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Dr. Wallace E. Boston School of Business

Human Resource Management

Online Master of Arts in Human Resource Management

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72%Have Graduated with No APUS-incurred Student Loan Debt2

About This Human Resource Management Program

The MA in Human Resource Management at American Military University (AMU) equips students with the expertise to navigate labor relations. Learners study the strategies today’s HR manager employs to build an engaged, diverse workforce. 

Courses also analyze the connection between human resources and organizational development. Students review how HR professionals collaborate with executive leadership to ensure talent allocation aligns with company goals.

Designed to sharpen problem-solving skills, this graduate program addresses the challenges HR teams face when workers’ demands conflict with employer expectations. Class discussions explore the evolution of human resources management as students consider historical advancements in employment law. This online master's program also delves into strategies for evaluating employee performance and leading positive organizational change.

Additionally, AMU’s human resource management program examines how the global business environment influences modern HR functions. Students deepen their understanding of the role HR plays in overall organizational effectiveness.

Courses cover a broad range of topics, including:

  • Employee recruitment, development, and retention strategies
  • Compensation packages, benefits, and incentives
  • Employment law, rules, and regulations
  • Workforce development strategies
  • Advanced human resource development practices
  • Practical approaches to conflict resolution and maintaining workplace harmony
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies

Coursework also follows curriculum guidelines from the Society for Human Resource Management® (SHRM®) and the HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®).

Society for Human Resource Management® and SHRM® are registered trademarks of Society for Human Resource Management.

HR Certification Institute® and HRCI® are registered trademarks of Human Resource Certification Institute, Inc.

What You Will Do in This Online Master's Program

  1. Understand the difference between individual and group behavior in organizations and their influence in managing human resources
  2. Evaluate laws, rules, regulations, and policies impacting human capital
  3. Design compensation packages and incentives to recruit and retain employees in a diverse and inclusive organization
  4. Recommend strategic initiatives involving the HR department that align with the strategic direction of an organization, including diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives
  5. Examine the effectiveness of internal and external recruitment efforts toward staffing and retention goals

View Program Outcome Assessment Results

Degree at a Glance

Number of Credits
30
Transfer up to 15 credits1
Cost Per Credit
$455 | $250*
$386.75** | $409.50***
*with Preferred Military Rate
**with Veteran Grant
***with APUS Opportunity Grant
Courses Start Monthly
Online
and vary from 8 to 16 weeks

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Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version

Students must choose a concentration for this degree program:

This concentration focuses on ethics, cross-cultural management, crisis management, and organizational management as it applies to the field of human resource management.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:

  • Assess various approaches used by Global Human Resource Managers and Organizations to staff, training, develop, motivate and lead employees in the workplace of the 21st century.
  • Develop an understanding of the steps and planning necessary to ensure leaders are trained in crisis management.
  • Explain how ethical frameworks shape business decisions.
  • Explain the role of human resource management in the development of a learning organization.

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 2687

|
This course is a comprehensive analysis of how human resource policies are formulated by evaluating the interdependence of human resource and operating functions. Students will have the opportunity to assess policies geared toward high profile HR areas such as talent management, Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) regulations, employee development and compensation. Emphasis will be placed on policies and strategies as they relate to managing an intergenerational workforce. Additional special topics include network security, workplace violence, and bullying.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 2762

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The course examines the techniques, policies, processes, strategies, and practices used by companies and managers to leverage effectively and efficiently their human capital. Students will evaluate how HR practices are aligned with organizational objectives. Additional special topics include workforce planning, diversity management, and succession planning.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 2738

|
Students in this class will master the basic concepts, theories, and skills of workforce planning. Workforce planning is a critical human resource function and practice about winning the “war for talent” in today’s workplace. This course will address issues of attracting, staffing, and retaining a high valued and productive workforce. Succession planning is a key concept to be examined as well. Other topics to be addressed in this course include aligning business and staffing needs; assessing diversity, retirement and turnover; and developing competency models and the use of these models for staff development. Case studies, scenarios, and problem resolution in addition to readings and research in areas of interest are the focus of this course experience.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 5341

|
This course examines concepts related to promoting equal opportunities and inclusion in organizations. The course includes effective strategies to encourage collaboration among employees who are from diverse cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds. The course will highlight the best ways to foster a diverse and inclusive work environment to improve employee engagement and overall organizational performance.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 5298

|
This course examines issues and functions that business managers face within the context of day-to-day operations and long-term planning for an organization. Topics covered in this course include the tools used in business operations, the global dimensions of business, financial statement analysis, capital budgeting, legal and ethical behavior, and economic analysis for decision makers.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 2665

|
This course serves as an advanced course in human resource management with particular emphasis on the strategic planning process for each of the functions. Students will explore the historical evolution and philosophical foundation of the field as well as evaluate the current practices that are being used to support Human Resources in the workplace. Future human resource management challenges will be examined, and the emerging concept of strategic Human Resource professionals as business partners will be highlighted.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 2685

|
This course serves as an advanced course in compensation and benefits with particular emphasis on global compensation and benefit issues. Students will explore strategic, operational and tactical approaches to global compensation and benefits as they relate to an overall corporate multinational strategy. There will be an examination of expatriate and local staff compensation and benefit practices as students prepare effective compensation and benefits strategies through case studies, class discussions and other assignments.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 2686

|
This course is a conceptual and functional analysis of the legal framework and principles of employment law. Issues are addressed from a managerial perspective so that students have an opportunity to develop their business decision-making skills, (via employment law scenarios), as they relate to the evaluation of legal ramifications affecting a variety of workplace situations. Topics include the agency-employment relationship; discrimination under Civil Rights Act Title VII and other federal laws based on race/color, gender, age, national origin, religion, pregnancy, and sexual orientation; diversity, affirmative action, and bona fide occupational qualifications; employer negligence in hiring; criminal checks and credit screenings; physical fitness, ethics, and personality tests for employment purposes; vicarious liability, sexual harassment, and workplace violence; challenges with organized labor/unions under the National Labor Relations Act; working standards including pay, hours, age requirements, etc. set by the Fair Labor Standards Act and state equivalents; and challenges arising from the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 5340

|
This course outlines methods for building diversity and inclusion in the overall organizational vision and strategy. The course explores efforts to include diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the organization. The coursework will allow for practice and evaluation of existing strategies. Finally, technologies used to track diversity and inclusion in organizations will be explored.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session
Select any courses that have not been used to fulfill major requirements. Credits applied toward a minor or certificate in an unrelated field may be used to fulfill elective credit for the major.

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 4939

|
This MGMT696, M.A. in Management Capstone: Portfolio, course is the final course in the Master’s Program. This course will prepare graduate student to reflect on their graduate experience by compiling and revising artifacts from previous courses in the program into an organize e-portfolio. The e-portfolio will reflect the student’s educational growth from entry in the graduate program. In addition, the graduate student will develop the skills necessary to successfully transition to and navigate post-graduate life as well as understand the civic and social responsibilities of being educated citizens. Finally, students will be given the resources to connect with APU/AMU in an ongoing relationship.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

 

Prepare for HRCI and SHRM Certification Exams

Accreditors have reviewed this master’s degree program in human resource management and confirmed AMU’s curriculum aligns with HRCI certifications. Specifically, coursework helps students prepare for the Associate Professional in Human Resources® (aPHR®) and Professional in Human Resources® (PHR®) exams*. As HRCI states, these certifications follow industry-recognized standards and are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies® (NCCA).

SHRM accreditors have also assessed this HR management program to ensure the curriculum helps students prepare for SHRM certifications. Learners may sit for SHRM’s Certified Professional® (SHRM-CP®) and/or Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP®*) exams. The SHRM-CP exam assesses HR operational competencies, while the SHRM-SCP exam focuses on HR strategies.

*Eligibility requirements for PHR and SHRM-SCP certifications include professional human resources experience.
Associate Professional in Human Resources®, aPHR®, Professional in Human Resources®, and PHR® are registered trademarks of Human Resource Certification Institute, Inc.
SHRM Certified Professional®, SHRM-CP®, and SHRM-SCP® are registered trademarks of Society for Human Resource Management.

Gain Career-Relevant Knowledge and Skills

Learn from Faculty with Real-World Experience in Human Resources Management

With extensive backgrounds in HR leadership and academic research, AMU’s educators share unique insights that enrich our online curriculum. Through weekly lectures and class discussions, faculty members offer perspective on the latest practices within the HR field. Students gain an advanced understanding of key HR functions, from organizational development to employee engagement strategies.

Explore Topics that Shape the HR Industry

This master’s degree program provides a deep dive into effective strategies for managing labor relations. As you examine organizational behavior through the lens of HR leadership, you will also review the various functions of human resource development.

Talent Acquisition

Talent acquisition is a proactive approach to recruiting employees that centers on building relationships with candidates. A company will employ talent acquisition strategies to create a talent pipeline that matches organizational goals and culture.

Talent Development 

Talent development initiatives combine employee education and training programs to enhance organizational effectiveness. From creating onboarding documents to evaluating employee performance, an HR manager has a role in nearly every step of the talent development process.

Compensation and Benefits

A company’s compensation and benefits packages heavily influence its ability to attract and retain talent. Human resources professionals help guide the decision-making process surrounding employee compensation. Organizations also rely on HR managers to understand how employment law and the latest trends in labor relations affect workers’ expectations.

Workforce Planning

Workforce planning is a type of strategic planning that involves forecasting an organization’s talent demands and determining how to meet them. Students learn how human resources managers assess employee skill gaps to choose between upskilling current staff members and hiring new talent. Although recruiting is instrumental in human resources management, HR professionals must always take steps to avoid overburdening company resources.

human resource student

Human Resource Management in the Military

In each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, HR leaders organize policies and programs to support military objectives. These human resources professionals oversee everything from job assignments to promotions and even the discharge of personnel. A human resources director or specialist in the military could be responsible for overseeing payroll, training, and/or career planning.

Studying Human Resources Could Be a Natural Next Step for Those Who Have Served

Learn how your leadership skills and discipline translate to the business environment. Managing labor relations requires many of the same strengths that define servicemembers, veterans, and those with experience in military recruiting: 

  • Strategic planning 
  • Critical thinking 
  • Effective communication 
  • Attention to detail
  • Leading diverse teams

Pursuing an advanced degree in human resources management provides the opportunity to sharpen these skills. Courses examine the nuances of building a diverse workforce and engaging employees through teamwork to reach organizational goals. 

AMU also recognizes military training and experience as transferable credit that may count toward this online master’s degree program.

Qualifying Students May Apply Transfer Credits Toward This Online Master’s Degree Program

Military Experience

American Military University awards academic credit for professional military education and training. Students may therefore satisfy select program requirements for this master’s degree in human resource management through their military service.

Prior Education and Training

Previously completed education, government training, and professional training and certifications may count toward AMU’s graduate degree programs. Students pursuing this Master of Arts in Human Resource Management may complete a $0 transfer credit evaluation to find out if they qualify.

Learn more about how to apply transfer credit toward this graduate program.

 

AMU is Committed to Affordable Online Education

American Military University has a mission to provide accessible, quality education online.

Our Preferred Military Rate is available for both undergraduate and master’s-level courses. All U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents may qualify for the Preferred Military Rate.

In addition to affordable tuition rates, the University offers several grants that qualifying students may apply toward this graduate program.

Everyday Heroes Grant

Emergency services professionals, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, may be eligible for a 10% grant. Parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents of emergency services professionals may also qualify for the Everyday Heroes Grant.  

Veteran Grant

Veterans and their families may receive a 15% tuition grant for master's-level courses. Eligible family members include parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents of veterans.

Opportunity Grant

All prospective and current students in undergraduate and master’s-level programs are eligible to receive this 10% tuition grant. The grant is applied automatically and may not be combined with any other special promotions.

Learn more about university grants, federal student aid, and other forms of financial aid AMU accepts.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Human Resources Management

Human resource management involves the processes through which organizations leverage human capital to pursue their business goals. There are many human resources functions that support labor relations and contribute to organizational effectiveness, including:

  • Recruiting new talent
  • Planning employee trainings and other organizational development initiatives
  • Developing compensation and benefits packages 
  • valuating employee performance
  • Resolving workplace conflicts
  • Complying with local, state, and federal employment laws
  • Overseeing organizational communication

The human resources department is also responsible for maintaining an efficient organizational structure. HR managers work together with senior leaders to evaluate strengths and weaknesses within a company’s workforce.

If you are looking to deepen your understanding of the HR field, a master's degree in human resource management may be worth pursuing. Graduate students discuss how HR leaders solve problems through strategic decision-making. Courses also provide insight into employment law, conflict resolution, and the role of the HR department in organizational development.

The right advanced degree program for you will depend on your unique academic goals. HR management master’s degree programs provide students with in-depth knowledge of hiring strategies, employment law, and effective organizational communication. 

Alternatively, MBA programs typically cover more generalized aspects of business leadership and management. Still, MBA candidates at AMU have the opportunity to focus their studies with a degree concentration track in human resources. Through this MBA concentration, students will learn about human resource management in a global workforce. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), human resources managers are mainly responsible for ensuring employees’ skills align with organizational goals. An HR manager will connect with senior leadership to identify workforce planning objectives and hire or train team members accordingly. Additionally, HR managers oversee operations and workplace disputes to ensure organizations comply with employment laws and other applicable regulations.

Courses Start Monthly

Next Courses Start Mar 3
Register by Feb 28
Apply Now Request Info

Admission Requirements

  • All AMU master's degree/graduate certificate programs require a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an institution whose accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
  • Please read all graduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation.
  • Students are required to take BUSN604 as their first required course. If you have a bachelor's degree that is accredited by ACBSP, AACSB, or IACBE, you are NOT required to take the course listed above, and instead may take one graduate-level elective course.
  • There is no fee to complete the AMU admission application for this program. View steps to apply.

Materials Cost

Technology fee: $85 per course 

Need Help?

Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information, please contact an AMU admissions coach at 877-755-2787 or [email protected].

Quality Education Should Be Affordable

So you can focus on the opportunities ahead, without the financial burden of more expensive schools who are not as invested in your success. Learn more about paying for school.

Consumer Information

Disclosures

Maryland Residents learn more about costs, completion rates, median debt, and more.

2Alumni Graduated with No APUS-incurred Student Loan Debt As of December 31, 2021

Includes alumni who graduated with an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree from APUS. Student loan debt is defined as student loans and private education loans used for tuition, fees, living expenses, and book costs associated with courses taken at APUS. Many APUS students receive military tuition assistance and veterans education benefits, which are not student loan debt.

1The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University's transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.

*Cost Per Credit Hour

The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and  master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.

See all military student benefits.

Cost of Attendance

Learn more about AMU’s cost components and full cost of attendance.