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Human Resource Leadership, M.S.

John Chambers College of Business and Economics

HR professionals in a meeting around a table, two people are shaking hands

WVU's M.S. in Human Resource Leadership is built for professionals who want to lead change, shape workplace culture, and drive results. This fully online program from the John Chambers College of Business and Economics helps you develop the skills to solve real organizational challenges — while balancing your education with your career. You’ll learn how to lead with confidence, make data-informed decisions, and align people strategies with business goals. Plus, the curriculum follows SHRM guidelines, so you’re gaining the knowledge and competencies that today’s employers expect.

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, Spring

Learning Format:

Online courses

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Program Overview

Invest in Your Future

If you're ready to lead with confidence in today’s evolving workplace, the M.S. in Human Resource Leadership from West Virginia University is designed for you. This 30-credit hour, fully online program helps you build advanced knowledge in human resources, sharpen your leadership skills, and make data-informed decisions that drive organizational success. You’ll gain both the technical HR expertise and the people skills that employers value — skills that are often missing from on-the-job training. And because the curriculum is aligned with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), you can be confident that what you’re learning meets the highest industry standards.

As a student in this program, you’ll learn how to think beyond traditional HR silos and approach business challenges from a strategic, enterprise-wide perspective. You’ll explore how to leverage human capital to improve performance in public and private organizations, and you’ll graduate ready to take on roles that make a real impact. Whether you're looking to advance in your current role or pivot into a new one, this program gives you the tools to grow your career — and your influence.

  • Strategic HR Focus: Learn to align HR practices with organizational goals and lead initiatives that foster growth and innovation.
  • Data-Driven Decision-Making: Build the analytical skills you need to make informed, evidence-based management decisions.
  • Leadership Development: Strengthen your ability to lead teams, influence workplace culture, and drive meaningful change.
  • SHRM-Aligned Curriculum: WVU’s program follows the SHRM Curriculum Guidebook and Templates — recognized globally as the gold standard in human resources education.
  • In-Demand Skills: Graduate with the technical and soft skills that today’s employers are actively seeking.
  • Flexible Online Format: Advance your career on your schedule — this program is built for working professionals like you.

"This program not only allowed me to fulfill my goal without having to sacrifice my career and income, but also allowed me to pursue a degree in a field that I love."

Haley Wiseman | Read Haley's Q&A

Online M.S. Human Resources Leadership, 2023.

Headshot of Haley Wiseman a graduate of WVU's M.S. in Human Resource Leadership

Curriculum

Offered by WVU’s John Chambers College of Business and Economics, the M.S. in Human Resource Leadership is designed with working professionals in mind — no matter your academic or career background. The fully online format gives you the flexibility to balance your education with your career and personal commitments.

In this program, you’ll learn how to approach business strategy from a big-picture perspective — not just through the lens of a single department or function. You’ll explore how to lead teams, make data-informed decisions, and apply what you learn to improve organizational performance in real-world settings. Whether you're working in the public or private sector, you'll graduate ready to make a meaningful impact by leveraging the full potential of human capital.

Learning Outcomes

After graduation, you will be able to:

  • Articulate expertise in the functional areas of human resource management including recruitment, selection, performance management, training and development, total rewards, and labor relations.
  • You will learn how to synthesize advanced knowledge of human resource management with business operations to facilitate strategic solutions that align stakeholder interests, HR practices, and business needs to drive organizational performance.
  • You will gain the skills to collect, analyze, and integrate demographic and business data using appropriate tools and methods to effectively assess human capital decision alternatives and make recommendations.
  • You will develop the ability to build ethical, long-term partnerships within and between organizational business units that enhance employee satisfaction and motivation while balancing effectiveness and efficiency.

Required Courses
  • 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
Total: 30 Credit Hours

SHRM Academic Alignment
As of July 23, 2023, West Virginia University aligned its M.S. in Human Resource Leadership with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates. Throughout the world, over 500 programs in approx. 425 educational institutions have been acknowledged by SHRM as being in alignment with its suggested guides and templates. The HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates were developed by SHRM to define the minimum HR content areas that should be studied by HR students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The guidelines -- created in 2006 and revalidated in 2010, 2013 and 2017 -- are part of SHRM’s Academic Initiative to define HR education standards taught in university business schools and help universities develop degree programs that follow these standards.
AACSB accreditation logo
Chambers College is Accredited by the AACSB
The Chambers College is AACSB accredited and has been for over 60 years. Only 5% of business schools globally receive this distinction.

Connect With Us

Aaron Rose John Chambers College of Business and Economics

(304) 293-4364 Aaron.Rose1@mail.wvu.edu

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Video: Why Choose the HRL Program?

Program Requirements and Eligibility

Admission to the M.S. in Human Resource Leadership requires successful completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Admissions Process and How to Apply

To apply to West Virginia University as a graduate applicant:
  • Review the requirements for the program and learn what materials are needed to apply.
  • Create an account, start your application and follow the instructions.
  • Pay the application fee.
  • Submit your application.

Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid

The University provides a comprehensive approach to helping you finance your education. Learn more on the WVU Financial Aid Website.

Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies, and living expenses. Visit the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.

Students are encouraged to:
  • 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.
Tuition per credit hour is listed on the page of your program of interest. Please note, tuition and fees are reviewed and subject to change at the start of each academic year.

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

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Get in Touch

The WVU Online team is here for you during your online learning journey. We can help you navigate the curriculum of your program of interest, understand the application process, and keep you posted on upcoming events and deadlines.

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