A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
Master of Science in Human Resource Management
Master of Science in Human Resource Management
Prepare to take on new leadership challenges with Capella’s MS in Human Resource Management. Our career-centered curriculum builds skills to manage and lead in specific HRM areas and promotes the critical-thinking skills you need to make informed decisions in collaborative, global workplaces. Build on your professional HR experience or develop foundational knowledge and leadership skills for a career transformation.
At a glance
- Online
- FlexPath available
- SHRM alignment
- 7 Core courses
- 3 Specialization courses
- Capstone
- 45 Total credits (12 max transfer)
With FlexPath, you can earn your MS in Human Resource Management in 12 months and under $12,000.
Based on fastest 25% of students. Your program length and cost will vary by your degree program, transfer credits, the per-session cost, and how quickly you complete courses. Books, supplies, and other fees apply.
Explore human resource management courses
- This degree requires a total of 23 program points in FlexPath or 45 program credits in GuidedPath
- You’ll need to complete seven core courses, three specialization courses and one capstone
Show all descriptions
HRM5060
Sourcing and Managing Talent in the Workplace
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course examine contemporary perspectives in recruiting, talent mobility, workforce planning, and performance management. Learners select and develop approaches which support employee mobility and performance to advance organizational goals. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in HRM5002; or HRM5310.
4 quarter credits
HRM5065
Employment Law in the Successful Workplace
4 quarter credits
Learners gain an understanding of the application of U.S. law and legislation to human resource management theory and practice in the modern workplace. Learners evaluate historical perspectives on law and labor relations and the impact of context on practice. Learners identify the value of aligning of organizational mission, legal compliance and ethical practices. Learners also assess methods by which the HRM professional can resolve conflict and defuse or mitigate potentially litigious situations while enhancing productivity. Prerequisite(s): HRM5002.
4 quarter credits
HRM5070
Workplace Learning Strategies for the HR Professional
4 quarter credits
Learners gain an understanding of the role of the HR professional in applying theories and models of learning, learning styles, and ways to design and manage the learning process and programs to develop talent. Learners apply a strategic approach to workplace learning to align with an organization¿s strategy that will meet the needs of individual contributors, managers, and senior leaders in the organization. Prerequisite(s): HRM5002.
4 quarter credits
HRM5080
Evidence-Based Decision Making for HR Professionals
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners apply evidence-based models of decision making to advocate and support HR strategies and practices. Learners use qualitative and quantitative data in HR decision making to influence organizational stakeholders and incorporate storytelling to provide compelling advocacy for HR programs, practices, and projects. Prerequisite(s): HRM5002.
4 quarter credits
HRM5120
Global Human Resource Practice
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners navigate the global legal and regulatory environments and their application to HR practices. Learners apply HR principles and models to multiple contexts within the global environment. Learners develop an awareness of global communities and best practices for working across countries. Prerequisite(s): HRM5002.
4 quarter credits
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
Try FlexPath for yourself
In our FlexPath Trial Course, you will explore online self-paced learning, experience the courseroom and view a sample assessment.
What you’ll learn
The MS in Human Resource Management helps you develop the skills to lead strategic and operational HRM functions in a variety of organizational settings. You can gain advanced knowledge of the field, build experience in specific areas of HRM practice, and develop critical-thinking skills to make informed decisions in global work environments. You’ll study ways to practice human resources using consultation, effective communication, business acumen, and partnerships with business leaders. This program helps prepare you for a career as a human resources generalist and specialist.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Apply foundational disciplines of human resource management to be an effective HR practitioner
- Analyze data and metrics to support and evaluate HR programs
- Communicate in a way that is appropriate to the profession
- Utilize leadership, change management, and consultation in the roles of an HR practitioner
- Employ strategic thinking and business acumen to be an effective strategic partner
- Apply and interpret the law and the legal responsibilities of a human resource manager
- Apply the SHRM code of ethics to decision making and practice
Program eligible for Workplace Integrated Learning
Use your experience: bring your real-world projects into the courseroom to complete assignments and apply what you’ve learned in your field.
How much does the MS in HRM cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on your learning format, academic performance and other factors. See FlexPath and GuidedPath cost information below.
A self-paced learning format that helps put you in control. Take courses at your own speed and move on to the next course whenever you’re ready.
- Enroll in one or two core courses at a time and complete as many as you can in 12 weeks
- 2 Capella quarter credits = 1 program point
- Set your own deadlines, no courseroom discussions
- Pay a flat tuition fee per 12-week billing session
- $2,755 per 12-week billing session
- $175 resource kit
- 23 total program points
- 6 max transfer points
$11,020
ACCELERATED PACE 11 months
$16,530
TYPICAL PACE 16 months
$24,795
SLOWER PACE 24 months
*This is only an estimate, effective July 7, 2025, and is subject to change.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include your resource kit, travel expenses and practicum costs.
Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances such as your program specialization, transfer credits, any applicable tuition discounts and how quickly you complete courses. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses are not included. Tuition estimates shown for the FlexPath learning format assume average number of credits and are based on:
- "Accelerated pace” (speed of fastest 25% of FlexPath students)
- “Typical pace” (median speed of FlexPath students)
- “Slower pace” (speed of fastest 75% of FlexPath students)
New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Military Tuition Assistance is not available for the FlexPath learning format. Review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Get the details
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education.
Connect with an enrollment specialist to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
- $770 per credit
- $175 resource kit
- 45 total quarter credits
- 12 max transfer credits
$34,650
NO TRANSFER CREDTIS 30 months
*This is only an estimate, effective July 7, 2025, and is subject to change.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include your resource kit, travel expenses and practicum costs.
Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses are not included. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer.
New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Get the details
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education.
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
Are there scholarships available for master's degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
See all our accreditations and recognitions.
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has acknowledged that Capella University’s BS in Business specialization in HR Management, MBA specialization in HR Management, and MS in Human Resource Management fully align with SHRM’s HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates.
What are the MS in HRM admission requirements?
Admission requirements
Applicants to the MS in Human Resource Management program must provide the following information for admission:
- A bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official bachelor's transcripts, with a grade point average of 2.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Admission application – no application fee required
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
FlexPath admission requirements
Applicants for our FlexPath self-paced learning option must also meet the following criteria:
- The recommended minimum GPA is 3.0, although those with lower GPAs may be considered if providing additional documentation for review.
Transition to FlexPath: Applicants whose GPA is below the FlexPath admission threshold may be considered once they successfully complete at least two GuidedPath courses (or eight credits, whichever is greater) with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
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MS Human Resource Management Guide
Take a closer look at Capella and see how earning a master’s in human resource management can help you gain skills for strategic leadership in human resources.
What can you do with an MS in HRM degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion, or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with an MS in Human Resource Management.
Job titles to explore*
- Director of human resources
- Director/human resources business partner
- Human resources business partner
- Human resources generalist
- Human resources manager
- Human resources specialist
- Learning and development manager
- Vice President of human resources
- Workforce management manager
Employment settings to explore*
- Administration of Veterans Affairs
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Employment placement agencies
- Executive offices
- Miscellaneous retailers
- Professional, scientific and technical services
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.