The Master of Science in Human Resource Management (MSHRM) program at Bridgewater College will prepare you to be an innovative strategic partner in the area of human resources in an increasingly diverse and international workplace.
You’ll explore organizational excellence, international issues, legal and regulatory factors, analytics in HR, and consulting concepts and practices. The capstone course will provide you with the opportunity to practice your newly developed skills, through a consulting project in the local community.
Overview of the Human Resource Management Program
As an MSHRM graduate, you will:
- Embark on a career with projected growth over the next decade.
- Learn from experienced professors who have had careers in HR.
- Understand the global workforce and the regulations that affect their practice.
- Specialize in a particular HR field, such as health care, finance or manufacturing, during your capstone experience.
Add value to any organization.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM):
- The human resources (HR) field is one of the fastest growing employment fields with a projection of more than 14,000 job openings annually.
- Getting a master’s degree in HR may give professionals the best prospect for promotion in the field.
- HR managers have a median salary of $113,000 with the lowest 10% of earners being around $67,000 per year.
Advantages to our Program
- Evening classes to accommodate the working professional’s schedule
- Full and part-time options available
- 96% graduation rate
- 86% of MSHRM students have gotten jobs before or shortly after graduation
- Program is academically aligned with Society of Human Resource Management’s curriculum
- SHRM-CP certification: All BC graduates who have taken the exam to date have passed on the first attempt
- If you are interested in becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), the MSHRM can help you achieve the 150 credit hours required to sit for the CPA exam.
- Free membership in the Bridgewater College Student Chapter of the Society of Human Resource Management
- Free membership in the Shenandoah Valley (local chapter) of the Society of Human Resource Management, which provides great networking and learning opportunities
Online or
In-person
BC’s MSHRM program is now available in a “hyflex” format. A “hyflex” format means classes will be taught to both in-person and online students at the same time.
At a Glance
• Start date: June 2026
• 30 credit hours
• 12 month program
(4+1 program available)
• $640 per credit hour
(2025-2026 tuition and fees)
Curriculum and Courses
Develop advanced human resource management skills in critical areas of the industry.
Required courses (30 credits):
- HRM-500: Managing Human Resources (3)
- HRM-505: Talent Management (3)
- HRM-510: Compensation and Benefits (3)
- HRM-520: Managing the Global Workforce (3)
- HRM-530: Employment Law and Labor Relations (3)
- HRM-540: Human Resource Analytics (3)
- HRM-550: Diversity and Inclusion Management (3)
- HRM-552: Organizational Development, Behavior and Leadership (3)
- HRM-554: Organizational Consultation (3)
- HRM-600: Human Resource Management Capstone (3)
View All Master’s in Human Resource Management Courses That You’ll Take >>
Academically Aligned with Society of Human Resource Management’s curriculum
The curriculum for the Master of Science in Human Resource Management fully aligns with the recommended requirements for degree programs as outlined in the latest HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates published by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Students in SHRM-aligned programs are eligible to apply for the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) exam in their final year under a special student eligibility provision.
Top-Ranked Master’s in Human Resource Management Program
• Voted one of top three HR Master’s Programs by Human Resource Directors 2022 Reader’s Choice Awards
• Ranked in the top 20 Best Human Resources Master’s Programs (Campus-Based) by Human Resources MBA
Affordability
The Master of Science in Human Resource Management at Bridgewater College is an affordable, flexible option for working professionals. At $640 per credit hour, the 30-credit program can be completed in as little as one year. Part-time pathways are also available. Students invest in their future by utilizing financial aid resources such as federal loans, outside scholarships or employer tuition assistance to fund their degree.
HR Career Tips and Advice
Eight skills for HR professionals – Dr. Vargas suggests skills every good HR manager should possess.
How a master’s degree in HR can provide a career shift—and why you should consider it – The responsibilities of a human resources manager are vast and varied so people come into the HR field from many different industries.
Alumni Spotlight
Banking on Her Future
Lara Arehart Buchanan ’04, M’23 credits the flexible and supportive classroom environment of the master of science in human resource management (MSHRM) program with setting her up for success.
FAQs
The Bridgewater College MSHRM program operates on a rolling admissions process. Applications open August 1 each year and are reviewed until the cohort is filled. It is best to submit your applications early to ensure the best opportunity to be admitted. General institutional admissions requirements can be reviewed at: BC Graduate Admissions
Students can complete the 30 credit-hour MSHRM full time in one year or take up to five years to complete it part time. The program is designed to accommodate the working professional’s schedule while remaining focused on the final outcome of earning a master of science in human resource management.
While you can take up to five years to complete the MSHRM, part-time, there is a plan that can get you finished in one year. All courses will be scheduled in ways that working professionals can complete the curriculum.
| Summer | Fall | Spring | May |
| MSHRM Orientation HRM 500: Managing Human Resources (3) HRM 505: Talent Management (3) HRM 510: Compensation and Benefits (3) |
HRM 520: Managing the Global Workforce (3) HRM 530: Employment Law and Labor Relations (3) HRM 540: Human Resource Analytics (3) |
HRM 550: Diversity and Inclusion Management (3) HRM 552: Organizational Development, Behavior and Leadership (3) HRM 554: Organizational Consultation (3) |
HRM 600: Human Resource Management Capstone (3) |
The 2025-2026 tuition and fees are $640 per credit hour. The total budget for the program includes direct charges (tuition and fees) and estimated indirect costs (eg., books, travel). For the total budget visit Graduate Student Tuition and Fees.
Get to know the faculty
Meet the Director
Dr. Roslyn Vargas
Program Director, M.S. in Human Resource Management
540-828-8005
rvargas@bridgewater.edu
Mentorship That Matters
You will develop close working relationship with your professors who are experienced professionals, industry experts and academic scholars that are excited to mentor students in the MSHRM program.
Ready to learn more? Contact us!
Brian Stock
Assistant Director of Admissions for Graduate Recruitment
540-828-5375
bstock@bridgewater.edu
