Online Master of Science in Human Resource Management
MS in Human Resource Management At-A-Glance Heading link
MS in Human Resource Management Overview Heading link
The 100% Online Master of Science in Human Resource Management equips students with the advanced knowledge and leadership skills necessary to excel in the field of human resources. This comprehensive program covers key areas such as strategic human resource management (HRM), workforce planning, compensation and benefits, training and development and labor laws.
Students gain both strategic and tactical competencies to effectively lead successful human capital initiatives. The curriculum prepares graduates for leadership roles in various areas of HR, including recruiting, compensation and benefits, training, and diversity.
This 8-course, 32-credit hour program, offered by the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Business Liautaud Graduate School, can be completed in as few as 9 months.
SHRM: Society for Human Resource Management Heading link
The Online MS in Human Resource Management program is designed to be in alignment with the Society for Human Resource Management’s (SHRM) curriculum guidebook for master’s-level human resource programs, and it prepares students to obtain certification as a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP).
The alignment with SHRM standards ensures that the degree program comprehensively covers topics, concepts, and issues that the association has identified as important building blocks for a successful career in human resource management and that are included in its certification exams. The knowledge gained through the degree program, as well as the potential for certification, makes program graduates highly competitive in the job market.
MS in Human Resource Management Courses Heading link
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Affordable UIC is nationally recognized for its great value. Students pay lower tuition than they would at most other universities.
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9 months Full-time students can complete the entire program in as few as 9 months.
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SHRM-ready Curriculum is aligned with the curriculum standards set by SHRM, the Society for Human Resource Management.
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MS in HRM Heading link
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Relevant Courses The curriculum equips students with strategic HR skills, focusing on aligning HR practices with business goals and leadership development.
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100% Online Access course materials remotely at any time with asynchronous learning.
MS in Human Resource Management Courses Heading link
The 8-course online MS in Human Resource Management (HRM) program equips students with the strategic skills needed to lead HR functions and drive organizational success.
The curriculum emphasizes aligning HR practices—such as recruiting, retention, and compensation—with broader business goals while fostering inclusive, equitable workplaces. Courses such as Strategic HR Consulting, which explores HR strategy through case studies and real-world applications, and Leadership and Personal Development, which helps students develop self-awareness and interpersonal skills to manage effectively, provide a strong foundation for leadership.
The program culminates in a hands-on capstone course that integrates key concepts with real-world cases, preparing graduates for strategic roles in HR leadership.
Expert Faculty with Industry Insights
The online courses are designed, developed, and taught by the same faculty members who teach on campus, ensuring a consistent level of academic excellence. Many instructors are also seasoned practitioners actively working in human resource management. Their professional experience enables them to provide insights into current industry trends and best practices. This blend of academic rigor and practical expertise ensures students gain both a strong theoretical foundation and actionable skills applicable to real-world HR challenges.
Flexible and Accelerated Format
All courses are 100% asynchronous and offered in convenient, accelerated 8-week terms throughout the year, giving students maximum flexibility to take their classes when they want and from anywhere. Full-time students typically take two 8-week courses at a time, and part-time students complete one 8-week course at a time. Full-time students can complete the entire program in 4-5 consecutive 8-week terms, or in as few as 9 months.
Optional Synchronous Engagement
Additionally, students can participate in optional one-hour synchronous sessions offering valuable opportunities to engage directly with instructors and collaborate with peers in real time. These sessions foster deeper connections, personalized learning, and a rich, interactive experience.
Interactive and Student-Centered Learning
The program prides itself on being student-centered and highly interactive. In each online class, students have the opportunity for active engagement through various channels like discussion boards, video contributions, and collaborative projects—fostering rich interactions between peers and faculty. Assessments are designed to reflect real-life HR scenarios, enabling students to apply course concepts directly to challenges they may encounter in the workplace. These practical, authentic assessments ensure that the skills learned are tangible, easily applicable, and relevant to career advancement.
Inclusive and Accessible Learning
The course content is fully accessible and caters to diverse learning styles, ensuring an inclusive learning experience for all.
Courses Heading link
Click the arrow below to view MS in Human Resource Management courses.
MSHRM Core Courses
| Course # | Course Title | Credit Hours | Course Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MGMT 541 | Organizational Behavior | 4 hours | The organization as a social system. Topics include leadership, interpersonal effectiveness, group behavior, managing change, conflict management, motivation and behavior, and interpersonal communications. |
| MGMT 554 | Strategic HR Consulting | 4 hours | The capstone course ties together the conceptual and technical material in the core courses and electives with discussion and cases to address issues related to Human Resource Management strategy and consulting for organizations and effective management practice. |
| MGMT 555 | Talent Management | 4 hours | Examination of topics related to recruiting, selecting, motivating, retaining, training, developing, and separating employees; and human resource metrics, measurement, and information systems. |
| MGMT 553 | Human Resource Management | 4 hours | Human resource management programs and policies. Staffing, training and development; historical evolution of personnel policies, modern labor force and technological trends; supervision, salary administration, human resource research and utilization. |
MSHRM Elective Courses
| Course # | Course Title | Credit Hours | Course Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MGMT 545 | Leadership and Personal Development | 4 hours | An overview of leadership where students will develop their self-awareness, interpersonal skills, and acumen so that they can effectively manage others. |
| MGMT 466 | Managerial Effectiveness Through Diversity | 3 or 4 hours | Management of diverse work forces. Discrimination, affirmative action, career development, socialization and social change policies; historical, psychological, sociological, legal and managerial viewpoints. |
| MGMT 568 | Compensation Administration | 4 hours | Compensation theory policies and practices, including job analysis and evaluation, compensation surveys, wage and salary structures, merit and incentive compensation employee benefits and pension plans. |
| MGMT 460 | Managing Globally | 4 hours | Understanding the opportunities and problems that confront managers as they lead a company through complex global economic, political, legal, technological and cultural environment. Focus on people, values and culture. |
| MGMT 564 | Negotiations | 4 hours | Strategies and techniques for successful agreement negotiation and business conflict resolution. Includes applications to classic situations such as collective bargaining, interpersonal relations, and stakeholder concerns. |
| MGMT 590 | Strategic Management | 4 hours | Study of strategies and policies that influence the long-term survival, growth, and character of business firms; strategy formulation and implementation in domestic and international organizations. |
MSHRM Learning Outcomes Heading link
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Leadership The online MSHRM program emphasizes leadership development, preparing students to guide HR strategy within large organizations.
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Strategic Students learn to think strategically, aligning HR practices with broader business objectives to drive organizational success.
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Consulting Graduates will be equipped with consulting skills to advise executives on optimizing HR strategy and enhancing workforce performance.
MSHRM Learning Outcomes Heading link
The Online MS in Human Resource Management program is distinguished by its curriculum, which is specifically designed to align with the professional standards set by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). This ensures that students not only gain a strong theoretical foundation in HR but also develop the practical skills needed to manage HR functions effectively and strategically. The program’s learning outcomes include the ability to:
- Explain human resource management functions (e.g., recruitment and selection, training and development) and how their alignment supports the overall human resource management system.
- Analyze, evaluate, and improve the effectiveness of human resource management practices.
- Develop integrated human resource management strategies and solutions to improve employee morale and organizational effectiveness.
- Implement human resource management-related initiatives and changes to support business strategy.
- Manage the human resource management system to achieve organizational goals.
MS in Human Resource Management Faculty Voices Heading link
UIC faculty are experts in various areas within Human Resource Management (HRM). They have conducted and published impactful research on different topics within HRM and organizational behavior and also have substantial experience working in different roles within HRM. In the online HRM program, they bring this combination of expertise and experience in HRM to the classroom to help develop the HRM leaders of tomorrow.
| Assistant Professor
The MSHRM curriculum will prepare students to advance in their careers in Human Resources and general management. Students will not only develop a deep knowledge of the functions of human resources, they will also learn how human resources fits into the general management of an organization.
| Associate Professor
Our faculty are excited that UIC can offer an accessible online HRM program for professional, working adults looking to start or further their careers and educations in such a fulfilling, engaging field. The HRM courses offered in this program will teach students up-to-date practices and current industry trends to ensure they’re prepared for new or continued careers in Human Resource Management.
| Clinical Assistant Professor
Career Outcomes: MS in Human Resource Management Heading link
The Online MS in Human Resource Management degree equips graduates with advanced HR knowledge and skills, preparing them for a variety of strategic and leadership roles within the HR field.
Career outcomes for this degree can include positions such as HR Manager, HR Director, HR Business Partner, and Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). Graduates will also be well-prepared for specialized roles such as Talent Acquisition Manager, Employee Relations Manager, Compensation and Benefits Manager, Learning and Development Manager, and Organizational Development Specialist.
The program is ideal for those seeking to advance to managerial positions, leading HR strategy, driving organizational change, and managing HR functions in complex, global environments. The comprehensive, strategic approach to HRM makes graduates highly competitive in today’s dynamic workforce, positioning them for success in both domestic and international markets.
The College of Business has its own dedicated Career Center to help business students advance their careers. Through workshops, job and internship opportunities, career fairs, mock interviews, and more, the team of experienced career coaches are here to help you learn the skills that you need to find the right business career.
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Prepare for SHRM This program is well suited for students looking to sit for the SHRM certification.
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8% Growth Employment of human resources managers is projected to grow 8% between 2023 to 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Career Growth and Demand for HR Professionals Heading link
The demand for skilled HR professionals is projected to continue growing across various HRM roles over the next decade. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the growth rate and median salaries for key HR positions between 2023 to 2033 are as follows:
– Administrative Services and Facilities Managers: Projected to grow by 6%, with a median salary of $106,470 (May 2023).
– Compensation and Benefits Managers: Median salary of $136,800 (May 2023).
– Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists: Projected to grow by 7%, with a median salary of $74,530 (May 2023)
–Human Resources Managers: Projected to grow by 6%, with a median salary of $136,350 (May 2023).
– Human Resources Specialists: Expected to grow by 8%, with a median salary of $67,650 (May 2023).
– Training and Development Specialists: Anticipated to grow by 12%, with a median salary of $64,340 (May 2023).
Data from the 2022-23 SHRM State of the Workplace Report highlights the growing challenges organizations face, including labor shortages, compensation and benefits issues, employee disengagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) concerns, and adapting to remote/hybrid work policies. To address these challenges, businesses must increasingly rely on HR professionals with deep expertise in talent recruitment and management, compensation and benefits, training and development, DEI, performance appraisal, and strategic HRM.
As companies recognize the value of strong HR leadership, there is a rising need for well-trained HR managers and specialists to navigate complex organizational dynamics and foster success.
Disclaimer Heading link
The Online Master of Science in Human Resource Management program is a Full Cost Recovery Program and is not eligible for tuition waivers by University of Illinois employees.