Master in Human Resource Management
Online HR Master’s Quick Facts
Total Credits:
30
Average completion:
2.5 years
Format:
Part time, 100% online
Next start date:
5/19/2025
A Leadership-Focused HR Master’s Degree
Smart HR decisions require strong business thinking. Because our HR master’s program is provided by the GW School of Business, you’ll see firsthand how HR and business strategy work together.
Here, you’ll connect with students and faculty who have worked in finance, marketing and other business areas — the same people you’ll collaborate with throughout your career. You’ll learn to present HR initiatives in business terms and communicate effectively with managers and individual contributors in every department.
We ground our curriculum in evidence-based practices and SHRM’s professional standards. Our flexible online format combines independent study with weekly live discussions so that you can build valuable skills and lasting connections, all while balancing work and life.
The workplace is changing, and we’ll help you lead as you build strong remote teams, implement AI in human-centered ways and foster workplaces where everyone can thrive.
Move Into High-Paying HR Leadership Roles
The median annual starting salary for HR managers is $136,350.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Online MHRM Program Outcomes
Take your HR skills from operational to strategic. GW Master of Human Resource Management graduates are ready to:
- Lead with confidence using proven HR strategies.
- Drive success in a globally connected, distributed workforce.
- Foster workplace inclusion through diversity initiatives.
- Develop employee growth programs that boost performance.
- Ensure compliance with employment law and mitigate risks.
Use their SHRM-CP credential for a competitive job market advantage.
Earn Your SHRM-CP Credential
You can take the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) exam before you finish your HR master’s degree, meaning that you can graduate with the powerful combination of an advanced degree and a professional certification.
“At GW, students often find themselves reading textbooks written by their professors. Our faculty members are shaping the HR field in areas like remote work, performance management, entrepreneurship and leadership.”
Chris Kayes
Chair, Department of Management and Professor of Management
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the program offered fully online?
Yes, the MHRM program is available 100% online, allowing you to complete your studies from anywhere while balancing personal and professional commitments. The program features weekly live sessions along with self-paced coursework.
- Is the program aligned with industry standards?
Yes, the MHRM program is aligned with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and allows students to earn their SHRM-CP certification before graduating. This alignment signifies that the curriculum meets the latest industry standards.
- What kind of interaction will I have with faculty and peers?
You will engage with faculty and peers through live, interactive sessions held once per week. These sessions are scheduled during the evenings to accommodate working professionals, and they are also recorded so you can review them.
How to Apply
We review applications on a rolling basis and encourage early submission. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Professional or academic recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Current résumé
- College transcripts
- Application fee
No GRE/GMAT required. Learn more about application materials and the process on our admissions page.
Your Career Growth in Human Resources
Career Paths
Our graduates build successful careers at all levels of human resources management, from guiding organizational strategy as HR directors and executives to driving workplace culture initiatives as DEI leaders.
Others serve as trusted HR business partners and consultants or they focus on specialized areas like compensation planning or HR analytics.
The degree also benefits department managers looking to strengthen their teams through advanced people management practices.
Here are some common job titles for MHRM graduates:
Top Job Titles | Salary |
|---|---|
| Human Resources Manager | $135,550 |
| Talent Acquisition Manager | $95,100 |
| Compensation and Benefits Manager | $136,386 |
| Chief People Officer | $170,900 |
| Learning and Development Manager | $117,600 |
| Diversity and Inclusion Manager | $102,700 |
| HR Management Consultant | $74,400 |
| Training and Development Managers | $124,423.36 |
22% of HR manager positions require a master’s degree, making this credential increasingly valuable for career advancement. Source: Lightcast, labor market data analytics provider
The GW Advantage
As a GW Business student, you receive exceptional career support through:
- The F. David Fowler Career Center, which connects students with employers and provides career consulting services exclusively for GW School of Business students and alumni.
- Direct access to expert faculty who bring decades of HR leadership experience.
- Dedicated career coaches who will build your job search strategy and amplify your professional strengths.
- A powerful GW alumni network of HR professionals and business leaders.
- Exclusive access to SHRM chapter events and professional development opportunities.
Next steps: Explore the MHRM curriculum, see our admission requirements or download the program brochure.