Master of Science in Human Resources Management-Boston
The Master of Science in Human Resources Management is a comprehensive degree program designed to enhance students' understanding of human resources management and related technology while providing the experience needed to advance in the field.
Take a Quick Look
We’re committed to creating an education as unique as your career path. So, whether your goal is a new career or moving up in your field, our innovative programs will get you going your way.
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Customize your plan
We work with you to map your path to your goal.
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Learn from experience
From real-world case studies to employer-based projects, we prepare you to manage what comes next.
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Choose your focus
Whatever you’re passionate about, you’ll find the classes to sharpen your specialty.
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Study anywhere, on your time
Part-time or full-time, we move at your speed, to get you where you’re going.
Overview
Northeastern University’s Master of Science in Human Resources Management program prepares students to connect an organization’s strategy and its people, providing a specific focus on the new technologies that are profoundly changing the workplace and the role of HR professionals.
Students examine the trends influencing the future of human resources. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of diversity and equity within the workplace and their correlation to greater business success. Through workforce analytics and strategic workforce planning coursework, students also learn to make business decisions based on understanding and interpreting workplace data.
Students can earn their degree online or on the Boston campus, choosing from leading-edge concentrations that align with trends reshaping the human resources field. Through Northeastern’s signature experience-powered learning model, students integrate coursework with real-world practice—graduating fully prepared to be effective strategic business partners in their organization.
More Details
Unique Features
- The degree features a flexible learning format offered online or on the Boston campus. Students can work while earning their degree or study full time and complete the program in as little as a year.
- Students gain real-world experience through Northeastern’s experiential learning model and a 12-week capstone course that allows them to work on a virtual HR consulting project with a leading company or their current employer.
- The curriculum features in-demand competencies shaping the future of human resources, including digital HR, artificial intelligence, global talent management, leadership, and organizational communication. Students can tailor their studies to fit career objectives.
- Courses are taught by expert faculty with a wide range of human resources expertise.
- The program has a Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) student chapter connected to the largest global HR association. Students gain access to membership discounts, materials, events, and a connection to a worldwide professional community.
Unique Transfer Credit Opportunities
Students with HR Certification Institute and the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) certificates can receive between three to 12 transfer credit quarter hours toward their MS, allowing students to accelerate program completion.
About the SHRM, HRCI, and AIHR Certification Transfer Credit Opportunities:
Why consider a graduate degree in Human Resources Management from Northeastern University? We recognize the knowledge and HR competencies demonstrated by those who have earned their SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR or AIHR certifications. As a result, credential-holders have the unique opportunity to accelerate through a Northeastern University degree.
Successful applicants for a master's degree program with their SHRM-CP or PHR:
- Will receive 3 quarter hours of transfer credit - a 6% savings in tuition.
- Will be able to earn a master’s degree by completing 14 courses, rather than 15.
- Transfer credit is awarded for the following course: HRM 6015 Introduction to Human Resources Management.
Successful applicants for a master's degree program with their SHRM-SCP or SPHR:
- Will receive 6 quarter hours of transfer credit - a 13% savings in tuition.
- Will be able to earn a master’s degree by completing 13 courses, rather than 15.
- Transfer credit is awarded for the following courses: HRM 6015 Introduction to Human Resources Management and HRM 6005 Creating a High-Performance Organization.
Successful applicants for a master's degree program with their AIHR:
- Will receive up to 12 quarter hours of transfer credit - a 27% savings in tuition.
- Will be able to earn a master’s degree by completing 11 courses, rather than 15.
- Transfer credit is awarded for the following courses: HRM 6025 Workforce Analytics, HRM 6035 Digital HR, HRM 6042 Strategic Workforce Planning, HRM 6020 Talent Acquisition.
Check Out Your Career Prospects
Beginning your journey with us is a big decision. But it's a smart one. Your field is evolving rapidly. That's why we're constantly innovating our programs to anticipate your industry's needs. So, no matter where your field goes, you can lead the way.
approximate number of openings for human resources managers projected each year, on average, through the decade
Experiential / Co-op Opportunities
Northeastern's signature experience-powered learning model has been at the heart of the university for more than a century. It combines world-class academics with professional practice, allowing you to acquire relevant, real-world skills you can immediately put into action in your current workplace.
This makes a Northeastern education a dynamic, transformative experience, giving you countless opportunities to grow as a professional and person.
Get Set With a Custom Course Plan
Please note: The following is a sample curriculum and is subject to change. Enrolled students should reference the academic catalog for current program requirements.
General Requirements
Required Courses
Based on your experience, complete one of the two options below:
Two or more years of human resources experience:
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 |
Fewer than two years of experience:
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 |
Core Electives
Complete four of the following:
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 |
The remaining quarter hours may be completed by: 1) combination of completing a concentrations and additional electives or 2) selecting any courses in the concentrations and elective lists.
Capstone
| 4.00 |
Electives
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 1.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | 4.00 | |
| 1.00 |
Concentrations
Artificial Intelligence for Human Resources
Required Courses
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 |
Electives
Complete two of the following:
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 |
Digital Human Resources
Required Course
| 3.00 |
Electives
Choose from the following:
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 1.00 | ||
| 1.00 |
Global Talent Management
Required Course
| 3.00 |
Electives
Choose from the following:
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 1.00 | ||
| 4.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 |
Leadership
Required Courses
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 |
Electives
Complete two of the following:
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 |
Organizational Communication
Required Courses
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 |
Electives
Choose from the following:
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 1.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 1.00 |
Project Management
Required
| 4.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 |
Note: PJM 5900 Foundations of Project Management is required for students who do not have at least two years of professional experience working on projects. This course is only intended for those who are not familiar with professional project work. Students with two years or more of professional project experience complete an additional concentration elective in lieu of Foundations of Project Management (PJM 5900).
Electives
Choose from the following:
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 |
Follow Our Leaders
Our faculty represents a wide cross-section of professional practices and fields. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside students to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.
“We know that digital technologies are rapidly changing jobs and the way we work in general. The Master of Science in Human Resources Management is designed to provide human resource professionals with the skills and competencies they will need to meet the challenges of the digital era and to nurture every organization's most valuable asset—its people." – Carl Zangerl, PhD, Program Lead, Human Resources Management
“The courses are structured so I can balance work, life, and school, which was my top priority when choosing which program to pursue. I have expanded my network with other students across many industries and with the incredible Northeastern staff who have provided valuable feedback along my learning journey.”
Dorian Yablin Current student, Human Resources Management
Now Let's Talk Admissions
You know where you are headed and you've seen how our program will lead you there. So let's get going. Here's what you need to know before you enroll.
Application Requirements
- Online application
- Statement of purpose (500–1000 words): Identify your educational goals and expectations of the program. Please be aware that Northeastern University's academic policy on plagiarism applies to your statement of purpose.
- Professional resumé
- Unofficial undergraduate transcripts; official transcripts required at the time of admission
- The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals who have either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities such as a faculty member, colleague, or mentor, preferably one from your current employer
- English language proficiency proof. Students for whom English is not their primary language must submit one of the following:
- Official associate or bachelor's degree transcript from an accredited college or university in the U.S., stating degree conferral and date
- TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo, or NU Global Exam scores
- GPA of at least 2.7
International Requirements
Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.
Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Professional Studies admissions process, policies, and required materials.
Financing Requirements
Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.
How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.
Cost and Tuition
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2024-2025 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
Application Deadlines
Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:
Domestic Application Guidelines
International Application Guidelines*
*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.
Student Body Profile
Below is a look at where our Management alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.
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Where They Work
- State Street
- Fidelity Investments
- Dell EMC
- IBM
- Liberty Mutual Insurance
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What They Do
- Business Development
- Sales
- Operations
- Finance
- Entrepreneurship
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What They're Skilled At
- Management
- Leadership
- Customer Service
- Microsoft Office
- Project Management
Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on Linkedin.