Human Resources Master’s Degree Programs

Find Human Resources Master’s Degree Programs

For professionals looking to advance into senior-level HR roles or specialize in areas like organizational leadership, talent development, or labor relations, earning a master’s degree in human resources can provide a significant advantage. Master’s programs offer in-depth knowledge of complex HR issues and prepare graduates to lead human capital initiatives at organizations of all sizes.

Many master’s programs also prepare students for advanced professional certifications and leadership roles across industries.

What You Will Learn in a Master’s in Human Resources Program

Human resources master’s degree programs build on foundational HR concepts and introduce strategic, analytical, and leadership-focused coursework. Core topics typically include:

  • Advanced Human Resources Management
  • Strategic Workforce Planning
  • Labor and Employment Law
  • Compensation Strategy and Total Rewards
  • Talent Management and Succession Planning
  • Organizational Development and Change Management
  • Ethical and Legal Issues in Human Resources
  • HR Analytics and Data-Driven Decision Making

Many programs also offer opportunities for specialization, allowing students to focus on areas like global human resources, diversity and inclusion, or executive leadership.

For a full overview of HR-related careers and the skills employers seek, you can visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics resource for human resources managers.

Types of HR Master’s Degrees

Depending on your career goals, you may choose between several types of master’s programs, including:

  • Master of Science in Human Resources (MSHR)
  • Master of Human Resource Management (MHRM)
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an HR Concentration
  • Master of Arts (MA) in Human Resources

Some programs align their curriculum with standards set by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), ensuring that students are prepared for certifications such as SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP upon graduation.

Career Opportunities with a Master’s in Human Resources

A master’s degree in HR can lead to executive and strategic positions, including:

  • Human Resources Manager
  • Director of Human Resources
  • Talent Acquisition Director
  • Compensation and Benefits Manager
  • Training and Development Director
  • Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, human resources managers earned a median annual salary of $130,000 in 2023. The demand for HR leadership is expected to grow as organizations continue to prioritize effective workforce management and employee retention strategies.

Flexible Learning Options

Many accredited universities offer flexible HR master’s programs, including part-time, online, hybrid, and executive formats. Online master’s programs allow working professionals to balance career responsibilities while advancing their education at their own pace.

Accreditation is important when selecting a program. Business-focused HR master’s degrees are often accredited by organizations like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Get Started

Earning a master’s degree in human resources can open the door to leadership opportunities and help you make a lasting impact on organizational success. Explore our listings of HR master’s programs to find accredited schools that offer flexible schedules, specialized tracks, and support for reaching your professional goals.