M.S. in Human Resource Management and Development: Lead the People Strategy
Earn your SHRM-aligned master's in HR for just $16,500, online or on-campus, with built-in preparation for PHR and SHRM-CP certification and the strategic skills to move into HR leadership.
- $16,500 Total Cost
- SHRM Academically Aligned
- PHR and SHRM-CP Exam Prep
- IACBE Accredited
Request More Information
Program at a Glance
What You'll Learn
- Practice HR functions focused on people and performance
- Design compensation, benefits, and talent strategies
- Apply employment law and regulations
- Lead training, development, and organizational effectiveness
- Build inclusive workplace cultures
- Align HR with business strategy
Full Course List
Next start: September 21, 2026 — seats filling fast.
Admissions Requirements
- Official transcripts from your degree-granting institutions
- A 750 to 1,000 word statement of academic and professional goals
- At least two professional or academic letters of recommendation
- A writing assessment (waived for a 3.0+ GPA or an existing graduate degree)
- A faculty review of your application
I chose NLU because they offer a graduate degree program in my preferred field of study. NLU has a great reputation and I am proud to be accepted in the program.
SHRM-aligned curriculum preparing you for aPHR, PHR, and SHRM-CP, the gold-standard HR credentials.
A $16,500 investment against a $140,030 median HR manager salary, one of the strongest returns in our catalog.
A dual-degree option with the M.S. in I/O Psychology, to lead both the strategic and behavioral sides of people management.
Where Will Your Degree Take You?
Human resources management is a high-demand, high-earning profession across every industry. NLU’s program positions graduates to advance from generalist and specialist roles to director and VP-level leadership, as HR business partners, talent and total-rewards leaders, and HR directors.
HR managers earn a median salary of $140,030 with faster-than-average growth and about 17,900 openings a year (BLS, May 2024). The SHRM alignment and certification prep give graduates a competitive edge in a field that increasingly values credentialed professionals.
How to Apply in 3 Simple Steps
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Request Information
Submit the form above. An NLU admissions advisor will reach out within one business day to answer your questions.
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Connect With an Advisor
Your advisor walks you through the application, the dual-degree option with I/O Psychology, and the writing assessment (waived for 3.0+ GPA).
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Apply and Start Classes
Submit your application at nl.edu with no application fee, transcripts, a goal statement, and two recommendations. Next start: September 21, 2026.
Take the First Step
No commitment required. An NLU advisor will reach out within one business day to map your path into HR leadership.
Take the First Step- $16,500 Total Cost
- SHRM Academically Aligned
- PHR and SHRM-CP Exam Prep
- IACBE Accredited
*Salary and growth: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Human Resources Managers (SOC 11-3121), May 2024.
**Cost, SHRM alignment, and curriculum: National Louis University M.S. in Human Resource Management and Development program page and SmartCatalog (nl.edu and nl.smartcatalogiq.com).