Human Resource Leadership, M.S.
John Chambers College of Business and Economics
With a master's degree in Human Resource Leadership, you'll learn about organizational priorities and challenges, while being involved in finding workable solutions. It's about creating a culture that fosters growth and innovation. With this degree, led by the WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics, you'll have a direct impact on a company's future.
Cost:
$1,043 / Cost per credit hour *
Courses and Credits:
10 Courses / 30 Credits
Duration:
One to two years / 8-week terms
Dates:
Next Start: August 18, 2026 Admission Term: Fall
Learning Format:
Online courses
Program Overview
Be Involved in Every Part of the Business
- Strategic HR Focus: Learn to align HR practices with organizational goals and lead initiatives that foster growth and innovation.
- Data-Driven Decision-Making: Gain the analytical tools to make informed, evidence-based management decisions.
- Leadership Development: Build the confidence and skills to lead teams, influence culture, and drive change.
- In-Demand Skills: Graduate with both technical HR expertise and the interpersonal skills employers value most.
- Flexible Online Format: Designed for working professionals seeking career advancement without putting their lives on hold.
"This online master’s degree is career-relevant and prepares working professionals for leadership roles in their respective field. It...provides students with an enhanced skill set for career advancement and superior marketability."
Jamie Field
Human Resource Leadership M.S. Program Coordinator
Curriculum
Offered by the John Chambers College of Business and Economics, the M.S. in Human Resource Leadership plan of study requires 30 credit hours of graduate coursework. The program is designed for working professionals with varying educational and professional backgrounds. Students may enter the M.S. in Human Resource Leadership program at the start of the fall semester, completing the program in 12 or 24-months.
You will be educated in how to understand business practice and strategy from an integrated perspective that is not limited to a functional "silo." Students will apply their learning to improve the performance of organizations in local, state, and federal contexts by leveraging the diverse talents of human capital.
After graduation, you will be able to:
- Explain choices in human capital policies and procedures using established theory.
- Evaluate the impact of HR practices on organization and individual-level performance and strategic goal attainment.
- Recommend, implement, and assess changes to human capital management both to increase organizational performance, and in response to externalities and change in organization strategy.
- Effectively lead teams and organizations through change management initiatives.
- Foster the creation and growth of positive work environments and effective organizational cultures.
- Utilize data and business analytics to assess performance and value-creation.
- Effectively communicate across all levels of organizational hierarchy.
- HRL 503: Performance Management Systems & Strategies, 3 credit hours
- HRL 510: Recruitment, Assessment, and Selection, 3 credit hours
- HRL 520: Artificial Intelligence Management, 3 credit hours
- HRL 541: Total Rewards Systems, 3 credit hours
- HRL 551: Human Resource Development, 3 credit hours
- HRMG 548: Strategic Management for Human Resources, 3 credit hours
- BADM 621: Business Research, 3 credit hours
- BADM 633: Leadership, 3 credit hours
- BADM 641: Decision Analysis for Executives, 3 credit hours
- BADM 644: Legal Environment and Ethics, 3 credit hours
Video: Why Choose the HRL Program?
Admissions Events
Admissions Requirements and Eligibility
Human Resource Leadership admission requires successful completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and a minimum of two years of full-time work experience post bachelor’s degree.
Admissions Process and How to Apply
- Create a username and password
- Once an account has been created, applicants can edit the application at their
discretion. Please complete all questions asked.
- When selecting a start term, choose "fall."
- Upload an up-to-date resume.
- Request 1 letter of recommendation through the online portal.
- Create a Personal Statement.
- Pay an application fee.
- Submit application.
- Applicants will then need to send their transcripts to WVU's Office of Admissions.
- If the applicant's undergraduate school offers "e-script" (an official electronic copy of transcripts), email the transcripts to GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu. This will help expedite the admissions process.
- If they do not offer this service, please have your official transcripts mailed to: WVU Hub P.O. Box 6004 Morgantown, WV 26506
- International Students - WVU’s minimum score requirements for English proficiency
are:
Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid
- File the application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the June deadline to determine eligibility for funding and scholarships.
- Inquire with your employer about potential financial support for continuing your education.
Connect with Our Team
Ann Clayton Online Admissions Coach
(304) 293-0915 Ann.Clayton@mail.wvu.edu
Explore Profile Schedule Chat
Careers and Employment
As the field of human resources evolves, so too does the need for HR leaders who are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills. An online master's degree in human resources leadership can give you the edge you need to succeed in today's competitive marketplace. There are many job titles that HR leaders can have, depending on the size and type of organization they work for. Here are a few examples:
Career Paths
- Human Resources Manager
- Director of Human Resources
- Vice President of Human Resources
- Chief Human Resources Officer
- Senior Vice President of Global Talent
- Information Technology Project Manager
- Administrative Service Manager
- Business Continuity Planner
- Financial Manager
- Human Resources Manager
- Agent or Business Manager
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Treasurer and Controller
- Administrative Service Manager