The Master of Science in Human Resource Management degree program is designed to prepare graduates for research and administrative positions in both public and private sector human resource management offices, labor unions, other employee associations, and agencies concerned with employer-employee relations. Graduate instruction is provided in human resource management; in trade unionism and collective bargaining; and in legal and public policy issues which may relate to any of the preceding. These matters are examined academically within the contexts of social, economic, and political considerations; and are analyzed via the theoretical and empirical contributions of the social/behavioral sciences. The study of human resource management is based upon the knowledge and methods developed in a number of traditional areas of study. The major disciplines represented in the program are economics, psychology, sociology, management, and law. Coursework in related fields is available and encouraged.

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) acknowledges that Marshall University’s Master of Science (MS) degree 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. Marshall’s human resource master’s program provides practical experiences to help you develop the skills needed to become a functional specialist or a strategic HR leader supporting small and large organizations. Click here to view the certificate.

Admission Requirements

Full Admission

Applicants should follow the admissions process described in this catalog or at the Graduate Admissions website.

Applicants also must submit a copy of their resume and must either have:

1. An undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with an undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for all previously completed undergraduate coursework.

OR

2. An undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5-2.99 on a 4.0 scale for all previously completed undergraduate university work, and, in addition to the resume, two letters of recommendation. Applicant may also submit additional documents such as statement of purpose, test scores, etc.

OR

3. Have a doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Conditional Admission

Conditional Admission can be granted for one term if the applicant meets all program requirements for admission except they have not officially graduated with their bachelor’s degree. Once the degree is granted, the applicant would need to resubmit his or her official transcripts for full admission.

Note: Applicants may be asked to submit additional material if needed before an admission decision is made. Generally, more students apply to the H.C.A. program than are accepted each year; therefore, the selection process is competitive.

Curriculum for Program

Download the Human Resources Management Plan of Study PDF

Projected job market data for Human Resources Managers: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/11-3121.00

Opportunities & Careers

• Human Resources Specialists
• Labor Relations Specialists
• Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
• Training and Development Specialists
• Human Resources Managers
• Training and Development Managers
• Compensation and Benefits Managers

Related Links

• Application
• Bursars
• Tuition Rates
• Financial Aid
• Graduate College Website
• Graduate Catalog
• Graduate Forms
• Registrar
• Schedule of Courses
• Graduate Assistantship Information
• Graduate Assistantship in College of Business Positions