Online Human Resource Management Master's Degree | WGU
Source: http://www.wgu.edu/online-business-degrees/human-resources-masters-program.html
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:16
Online Human Resource Management Master's Degree | WGU
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Master of Science
Online Human Resource Management Degree
Apply Now
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 a SHRM Specialty Credential of your choice as part of your capstone experience, helping you boost your resume before you even graduate!
61% of graduates finish within
18 Months*
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
$4,805
Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps students control the ultimate cost of their HR degree. Finish faster, pay less!
Cost & Time
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
Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?
Next Start Date:
{{startdate}}
Start Dates the 1st of Every Month
Apply Today
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 a SHRM Specialty Credential of your choice 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.
WHAT ABOUT TRANSFER CREDITS?
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 workplaces foster environments where people feel a sense of belonging and where diverse perspectives drive innovation. This capstone course helps you integrate your HR knowledge with a focus on inclusion across all HR functions. You will also have the opportunity to prepare for a SHRM specialty credential, making this course both a capstone experience and a career advantage.
HR Technology and People Analytics
Data and technology are reshaping HR into a function that provides both insight and support. This course introduces you to human resource information systems and people analytics, demonstrating how HR professionals utilize data to make informed decisions. You will learn how to implement systems, interpret data, and communicate insights that influence leaders and shape strategy.
Future Focused Total Rewards
Compensation today is about more than salary. It is about creating complete reward strategies that support both business goals and employee needs. This course examines the design of pay, benefits, and recognition programs that are competitive, legally compliant, and aligned with organizational culture. You will learn how HR professionals use total rewards to attract talent, motivate employees, and reinforce organizational values.
Talent Acquisition and Development
Organizations succeed when they attract the right people and support their growth. This course combines the skills of recruitment, onboarding, and employee development to show how HR professionals build strong workforces. You will learn how to design hiring processes that attract top talent and create development programs that keep employees engaged and high-performing. These skills make you a critical partner in shaping organizational success.
HR Compliance and Employee Relations
Compliance and employee relations are at the core of creating workplaces that are both legally sound and positive for employees. This course equips you with knowledge of the laws and ethical requirements that guide HR practices, while also showing you how to build trust and resolve conflicts. By mastering this balance, you will be prepared to serve as both a compliance guardian and an advocate for employees.
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 centers on the SHRM specialty credential of your choice. The course includes the content from your chosen SHRM Specialty Credential, and upon completion, you’ll be ready to sit for the SHRM exam and earn your credential and badge at no additional cost.
Request Info
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
Apply Now
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
Apply Now
Why WGU?
Earning Potential
An online human resources degree can dramatically impact your earning potential. Two years after graduation, WGU School of Business graduates report earning $11,813* more per year on average.
*WGU Internal Data
PAYING FOR SCHOOL
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
A FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
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.
ADMISSIONS INFO
Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™
WGU’s online HR degree program has been recognized by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) as fully aligned with their
HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates,
preparing students for the
SHRM-CP exam
.
WGU has its own online,
SHRM virtual student chapter
that 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 the
PHR 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.
Apply FREE
Tuition Calculator
Pay less by completing your program faster
TOTAL COST:
$
0
.
5
1
1
.
5
2
2
.
5
3
3
.
5
4
YEARS
Cost Breakdown
Tuition
$
4,805
E-Books and Resources Fee
+
$
200
TOTAL (per 6-month term)
=
$
6-month terms
X
Total Cost
=
$
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 the Institute 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.
REQUEST MORE INFO
“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 r
ight 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!
MORE ABOUT CAREERS
Return on Your Investment
Many WGU graduates may see an increase in income post-graduation
Average income increase in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary from all degrees. Source:
2024 Harris Poll
of 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.
6%
Human resource management professions are expected to
grow by 6% through 2033
, 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
Explore More
ADMISSIONS
Admission Requirements—HR Management
To be considered for this M.S. Human Resource Management program, students must:
Submit all transcripts 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.
GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Transfer Credits
TRANSFER INFORMATION
Get Your Enrollment Checklist
Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.
VIEW CHECKLIST
Get Your Questions Answered
Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.
CONTACT AN 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 a SHRM Specialty Credential of their choice. 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 the SHRM CP and HRCI PHR if you have not already earned those credentials.
Course Information
HR Technology and Analytics for Decision Making
HR Technology and Analytics for Decision Making
SHRM Specialty Credentials
SHRM Specialty 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?
Apply Now
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©2026 WGU. All rights reserved.
Skip to content
Skip to Chat
Master of Science
Online Human Resource Management Degree
Apply Now
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 a SHRM Specialty Credential of your choice as part of your capstone experience, helping you boost your resume before you even graduate!
61% of graduates finish within
18 Months*
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
$4,805
Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps students control the ultimate cost of their HR degree. Finish faster, pay less!
Cost & Time
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
Ready to Start Your WGU Journey?
Next Start Date:
{{startdate}}
Start Dates the 1st of Every Month
Apply Today
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 a SHRM Specialty Credential of your choice 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.
WHAT ABOUT TRANSFER CREDITS?
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 workplaces foster environments where people feel a sense of belonging and where diverse perspectives drive innovation. This capstone course helps you integrate your HR knowledge with a focus on inclusion across all HR functions. You will also have the opportunity to prepare for a SHRM specialty credential, making this course both a capstone experience and a career advantage.
HR Technology and People Analytics
Data and technology are reshaping HR into a function that provides both insight and support. This course introduces you to human resource information systems and people analytics, demonstrating how HR professionals utilize data to make informed decisions. You will learn how to implement systems, interpret data, and communicate insights that influence leaders and shape strategy.
Future Focused Total Rewards
Compensation today is about more than salary. It is about creating complete reward strategies that support both business goals and employee needs. This course examines the design of pay, benefits, and recognition programs that are competitive, legally compliant, and aligned with organizational culture. You will learn how HR professionals use total rewards to attract talent, motivate employees, and reinforce organizational values.
Talent Acquisition and Development
Organizations succeed when they attract the right people and support their growth. This course combines the skills of recruitment, onboarding, and employee development to show how HR professionals build strong workforces. You will learn how to design hiring processes that attract top talent and create development programs that keep employees engaged and high-performing. These skills make you a critical partner in shaping organizational success.
HR Compliance and Employee Relations
Compliance and employee relations are at the core of creating workplaces that are both legally sound and positive for employees. This course equips you with knowledge of the laws and ethical requirements that guide HR practices, while also showing you how to build trust and resolve conflicts. By mastering this balance, you will be prepared to serve as both a compliance guardian and an advocate for employees.
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 centers on the SHRM specialty credential of your choice. The course includes the content from your chosen SHRM Specialty Credential, and upon completion, you’ll be ready to sit for the SHRM exam and earn your credential and badge at no additional cost.
Request Info
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
Apply Now
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
Apply Now
Why WGU?
Earning Potential
An online human resources degree can dramatically impact your earning potential. Two years after graduation, WGU School of Business graduates report earning $11,813* more per year on average.
*WGU Internal Data
PAYING FOR SCHOOL
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
A FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
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.
ADMISSIONS INFO
Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™
WGU’s online HR degree program has been recognized by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) as fully aligned with their
HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates,
preparing students for the
SHRM-CP exam
.
WGU has its own online,
SHRM virtual student chapter
that 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 the
PHR 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.
Apply FREE
Tuition Calculator
Pay less by completing your program faster
TOTAL COST:
$
0
.
5
1
1
.
5
2
2
.
5
3
3
.
5
4
YEARS
Cost Breakdown
Tuition
$
4,805
E-Books and Resources Fee
+
$
200
TOTAL (per 6-month term)
=
$
6-month terms
X
Total Cost
=
$
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 the Institute 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.
REQUEST MORE INFO
“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 r
ight 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!
MORE ABOUT CAREERS
Return on Your Investment
Many WGU graduates may see an increase in income post-graduation
Average income increase in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary from all degrees. Source:
2024 Harris Poll
of 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.
6%
Human resource management professions are expected to
grow by 6% through 2033
, 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
Admission Requirements—HR Management
To be considered for this M.S. Human Resource Management program, students must:
Submit all transcripts 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.
GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Transfer Credits
TRANSFER INFORMATION
Get Your Enrollment Checklist
Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.
VIEW CHECKLIST
Get Your Questions Answered
Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.
CONTACT AN 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 a SHRM Specialty Credential of their choice. 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 the SHRM CP and HRCI PHR if you have not already earned those credentials.
Course Information
HR Technology and Analytics for Decision Making
HR Technology and Analytics for Decision Making
SHRM Specialty Credentials
SHRM Specialty 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.
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