For immediate assistance or detailed information about this program, please contact
Dr. Siham Lekchiri at slekchiri@wcu.edu
Virtual Open House Thursday, February 5: 5–6:30pm
Join us at one of our upcoming virtual Graduate School Open House events on Zoom!
You’ll have the opportunity to learn more about Western Carolina University, participate
in a Q&A with current students, and meet key program representatives.
The M.S. in Human Resources is a 36-semester hour program and gives students the chance
to learn from seasoned human resources professionals. The curriculum covers topics
like research and evaluation methods; employee and labor relations; legal issues;
and performance management. This program is designed for busy adult learners and
all courses are online.
Where You'll Go
Human resources specialists work in diverse environments from Fortune 500 companies
to local governments. The human resources field also offers diverse job descriptions
such as working in payroll, risk management and hiring. The Bureau of Labor Statistics
states the average salary for human resources managers is $136,350 and projects the
job field will grow 6% by 2033.
A career in human resources is a chance to utilize a broad set of analytical, interpersonal
and leadership skills. Jobs in human resources are available in the corporate world,
all levels of government and non-profits. Western Carolina University's Master of
Science degree in Human Resources is an online program that will equip you with the
skills needed to work as a human resources leader. The curriculum has been designed
to align with HR competencies identified by the Association for Talent Development
(ATD), the HR Certification Institute (HRCI), Bersin by Deloitte, the Association
for Human Resource Development (AHRD), and the Society for Human Resource Management
(SHRM) for Graduate HR Curriculum Guidelines. Therefore, the MSHR Program courses
develop competencies within each of the MSHR Program's four Leadership Competency
domains: 1) Relational HR Leadership; 2) Strategic HR Leadership; 3) Operational HR
Leadership; and 4) Ethical & Socially Responsible HR Leadership. The distance education
clearinghouse, GetEducated.com, ranks the program the third best, out of 40 nationwide, online human resources program.
Learn more by visiting the College of Education and Allied Professions and explore all available programs.
Degree Options
School
College of Education & Allied Professions, Human Resources Program
Location
100% Online
Length
Full-Time or Part-Time (Flexible Scheduling)
Time to Complete:
Typically 2 years for part-time students
Credits:
36 semester credit hours required
App Deadline:
April 1 (Fall start) & October 1 (Spring start); GRE may be waived
More About Our Master of Science in Human Resources
WCU’s Master of Science in Human Resources (MSHR) is a fully online, professional-focused
graduate program designed to prepare students to become strategic HR leaders in today’s
evolving workplaces. The program blends foundational HR theory with applied skills
in talent management, employee development, organizational leadership, HR analytics,
and ethical decision-making.
Students gain practical competencies through coursework in organizational acumen,
human resource development, workforce planning, compensation and benefits, performance
management, and research and evaluation methods.
Throughout the program, students develop skills in strategic HR planning, leadership,
employee development, performance management, ethical decision-making, and organizational
consulting.
The mixture of foundational HR courses and electives helps students specialize in
areas relevant to their career goals, whether that's talent management, organization
development, consulting, or HR strategy.
The program’s focus on leadership competency, ethical and socially responsible HR
practice, and organizational effectiveness equips graduates to act as change agents
within organizations.
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