Master of Science in Management, Strategy & Leadership - Human Resource Management

The Master of Science in Management, Strategy & Leadership concentration in Human Resource Management program can be completed through a combination of video-based lectures, interactive online classroom sessions and one-on-one instructor time.

Structured in an accelerated timeframe of sequential, five-week course modules, the program can be completed in under two years, helping you earn your graduate degree and apply your knowledge to your career quickly.

• 100% online
• 15 five-week courses
• 30 credits
• 20-month completion time for most students

The online Master of Science in Management, Strategy & Leadership features 10 core courses that explore topics in business strategy, leadership, negotiations and conflict resolution, international management, ethics and more.

In addition, students opting for a concentration in Human Resource Management must complete the following four courses (each carrying two credit hours):

• MGT 811 – Fundamentals of Human Resource Staffing
  Familiarize yourself with the essential components of talent acquisition and development, including legal issues, measurement, job analysis, performance assessment and recruitment.
• MGT 814 – Managing Diversity in the Workplace
  Explore how organizations can benefit from differences in ethnicity, age, tenure and education. You can also discover some of the challenges that may arise and learn techniques to manage conflict.
• MGT 818 – Talent Management and Development
  How do you manage human resources to realize an organization’s goals and mission? Study strategies for employee recruitment and development, performance management, succession planning and retention, career management and leadership development.
• MGT 822 – Developing Reward and Compensation Systems
  Learn how to apply compensation principles to organizational objectives and strategically use compensation systems to attract, motivate and retain employees. You can also discover the managerial aspects of paying employees at all levels.

The full program curriculum covers additional topics in human resource management, team development and leadership to help students empower themselves and gain the skills and knowledge to become HR leaders.

When you enroll in an online course at MSU, you can expect to receive a high-quality education that is convenient and flexible. You’ll be able to access your courses 24/7 from any computer with an internet connection, and you can complete your assignments on your own schedule. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with your professors and fellow students through online discussion boards and meetings. And because MSU is a world-renowned university, you can be confident that you’re receiving a quality education. So, if you’re looking for an online learning experience that is both challenging and rewarding, MSU may be the right choice for you.

The program is led by the top management researchers from the AACSB-accredited Broad College of Business, one of the largest top-ranked business schools in the country.

Our faculty members are dedicated to challenging students to develop forward-thinking solutions to some of the most important issues impacting organizations today and anticipating the challenges ahead.

A diverse, passionate, team-oriented network of leaders like yourself who are looking to maximize their potential in managing effective teams, leading their organizations and advancing their careers.

The Master of Science in Management, Strategy & Leadership concentration in Human Resource Management is catered toward:

• Dedicated HR professionals (early, mid and late career) looking to enhance their credentials and advance their careers.
• HR professionals who are primarily focused on the HR field, but who are open to other functional areas as part of their career plans.
• HR professionals or other managers with the goal of running their own organization.
• Those wanting to gain a strategic human resources management perspective.
• Individuals looking to develop an understanding of how human resource management relates to an organization as a whole.

Admission Requirements

This graduate degree is designed for experienced business professionals looking to maximize their potential in managing people and leading organizations, while enhancing their career opportunities.

To be considered for MSU’s online MS in Management, Strategy and Leadership program, you should have:

• 3 years (minimum) full-time managerial experience in a supervisory role and a high degree of potential for advancement to an organizational leadership role
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college
• 3.0 minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA)

International Applicants click here for more information.

MS in Management, Strategy & Leadership Program Application Checklist

Start Your MSU Application ✓

• Complete your online application with a $100 application fee (one-time, nonrefundable)

Order Transcripts ✓

• Official transcripts from all college/university programs or courses of study attended prior to applying to Michigan State University
• Official military transcript (if denoting servicemember or military veteran status in application)

Provide Professional Resume, Essay & Recommendations ✓

• Applicants’ resumes must include up to 20 years of work experience (if applicable).
• Applicants’ resumes must explicitly list supervisory vs. non-supervisory for each role within their work experience. If the role was supervisory, the applicant must include a range of direct reports.
• Applicants with military service must denote rank (and associated pay grade) for every position listed on their resume (military roles).
• 3 letters of recommendation from professional, work-related references, preferably supervisors. Letters should speak to your ability to work within and lead teams, and your contribution to a professional business environment are strongly recommended.
• Statement of intention essay (2 pages), detailing your direct supervisory and/or management experience, and stating how you see the degree furthering your career and organizational goals.

Apply Now

Please note, while the application deadline has been extended, if your application is submitted after April 5, 2024 we cannot guarantee consideration for the Summer semester.

Time Spent Learning Weekly

MSU’s Master of Science in Management, Strategy & Leadership concentration in Human Resource Management program is completely online and designed for students to earn at their own pace. Therefore, there is no set time commitment each week. However, students should expect to spend a few hours on coursework, including readings, discussions and assignments.

Cost Per Credit Hour

Cost Per Credit Hour: $1,130

Total Credits Needed: 30

* Tuition is determined by the university and does not include books or other fees that may apply. These rates are subject to change at any time during the program or enrollment process.

Projected Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment for human resources managers is projected to increase 7 percent from 2021 to 2031, as fast as average for all occupations.

For more information on other management occupations, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/home.htm

Potential Outcomes

Graduates of the MSL Human Resource Management concentration may qualify for a wide range of positions, including:*

• Program manager
• Director of HR
• HR manager
• HR business partner
• HR generalist
• Technical program manager
• Program director
• Analytics manager
• Recruiter
• Associate director

* Source: EMSI/Burning Glass Job Postings – Occupations: Mgmt. Occupations (11-0000); Education: Master’s; Skills: Strategic Mgmt., Innovation, Corporate Strategy, Strategic Decision Making; Timeframe: Apr ‘21 – Mar ‘22

Disclaimer:

National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth. Information provided is not intended to represent a complete list of hiring companies or job titles, and certificate or degree program options do not guarantee career or salary outcomes. Students should conduct independent research for specific employment information.