 after completing their WGU degree.
*WGU Internal Data
Career Outlook
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COURSES
M.S. HR Management Courses
Program consists of 10 courses
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.What you learn in this program will often be directly applicable the next day at work—and what you’re doing at work will frequently inform the work you’re doing in your courses. It’s all about real-world applicability so every moment spent studying is time well spent.
Program Guide
This online program is composed of the following courses. Some may be waived through transfer from your previous college experience or if you are SHRM-CP/SCP or HRCI PHR/SPHR/GPHR certified. The rest you will typically complete one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Degree Plan. You’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and learn the material. As soon as you’re ready, you’ll pass the assessment, complete the course, and move on. This means you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost.
The M.S. in Human Resource Management is 100% online and SHRM- and HRCI-content aligned. It’s compact—10 courses—to help you quickly get the expertise you need to build your career. You’ll also be prepared to earn your SHRM Inclusive Workplace Culture credential at no additional cost—it’s included in your tuition.
You’ll take courses boosting your expertise in management, communication, employment law, and more. Along the way, you’ll also earn a WGU certificate in HR Technology and Analytics for Decision Making.
Management
Managing Organizations and Leading People
This course covers principles of effective management and leadership that maximize organizational performance. The following topics are included: the role and functions of a manager, analysis of personal leadership styles, approaches to self-awareness and self-assessment, and application of foundational leadership and management skills.
Managing Human Capital
This course focuses on strategies and tools that managers use to maximize employee contribution and create organizational excellence. You will learn talent management strategies to motivate and develop employees as well as best practices to manage performance for added value.
Management Communication
This course prepares students for the communication challenges in organizations. Topics examined include theories and strategies of communication, persuasion, conflict management, and ethics that enhance communication to various audiences.
Business Acumen
Business Acumen
The Business Acumen course introduces you to the operation of the business enterprise and the role of management in directing the activities of the business. You will examine the roles of management in the context of business functions such as marketing, operations, accounting, and finance.
Strategy
Data-Driven Decision Making
This course presents critical problem-solving methodologies, including field research and data collection methods that enhance organizational performance. Topics include quantitative analysis, statistical and quality tools. You will improve your ability to use data to make informed decisions.
Human Resources
Inclusive Workplace Culture Capstone
Inclusive Workplace Culture Capstone provides students with the opportunity to work through the SHRM Inclusive Workplace Culture specialty credential course content, studying and analyzing how human resource (HR) professionals can integrate an inclusive approach to all HR functions such as talent acquisition, training and development, total rewards, and more. Students will complete a capstone project that synthesizes an inclusive approach to strategic HR practices for an organization to create an environment of true belonging for all employees, while simultaneously being prepared to complete the SHRM Inclusive Workplace Culture exam independently to earn a specialty credential and badge from SHRM.
HR Technology and People Analytics
HR Technology and People Analytics introduces students to the types of human resource information systems (HRISs), applications, and platforms used to capture and manage employee data and the analytics used to make strategic decisions based on that data. Students will discover how to plan for the implementation of new human resource (HR) technology, present the plan to stakeholders to gain buy-in and support for the change, and train employees in the new systems. Students will also gain an understanding of how to pull and use data and people analytics for effective storytelling, decision-making, and leadership influence.
Future Focused Total Rewards
Future Focused Total Rewards examines discretionary and legally required approaches to compensation and benefits practices that compose an organization’s total rewards system. Students explore how to develop and communicate the components of a competitive total rewards strategy to prospective and existing employees while adhering to employment laws and aligning to an organization’s strategic goals and culture.
Talent Acquisition and Development
Talent Acquisition and Development provides an in-depth look at the strategies used to attract, retain, and develop qualified talent in an organization. Students discover how to hire the right talent to meet the needs of the organization, how to orient and onboard new employees, and how to ensure employee excellence through learning and development and performance management strategies.
HR Compliance and Employee Relations
HR Compliance and Employee Relations provides students with an in-depth understanding of the relevant laws, regulations, and ethical issues related to human resource (HR) compliance and risk management. It also explores how to resolve and improve employee relations issues to maintain a positive organizational culture in a diverse workplace. Topics include business laws and ethical considerations, employment and labor laws and regulations, and employee relations strategies to build and maintain a positive, healthy, and respectful work environment.
10 Courses
Program consists of 10 courses
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.What you learn in this program will often be directly applicable the next day at work—and what you’re doing at work will frequently inform the work you’re doing in your courses. It’s all about real-world applicability so every moment spent studying is time well spent.
Program Guide
Capstone Project
Special requirements for this program
At the end of your program, you’ll complete a capstone course that includes the SHRM Inclusive Workplace Culture content. After completing the course, you’ll be ready to sit for the SHRM exam and earn your credential/badge at no additional cost.
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Skills For Your Résumé
As part of this program, you will develop a range of valuable skills that employers are looking for.
- Performance Management: Designed and implemented a structured process for the periodic evaluation of employee performance, enhancing accountability and productivity.
- Communications: Effectively communicated HR programs, practices, and policies to both HR and non-HR employees.
- Management: Analyzed operations to evaluate performance and identify potential improvements.
- Planning:Assessed plans for efficiency and effectiveness in achieving specific goals, optimizing strategic initiatives for successful implementation.
- Talent Acquisition:Developed effective strategies for sourcing, recruiting, and evaluating qualified job candidates, enhancing the quality of talent acquisition processes.
- Human Resource Information System (HRIS):Managed all employee information through the HRIS, ensuring accurate and organized data management for efficient HR operations.
“In addition to advancing my career, having my education has been a huge asset for my kids. WGU has absolutely changed my life, and, more importantly, has changed the lives of my kids as well.”
—Misty Dieffenbach
B.S. Human Resource Management
WGU vs. Traditional Universities
Compare the Difference
Traditional Universities
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options
As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in 1 year
Traditional Universities
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
TUITION STRUCTURE
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
SUPPORT
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
EXAMS
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
SCHEDULE
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options
TIME TO FINISH
As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in 1 year
Why WGU?
Earning Potential
An online human resources degree can dramatically impact your earning potential. Two years after graduation, WGU students report earning $22,200* more per year on average.
*WGU Internal Data
On Your Schedule
Competency-based education means you can move as quickly through your degree as you can master the material. You don't have to log in to classes at a certain time—you are truly in the driver's seat of your education
Entirely Online
The human resource master's degree at WGU is 100% online, which means it works wherever you are. You can do your coursework at night after working at your full-time job, on weekends, while you're traveling the world or on vacation—it's entirely up to you.
Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™
WGU’s online HR degree program has been recognized by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) as fully aligned with theirHR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates,preparing students for theSHRM-CP exam.WGU has its own online,SHRM virtual student chapterthat all school of business students at WGU are welcome to join. This SHRM virtual student chapter will help students continue learning and networking within the HR profession.WGU has also aligned its curriculum to the body of knowledge created by HR Certification Institute and prepares students for thePHR exam.
COST & TIME
An Online HR Management Degree That's Affordable
By charging per term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees.
Tuition Calculator
Pay less by completing your program faster
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Cost Breakdown
An HR Management Degree Within Reach
There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:
The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.
Responsible Borrowing Initiative
Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits.
Financial Aid
Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.
Scholarships
*WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to theInstitute for College Access and Success (2022).
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
What Makes Us Different: An HR Management Degree Designed to Fit Today’s Busy Lifestyles
WGU was built for the busy student. Study whenever and wherever works best for you while managing your existing job and family responsibilities. Your effort, not class time, determines the pace of your progress.No interrupting your work or family obligations. No rigid class schedules. No barriers to earning your degree on your own terms.Just a solid, career-focused education that dovetails seamlessly with your current lifestyle.
This online M.S. in Human Resource Management degree program is designed for working professionals, so you don't have to quit your job or leave your other responsibilities behind to get an online HR degree. You don't have to log in to classes, your assignments don't have due dates—you're in charge of your education.
“My degree from WGU helped me advance from an entry-level position. WGU has a spokesperson in every alumnus—their job knowledge gained from their coursework speaks for itself.”
—Megan Elizabeth Darveau,
Human Resource Generalist,
Phoenix Healthcare Management Services
CAREER OUTLOOK
Strengthen Your Strategic Business Skills with a Degree in HR Management
Organizations largely succeed or fail based on the employees they hire and their engagement—talented, happy employees deliver much better outcomes. That is why hiring skilled, qualified HR managers and professionals is essential for every organization. HR professionals help find the right employees, train them, and ensure they have a positive experience.
With your master’s degree in human resources management, you will gain the critical skills and credentials that will help you stand out from the competition in an exciting and lucrative field. Some of the critical skills you will develop focus on include workforce planning, training, development, benefits, compensation, and more. Get started on your educational journey with a master's degree today!
Return on Your Investment
On average, WGU graduates see an increase in income post-graduation
Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source:2023 Harris Poll Surveyof 1,655 WGU graduates.
Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.
7%
Human resource management professions are expected to grow by 7% by the year 2031, which is faster than the national average for job growth.
—U.S.Bureau of Labor Statistics
An Online Human Resource Degree That Helps You Focus on Helping Others
Relevant HR Skills
- Talent Acquisition
- HR Management
- Employee Relations
- Training and Development
- Performance Management
- Organizational Leadership
- Strategic Planning
- Total Rewards Management
- Change Management
Employment Opportunities
- VP of HR
- Recruitment Manager
- HR Manager
- DE&I Manager
- Learning and Development Manager
- Director of HR
- VP of People and Culture
- Employment Law Specialist
- Talent Acquisition Manager
WGU Grads Hold Positions With Top Employers
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ADMISSIONS
Admissions Requirements—HR Management
To be considered for this M.S. Human Resource Management program, students must:
- Submit a transcript verifying receipt of your bachelor’s degree from a recognized, accredited institution.
NOTE: You do not need to take the GRE or GMAT to be admitted to this program.Learn why we don't require these tests.
Transfer Credits
Get Your Enrollment Checklist
Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.
Get Your Questions Answered
Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.
MORE DETAILS
Additional Credentials
The Human Resource Management Master's degree program allows students to earn valuable credentials on their path to a degree, including the WGU HR Technology and Analytics for Decision Making Certificate, and the SHRM Inclusive Workplace Culture credential. These credentials allow you to demonstrate mastery and add impact to your résumé before you even graduate with your degree. Additionally this program is SHRM and HRCI aligned, preparing you for theSHRM CP and HRCI PHR if you have not already earned those credentials.
Commonly Asked Questions About the HR Management Degree
In a Human Resource Management master's degree program you'll study a variety of subjects, including:
- Managing and leading people
- HR compliance and employee relations
- Data-driven decision making
- Management communication
- Talent acquisition and development
- HR technology
- Inclusive workplace culture
Earning your master’s in HR management equips you with the in-demand skills and expertise you need to be a leader in your organization and in your field. It opens up new career opportunities and higher salaries. This makes pursuing this degree an ideal choice for those who are ready to boost their career.
You’ll be prepared for a variety of roles in Human Resources, DEI, and Organizational Culture, such as:
- HR Business Partner
- HR Manager, Director of HR
- VP of People and Culture
- VP of HR
- Total Rewards Specialist
- Talent Acquisition Manager
- Learning and Development Manager
- Chief HR Officer
- DEI Manager
- HR Compliance Specialist
- Employment Law Specialist
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2022, the national median salary for a human resource manager was $130,000. Salaries ranged from $76,600 to $224,360.
Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?
