online master's degree of human resource strategic management
Spring term classes start March.
Connect in person with faculty and peers.
Earn your degree on your schedule
$680 per credit hour.
36 total credit hours.
prepare for your SHRM certification.
This human resource management degree is based on the knowledge needed to earn a SHRM-Certified Professional (CP)/SHRM-Senior Certified Professional) credential. Integrating hands-on learning with theory, this HR management degree prepares you to plan human resources and staffing; train and develop employees; manage compensation and benefits; understand employment law and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) compliance; and facilitate labor–management relations.
In your final term, you can choose either Emphasis 1—the Capstone course—or Emphasis 2—a modified Capstone course along with a SHRM CP/SCP preparation course for this important certification exam.
Apply your learning to real-world HR challenges.
Throughout the program, you’ll connect theory to practice through interactive coursework and applied learning projects. The degree culminates in a capstone experience, where you’ll develop a strategic plan for a real HR department—analyzing organizational needs, conducting field research, and proposing actionable solutions. In your final term, you can choose between Track I, featuring the traditional capstone, or Track II, which combines a modified capstone with SHRM CP/SCP exam preparation—allowing you to graduate ready for this highly regarded professional certification.
Earn your master’s online—one course at a time.
Designed for working professionals, this fully online, cohort-based program allows you to take one course at a time with the same group of peers, fostering collaboration and support throughout your journey. With no GRE or GMAT required, admission is simple and streamlined so you can focus on advancing your education and career. By integrating practical experience, academic rigor, and industry alignment, the M.S. in Human Resource Strategic Management prepares you to lead confidently and make a lasting impact on your organization and the people who drive its success.
what you'll learn.
In this program, you’ll learn to design strategic HR policies, ensure legal compliance, and communicate effectively to support organizational success and employee growth.
upon graduation, students will be able to:
- Apply employment law and "best practices" to human resource related activities.
- Assess internal and external organizational environments from a Human Resource perspective.
- Develop Human Resource policies and practices that align with business objectives.
- Construct a Professional Development Plan.
- Demonstrate proficiency in oral and written communication.
Awards
Bellevue Stories
Human Resource Strategic Management degree courses
Current students please login to BRUIN and select “Academic Progress” for your curriculum requirements.
Requirements (36-37 credit hours)
Focus for this course is on identifying the various functional areas within the Human Resource field as well as an introduction to employment law. This will include an overview of the following areas: Employee/Labor Relations, Recruitment and Selection, Health and Safety, Training and Development and Compensation and Benefits. Prereq: Admission to the MSHR Program
Employment law will be the focus for this course as well as employment law history and emerging/recent legislation. Topics covered include: discrimination and related laws, Fair Labor Standards Act, OSHA, unfair labor practices, FMLA and healthcare reform legislation. Prereq: Admission to the MSHR Program
Analysis of the dynamics of workplace behavior, communication and culture. Interpersonal behavior and communication theories will be applied to individual and group situations from a strategic human resource perspective to maximize the overall effectiveness of human capital management. Prereq: Admission to the MSHR Program
Identify and evaluate the unique issues and challenges involved with managing a global workforce. Topics include multi-cultural communication, legal and regulatory issues, compensation and benefit issues and organizational structure issues. Prereq: Admission to the MSHR Program
Identify and analyze the impact of current topics and issues for the HR profession, including but not limited to: Data Analysis, Technology Utilization/Human Resource Information Systems, Corporate Social Responsibility, Social Media, Diversity and Inclusion, and Health and Safety related issues. Prereq: Admission to the MSHR Program
Apply fundamentals of core recruitment functions, such as job analysis, sourcing, selection and evaluation to identify and evaluate “best practices” as well as potential sources of competitive advantage for organizations. Current issues related to recruitment and selection will also be explored in this course. Prereq: Admission to the MSHR Program
Apply fundamentals of core performance management functions, such as workforce planning, training and development, performance evaluation and succession planning to identify and evaluate Human Resources “best practices” and opportunities for gaining competitive advantages for organizations. Prereq: Admission to the MSHR Program
Evaluate core compensation related issues, such as motivational theories, compensation components, and compensation design to identify “best practices”. Focus is placed on aligning compensation practices with organizational goals and strategies. Prereq: Admission to the MSHR Program
Evaluate core benefit issues, such as benefit components, changing workforce demographics and needs, benefits design and healthcare legislation and implications to identify “best practices”. Focus is placed on aligning benefit practices with organizational goals and strategies. Prereq: Admission to the MSHR Program
Focus is placed on identifying the importance of using both quantitative and qualitative data for business decisions as well as how to conduct various types of data analysis. The use of effective presentation skills and audience sensitivity are other topics for this course. Prereq: Admission to the MSHR Program
Focus is placed on the application of in-depth knowledge of each functional area within the HR field from a strategic business partner perspective. This course will also incorporate effective communication skills with analytical and evaluation skills. Prereq: Admission to the MSHR Program
Choose between Track 1 and Track 2 for your final course(s).
All aspects of Human Resource Management functions will be comprised into a strategic plan for a Human Resource Department. Students will choose an organization to develop the plan for and analyze the organization from the various functional areas within HR. Students will also conduct in-depth research of the Human Resource field as well as prepare material designed to aid them in their careers. Prereq: Admission to the MSHR Program
MSHR 670 and 675 must be taken concurrently.
This course is designed to prepare students for the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) Certified Professional (CP) or Senior Certified Professional (SCP) certification exam. Students will have access to live/recorded instructor-led video sessions, addressing the totality of the SHRM-Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (BASK) covered in the exam and related assignments to prepare students for the SHRM certification exam. *Please note – students will have to register, pay for, schedule, and take the SHRM CP/SCP exam, which is external to this course. This is a preparation course only. Prereq: Admission to the MSHR Program
New Course All aspects of Human Resource Management functions will be comprised into a strategic plan for a Human Resource Department. Students will choose an organization to develop the plan for and analyze the organization from the various functional areas within HR. Prereq: Admission to the MSHR Program and can only be taken in conjunction with MSHR 670
Major Requirements Credits
= 36 total credits*
University Accreditation
Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission ( hlcommission.org ), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Whether a college, university, or program is accredited is important to students receiving financial aid, employers who provide tuition assistance, donors, and the federal government.
This program is considered a non-licensure degree/certificate program and is not intended for those seeking licensure or the practice of licensed profession. This program may be relevant to multiple occupations that do not require licensure and was not designed to meet educational requirements for any specific professional license or certification.
*Consult with an admissions counselor to determine your eligible credits, as well as to verify minimum graduation requirements for this degree. Transfer credits must be from a regionally accredited college or university. Bellevue University makes no promises to prospective students regarding the acceptance of credit awarded by examination, credit for prior learning, or credit for transfer until an evaluation has been conducted.
learn on your own time, from anywhere.
Flexible schedule.
Study on your own time with courses designed to fit your busy life—whether you're working, raising a family, or serving in the military.
Reliable technical support.
Access 24/7 tech support to keep you connected and focused on learning, no matter where you are.
Dedicated online student support.
From coursework access and connectivity issues to tutoring and resume assistance, we've got you covered.
Engaging online learning.
Enjoy interactive courses designed for real-world application, with multimedia content, discussions, and hands-on projects.
grow with faculty who’ve been where you are.