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:
$1,004 / Cost per credit hour *
Courses and Credits:
10 Courses / 30 Credits
Duration:
One to two years
Dates:
Next Start: August 20, 2025 Admission Term: Fall
Learning Format:
Online courses
Program Overview
Be Involved in Every Part of the Business
Invest in Your Future
By focusing on developing advanced professional knowledge, data-driven decision-making skills, and leadership capabilities, you will be positioned to complete in a growing market and to see continued upward movement along their career path. Our graduates will be subject matter experts with the ability to make data-driven managerial decisions and will graduate with the skills to assume leadership roles within their organizations. Students will possess both the technical Human Resource Leadership skills in demand by national employers, as well as the "soft" or "people" skills frequently absent from on-the-job training.
"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.
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.
- HRL 503: Performance Management Systems & Strategies, 3 credit hours
- HRL 510: Recruitment, Assessment, and Selection, 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
- ECON 571: Economics of Labor, 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.
- Upload resume detailing employment history, job responsibilities and professional
accomplishments.
- Create a Statement of Purpose
- Describe your academic background and work experience (roles and responsibilities) and how they have prepared you to pursue a graduate degree in HR.
- Explain why you would like to pursue the online MSHRL at WVU.
- What are your career plans/goals after completing the MSHRL?
- Request 1 letter of recommendation through the online portal.
- 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 are required to submit a TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score. The John Chambers College of Business & Economics TOEFL requirement is higher than the University's. Applicants myst have:
- TOEFL score of either 580 (paper prior to July 27) or 68 (paper after July 27), 237 (computer), or 92 (Internet-based).
- IELTS, the minimum score must be 6.5
- Duolingo, the minimum score is a 105
- English language exam scores should be sent to:: WVU Hub 62, Morrill Way - Suite 220, Morgantown WV, 26506
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 an Admissions Coach
Ann Clayton Online Admissions Coach
(304) 293-0915 ann.clayton@mail.wvu.edu
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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