West Chester University of Pennsylvania Human Resources Degree Programs

Human Resources Degree Program at West Chester University of Pennsylvania

West Chester University of Pennsylvania offers a Master of Science in Human Resource Management (M.S.) program designed to provide in-depth industry knowledge and HR best practices. Housed within the College of Business and Public Management, the program aims to prepare students for advancement within the human resource profession.

The M.S. in Human Resource Management is recognized for its alignment with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) standards, being one of only 440 programs worldwide to achieve this recognition. Students may be eligible to apply for the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) exam in their final year. The college itself is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

The program offers maximum schedule flexibility, consisting of just 10 courses (totaling 30 credits) offered 100% online and asynchronously. Each 3-credit course is completed over 7 weeks. With five start times throughout the year, students can potentially complete the master’s degree in as little as one year.

Faculty are described as accomplished experts in areas such as organizational behavior, legal compliance, compensation, benefits, and employee/labor relations. The program emphasizes value and affordability, stating tuition is among the lowest in the region at less than $1,600 per 3-credit course, and has been frozen for five years. Graduate assistantships and scholarships are also available.

Students can engage in networking and involvement opportunities through WCU’s Human Resources Association (WCUHRA), a SHRM-affiliated student chapter. This association facilitates connections with other students and HR professionals through meetings, events, workshops, and guest speakers.

Career paths highlighted by the text include roles such as Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialist; Human Resource Manager; Labor Relations Specialist; Training and Development Manager; and HR Information Systems Manager.

Curriculum Structure

The 30-credit curriculum includes core requirements and electives:

Core Requirements (3 credits each unless noted):

• HRM 601 Components of Effective Leadership
• HRM 602 Employment Law & Labor Relations
• HRM 603 Strategic Talent Management
• HRM 604 Compensation Analysis
• HRM 605 HR Information Systems and Analytics (3 credits)
• HRM 606 Ethics, Social Responsibility & Sustainability in HRM
• HRM 607 Managing Diverse and Globalized Workforces
• HRM 699 Capstone Seminar – Strategic HRM Challenges

Electives (Select two courses, 6 credits total):

• HRM 608 Issue of Employee Health in the Workplace
• HRM 609 Training and Organizational Development
• HRM 610 Workplace Negotiations
• HRM 611 HRM Internal Business Consulting
• HRM 690 Internship in Human Resource Management

Students interested in adding the Graduate Certificate in I/O Psychology can do so by selecting specific electives (PSY 560 and PSY 562) and taking an additional course (PSY 569), totaling 33 credits for both the M.S. and the Certificate.

For more detailed information on the program, including curriculum details and tuition and fees, please consult the relevant sections of the West Chester University website.

West Chester University of Pennsylvania Human Resources Degree Program Highlights

• Recognized for alignment with SHRM standards and housed in AACSB accredited college.
• Offered 100% online and asynchronously for maximum flexibility.
• Compact program structure with just 10 courses (30 credits).
• Potential to complete the degree in as little as one year.
• Experienced faculty with diverse research and industry backgrounds.
• Affordable tuition, stated as among the lowest in the region and frozen for five years.
• Provides networking opportunities through SHRM-affiliated student association (WCUHRA).

You can view detailed information about the programs or certificates available at West Chester University of Pennsylvania on the NCES website.