Aspiring to lead and shape organizational strategy through Human Resources in Illinois? Pursuing a Master's degree or an MBA with an HR concentration is a definitive step towards achieving executive-level roles and impactful influence. This page curates a selection of advanced graduate programs—both specialized Master's in Human Resources and HR-focused MBAs—from institutions in and near Illinois. These programs are designed to equip you with advanced theories, strategic frameworks, and leadership competencies essential for navigating the complexities of modern human capital management. Discover the graduate program in Illinois that will transform your HR career path below.
Northeastern Illinois University Master's Degree in Human Resources Highlights
Comprehensive Curriculum: The program likely covers core HR functions such as talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, employee relations, training and development, and HR analytics. Coursework probably integrates current HR trends, legal considerations, and ethical practices.
Focus on Practical Skills: Expect emphasis on developing practical skills through case studies, simulations, group projects, and possibly hands-on HR technology applications.
Potential SHRM Alignment: The curriculum might be aligned with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Body of Knowledge, potentially preparing students for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certifications. Look for explicit statements of SHRM alignment in program materials if available.
Career Advancement Opportunities: Graduates can pursue roles such as HR Generalist, HR Manager, Compensation Analyst, Benefits Specialist, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Training and Development Manager, and HR Business Partner.
Evening and Weekend Classes: Given Northeastern Illinois University's mission to serve working professionals, the program is very likely to offer classes in the evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate schedules.
Experienced Faculty: Expect faculty with a mix of academic credentials and practical HR experience. This blend provides both theoretical foundations and real-world insights.
Networking Opportunities: The program likely facilitates networking opportunities with HR professionals through guest speakers, industry events, or partnerships with local HR organizations.
Illinois Human Resources Master's Degree Program at Northeastern Illinois University
Address: 5500 N Saint Louis Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60625-4699
Northwestern University Master's Degree in Human Resources Highlights
Rigorous Curriculum: The program likely features a comprehensive curriculum covering key HR areas such as talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, employee relations, organizational development, and HR analytics. You can expect coursework in legal compliance, diversity & inclusion, and strategic HR management.
Experienced Faculty: You will probably be taught by faculty members with extensive real-world experience in HR, blending academic rigor with practical application. Many instructors are likely to be industry leaders and consultants.
Northwestern's Reputation: As a highly-ranked institution, Northwestern's name carries significant weight. Graduates benefit from the university's prestige and strong alumni network, opening doors to various career opportunities.
Location Advantages: Being located near Chicago provides access to numerous internship and job opportunities within diverse industries. The city serves as a hub for major corporations, offering valuable networking and professional development prospects.
Focus on HR Analytics: Given the increasing importance of data-driven decision-making in HR, the program probably incorporates a strong emphasis on HR analytics, equipping students with the skills to analyze HR data and contribute to strategic decision-making.
Professional Development & Networking: The program is likely to include opportunities for professional development through workshops, seminars, and networking events with industry professionals and alumni. This will help students build their professional network and prepare for career advancement.
Flexible Learning Options: Northwestern often offers flexible learning options to accommodate working professionals, such as part-time or online delivery formats. This allows students to balance their education with their existing career commitments.
Illinois Human Resources Master's Degree Program at Northwestern University
Illinois Institute of Technology Master's Degree in Human Resources Highlights
Strategic HR Focus: Likely emphasizes strategic human resource management, equipping graduates to align HR functions with overall business goals. This could involve coursework in strategic planning, organizational development, and change management.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Expect a curriculum that incorporates data analytics and technology to inform HR decisions. This could include courses on HR analytics, workforce planning, and talent management systems. Look for emphasis on evidence-based practices.
Comprehensive Curriculum: The program likely covers core HR functions such as talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, training and development, performance management, and employee relations.
Experienced Faculty: Expect faculty with both academic expertise and practical experience in the HR field. This could involve professors who are also consultants, HR executives, or researchers.
Chicago Location Advantage: Being located in Chicago provides access to a wide range of internship and job opportunities in various industries. Illinois Tech may leverage this location to provide networking opportunities with local companies.
Potential SHRM Alignment: The curriculum is likely aligned with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Body of Knowledge, potentially preparing students for SHRM certification exams (SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP). Check if the program is officially recognized by SHRM.
Focus on Legal and Ethical Issues: Given the importance of compliance, the program likely covers employment law, ethics, and diversity and inclusion, preparing graduates to navigate complex legal and ethical challenges in the workplace.
Illinois Human Resources Master's Degree Program at Illinois Institute of Technology
Address: 10 West 35th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60616
National Louis University Master's Degree in Human Resources Highlights
Affordable Tuition: Obtain a graduate degree at a competitive tuition rate.
Career Advancement: Develop leadership skills to excel in the HR field, whether you're starting out or seeking to advance your career.
Customizable Degree: Tailor your studies to align with your specific career aspirations, whether you aim to be a generalist or specialist.
Practical Application: Apply classroom knowledge directly to your current work environment through the program's practical application-oriented curriculum.
Professional Certification Preparation: The coursework prepares you for industry-recognized certifications, such as aPHR, PHR, and SHRM-CP.
SHRM Aligned: Recognized by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) as academically aligned.
Illinois Human Resources Master's Degree Program at National Louis University
Address: 122 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60603
Concordia University-Chicago Master's Degree in Human Resources Highlights
SHRM Alignment: The program is likely aligned with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) curriculum guidelines, preparing students for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification exams.
Comprehensive Curriculum: Expect coursework covering key HR functions such as talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, employee relations, training and development, and HR analytics. There may be an emphasis on leadership and organizational development.
Practical Application: The program probably incorporates real-world case studies, simulations, and projects to allow students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical HR challenges.
Experienced Faculty: Faculty are likely to be a mix of academics and experienced HR professionals, providing students with both theoretical foundations and practical insights.
Career Opportunities: Graduates can pursue roles such as HR Manager, HR Business Partner, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Compensation and Benefits Analyst, Training and Development Manager, and HR Consultant.
Convenient Learning Options: Concordia University-Chicago likely offers flexible learning options, such as online or evening classes, to accommodate working professionals.
Networking Opportunities: The program may provide opportunities to network with HR professionals through guest speakers, industry events, and career fairs.
Illinois Human Resources Master's Degree Program at Concordia University-Chicago
Address: 7400 Augusta, River Forest, Illinois 60305-1499
Eastern Illinois University Master's Degree in Human Resources Highlights
Comprehensive Curriculum: Expect a curriculum covering key HR areas such as talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, training and development, employee relations, and HR analytics. Courses likely integrate theory with practical application through case studies and projects.
Career Advancement Opportunities: The program likely aims to prepare graduates for leadership roles in various HR settings, including corporate HR departments, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and consulting firms.
Focus on HR Analytics and Technology: Given the growing importance of data in HR, the program likely includes coursework or specializations in HR analytics, leveraging HR technology, and using data-driven insights to make informed HR decisions.
Experienced Faculty: The faculty will likely consist of professors with both academic credentials and real-world HR experience, offering students valuable insights into current HR practices.
Potential SHRM Alignment: The program may be aligned with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Body of Competency and Knowledge (BoCK), enhancing students' preparation for SHRM certification exams (SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP).
Networking Opportunities: Opportunities to network with HR professionals through guest speaker events, industry conferences, and professional organizations are likely provided. Eastern Illinois University may have a student chapter of SHRM.
Flexible Learning Options: Depending on the program structure, flexible options such as online or hybrid courses may be available to accommodate working professionals.
Illinois Human Resources Master's Degree Program at Eastern Illinois University
Address: 600 Lincoln Avenue, Charleston, Illinois 61920
Benedictine University Master's Degree in Human Resources Highlights
SHRM Alignment: The curriculum is likely aligned with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) standards, preparing students for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification exams. This is a common and highly valued feature in HR graduate programs.
Comprehensive Curriculum: Expect a curriculum that covers core HR areas such as talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, employee relations, training and development, legal aspects of HR, and strategic HR management.
Focus on Leadership and Strategy: Given Benedictine University's emphasis on values-based leadership, the program likely incorporates elements of leadership development, ethical decision-making, and strategic thinking within the HR context.
Practical Application: The program might include opportunities for hands-on learning through case studies, simulations, group projects, or even internships. Look for opportunities to apply HR principles to real-world business challenges.
Career Advancement: A Master's in Human Resources from Benedictine University is designed to help students advance their careers in various HR roles, potentially leading to positions like HR Manager, HR Director, Compensation and Benefits Manager, Training and Development Manager, or HR Business Partner.
Flexible Learning Options: Benedictine University may offer flexible learning options, such as online or hybrid courses, to accommodate working professionals. This is a growing trend in graduate education.
Networking Opportunities: The program likely provides opportunities to network with HR professionals, faculty, and alumni through events, guest speaker sessions, or professional development workshops.
Illinois Human Resources Master's Degree Program at Benedictine University
Address: 5700 College Rd, Lisle, Illinois 60532-0900
Chicago State University Master's Degree in Human Resources Highlights
Comprehensive Curriculum: Expect a curriculum covering core HR areas such as talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, employee relations, training and development, and HR analytics. Courses likely integrate legal and ethical considerations within HR practices.
Career Advancement Focus: The program likely emphasizes practical skills and knowledge needed for career advancement in HR management roles across various industries (private, public, and non-profit). Look for opportunities to network with HR professionals.
Experienced Faculty: The program's faculty is probably composed of both academic scholars and experienced HR professionals. This blend would offer both theoretical knowledge and real-world application.
Strategic HR Focus: Expect courses that explore the strategic role of HR in organizational success. This includes aligning HR practices with business goals, managing change, and driving organizational performance.
Flexible Learning Options: Chicago State University may offer flexible learning options such as evening or online courses to accommodate working professionals. This allows students to balance their studies with work and personal commitments.
Potential for HR Certifications: The program may be designed to prepare students for professional HR certifications like SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP. The curriculum likely aligns with certification exam content.
Focus on Diversity and Inclusion: Given Chicago State University's mission and location, expect the program to heavily emphasize diversity, equity, and inclusion within HR practices. This could include courses on managing a diverse workforce, creating inclusive work environments, and addressing systemic inequalities.
Illinois Human Resources Master's Degree Program at Chicago State University
Address: 9501 S. King Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60628-1598
