Program Overview
The Master of Human Resources and Employment Law (MHREL) program provides professionals in HR, recruitment, and operations with a comprehensive understanding of the legal and regulatory framework governing personnel management. The program consists of 30 credit hours, including core courses in employment law and electives in related areas. Graduates are prepared for careers in various HR roles, including compensation and benefits manager, employment recruiter, and human resources manager. The program aligns with SHRM curriculum guidelines and offers online and in-person study options.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Master of Human Resources and Employment Law (MHREL)
This non-JD graduate program focuses on providing both entry-level and established professionals in the HR, recruitment, and operations fields with a comprehensive understanding of the legal and regulatory framework governing personnel management in the public and private sectors.
Objectives:
- Equip students with the knowledge and skills to identify and solve critical employment-related problems.
- Develop expertise in navigating the complex legal and regulatory landscape surrounding HR activities.
- Prepare graduates for successful careers in various HR roles, including:
- Compensation and benefits manager
- Employment recruiter
- Equal employment opportunity manager/specialist
- Executive search consultant
- Hiring manager
- Human resources manager/specialist
- Labor advocate
- Labor relations specialist
- Legal support worker
- Ombudsmen
Description:
The MHREL program consists of 30 credit hours, which can be completed over one to three years on a full-time or part-time basis. Students can choose to study either in-person at the Downtown Phoenix campus or online. The program culminates in a capstone course that focuses on the practical application of knowledge and skills gained throughout the program.
Outline:
Required Core Courses (18 credit hours):
- SDO 501 - U.S. Law and Legal Analysis: Masters (3 credits)
- SDO 531 - Employment Law: Masters (3 credits)
- SDO 541 - HR and Employment Law: Masters (3 credits)
- SDO 551 - Duties, Obligations and Rights in the Workplace: Masters (3 credits)
- SDO 552 - Employment Discrimination: Masters (3 credits)
- SDO 569 - Advanced HR and Employment Law: Masters (3 credits)
Electives (9 credit hours):
Students can choose from a variety of elective courses, including those focused on employment law-adjacent subjects like privacy rights, dispute resolution, and contracts. They can also explore other legal areas of interest or relevance to their chosen career path.
Culminating Experience (3 credit hours):
Careers:
The program prepares graduates for diverse career opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Employment opportunities exist in supervisory and management positions within government agencies (federal, state, and local) and private companies. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects human resources employment to grow at a faster than average rate (5% or more) in the U.S. Graduates may find positions as:
- Compensation and benefits manager
- Employment recruiter
- Equal employment opportunity manager/specialist
- Executive search consultant
- Hiring manager
- Human resources manager/specialist
- Labor advocate
- Labor relations specialist
- Legal support worker
- Ombudsmen The program aligns with the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) curriculum guidelines. This equips graduates with the opportunity to apply for the SHRM-CP certification exam, providing them with a significant career advantage.
Other:
- The program is offered in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.
- For international students, completion of the program may not meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in another state.