Master of Arts in Human Resources Management

Graduate 

Human resources managers are integral parts of the leadership teams charged with directing complex organizations and a diverse workforce. Managing people and organizations requires both functional skills in human resources as well as expertise in strategic planning and organizational development. The Master of Arts in Human Resources Management prepares individuals in a variety of employment settings to join other organizational leaders at the table of decision makers.

Program Objectives

The Human Resources Management graduate program provides students with skills and information in key operational areas such as human relations and communications, compensation and benefits, training and development, employee and labor relations, and staffing and retention. In addition, the program teaches professionals how to contribute to organizational development, change, risk management and strategic planning.

Who Should Apply?

The master’s degree in Human Resources Management is designed for experienced human resources leaders and professionals seeking skills for advancement in the field. It is also for new or experienced professionals from a variety of other fields who wish to transition into human resources and managers who would like to explore leadership development in the workplace.

The small classes and opportunities to interact and take an active role in learning are what made the School of Continuing & Professional Studies the smartest choice for me.”

JEREMY WARD
MA in Human Resources Management
Admission Requirements

Admission to the program is on a selective basis. Applicants should have strong writing skills and a strong undergraduate record. Qualified students may take up to nine units on a non-degree basis.

Transferring Credit

A maximum of six units of related, comparable graduate-level course work may be transferred from another university or from a related graduate program at Washington University with the approval of the program director. These must be graduate-level units not used to fulfill undergraduate degree requirements. Transfer credit may be granted only for authorized courses for which the student received a grade of B or higher. 

Bachelor’s Degree

Admission to this program is on a selective basis to qualified persons with a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.

US Citizenship or Eligible Noncitizen

International students interested in the certificate programs must hold a visa that permits part-time study (including F-2 and J-2 visas).  Students holding  F-1 visas are not eligible for these programs.  Students holding a B-2 visa may be eligible if the coursework is recreational or avocational in nature.

Application Requirements
Application Deadlines

Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis and typically take one to two weeks. An application is incomplete and will not be reviewed until all of the application requirements have been received or processed.  Applicants are encouraged to submit all materials by the following dates:

  • Summer 2024: April 30, 2024
  • Fall 2024: July 31, 2024
  • Spring 2025: Dec. 31, 2024
Completed Application Form

The online application is available on our Apply page. Applications are ready for review when all fields on the application form are completed and the required documents have been received.

Official Transcripts From All Previous College Work

Transcripts are required from each institution that you have attended and taken courses, received your bachelor’s degree, taken post-graduate courses, or where a higher-level degree was conferred.  Official transcripts must be sent directly from the school’s registrar to CAPS.  Electronic transcripts should be forwarded to caps@wustl.edu.  For transcript questions, please get in touch with our Admission Coordinator/CRM Specialist, Patricia Agnew, paagnew@wustl.edu.

Non-United States course work transcript verification
If the transcript you submit for consideration is from a college or university outside the United States, a course by course transcript evaluation is also required. Evaluations will be accepted from World Education Services (WES), Spantran or another member institution of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For Spantran evaluations, you must use this form

Personal Essay

Tell us about yourself in a brief essay (about 250 words). Why are you applying to WashU School of Continuing & Professional Studies? What are your goals, both academic and professional? Is there additional information we should know about you when considering your application?

Three Letters of Recommendation

A college instructor or professional associate should complete letters of recommendation. If an instructor cannot be contacted, applicants may submit a waiver request to provide three professional recommendations. Letters can be submitted through the online application or mailed by the recommender.

Writing Sample

Please describe two significant challenges that are facing the future of the human resources profession. Explain how you will respond to these challenges as an HR professional.

Enrolling in School of Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS)

We are here for you every step. Getting started at CAPS is easy.

1. Meet with a Recruiter
2. Start Your Application
  • Applying is easy, and our advisors are here to help you find the path that fits your needs. Apply Today!
3. Plan Ahead

Take a course today. Apply later.

At CAPS, students can take courses without applying to a degree program. If you are interested in taking a class to get to know CAPS, to fulfill credits, for professional development, or to follow a passion, the non-degree option is for you. Learn more.

Course Work

REQUIRED COURSES: 21 UNITS

  • Organizational Behavior and Management (U87 520)
  • Human Resource Management (U87 531)
  • Compensation Management (U87 543)
  • HR Metrics (U87 558)
  • Strategy Formation and Organizational Effectiveness (U87 559)
  • Legal Aspects in Human Resources (U87 571)
  • Integrative Capstone Project for HR (U87 514)

ELECTIVE COURSES: 15 UNITS

Choose from the following:

  • SHRM Learning System (U87 402)
  • Individual and Organizational Introspection (U87 435)
  • Consulting Skills for Human Resources and Organizational Development Professionals (U87 504)
  • Coaching and the Modern Organization (U87 5130)
  • Organizational Communication (U87 523)
  • Organizational Development (U87 530)
  • Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace (U87 544)
  • Building High Performance, Team-Based Organizations (U87 565)
  • Principles of Finance (U87 582)

Student Success Navigators

Every CAPS student is paired with a Student Success Navigator at the time of admission to help you navigate your path and needs. We will provide you with the tools to make each moment spent on your education as valuable as possible. Students will receive:

  • individual appointments with an experienced Student Success Navigator;
  • career planning services to prepare you for opportunities after graduation;
  • a partner throughout your journey to ensure success.

HOURS
Student Success Navigators are available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday.

Still have questions?

Program Coordinator: 
Jennifer Fickeler
314-935-6700
Jfickeler@wustl.edu

Academic Advisor:

Rebecca O’Laughlin 
314-935-6742
Rolaughlin@wustl.edu