Master of Human Resource Management
Master of Human Resource Management
Step into the next phase of your HR career with the Master of Human Resource Management (MHRM) program at the George Washington University School of Business. Designed to address the challenges of today’s complex, fast-changing workplace, the program prepares you to think beyond basic HR operations and lead at a strategic level—aligning people, performance, and business outcomes while mitigating social and organizational dynamics. Through a blend of real-world application, expert instruction, and a business-first approach, you’ll gain the insight and confidence to lead with empathy, elevate workplace culture, and drive lasting organizational change.
Lead HR with a Business-First Mindset
Learn to connect human resource strategy with organizational goals. Through a business school lens, you’ll develop the analytical, strategic, and leadership skills to make data-informed decisions and apply innovative practices in team leadership, leadership development, and human performance management.
Flexible Format for Working Professionals
Designed to fit your schedule, the program offers online, on-campus, part-time, and full-time options.
Optional on-campus immersions for online students and short-term study abroad options are also available.
Learn from Industry Leaders in the Nation's Capital
Whether you study online or on-campus, our location in Washington, D.C. provides unparalleled access to learn from accomplished HR executives, faculty practitioners, and guest speakers at the forefront of the field. Gain practical strategies, tools, and insights you can apply immediately in your workplace.
Graduate with SHRM Credentials
Build in-demand expertise in areas like AI, workforce transformation, remote/hybrid work, and DEI—within a curriculum aligned to Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) standards. Prepare to take the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) exam before graduating and earn professional development credits, positioning you with both an advanced degree and a respected industry credential.
Jump to: Curriculum | Info Sessions | Admissions | Tuition & Funding | Careers | Meet Your Team | FAQs
Program at a Glance
Total Credits: 30 | Commitment: Part-Time or Full-Time | Delivery: In-Person or Online | Entry Semester: Fall, Spring
Average Completion: 1.5 years (full-time) or 2 years (part-time)
The MHRM curriculum prepares you to lead the full spectrum of human capital strategy. You’ll explore core areas such as HR analytics, employee relations, organizational culture, performance management, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through interactive coursework and collaborative learning, you’ll test ideas, share workplace insights, and tackle complex social and organizational challenges alongside peers and faculty. This hands-on approach ensures you graduate ready to lead as a strategic partner in any organization.
Sample Courses Below (* indicates an elective course)
Advanced HR Principles
- Strategic Human Resource Management
- Emerging Topics in Human Resource Management
- Organizations and Human Capital
Leadership Development
- Leading Teams
- Leadership and Executive Development
- Creativity and Innovation
Performance & Negotiation
- Performance Management and Development
- Conflict Management and Negotiations*
- Employment Law and Ethics*
- Program Outcomes
Take your HR skills from operational to strategic. GW Master of Human Resource Management graduates are ready to:
Image- Lead with confidence using proven HR strategies.
- Drive success in a globally connected, distributed workforce.
- Foster inclusive, high-performing workplace cultures.
- Design employee development programs that boost performance.
- Navigate employment law and reduce organizational risk.
- Online Learning: Flexible + Interactive
- GW Business' online courses combine live engagement with asynchronous flexibility to create a dynamic learning experience.
- Courses include a weekly one-hour live classroom session, offered evenings or weekends, that feature lectures, case discussions and group activities.
- Real-time interaction allows students to collaborate with faculty and classmates.
- Sessions are recorded and available on demand, allowing you to learn on your schedule.
- Faculty host online office hours to provide personalized guidance, answer questions and discuss assignment feedback.
- SHRM Recertification and Academic Alignment
The GW School of Business is a recognized SHRM Recertification Provider. Our courses are pre-approved for Professional Development Credits (PDCs), helping HR professionals earn or maintain their SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credentials. This designation reflects GW’s status as a trusted provider of choice for ongoing HR professional development.
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SHRM Academic Alignment Program participants are recognized as SHRM academic partners and, as such, are seen as a top choice for students seeking a career in Human Resources. Students enrolled in a SHRM academically aligned program are provided with the opportunity to earn their SHRM-CP credential prior to graduating, providing them with a competitive advantage in the job market.
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View Curriculum + Degree Requirements
Maximize Your ROI: Customize Your Degree Path
- The 4+1 Program: Earn Your Bachelor’s and Master’s in Five Years
Students pursuing a bachelor's degree in an eligible GW school have the opportunity to accelerate the path to earning a Master's in Human Resource Management.
- Dual Degree Opportunity: MBA + MHRM
Double your impact with GW’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Human Resource Management (MHRM) dual degree.
By sharing some credits, students spend less time and less money than they would if the degrees were earned individually. Students are required to apply to both programs separately.
The Online MBA and the Healthcare MBA degree programs are available options to those pursuing the MHRM degree online.
- Graduate Certificates: Deepen Your Knowledge at No Additional Cost
Tailor your degree to your professional goals by adding a graduate certificate that builds specialized expertise alongside your core human resource management education. These stackable certificates allow you to deepen your knowledge in a focused area—at no additional credit cost*.
Choose from the following 12-credit graduate certificates or explore all certificate options:
Human Capital
Develop strategic HR and talent management expertise. Learn how to align people strategies with organizational goals, from workforce development to organizational behavior.
Management Leadership
Strengthen your leadership capabilities across all organizational levels. Focus on building self-awareness, inspiring teams and leading innovation.
Project Management
Gain practical tools and techniques for leading complex projects across industries, based on frameworks established by the Project Management Institute (PMI).
*Additional credits may be required for this certificateQuantitative Business Foundations
Build the analytical expertise needed to drive strategy in any industry. Gain a strong foundation in core business disciplines—ideal for students without a background in business.
*Additional credits may be required for this certificate
Admissions
Admission to GW's MHRM program is competitive, with limited enrollment to support a collaborative, cohort-based learning experience.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission is encouraged.
Our admissions team is here to guide you through the process and answer any questions along the way. Learn more about application requirements and next steps on our How to Apply page.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission is encouraged. The admissions committee takes a holistic approach, considering academic performance, professional experience and achievements, and letters of recommendation.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities
- Current résumé
- Statement of Purpose: In no more than 500 words, describe how this program fits into your professional life and your career objectives.
- One letter of recommendation from a professional and/or academic reference
- Application fee (non-refundable)
- Completed online application form
No GRE or GMAT is required. However, applicants who feel their test scores strengthen their candidacy are welcome to submit them.
Applicants who require a visa to study in the United States must also fulfill additional requirements in order to be considered for admission to a graduate program at the School of Business.
Application Deadlines
Candidates seeking financial assistance and international students requiring visas are encouraged to apply early. Only completed applications, with all required materials, will be considered for admission.
- Spring 2026 - Closed
- Summer 2026 - April 15, 2026
- Fall 2026 - April 15, 2026
Please note: Admission to the Global MBA, Accelerated MBA, Master of Accountancy in Accounting Analytics, M.S. in Applied Finance, and M.S. in Business Analytics programs is only offered for the fall semester. Summer admissions deadlines apply only to our online MBA and Specialized Master's degree programs. Admission to all other programs is only offered for the fall and spring semesters. Additionally, our doctoral and executive education programs may have different admissions deadlines.
Tuition, Fees & Funding
Funding your graduate education is an important step in your journey, and there are a number of resources that can help you navigate tuition information, costs and fees and financial aid opportunities.
A Scholarship Built Into Your Degree
If you’re accepted to our ONLINE Master in Human Resource Management for the Summer or Fall 2026 semesters, you’ll automatically receive a scholarship to save up to 30% off tuition.
No additional applications. No special requirements. Just a world-class education that’s more affordable.
Career Outlook
A Master’s in Human Resource Management prepares you for influential, high-impact roles across today’s evolving workplace. The MHRM degree also benefits department managers looking to strengthen team performance through more strategic, people-centered leadership.
As demand for advanced HR expertise grows, employers are increasingly seeking candidates with graduate-level credentials. 22% of HR manager roles now require a master’s degree (Source: Lightcast), making the MHRM a valuable differentiator for career advancement.
HR leadership roles also offer strong earning potential. The median annual salary for HR managers is $136,350 (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), reflecting the critical role these professionals play in organizational success.
Learn More About HR Management Career Paths
Explore median salary ranges for common career paths pursued by MHRM graduates, reflecting the versatility and earning potential of the degree:
| Job Title | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Human Resources Manager | $140,030 |
| Compensation and Benefits Manager | $140,360 |
| Labor Relations Specialist | $93,500 |
| Training and Development Manager | $127,090 |
| Administrative Services & Facilities Manager | $106,880 |
| Chief Executive (includes CPO, CHRO) | $206,420 |
| Management Analyst | $101,190 |
- Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics | |
Where GW Alumni Are Leading
GW graduates advance into positions at every level of HR leadership—from shaping organizational strategy as HR executives to driving workplace culture as engagement leaders. Others serve as HR business partners or consultants, or specialize in areas like compensation planning and HR analytics.
Here are just some of the organizations where GW Business alumni are advancing their exciting careers:
- Amazon
- Chevron
- Deloitte
- Lilly
- Microsoft
Career Support
Personalized Career Coaching
Experienced career coaches—who have a proven track record of supporting student placement and career advancement—help refine your goals and build an effective job search strategy.
Dedicated Career Center
Gain exclusive access to employer connections, recruiting opportunities and career resources through the GW Business F. David Fowler Career Center.
Mentorship Opportunities
Participate in the Careers360 program to connect with industry mentors in consulting, finance or marketing.
Global Alumni Network
With more than 60,000 alumni spanning 260+ organizations, Fortune 500 companies, startups, and nonprofits around the world, you’ll gain access to mentorship, connections, and career opportunities that open doors and accelerate your impact.
"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
Meet Your Team
Admissions Team
business
gwu [dot] edu (subject: MS%20in%20Project%20Management%20admissions) (Email Admissions Team)
Faculty Director
nshillgwu [dot] edu (Sharon Hill)
Academic Advisor
Frequently Asked Questions
- 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 are the core courses in the program?
Some of the core courses include:
- Organizations and Human Capital
- Strategic Human Resource Management
- Leadership and Executive Development
- Performance Management and Development
In addition, students must complete 6 credits of electives from a selection of specialized topics such as Conflict Management, Employment Law and Leading the Virtual Workforce.
- Can on-campus students take online courses and vice versa?
Yes, students enrolled in the on-campus Master in Human Resource Management may be eligible to take online courses if space is available. Similarly, online students may take on-campus courses, subject to availability.
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