Is a Master's in Human Resources Worth It?

If you're passionate about people, organizational development, and leadership, pursuing a master’s in human resources can be a strategic move. As the workplace continues to evolve—shaped by technology, remote work, and changing initiatives—HR professionals play an increasingly critical role in shaping employee experiences and business success.

A Master’s in HR can help you:

• Grow into leadership and executive HR roles
• Build specialized skills in areas like compliance, talent strategy, and employee relations
• Stand out in a competitive job market with a recognized credential

For those already working in HR or considering a shift into the field, a Master's in Human Resource Management offers long-term career value and growth.

What Is a Master’s in Human Resource Strategic Management?

A Master’s in Human Resource Strategic Management goes beyond administrative HR functions to focus on aligning workforce planning with organizational goals. Bellevue University’s master’s program emphasizes strategic thinking, ethical leadership, and data-driven decision-making.

A few of the topics covered include:

• Workforce analytics and strategic planning
• Talent acquisition and succession strategy
• Employment law and risk management
• Organizational change and development
• Compensation, benefits, and performance management

Exam Preparation

In addition, Bellevue’s program provides a final capstone course option which prepares you for professional examinations offered by The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).* In your final term of the Bellevue University cohort master’s program, you can choose Track 2—a SHRM Certified Professional (CP) or Senior Certified Professional (SCP) preparation course for this important certification exam, along with a modified Capstone course (prerequisites apply). Students will have access to instructor-led video sessions addressing the entire SHRM-Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (BASK) covered in the exam and related assignments to prepare students for the SHRM certification exam.*

Whichever Track you choose,Track 1 with a full Capstone course, or Track 2 including the exam prep, you can be confident in your preparation because the Bellevue Master’s in Human Resource Management program curriculum is fully aligned with the SHRM HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates.

*Please note – students must register and pay for, schedule, and take the SHRM CP/SCP exam, which is external to the course. This is a preparation course only, and prerequisites apply.

Key Benefits of Getting a Master’s in Human Resource Management

Graduating from a human resources master’s program delivers clear advantages. HR professionals with advanced education and credentials often take on more responsibility and enjoy greater career mobility.

Key benefits include:

• Career Growth – Step into roles like HR Manager, HR Director, or Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)
• Salary & Benefits Potential – Master’s degree holders often command higher compensation packages
• Expanded Professional Network – Build connections with HR leaders, peers, and industry experts
• Flexibility and Specialization – Choose electives or concentrations that match your career goals
• Job Market Differentiation – A graduate credential sets you apart from bachelor’s-only candidates

Programs like an online master’s in human resources allow professionals to gain these benefits without putting their careers on hold. Whether you choose an on-campus or online master’s in human resources, the program prepares you to become a strategic leader who influences company direction and culture.

Skills Gained in a Master’s in Human Resource Management

A Master’s in Human Resource Management delivers real-world skills that translate directly to the workplace. Students develop both technical and interpersonal competencies that allow them to lead diverse teams and make strategic decisions.

Through the Master’s in Human Resource Strategic Management at Bellevue University, students refine skills such as conflict resolution and strategic planning. The emphasis on communication, critical thinking, problem solving, and strategic leadership prepares graduates to navigate workplace complexities.

In a Master’s in Human Resources, you'll gain skills such as:

• Strategic HR planning and execution
• Legal compliance and ethical decision-making
• Employee engagement and retention
• Conflict resolution and communication
• Workforce diversity and inclusion initiatives
• Data interpretation for HR metrics and reporting

Plus, students have the opportunity for optional preparation for professional examinations such as the SHRM CP/SCP certification exams, as detailed above.

These skills prepare you to handle the complexities of modern HR, from compliance to company culture.

Financial Considerations for a Master’s in Human Resources

When considering whether an advanced degree like a master’s in HR is worth it, you must factor in several things such as time, cost, education requirements, and personal commitment, but the long-term payoff can be significant.

Factors to weigh

Weigh the costs above with the benefit of a master’s degree in human resources. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the current median annual salary of an HR Manager as $140,030 as of 2024.
However, earning potential with a master’s degree in human resources varies depending on factors such as industry, location, experience, and specific job role and this data is not intended to be reflective or representative of any particular institution’s graduate earnings.

Cost

Costs can vary greatly between schools and are usually measured by cost per credit. It’s important to do some research to guide your decision. Here are some of the facts:

• Cost per credit and other fees are found on the Bellevue University Tuition and Fees page.
• Graduate students are eligible for financial aid and scholarships.
• Military education funding and corporate tuition assistance are other popular ways to fund graduate courses.
• You may be able to transfer in up to 6 graduate credit hours from a previous accredited university. Contact us to learn more about how to have your credits evaluated.

Education Requirements

Beyond the financial costs, educational requirements take your time, effort, and personal commitment. Here’s what you can expect.

Time commitment

Most students complete a master’s degree in 2-3 years, depending on several factors, including how many credits you take per term and how many are required (part-time students will take longer). A master’s in HR degree typically requires 36 graduate credit hours. Bellevue’s MS in Human Resource Strategic Management program requires 36-37 graduate credits, depending on which final track you select. Here’s how Bellevue University’s cohort Master’s in Human Resource Strategic Management works:

• Bellevue’s Master’s in Human Resource Strategic Management program requires 36-37 graduate credits and is designed for working professionals.
• If enrolled full-time, cohort participants take one course at a time (6 credits per term), with short breaks in between, enabling them to balance education with work and personal commitments.
• The cohort model encourages collaboration and peer support throughout the program.
• At a pace of 2 courses per term, it is possible to finish in 6 terms (in the final term, you choose either Track 1, Capstone course–three credits, or Track 2– three credits + one-credit Capstone course), or about 1-1/2 years if you are continuously enrolled and progress according to the cohort degree plan.
• Bellevue has 4 terms per year: fall, winter, spring & summer.

Choosing an accredited, SHRM-aligned and career-focused program ensures you're getting value from both a quality and cost perspective.

The Bottom Line: Is a Master’s in Human Resource Management Right For You?

If you're looking to become a strategic influencer in your organization and make a measurable impact on workforce performance and satisfaction, then a master’s in HR is a worthy investment. It’s ideal for professionals growing in their careers who want to lead HR teams, shape organizational policies, or consult on talent strategy at a high level.

The right fit depends on your goals. If you’re focused on people, culture, and organizational leadership, an HR-specific degree focused on strategic management offers direct, specialized value. Learn how one alum gained the momentum needed for her career in HR to take off:

Military-Veteran Student, Working Professional’s Career Takes Off in Corporate Travel HR

Maggie (Wilch) Davis, a first-generation college student and Veteran of the Coast Guard, earned her Bachelor’s in Marketing Management after four years in the service, and followed it by entering the Master’s in Human Resource Strategic Management program at Bellevue University. Maggie tackled graduate school while also serving in the U.S. Naval Reserves, working, and raising a family.

“After graduating, I was promoted at the company I worked for at the time. I didn’t stop there. I knew that to advance in my career, I’d need to keep learning. I decided to pursue a Master's in HR Strategic Management, and once again, Bellevue University’s flexible online programs were key to making it work. Earning a Master’s degree while being a wife and raising a young child and advancing in my career was challenging, but the flexibility of Bellevue’s online format made it possible,” she said.

“As my career progressed, I was given the opportunity to oversee global teams—an experience that would have been difficult to navigate without the advanced leadership and strategic management education and skills I gained during my Master’s program.”

“These roles,” she explained, about her roles on global teams in corporate travel, “also required a degree with preference given to candidates with advanced degrees. I took on positions that required me to think not just about HR on a day-to-day level, but about how HR strategy fit into the larger global business landscape.”

“Managing teams across multiple countries, with different cultures, time zones, and business practices, required me to have a deeper understanding of both the global market and the strategic direction of the organization. My education gave me confidence and tools I needed.”

As a Veteran and reservist, Maggie needed flexibility and support to make it to the finish line. “As a reservist, Bellevue’s understanding of my military commitments was also a huge plus. They gave me the flexibility to attend my annual trainings without missing a beat in my studies. That kind of support made all the difference in my ability to balance everything.”

“Looking back, one thing that stands out about BU is how they truly understood my needs as a non-traditional student and veteran. They offered me the resources, flexibility, and support I needed to succeed—and that was especially crucial as I juggled a career, family, and service in the military,” she said.

Today, I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished in my academic and professional career and grateful for the opportunities that Bellevue University helped make possible. My education not only opened doors for my career but gave me the confidence to keep pushing myself to achieve more. My story is proof that with the right mindset, the right support, and a little flexibility, it’s possible to turn challenges into opportunities and build the future you want.

– Maggie Davis, Alum, 2024

Start Your Master’s in Human Resources at Bellevue University Today

Bellevue University believes the best way to build skills is by combining real-world, hands-on learning with theory. Whether you choose the on-campus or online master’s in human resources, the program offers an engaging and flexible learning experience that fits your personal and work life.

Bellevue University’s online master’s in human resources is built for working professionals who want flexibility without sacrificing academic quality. The curriculum is industry-aligned with SHRM, taught by experienced faculty, and designed to help you apply what you learn in real time.

Start your journey toward becoming a strategic HR leader.

Gain the tools to lead change, empower employees, and drive organizational success. Explore the Bellevue University Master’s in Human Resource Strategic Management today!

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