Earn Your Master’s in Human Resources Online from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School

Become a Business-Oriented HR Professional

People are the most valuable asset of any organization. The online Master of Science in Human Resources program from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School will prepare you to integrate best business practices into essential human resource functions, so you can become a key contributor in the strategic planning and management of your organization.

Through this specialized master’s program, you will learn how to align talent with your company’s mission by leveraging the strengths of employees and better understanding what motivates them.

Updated curriculum. Fewer credits. More course options.

  • New curriculum with the same intentional focus on business
  • New courses in diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Updated course offerings in global HR topics
  • Now 30 credits instead of 39

Our Program Aligns with SHRM Requirements

The online Master of Science in Human Resources program aligns with official curriculum requirements of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), which helps ensure program excellence and professional readiness.

SHRM is the world’s largest association devoted to human resource management. It serves the needs of HR professionals worldwide and advances the interests of the HR profession.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the online MS in Human Resources program students will emerge with modern-day HR skills.

Communication and Collaboration

  • Communicate ideas with clarity and composure in business settings
  • Collaborate effectively and encourage participation in team settings

Knowledge of Human Resources Concepts

  • Develop a comprehensive talent management plan and create a strategic HR plan that aligns with business strategy
  • Assess the appropriate workplace-related employment laws relative to human resources issues

Business Acumen

  • Analyze multiple sources of information to promote effective HR management and draw evidence-based business decisions
  • Propose change intervention strategies as an internal or external change leader

Global and Ethical Perspectives

  • Develop an ethical basis for fostering global, diverse, and inclusive organizational environments
  • Lead the conversation on ethical considerations for HR managers and leaders

A Master’s in HR Program From an AACSB-Accredited School

Pepperdine Graziadio Business School is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) and has a long-standing legacy of teaching professionals of all backgrounds how to lead intelligently while demonstrating personal integrity, sound decision making, and broad thinking.

Admissions

At Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, we value diversity of experience. Our online master’s in human resources program is ideal for those who are currently professionals in the HR field or work closely with the HR team within their organization.

  • A bachelor’s degree is required to apply.
  • GRE or GMAT scores are not required.
  • Applicants should have at least 1 year of work experience, 2+ years is preferred.

Learn more on the Online Application Requirements page.

Upcoming Deadline

The final deadline for the January 2024 cohort is November 3, 2023.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Our online Master of Science in Human Resources program is 30 units. Additional fees can be expected each semester, including travel and accommodations for two required on-campus immersions.

You may be eligible to apply for federal financial aid to help fund your graduate education. To learn more about financing your education, visit our Tuition and Financial Aid page.

Build Your Business and HR Acumen

Learn how to align talent management and business strategy with an online master’s from Pepperdine University.

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Access Your Application

Now is the time. Advance your career with Pepperdine. Take the next step today.

An Integrated Curriculum

Through our 30-unit curriculum, you will learn to maximize employee performance, strategically lead teams, and manage organizational change. The inclusion of business courses helps prepare you to engage in strategic decisions that drive the best possible outcomes for both employees and organizations. 

View the course list and course descriptions.

New Curriculum. Fewer credits. More DEI focus.

Apply your skills in less time: Our program is now 30 credits instead of 39.

Learn the latest in HR: Featuring new DEI and updated global HR courses.

Become a business-minded HR leader: Combine a business-school education with HR expertise.

Course Sequence

The MS in Human Resources can be completed in as few as 16 months on a standard track.

Check-out a sample course sequence (PDF).

Curriculum Requirements

30

units

14

courses

2

immersions

Immersions

As a student, you will attend two immersion experiences in Los Angeles, during the first and last terms of the program. Immersions allow you to meet fellow students, professors, and other HR professionals. During the second immersion, you will apply what you have learned to help drive positive outcomes at an organization.

Distinguished Faculty

Pepperdine faculty are distinguished business leaders, educators, and HR consultants who are passionate about their work and their students. Our 13:1 student-faculty ratio means your professors can take the time to truly get to know you, mentor you, and support you at every step of your academic and professional journey.

Meet our acclaimed faculty.

Drive Better Business Outcomes

Learn how you can become an effective HR leader in today’s business world with Pepperdine.

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Access Your Application

Now is the time. Advance your career with Pepperdine. Take the next step today.

Benefits of Earning a Master’s in Human Resources

A Master of Science in Human Resources can help you expand your role beyond basic HR functions. If you are already working in the HR space or looking to make a career change, this degree will prepare you to play a lead role in training, leveraging, and retaining your company’s greatest asset: its talent.

With a specialized master’s from Pepperdine’s Graziadio Business School, you will be equipped to lead your own team and act as the bridge between human resources and other business areas within your organization.

HR Career Growth and Opportunities

The need for effective HR professionals spans every industry. Earning your master’s in HR online will give you a competitive edge in this growing field. As a graduate of the program, you will be prepared to pursue a variety of positions that can benefit every organization.

HR business partners align business objectives with employees and management in designated business units, serving as a consultant to management on human resource–related issues within an organization.

HR business managers lead an organization’s HR programs and policies as they apply to employee relations, compensation, benefits, safety, performance, and staffing.

Organizational development consultants help clients improve their businesses by providing services that include change management, group problem-solving, and talent management.

Training and development managers plan, coordinate, and direct programs for the purpose of enhancing the skills and knowledge of an organization’s employees.

California Roots. Global Reach.

The network you gain is as important as the skills you learn. When you choose Pepperdine, you join a diverse community of 40,000 students, faculty, and alumni around the globe who are thinking boldly about business while leading with purpose.

Take the next step today toward earning a specialized business master’s degree from Pepperdine University—named a top-50 national university in 2021.1

Access Your Application

Now is the time. Advance your career with Pepperdine. Take the next step today.

1 U.S. News & World Report2021 National University Rankings (visited February 1, 2022)arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference