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Gain the organizational development skills you need to secure a competitive advantage for your company. Your future as a strategic HR leader is waiting.
Invest in your long-term career success with an MS in Human Resource Management degree from Walden. A master’s in human resource management program focuses on harnessing the power of people to meet complex business goals and challenges.
Our program aligns with SHRM’s HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates.
This MS in HRM includes Mursion, a cutting-edge virtual reality simulation tool. Mursion allows you to practice having difficult, high-stakes conversations in a safe environment.
This program is taught largely by doctorally prepared, SHRM-certified business professionals with extensive experience in their fields.
Develop strategic planning skills to address complex, real-world HR problems. Get relevant training and development you can apply on the job.
Receive up to a $3,000 grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on March 8, 2021. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Get Started NowTRACK I: Choose this track if you do not have a recognized human resource professional certification.
TRACK II: Choose this track if you’re an experienced HR professional and would like to tailor your program to your goals and interests.
Course Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
CORE COURSES |
||
MHRM 6101 |
Foundations of Human Resource ManagementStudents are offered a comprehensive overview of human resource management (HRM) as a strategic function, laying a foundation for the detailed course study that follows. Students explore the role of human resource professionals as strategic partners who focus on the mission and goals of an organization. Students examine traditional topics, such as organizational effectiveness and development, workforce management, employee and labor relations, and technology management. They also explore transformational topics such as HRM in a global context, diversity and inclusion, risk management, corporate social responsibility, and U.S. employment law. The course also includes an examination of talent acquisition, employee engagement and retention, learning and development, and total rewards in the context of the employee life cycle. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
MHRM 6201 |
Individual and Organizational Performance ManagementPerformance management involves the ongoing activities of employee evaluation and development focused on achieving the organization's short- and long-term goals. Performance management also is required to meet ethical and statuary requirements. Looking at the continuous nature of performance management underscores the importance of identifying and supporting talent development. Students assess performance management systems within the context of the defined system metrics supporting the organization's goals, and they assess the role of performance management in strengthening the organization through diversity and inclusion. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
MHRM 6301 |
Legal and Regulatory EnvironmentSuccessful organizations leverage the unique understanding of the legal and regulatory environments held by the human resource (HR) department to guide and advise the organization. In this course, students explore the laws that define and regulate multiple dimensions of the employer-employee relationship and the compliance requirements of the organization. This includes ethical behavior, employment agreements, pay structures, personnel policies, equity, access, dispute resolution protocol, hiring practices, and discrimination policies. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
MHRM 6401 |
Human Resource AnalyticsUnderstanding the value of an organization's human capital is crucial to its continuing success. Human resource (HR) management metrics provide the tools both for measuring value and for managing an organization's human resources. Students in this course explore HR analytics and metrics as tools for organizational and individual performance improvement. These tools establish a foundation for the effective deployment of performance metrics as part of the recruitment, talent development, and retention of human resources. They also facilitate alignment of the HR strategy with the business strategy. Students examine the power of analytics and an HR metrics dashboard. In addition, students investigate the role of human resource information systems (HRIS) and the importance of working with internal business partners from areas such as information technology, finance, and the executive team. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
MHRM 6501 |
Conflict Management and NegotiationNegotiation and conflict management are core responsibilities of human resource (HR) professionals and having the HR function as the conflict resolution facilitator is critical to employee/employer relationships. Taking a leadership role in facilitating conflict is critical to assuring employment law and regulatory compliance. In organizations with unionized workforces, the HR role in conflict resolution tactics may be constrained by collective bargaining agreements. Students in this course explore the challenges of conflict and dispute and work toward developing skills to identify different types of conflict solutions. Students engage in hands-on, practical exercises in negotiation and bargaining strategies as well as communication styles. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
MHRM 6601 |
Benefits, Compensation, and Resource AllocationAn organization deploys compensation and benefits as part of its total rewards strategy to build relationships with employees and increase their engagement, which can help the organization to sustain a competitive advantage. At the same time, competitive pressures may result in the total rewards strategy becoming a cost issue for the organization. In this course, students explore both the technical and strategic aspects of overall compensation. Students examine legally required and discretionary benefits at the individual and group level as well as the societal implications of the total rewards strategy. With compensation and benefits representing the largest components of the human resource (HR) budget, students also explore the role of budgeting and resource allocation along with related processes within an organizational context. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
MHRM 6701 |
Strategic Positioning and Social ChangeIn today's organizations, human resource management (HRM) plays an important strategic role and increasingly contributes to organizations' competitiveness and global presence. Students explore how more proactive and systemic human resource practices address strategic business challenges and opportunities throughout an organization. This may include talent acquisition and retention, innovation, and social change. Students build theory-based but strategic perspectives of HRM's organizational role and impact in creating a sustainable competitive advantage in a global economy. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
MHRM 6751 |
Global and Cultural EffectivenessThe global landscape touches every organization in some manner, either directly through its employees and products or indirectly through its suppliers and strategic partners. The reality of a global workforce strengthens yet challenges an organization because of its diversity in areas such as cultures, social norms, practices, and beliefs. The human resource (HR) function works on behalf of the organization, its employees, and its leadership to achieve a unified and inclusive work environment by understanding and addressing the unique challenges of a globally diverse workforce, including legal and regulatory constraints. Students in this course analyze the potential for building an integrated, globally-diverse workforce that will effectively improve the organization's capacity and ability to thrive within this unique global landscape. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
MHRM 6801 |
Organizational Effectiveness and LeadershipAchieving measurable progress toward the organization's goals, or the degree to which the outcomes are achieved, is the meaning of organizational effectiveness. It is a key responsibility of human resource (HR) departments to plan for and support the organization's ability (both in terms of capacity and agility) to achieve the goals. HR has a leadership position in building organizational effectiveness, since capacity is directly proportionate to people and talent, and agility is directly related to how well an organization and a team responds to the need for change. Having the right people in the right positions and anticipating and filling gaps in key talent areas collectively lead to an organization's success. This course prepares the student with the skills to design and lead key organizational initiatives that both build its capacity and competitively position it for success. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
CAPSTONE |
||
Choose one course from the following courses: |
||
MHRM 6901 |
Capstone: Strategic Human Resource ManagementThe human resource (HR) management function has evolved into a strategic-partner role due to its broad organizational impact and potential for strategically advancing the organization's business agenda. As a strategic partner, the HR function is a part of the executive strategic planning team and can drive elements of the strategic plan. In this course students can develop a strong understanding of strategic planning as a key process and have the opportunity to develop critical knowledge and tools for understanding the organizational challenges for which the HR function can develop support. Students also explore how to align ethics and values with the strategy formulation process, align human resource strategies to the organization's strategies, and drive organizational success by helping create a competitive advantage. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
MHRM 6902 |
Capstone: Meeting SHRM CompetenciesIn this capstone course, students evaluate the human resource (HR) content outlined in the SHRM Body of Competency and Knowledge (BoCK)®. The capstone challenges students to demonstrate proficiency in all SHRM competencies within the four SHRM Certified Professional modules: HR Competencies, People, Organization, and Workplace. Within each of these four professional modules, students critically examine issues related to HR's strategic role and responsibilities in a global environment. Specifically, students focus on laws and regulations, talent recruitment, management, retention, and rewards, as well as corporate social responsibility in the context of Walden's positive social change commitment. The capstone course content covers all of the SHRM competencies. Assessments include discussions, written assignments, and sample exams reflecting actual SHRM certification examinations. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
VIEW ALL COURSES |
Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Total * |
---|---|---|---|
Tuition | 30 total semester credit hours | $955 per semester hour | $28,650 |
Technology Fee | Per semester | $210 | $1,050 |
TOTAL | $29,700 | ||
Transfer up to 15 credits | $14,745 | ||
Total with Maximum Transfer Credits† | $14,955 |
The tuition reflects the minimum credits to completion. Program completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
*Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,000 and $1,400.
†Maximum transfer credit total includes reduction in technology fee as related to reduced number of courses over time
Course Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
CORE COURSES |
||
MHRM 6101 |
Foundations of Human Resource ManagementStudents are offered a comprehensive overview of human resource management (HRM) as a strategic function, laying a foundation for the detailed course study that follows. Students explore the role of human resource professionals as strategic partners who focus on the mission and goals of an organization. Students examine traditional topics, such as organizational effectiveness and development, workforce management, employee and labor relations, and technology management. They also explore transformational topics such as HRM in a global context, diversity and inclusion, risk management, corporate social responsibility, and U.S. employment law. The course also includes an examination of talent acquisition, employee engagement and retention, learning and development, and total rewards in the context of the employee life cycle. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
MHRM 6201 |
Individual and Organizational Performance ManagementPerformance management involves the ongoing activities of employee evaluation and development focused on achieving the organization's short- and long-term goals. Performance management also is required to meet ethical and statuary requirements. Looking at the continuous nature of performance management underscores the importance of identifying and supporting talent development. Students assess performance management systems within the context of the defined system metrics supporting the organization's goals, and they assess the role of performance management in strengthening the organization through diversity and inclusion. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
MHRM 6301 |
Legal and Regulatory EnvironmentSuccessful organizations leverage the unique understanding of the legal and regulatory environments held by the human resource (HR) department to guide and advise the organization. In this course, students explore the laws that define and regulate multiple dimensions of the employer-employee relationship and the compliance requirements of the organization. This includes ethical behavior, employment agreements, pay structures, personnel policies, equity, access, dispute resolution protocol, hiring practices, and discrimination policies. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
MHRM 6401 |
Human Resource AnalyticsUnderstanding the value of an organization's human capital is crucial to its continuing success. Human resource (HR) management metrics provide the tools both for measuring value and for managing an organization's human resources. Students in this course explore HR analytics and metrics as tools for organizational and individual performance improvement. These tools establish a foundation for the effective deployment of performance metrics as part of the recruitment, talent development, and retention of human resources. They also facilitate alignment of the HR strategy with the business strategy. Students examine the power of analytics and an HR metrics dashboard. In addition, students investigate the role of human resource information systems (HRIS) and the importance of working with internal business partners from areas such as information technology, finance, and the executive team. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
ELECTIVE COURSES (Choose Five) |
||
MHRM 6501 |
Conflict Management and NegotiationNegotiation and conflict management are core responsibilities of human resource (HR) professionals and having the HR function as the conflict resolution facilitator is critical to employee/employer relationships. Taking a leadership role in facilitating conflict is critical to assuring employment law and regulatory compliance. In organizations with unionized workforces, the HR role in conflict resolution tactics may be constrained by collective bargaining agreements. Students in this course explore the challenges of conflict and dispute and work toward developing skills to identify different types of conflict solutions. Students engage in hands-on, practical exercises in negotiation and bargaining strategies as well as communication styles. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
MHRM 6601 |
Benefits, Compensation, and Resource AllocationAn organization deploys compensation and benefits as part of its total rewards strategy to build relationships with employees and increase their engagement, which can help the organization to sustain a competitive advantage. At the same time, competitive pressures may result in the total rewards strategy becoming a cost issue for the organization. In this course, students explore both the technical and strategic aspects of overall compensation. Students examine legally required and discretionary benefits at the individual and group level as well as the societal implications of the total rewards strategy. With compensation and benefits representing the largest components of the human resource (HR) budget, students also explore the role of budgeting and resource allocation along with related processes within an organizational context. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
MHRM 6701 |
Strategic Positioning and Social ChangeIn today's organizations, human resource management (HRM) plays an important strategic role and increasingly contributes to organizations' competitiveness and global presence. Students explore how more proactive and systemic human resource practices address strategic business challenges and opportunities throughout an organization. This may include talent acquisition and retention, innovation, and social change. Students build theory-based but strategic perspectives of HRM's organizational role and impact in creating a sustainable competitive advantage in a global economy. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
MHRM 6751 |
Global and Cultural EffectivenessThe global landscape touches every organization in some manner, either directly through its employees and products or indirectly through its suppliers and strategic partners. The reality of a global workforce strengthens yet challenges an organization because of its diversity in areas such as cultures, social norms, practices, and beliefs. The human resource (HR) function works on behalf of the organization, its employees, and its leadership to achieve a unified and inclusive work environment by understanding and addressing the unique challenges of a globally diverse workforce, including legal and regulatory constraints. Students in this course analyze the potential for building an integrated, globally-diverse workforce that will effectively improve the organization's capacity and ability to thrive within this unique global landscape. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
MHRM 6801 |
Organizational Effectiveness and LeadershipAchieving measurable progress toward the organization's goals, or the degree to which the outcomes are achieved, is the meaning of organizational effectiveness. It is a key responsibility of human resource (HR) departments to plan for and support the organization's ability (both in terms of capacity and agility) to achieve the goals. HR has a leadership position in building organizational effectiveness, since capacity is directly proportionate to people and talent, and agility is directly related to how well an organization and a team responds to the need for change. Having the right people in the right positions and anticipating and filling gaps in key talent areas collectively lead to an organization's success. This course prepares the student with the skills to design and lead key organizational initiatives that both build its capacity and competitively position it for success. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
MHRM 6510 |
Personal Leadership: Mentoring and CoachingMentoring requires an understanding and integration of many theories, including leadership, interaction, and communication, that support the development of effective leaders. Students in this course understand and apply skills of effective mentoring, such as active listening, learning, empowering, and enabling change. Students engage in practical exercises, such as using feedback to create interactive dialogue and asking questions to acquire a deeper understanding of mentoring and coaching processes. In consideration of modern and virtual environments, students explore the challenges of mentoring or coaching individuals in a virtual or team setting. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
MHRM 6610 |
Aligning Human Resources With Business OperationsContemporary organizations typically strive to align human resources with their functional strategies and business units, lending to the fulfillment of the short- and long-term goals of the organization. In this course, students explore the role of effective human resource (HR) professionals, who engage with colleagues that lead these operating areas and develop HR solutions that support their success. Students identify and discuss the key drivers and metrics that managers in accounting, finance, information systems, sales, marketing, distribution, regulatory, supply chain, and other operating areas within the organization employ to craft their functional-level strategies. Students discover that this knowledge is what provides HR professionals the credibility to be valued partners with functional management figures, thus helping to prepare students for the inherent challenges of the HR manager role. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
MHRM 6611 |
Managing People and Promoting CollaborationContemporary business environments are increasingly competitive, global, fast paced, and knowledge intensive. In these environments, effective use of human capital is vital to an enterprise's success and survival. In this course, students will explore practical issues related to developing individuals and managing collaboration and will examine the skills and strategies necessary to address them effectively. Students will examine ethical and legal implications of managing a diverse workforce including issues that arise from cross-cultural differences and virtual work settings. The importance of communication as a tool to manage internal and external relationships is emphasized as it relates to the effectiveness of managing people to achieve organizational goals. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
MHRM 6625 |
Building Human Capital Through Training and DevelopmentTraining and development provides an organization's workforce the tools it needs to contribute to success. Students explore the processes of conducting a needs assessment and developing a training proposal that builds the business case for a training intervention for both individuals and groups, creating the basis for an annual training and development plan. Integrating adult and workplace learning theory into the development of training solutions, students learn how to design, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of a training solution. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
MHRM 6640 |
The Role of Human Resources in Mergers and AcquisitionsAn integral component of the value created in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) is through human resources. Human resource professionals partner with senior management to support the organization before, during, and after an M&A event. Students in this course work toward developing the skills to analyze how cultural fit between organizations can impact M&A success, manage redundancy, recommend appropriate organizational structures, assess IT implications of combined payroll and benefits systems, design reward systems, and map professional development paths to retain valued resources. Students engage in a variety of application-based assignments to learn how to design and implement the communications strategy that is necessary to facilitate all M&A activities in a structured time frame. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
CAPSTONE |
||
Choose one course from the following courses: |
||
MHRM 6901 |
Capstone: Strategic Human Resource ManagementThe human resource (HR) management function has evolved into a strategic-partner role due to its broad organizational impact and potential for strategically advancing the organization's business agenda. As a strategic partner, the HR function is a part of the executive strategic planning team and can drive elements of the strategic plan. In this course students can develop a strong understanding of strategic planning as a key process and have the opportunity to develop critical knowledge and tools for understanding the organizational challenges for which the HR function can develop support. Students also explore how to align ethics and values with the strategy formulation process, align human resource strategies to the organization's strategies, and drive organizational success by helping create a competitive advantage. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
MHRM 6902 |
Capstone: Meeting SHRM CompetenciesIn this capstone course, students evaluate the human resource (HR) content outlined in the SHRM Body of Competency and Knowledge (BoCK)®. The capstone challenges students to demonstrate proficiency in all SHRM competencies within the four SHRM Certified Professional modules: HR Competencies, People, Organization, and Workplace. Within each of these four professional modules, students critically examine issues related to HR's strategic role and responsibilities in a global environment. Specifically, students focus on laws and regulations, talent recruitment, management, retention, and rewards, as well as corporate social responsibility in the context of Walden's positive social change commitment. The capstone course content covers all of the SHRM competencies. Assessments include discussions, written assignments, and sample exams reflecting actual SHRM certification examinations. |
(3 sem. cr.) |
VIEW ALL COURSES |
Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Total * |
---|---|---|---|
Tuition | 30 total semester credit hours | $955 per semester hour | $28,650 |
Technology Fee | Per semester | $210 | $1,050 |
TOTAL | $29,700 | ||
Transfer up to 15 credits | $14,745 | ||
Total with Maximum Transfer Credits† | $14,955 |
The tuition reflects the minimum credits to completion. Program completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of your time to completion, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
*Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,000 and $1,400.
†Maximum transfer credit total includes reduction in technology fee as related to reduced number of courses over time
Many Walden degree-seeking students—67%—receive some form of financial aid.* Create a customized plan that makes sense for you.
*Source: Walden University’s Office of Financial Aid. Data reports as of 2018.
Find Ways to SaveReceive up to a $3,000 grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on March 8, 2021. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Get Started NowProgram Admission Considerations: A bachelor's degree or higher.
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.
You’ve got choices with Walden’s MS in Human Resource Management program. If you’re looking for hands-on experience as an HR strategist, opt for our traditional capstone format. If your focus is pursuing SHRM certification, the Meeting SHRM Competencies capstone can help set you up for success.
Learn how today’s HR leaders can make significant contributions to the executive strategic planning process. Discuss how to align human resource strategies with the organization’s overarching business goals. Examine how HR can help create a competitive advantage in order to drive organizational success.
Explore the content outlined in the SHRM Body of Competency and Knowledge (BoCK)™. Work on mastering all SHRM competencies within the four SHRM Certified Professional modules: HR Competencies, People, Organization, and Workplace. Take a sample exam reflecting actual SHRM certification exams.
Whether you want to be a functional specialist or HR leader, Walden’s master's in human resource management program positions you for the next level of your career. We’ve combined practical learning experiences and SHRM-aligned coursework to put you at the forefront of an evolving field. Gain the advanced skills you need to be a business change-maker and blaze a successful path forward.
Graduates of Walden’s online MS in Human Resource Management program will be prepared to:
Between high-tech advances, changing workforce demographics, and fluctuating economic conditions, the human resources field is undergoing a transformation. This spells opportunity for employees with the specialized knowledge and skills to lead their company through these sea changes.
Employment of human resource managers is expected to grow 9% from 2016 to 2026—particularly in new and expanding companies.1 HR managers will also be needed to help organizations navigate complex and ever-evolving employment laws.
An MS in Human Resource Management from Walden can empower you to think bigger and go further. You'll be competitively positioned for a variety of opportunities in HR as well as other areas of business. Potential career options include:
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this online MS in HRM degree program.
A Walden MS in Human Resource management degree can potentially lead to higher earnings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for human resource managers was $113,300 in May 2018.1
Human resource management is the business of managing an organization’s most valuable asset: people. If a business has employees, there is likely a human resource professional to help recruit, develop, and retain them. And many of these HR professionals, especially at the mid- and senior-management levels, hold a master’s degree in human resources, education and training that helps them provide value to both their organization and its employees.
Among the options available to you when deciding where to earn your MS in Human Resource Management are your alma mater, a local college, or an online university. Unfortunately, you may not live near your former university. And attending classes on a local campus often means commuting and being obligated to a fixed time frame. Many working adults and those with other time demands choose an accredited online institution like Walden University to earn their master’s and further their HR career.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for human resource professionals is on the rise. Between 2018 and 2028, more than 10,800 human resource managers and about 33,000 human resource specialists will be needed.* That’s a lot of opportunity, particularly for anyone who holds the right degree and credentials. Candidates with certification or a master’s degree—particularly those with a concentration in human resource management—should have the best job prospects.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Human Resources Managers and Human Resources Specialists. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, do not guarantee actual job growth, and are subject to change.
When looking to enroll in an HR management master’s program, you want to make sure it meets the requirements outlined by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Walden’s MS in Human Resource Management program fully aligns with the SHRM’s HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates, which helps define HR education standards and helps business schools develop degree programs that follow these standards.
An advanced degree can be an asset. Degree programs go into much more breadth and depth of content than a certification course requires. In the competitive environment we all face today, having a graduate degree may be the differentiator for career advancement or new opportunities. Many programs offer course credit in recognition of an active certification from SHRM, HRCI, or IPMA-HR. Walden recognizes certification from all three, which can potentially save you time and money in the completion of the MS in Human Resource Management program.
There are many different careers and roles in human resource management, and most positions fall into one of two categories—HR generalist or HR specialist. The generalist’s role covers a wide range of responsibilities, including:*
Large organizations require an HR specialist with knowledge in specific areas of human resources. Some of the more common HR specialist roles include:*
We're here to help. Talk to your personal Enrollment Specialist for more information today.