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Develop Talent while Cultivating a Thriving Workplace Culture

Elevate Your Career by Empowering Professional Success Within Your Organization

Whether you’re looking to optimize business performance, enhance workplace culture, or develop future leaders, the Master of Science in Human Resource Management and Development program provides the knowledge and tools to make a meaningful impact in human resource management. This 30-credit hour, SHRM-aligned program prepares students to lead with confidence in today’s evolving workplace. Our expert faculty will blend strategic HR management with people development, empowering graduates to drive organizational success while fostering employee growth. Courses incorporate a mix of presentations, discussions, case analyses, and group or individual projects to ensure a dynamic learning experience.

Students come from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, creating a rich diverse community of learners who form a network to support each other in both intellectual and personal growth. The 100% online, asynchronous format allows students to set their own schedule, completing their degree in as few as 10 months or adjusting the pace to balance academics with work and personal commitments. Each course includes integrated video lectures and optional live sessions, enhancing student engagement and providing additional support. With six entry points and accelerated 8-week courses, the program offers maximum flexibility.

Robust curriculum provides a strong foundation in HR principles, strategic leadership, and employee development, ensuring that all students—regardless of experience—gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in human resource management. Through coursework in talent acquisition, compensation strategy, learning and development, and workforce planning, students develop expertise in both the operational and transformational aspects of HR, equipping them to make meaningful impact in the workplace.

Victoria Quote

Victoria Palmisano

“Our program prepares you to take the SHRM certification exam, a globally recognized standard of excellence in human resource management. Earning this certification sets you apart as a leader in the field.”

Locations
Madison, WI
Formats
Virtual
Number of Credits
30
Next Start Date
May 19, 2025

Careers within Human Resource Management and Development

$136,350

6%

A master’s degree in human resource management and development opens the door to a variety of mid-to-senior level HR roles.

  • Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)
  • Compensation & Benefits Manager
  • Director of Human Resources
  • Director of Labor-Management Relations
  • Recruiter
  • Talent Acquisition Specialist
  • Vice President of Human Resources

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Accreditation

Edgewood College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Faculty Spotlights

Victoria-Palmisano_1x1_rv

Victoria Palmisano

VPalmisano@edgewood.edu

Jacob Gill

Jacob Gill

JGill@edgewood.edu

Leigh Maxwell

Leigh Maxwell

LMaxwell@edgewood.edu

SHRM Academically Aligned

The Society for Human Resource Management (SRHM) is the leading global organization dedicated to advancing the HR profession and workplace excellence. SHRM sets industry standards, provides professional certifications, and empowers HR professionals with resources to drive both business and individual success.

SHRM-aligned academic programs ensure that graduates gain the knowledge and skills needed to meet industry expectations and confidently navigate real-world HR challenges. We are proud that our Master of Science in Human Resource Management and Development program is SHRM-aligned, preparing students for success as they enter the transformative world of elevating the people of their organizations.

Choose Edgewood’s SHRM-Aligned Program if….

  • …you want a competitive advantage in the job market
  • …you want to be ready for your career on day one
  • …you want to be prepared for, and eligible to take, the SHRM certification exam

Logo SHRM

Frequently Asked Questions

Is previous experience in Human Resources required?

No, prior experience in HR is not a requirement to enroll in this program. While a background in HR or business can be beneficial, our program has been created to support both experiencing professionals looking to advance in their career and those new to the field.

Do you have a list of courses for this degree?

Yes! Below is the list of the required courses for the Human Resource Management and Development program. Courses provide a comprehensive foundation in ethical leadership, organizational design, workforce management, and global HR strategies, empowering students with critical thinking, decision-making, and people management skills.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS (30 credits)
BUS 616 Business Ethics 3
ORG 605 Employee Learning & Development 3
ORG 610 Organizational Analytics & Design 3
ORG 620 Individual and Team Interventions 3
ORG 625 Leading in a Global Context 3
ORG 630 Organizational Change 3
ORG 640 Sustainable Decision Making for Leaders 3
ORG 645 Workforce Management: Compensation & Benefits 3
ORG 650 Employment Law 3
ORG 655 Human Resource Management & Relations 3

 

When can I apply for this program?

We encourage students to submit their graduate application and admissions materials by the application deadline. However, we will continue to accept applications on a continuous basis until the start of the session.  Applications considered complete after the priority deadline can be considered for admission for the next session.

We’re pleased to offer six entry points throughout the academic year, giving new students flexibility in starting their journey.

Academic Term Start Date Application Deadline
Summer I 5/19/25 5/5/25
Summer II 7/7/25 6/23/25
Fall I 8/25/25 8/11/25
Fall II 10/20/25 10/6/25
Spring I 1/20/26 TBD
Spring II 3/23/26 TBD

 

What are the admission requirements?

Applicants for any of the student classifications except non-degree must meet all requirements for admission to the graduate programs. To be considered for admission, applicants must provide the following:

  1. Completed graduate application.
  2. Provide evidence of a baccalaureate or more advanced degree from an accredited or equivalent post-secondary institution with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for regular admissions status. The cumulative grade point average is computed on the highest degree held at the time of application.
  3. Request that official transcripts for all academic credits received from any post-secondary institutions be sent directly to Edgewood College Graduate and Professional Studies.

Does Edgewood College require the GRE/GMAT for admission?

No, these exams are not required. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) are standardized tests often used for admission into advanced business degree programs. Instead, our admission process takes a holistic approach, considering multiple factors beyond a single test score, making graduate education more accessible.

Can I transfer my credits from a different college for this program?

Up to 10 hours of graduate level coursework may be submitted for consideration of transfer for application to this degree program. Approval of the program director is required. To be considered, a course must have been taken within the past five years. For more information about transfer credits, please contact your admissions counselor.

What is the program cost?

Earning a graduate degree is a significant investment in your future, reflecting your commitment to lifelong learning and professional excellence. This program is designed to be both flexible and competitively priced. For the most up-to-date information, please visit our Tuition & Fees webpage.

Financing your Master’s Degree

We understand that affordability is a key concern for master’s level students, and our dedicated admissions and financial aid counselors are here to help. They will work with you to explore creative financing solutions, including tuition reimbursement plans, corporate partnership discounts, third-party billing, monthly payment plans, and veteran benefits. Graduate students in the United States may also be eligible for Federal Stafford Loans.

Edgewood Central

Our financial aid team is available to assist you with any questions regarding tuition, fees, and financial aid. You can reach Edgewood Central via email at ecentral@edgewood.edu or by calling (608) 663-4300.