MS in Human Resource Management

American University
United States, Washington, DC

Office of Graduate & Professional Studies

Study location	Online
Type	Graduate, Online
Nominal duration	24 months (30 Credits)
Study language	English
Awards	(Master of Science in Human Resource Management)
Accreditation	https://www.american.edu/middlestates/

Tuition fee	$1,300 per credit The total tuition fee for the full program is $38,950.

Tuition fee

$1,300 per credit

The total tuition fee for the full program is $38,950.

Entry qualification	Bachelor Degree To be considered for one of our programs, you must have a USA Bachelor’s Degree or an internationally recognized equivalent, with a preferred GPA of 3.0 or above. All applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and we will also consider applicants with a lower GPA. Professional experience is recognized in lieu of academic qualifications, and those with at least two years of relevant experience are strongly encouraged to apply. Please note that some of our programs may have specific prerequisites that are required for entry onto the program. This information can be found on the relevant program information page. To be accepted onto one of our master’s degree programs we require the following supporting documentation: Personal identification document, e.g. passport or other identification. Official Degree Certificate and Transcript as evidence of a minimum of a USA Bachelor’s Degree or a recognized international equivalent. A personal statement (300-500 words) about why you want to study this program. Proof of English (POE) language proficiency where applicable. A Resume/CV and/or LinkedIn profile may be required for borderline applicants. The entry qualification documents are accepted in English only. Often you can get a suitable transcript from your School or University. If this is not the case, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the original. The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English. Often you can get a suitable transcript from your school. If this is not the case, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the original.

Entry qualification

Bachelor Degree

To be considered for one of our programs, you must have a USA Bachelor’s Degree or an internationally recognized equivalent, with a preferred GPA of 3.0 or above.

All applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and we will also consider applicants with a lower GPA. Professional experience is recognized in lieu of academic qualifications, and those with at least two years of relevant experience are strongly encouraged to apply. Please note that some of our programs may have specific prerequisites that are required for entry onto the program. This information can be found on the relevant program information page.

To be accepted onto one of our master’s degree programs we require the following supporting documentation:

Personal identification document, e.g. passport or other identification.
Official Degree Certificate and Transcript as evidence of a minimum of a USA Bachelor’s Degree or a recognized international equivalent.
A personal statement (300-500 words) about why you want to study this program.
Proof of English (POE) language proficiency where applicable.
A Resume/CV and/or LinkedIn profile may be required for borderline applicants.

The entry qualification documents are accepted in English only. Often you can get a suitable transcript from your School or University. If this is not the case, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the original.

The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English.

Often you can get a suitable transcript from your school. If this is not the case, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the original.

Language requirements	English International applicants are required to have one of the following English Language qualifications to be for considered for direct admission to any of our graduate programs: A TOEFL minimum score of 100 IELTS minimum score of 7 Duolingo minimum score of 120 Or an approved equivalent The university accepts many international qualifications in place of IELTS. A Proof of English Language Proficiency (POE) exemption may be offered to applicants who meet one of the following criteria: Completed at least 3 years of high school in an English-speaking country. Completed an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma in English. Completed a higher educational or professional qualification in English. Working in an English-speaking environment and demonstrably working in English.

Language requirements

English

International applicants are required to have one of the following English Language qualifications to be for considered for direct admission to any of our graduate programs:

A TOEFL minimum score of 100
*IELTS minimum score of 7
Duolingo minimum score of 120
Or an approved equivalent

*The university accepts many international qualifications in place of IELTS.

A Proof of English Language Proficiency (POE) exemption may be offered to applicants who meet one of the following criteria:

Completed at least 3 years of high school in an English-speaking country.
Completed an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma in English.
Completed a higher educational or professional qualification in English.
Working in an English-speaking environment and demonstrably working in English.

Other requirements	A statement of purpose must be added to your application. Your statement must outline why you want to study this program.

Other requirements

A statement of purpose must be added to your application.

Your statement must outline why you want to study this program.

Program Length: 24 Months
Credit Hours: 30
Total Classes: 10
Cost per Credit: $1,300

Earn Your MS in Human Resource Management online from American University

Gain the expertise to lead HR functions with a strategic and analytical approach. This fully online program blends traditional human resource principles with cutting-edge analytics to help you make data-driven workforce decisions.

Through interactive coursework and real-world applications, you will gain:

Expert-Led Learning: Learn from faculty with HR industry expertise in analytics, workforce planning, and talent management.
HR Data and Analytics Mastery: Develop skills in HR metrics, workforce analytics, and financial analysis.
Flexible Study Options: Complete coursework from anywhere with a fully online format.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals, faculty, and industry leaders to expand your career.

Download our Faculty Sheet to learn more about our distinguished faculty.

This program allows you to complete 10 courses over six semesters, earning your degree in less than two years while balancing your career and personal commitments.

A Career-Focused Curriculum

The MS in Human Resource Management (Online) program is designed to provide job-ready skills. The program emphasizes information systems, workforce metrics, data driven decision-making, and strategic workforce planning. Through interactive projects and case studies, you will gain hands-on experience in HR management and leadership.

Specialized Courses Include:

Human Resource Information Systems – Use a range of information systems to understand workforce trends and challenges.
Evaluating, Hiring and Employee Metrics – Analyze HR metrics and dashboards to manage talent and drive workplace decisions.
Financial Analysis for Human Resource Professionals – Develop financial projections for HR initiatives that impact an organization’s profitability.
Decision Making and Change Management – Frame and implement strategies for organizational change.

Download our Fact Sheet to read course descriptions for our recognized SHRM Aligned Curriculum.

What You’ll Gain:

HR Data Analysis & Workforce Metrics – Interpret HR trends to optimize talent management.
Data Driven Decision-Making – Use analytics to anticipate workforce needs and trends.
Talent Management & Employee Engagement – Leverage data to enhance workplace culture and performance.
Strategic HR Leadership – Align human resource strategies with business goals.

With a flexible, engaging online format, this program allows you to apply your learning immediately and advance your career in corporate HR, government, consulting, or nonprofit sectors.

Graduates of the program excel in roles such as:

HR Analysts – Use workforce data to optimize talent management.
HR Managers – Implement data-driven HR policies and programs.
Compensation & Benefits Analysts – Assess and design fair, competitive benefits packages.
Talent Acquisition Specialists – Leverage analytics to improve hiring strategies.
HR Consultants – Guide businesses in workforce planning, change management, and organizational strategy.

As organizations increasingly rely on analytics to make workforce decisions, the skills gained in this program will ensure you stay ahead in HR management and leadership.

Career Support for Lifelong Success

American University’s Career Center provides comprehensive job search support, career advising, internships, and scholarship opportunities—available to both current students and alumni worldwide.

With access to AU Career center, you can connect with recruiters and employers seeking HR professionals with analytics expertise.