Program Overview

Master of Human Resources and Employment Relations

The Master of Human Resources and Employment Relations is an online master's program that helps students develop strategic programs and policies that align with their organization's business goals. The program focuses on building expertise in people and culture, employment law, talent management, employee engagement, and people analytics.

Program Overview

• The program is 100% online, allowing students to complete their coursework at their own pace.
• The application deadline is December 1 to start January 12.
• The program consists of 30-33 credits, with a cost of $1,037 per credit.
• Students can earn up to three certificates on their way to a master's degree through flexible, 7-week courses designed to deliver immediate value.

Program Details

Required Core Courses (21 credits)

• HRER 501: Labor and Employment Law (3 credits)
• HRER 504: Seminar in Employment Relations (3 credits)
• HRER 505: Seminar in Human Resources (3 credits)
• HRER 512: Research Methods and Analytics in Human Resources and Employment Relations (3 credits)
• HRER 802: Human Behavior and Organizational Performance (3 credits)
• HRER 803: Human Resources in Multinational Enterprises (3 credits)
• HRER 865: Diversity and Ethics in the Workplace (3 credits)
• HRER 825: Strategic Business Tools for HRER Professionals (3 credits)

Elective Courses (select 6 to 9 credits)

• Students can choose from a variety of elective courses, including:
  • American Labor Unions
  • Comparative and International Labor and Employment Law
  • Collective Decision-Making
  • Diversity in the Workplace
  • Ethical Decision-Making
  • HR and Employee Relations in the Age of AI
  • International HRER
  • Labor and Employment Law II
  • Labor Union Structure, Administration, and Governance
  • Law of Labor-Management Relations
  • Leadership Development
  • Public Sector Labor Relations
  • Strategic Business Tools
  • Talent Development
  • Talent Management
  • Total Rewards

Culminating Capstone Experience (3 credits)

• HRER 894: Research Project (3 credits)

Career Opportunities

The program can lead to various career opportunities, including:

• Compensation and Benefits Director
• Talent Management Director
• Labor Relations Director
• Human Resources Analyst
• Human Resources Director (HR Director)
• Training and Development Director

Faculty

The program is taught by a diverse faculty with expertise in human resources and employment relations, including:

• Elaine Farndale, Director, School of Labor and Employment Relations
• Brian Redmond, Lead Faculty
• Akram Al Ariss, Faculty
• Roland L. Bessette, Faculty
• Carol Cameron, Faculty
• Jerry Carbo, Faculty
• Jeanne Charles, Faculty
• Steve Greenblatt, Faculty
• Michael Pepe, Faculty
• Timothy Shick, Faculty
• Rex Simpson, Faculty
• Banci Tewolde, Faculty
• Maja Vidović, Faculty

Tuition and Financial Aid

• Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register.
• Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.
• The program offers various financial aid options, including scholarships and student loans.

Application Instructions

• Review the admission requirements.
• Gather required materials, including official transcripts, test scores, and references.
• Create a Penn State login account.
• Complete the online application.
• Read the application instructions carefully.

Additional Information

• The program is offered in partnership with the Penn State School of Labor and Employment Relations.
• The program is designed for working professionals and can be completed in as little as one year.
• Students can earn stackable credentials on their way to a master's degree.
• The program is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.