phd nursing western university

Program Educational Goals

Educational goals are called program outcomes in the ud son to align with the other nursing programs offered., all other nursing programs are accredited by the commission on collegiate nursing education and must follow certain standards to maintain this accreditation. the current educational goals are as follows:.

• Generate new knowledge through research and theory testing;
• Reflect a nursing and interdisciplinary perspective in research and scholarly endeavors;
• Evaluate the relationship of the expanded knowledge base in nursing and external forces (i.e., economic, demographic, political, cultural) on the provision of health care to society, the education of nurses, and the development of health policy;
• Contribute to solutions that advance health care in a culturally diverse society through communication of knowledge to the intra- and interdisciplinary scientific communities and the community-at-large;
• Examine ways in which nursing knowledge and practice are related to and influenced by historical developments, philosophical thought, and cultural diversity.

Program Policy Document:

Please see the Program Policy Document for more information.    

Requirements for the Degree

The PhD in Nursing Science program requires 41 credit hours of coursework plus nine credit hours of dissertation. Students entering with a baccalaureate degree are required to have 53 credits of coursework plus nine credit hours of dissertaion. Students are required to work with their advisor to develop a plan of study. The plan must first be approved by the academic advisor and then the PhD in Nursing Science Program Committee by the end of the first semester of study in the program. In addition to coursework, degree completion requires successful completion of one written and oral comprehensive examination, successful defense of the dissertation proposal, and successful defense of the dissertation. Please refer to the program policy statement for more specific details regarding these processes and selection of examination and dissertation committees. Students are expected to complete the program in five years.

Coursework will be specified in the student’s plan of study and must include the following:

Post-BSN Bridge Coursework

Students without a master’s degree take these three courses during the first year.

• NURS 813 - Leadership and Innovation in Population Health Credit(s): 3
• NURS 844 - Population Health Informatics Credit(s): 3
• NURS 881 - Advanced Population Health Credit(s): 3

Core Courses (16 credits)

• NURS 810 - Philosophical and Theoretical Basis of Nursing Science Credit(s): 3
• NURS 839 - Nurse Scientist Seminar Credit(s): 1
• NURS 843 - Policy & Finance for Healthcare Delivery Credit(s): 3
• NURS 849 - Nursing Education Philosophical Theory and Curriculum Credit(s): 3
• NURS 850 - Dissertation Proposal Seminar Credit(s): 1
• NURS 870 - Writing for Dissemination Credit(s): 2
• NURS 891 - Teaching Practicum Credit(s): 3 *

Students who do not have significant experience teaching in an academic nursing program beyond adjunct clinical teaching are required to devote 3 cognate credits to an independent study teaching practicum. One credit hour for 15 weeks of independent study represents 3-4 hours per week of supervised and/or independent practice, which computes to 45-60 hours/semester/credit hour. Students will register for NURS 891 - Teaching Practicum   . Teaching practicum mentors may be, but are not required to be, UD SON faculty.

PhD students who have significant experience in an academic setting including both classroom and clinical instruction are eligible to apply for a waiver. They are required to document their academic teaching activities when they apply for the waiver.

Research/Methods/Analysis Courses (19 credits):

• Statistics from EDUC, PSYC, SOCI, BHAN 6 credits
• NURS 812 - Responsible Conduct of Research Credit(s): 1
• NURS 814 - Advanced Quantitative Research in Nursing Science Credit(s): 3
• NURS 816 - Advanced Qualitative Research in Nursing Science Credit(s): 3
• NURS 892 - Research Practicum Credit(s): 1-3 *

*Students are required to complete 3 credits in a research practicum. One credit hour for 15 weeks of independent study represents 3-4 hours per week of supervised and/or independent practice, which computes to 45-60 hours/semester/credit hour. Students will register for NURS 892   . Students may divide the 3 credits over several semesters. Research practicum mentors may be, but are not required to be, UD SON faculty.

Research Methodology Course (3)

Course offered by other departments, relevant to student’s research focus, determined with academic advisor and with approval of course faculty

Cognates (6-9 credits):

Students with a master’s degree will take 6 credits of cognate coursework and students without a master’s will take 9 credits of cognates.

Electives are taken to build substantive knowledge in area of dissertation topic. Electives are intended to enhance and broaden the student’s scholarly involvement, build and inter- professional team of advisors, and build toward successful completion of the dissertation. To acquire interdisciplinary knowledge and skills, at least 6 credits of total cognate requirements must be taken in departments outside of nursing. Post-master’s students take at least 6 credits and post-BSN students take at least 9 credits of cognate coursework.

Research and Readings

Research and readings in preparation of dissertation topic and/or comprehensive examination for doctoral students before admission to candidacy but after completion of all required course work. NURS 964    credits convert to NURS 969    credits if the student admitted to candidacy before the end of the free drop/add period of the next semester.

• NURS 964 - Pre-Candidacy Study Credit(s): 0

Dissertation (9 credits)

• NURS 969 - Doctoral Dissertation Credit(s): 1-9
• UNIV 999 - Ph.D. Sustaining Credit(s): 0 (if needed)

Last Revised 2020-2021 Academic Year

Doctor of Nursing Practice Nurse-Midwifery Program Granted Continued Accreditation for 10 Years

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The Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) has granted continued accreditation to the Nurse-Midwifery program for ten years, the maximum allowed. Since 2009, the Nurse-Midwifery program at Seattle University has prepared 65 MSN and 79 DNP graduates, as well as 6 post-graduate certificate midwives all of whom provide critically needed care in the U.S. and around the world

The Board of Review (BOR) of the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) has granted continued accreditation to the Seattle University, College of Nursing, Nurse-Midwifery, Doctor of Nursing Practice program for the maximum of ten years, expiring October 31, 2031.

The ACME BOR recognized Dr. Elizabeth Gabzdyl, Nurse-Midwifery Program Director, and the nurse-midwifery faculty for their work on this successful continued accreditation. They commended the quality of the comprehensive self-study provided and the work of SU and the College of Nursing for its exemplary work in seeking to create and provide an inclusive learning environment for its students.

The Nurse-Midwifery program began as a Master of Science in Nursing degree and transitioned to a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in 2017. Graduates are eligible to sit for the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) certification exam. Nurse-Midwifery program courses are taught by accomplished and practicing professors. Since 2009, the Nurse-Midwifery program at Seattle University has prepared 65 MSN and 79 DNP graduates, as well as 6 post-graduate certificate midwives all of whom provide critically needed care in the U.S. and around the world.

The Seattle University, College of Nursing, Nurse-Midwifery, Doctor of Nursing Practice program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME), 8403 Colesville Road, Suite 1550, Silver Spring, MD, 20910-6374. For information about accreditation, please contact ACME directly. Tel: (240) 485-1802, [email protected], www.midwife.org/acme

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The Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing (FPB) at Case Western Reserve University is globally recognized for its leadership in nursing education and research. Ranked among the best nursing schools, FPB produces dynamic healthcare thinkers through innovative undergraduate and graduate programs. Ranked among the top U.S. nursing schools in NIH-funded research, along with a focus on nursing leadership and management, makes FPB the world's nurse leadership destination. Join the future of nursing at FPB's interprofessional Health Education Campus in Cleveland, Ohio.

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• Maeve Howett selected for national expert panel

Preceptor Opportunities

Precepting opportunities available for the following DNP program specialties: FNP, AGNP and PMH. Preceptors must be two or more years post-graduation from a board-certifying program.

Interested? Contact Pamela Paplham , clinical professor.

Joining Forces - UB

Joining Forces - UB is a collaborative effort between the Schools of Nursing and Social Work to educate graduate nurses and social workers about the physical and mental health needs of military veterans and their families.

The DNP project provides opportunities for students to integrate newly learned skills into practice and to demonstrate how to apply principles of nursing practice scholarship. Learn more about recent UB SON projects published in scholarly peer-reviewed journals.

DNP Program

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program at the University at Buffalo educates students for an expanded comprehensive nurse practitioner role that includes critical thinking and independent decision making in clinical practice, leadership, education, policy and consultation. The CCNE accredited program prepares nurse practitioners to apply the latest evidence-based science to improve clinical practice outcomes.

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Howett selected for national LGBTQ expert panel

Maeve Howett, PhD, APRN, CPNP-PC, CNE, FAAN

Published December 12, 2023

By SARAH GOLDTHRITE

The American Academy of Nursing (AAN) has appointed Maeve Howett, associate dean for strategic initiatives in UB’s School of Nursing, to its Expert Panel on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) Health.

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Expert panels within the Academy play a pivotal role in developing new knowledge, fostering collaboration and shaping health care policies. AAN Fellows like Howett leverage their expertise to provide critical knowledge that transforms health policy and practice. The panels help to advance AAN’s mission to “improve health and achieve health equity by impacting policy through nursing leadership, innovation, and science.”

The primary goals of the panels include exploring trends and issues crucial to health care delivery and policy, recommending actions to the Board of Directors and the Fellowship, and preparing Board-approved policy aligned with the Academy's strategic directions.

The LGBTQ Health expert panel offers insights on matters impacting the health care of individuals in the LGBTQ community, advocates for increased involvement of nurses in LGBTQ health research and formulates policy suggestions aimed at mitigating health disparities related to sexual orientation or gender identity.

“The LGBTQ community is a hugely diverse population encompassing members from all socioeconomic groups, races, religions, and ethnicities, yet they all share a common vulnerability related to the risk for discrimination and stigmatization,” says Howett. “Nurses may be the single most trusted profession for giving reliably safe, unstigmatized and compassionate care as the embodied experience of queerness is uniquely intimate and a source of vulnerability for many individuals and families.

“It is essential that nurses are prepared to advocate for and give excellent, patient and family-centered, safe care to individuals and families who identify as non-cisgender and/or non-heteronormative.”

During her extensive experience in academia, including leadership, teaching and scholarship, Howett has worked to create inclusive classrooms and didactic content for students to understand the barriers to care in vulnerable populations.

Howett has served as associate dean for baccalaureate education at the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Nursing; assistant dean for undergraduate education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst College of Nursing; director of accelerated programs at Emory University; and co-director of Southeastern Pediatric Health Education Unit in Atlanta.

In her role as associate dean for strategic initiatives in the SON, Howett will help to steer the School of Nursing towards its strategic program goals, encompassing academic, research and practice/service missions. This involves seamless coordination across academic programs and collaboration with community partners.

Howett was inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing in October.

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Tanner Gelatt Assistant Director of Graduate Recruitment 202 Beck Hall 716-829-3765 [email protected] Schedule a meeting with Tanner.

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Nursing Career Pathways

5 min read • April, 25 2023

Nursing is a dynamic, rewarding profession with plenty of room for personal and professional growth. The demand for nurses is high and projected to grow as the baby boomer generation ages, promising excellent job security and earning potential. Are you wondering where to start your nursing career, or have you already started one? We'll show you available nursing career options and how to develop a career plan for the future.

Nursing Careers: Getting Started

Each nursing career path offers unique advantages and may require additional training or degrees. Establishing your goals upfront makes choosing the right nursing pathway easier. Fortunately, the nursing field provides ample opportunity for professional development. Keep in mind that many nurses change specialties or work environments throughout their careers, so whatever you initially decide isn't set in stone.

1. Earn Your Degree

No matter what nursing career you choose, your first step is to earn a post-secondary degree. The main options to consider on your path to becoming a nurse are:

• Licensed practical nurse program:  If you want to start working as soon as possible, a certificate program to become a  licensed practical nurse (LPN)  is your fastest option — you can complete one in about a year. Bridge programs can help you transition from an LPN to a registered nurse (RN) later if you decide to advance your career.
• Nursing diploma:  A nursing diploma is a fast and often more affordable path to becoming an RN. This type of program is most often based in a hospital. They aren't as common as degree programs, but if your state has one, you may be able to start working as an RN in less than two years. However, a nursing diploma doesn't provide college credits, so your training won't count toward a degree if you plan to further your career later. You may also earn a lower salary than you would with a college degree. However, with an RN-to-BSN program, you can fast-track your four-year degree later if you want to pursue opportunities that require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
• Associate degree:  Earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) usually takes two to three years. Like a four-year degree, an ADN prepares you to become an RN. Depending on the nursing career pathway you want to pursue, you may need to get a BSN degree later. However, the advantage of an ADN compared to a nursing diploma is that your credits may transfer to your BSN program, making it easier and cheaper to continue your education down the road.
• Bachelor's degree:  Compared to other ways to become an entry-level registered nurse, a BSN takes more time and may be more expensive. It usually takes about four years to get a BSN, but having one can make it possible to pursue other nursing career paths that aren't possible with a diploma or ADN alone. For that reason, a BSN is an investment that offers greater earning potential and more opportunities for professional growth throughout your career. Many hospitals and other health care employers now require new hires to have at least a BSN. And most advanced certification and post-graduate programs also require applicants to have one. Getting a BSN is the best option if you're planning a long-term nursing career or pursuing the RN career path with the highest earning potential.

2. Get Your License

Whichever nursing degree or program you decide to pursue, you need to get licensed before you can work as a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse. You must pass a licensure exam called the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX for registered nurses or NCLEX-PN for LPNs). This test verifies that you have the knowledge and skills to begin working safely and confidently as an entry-level nurse. Once you pass the exam, you'll receive licensure from your state and can start your nursing career.

3. Secure a Nursing Job

Once you're licensed, you're ready to look for your first nursing job. The median salary for an RN is more than $77,000, but nurses starting out can also expect a decent wage —  only about 10% of registered nurses  earn less than $60,000 per year. LPNs make, on average, about two thirds as much as an RN — $48,000 per year according to the  Bureau of Labor Statistics .

4. Pursue Advanced Certification

Many nurses are content working as RNs or LPNs. But if you're interested in a nursing specialty or  becoming a certified nurse practitioner , you have some terrific options. Some specialties require additional training or certifications from bodies like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Some specialties require post-graduate degrees, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Most MSN and DNP programs require a bachelor's degree before applying. If you start out with a diploma or an associate degree, you'll need to finish your BSN before pursuing nursing career pathways that require advanced degrees. Although it takes extra time and expense to get a post-graduate degree, nurses who obtain an advanced specialization have more options for career development and are among the top earners in the nursing profession.  Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)  make the most, earning over $165,000 on average.

More Career Options for Nurses

With all the different nursing paths, titles, advanced certifications, and specialties, a nursing career provides more flexibility than many other professions. You can choose the environment you want to work in, such as a school, hospital, outpatient doctor's office,  travel nursing , long-term care, or occupational health setting.

Want even more flexibility? Depending on the nursing career path you choose, the degrees or certifications you earn and the experience you acquire, you can even work in a role that doesn't involve day-to-day patient care, such as medical consulting on legal cases, nursing research , or nursing technology and informatics. And if you have a post-graduate degree, you can pursue an advanced clinical position or a leadership role like a nurse educator, nurse administrator , or director of nursing .

This flexibility is essential for job satisfaction and to avoid one of the most significant issues:  nursing burnout . When job stress leads to a lack of motivation, reduced performance, and dissatisfaction, it poses a serious safety risk to nurses and their patients. Having the freedom to pivot your career, change your environment, or move into another nursing specialty can prevent burnout and lead to a fulfilling career.

Learn about the  different types of nurses  and  what nursing school is like as you consider if a career in nursing is right for you.

Images sourced from Getty Images

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DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP/FNP)

The College of Graduate Nursing (CGN) at WesternU pioneered the delivery of a web-based family nursing practitioner program in 1997 – the very first program of its kind in the nation. Today, that legacy continues with our Doctor of Nursing Practice/Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP/FNP) program.

The WesternU College of Graduate Nursing offers a seamless progression to earn your Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree along with your Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) certificate/credential.

Our hybrid online learning program delivers the knowledge and skills to prepare you for your FNP role and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree within a flexible schedule. Our campus-based seminar intensives, on the WesternU California campus, and clinical experiences in a designated community will prepare you for clinical and doctoral practice within a variety of healthcare settings.

Learn more about the program by visiting the Requirements page. Here you will discover the importance of the DNP and understand what it takes for you to start the journey. Soon, you will be providing comprehensive care to patients, families, and communities.

Why Choose WesternU?

• A flexible program that allows you to balance your work and family commitments with your education
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• Experienced faculty who know how to facilitate distance learning
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This human resource management master’s degree is designed to help professionals working in human resources enhance critical leadership skills and earn the credentials they need to take their career to a higher level. If you're a current or aspiring HR leader, earning your master’s degree at WGU is a great next step in your own professional development. 

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The online master's program in HR management from WGU helps equip you with the skills and credentials you need to be successful. And your master’s degree isn’t the only credential you will earn—this degree program contains a WGU certificate in HR Technology and Analytics for Decision Making, as well as the opportunity to earn the SHRM Inclusive Workplace Culture specialty credential as part of your capstone experience, helping you boost your resume before you even graduate!

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Tuition per six-month term is

Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps students control the ultimate cost of their HR degree. Finish faster, pay less!

Average salary increase

School of Business graduates report an average salary increase of $11,813 after completing their WGU degree.

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M.S. HR Management Courses

Program consists of 10 courses

At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.  What you learn in this program will often be directly applicable the next day at work—and what you’re doing at work will frequently inform the work you’re doing in your courses. It’s all about real-world applicability so every moment spent studying is time well spent.

This online program is composed of the following courses. Some may be waived through transfer from your previous college experience or if you are SHRM-CP/SCP or HRCI PHR/SPHR/GPHR certified. The rest you will typically complete one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Degree Plan. You’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and learn the material. As soon as you’re ready, you’ll pass the assessment, complete the course, and move on. This means you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost.

The M.S. in Human Resource Management is 100% online and SHRM- and HRCI-content aligned. It’s compact—10 courses—to help you quickly get the expertise you need to build your career. You’ll also be prepared to earn your SHRM Inclusive Workplace Culture credential at no additional cost—it’s included in your tuition.

You’ll take courses boosting your expertise in management, communication, employment law, and more. Along the way, you’ll also earn a WGU certificate in HR Technology and Analytics for Decision Making.

This course covers principles of effective management and leadership that maximize organizational performance. The following topics are included: the role and functions of a manager, analysis of personal leadership styles, approaches to self-awareness and self-assessment, and application of foundational leadership and management skills.

This course focuses on strategies and tools that managers use to maximize employee contribution and create organizational excellence. You will learn talent management strategies to motivate and develop employees as well as best practices to manage performance for added value.

This course prepares students for the communication challenges in organizations. Topics examined include theories and strategies of communication, persuasion, conflict management, and ethics that enhance communication to various audiences.

The Business Acumen course introduces you to the operation of the business enterprise and the role of management in directing the activities of the business. You will examine the roles of management in the context of business functions such as marketing, operations, accounting, and finance.

This course presents critical problem-solving methodologies, including field research and data collection methods that enhance organizational performance. Topics include quantitative analysis, statistical and quality tools. You will improve your ability to use data to make informed decisions.

Inclusive Workplace Culture Capstone provides students with the opportunity to work through the SHRM Inclusive Workplace Culture specialty credential course content, studying and analyzing how human resource (HR) professionals can integrate an inclusive approach to all HR functions such as talent acquisition, training and development, total rewards, and more. Students will complete a capstone project that synthesizes an inclusive approach to strategic HR practices for an organization to create an environment of true belonging for all employees, while simultaneously being prepared to complete the SHRM Inclusive Workplace Culture exam independently to earn a specialty credential and badge from SHRM.

HR Technology and People Analytics introduces students to the types of human resource information systems (HRISs), applications, and platforms used to capture and manage employee data and the analytics used to make strategic decisions based on that data. Students will discover how to plan for the implementation of new human resource (HR) technology, present the plan to stakeholders to gain buy-in and support for the change, and train employees in the new systems. Students will also gain an understanding of how to pull and use data and people analytics for effective storytelling, decision-making, and leadership influence.

Future Focused Total Rewards examines discretionary and legally required approaches to compensation and benefits practices that compose an organization’s total rewards system. Students explore how to develop and communicate the components of a competitive total rewards strategy to prospective and existing employees while adhering to employment laws and aligning to an organization’s strategic goals and culture.

Talent Acquisition and Development provides an in-depth look at the strategies used to attract, retain, and develop qualified talent in an organization. Students discover how to hire the right talent to meet the needs of the organization, how to orient and onboard new employees, and how to ensure employee excellence through learning and development and performance management strategies.

HR Compliance and Employee Relations provides students with an in-depth understanding of the relevant laws, regulations, and ethical issues related to human resource (HR) compliance and risk management. It also explores how to resolve and improve employee relations issues to maintain a positive organizational culture in a diverse workplace. Topics include business laws and ethical considerations, employment and labor laws and regulations, and employee relations strategies to build and maintain a positive, healthy, and respectful work environment.

Capstone Project

Special requirements for this program

At the end of your program, you’ll complete a capstone course that includes the SHRM Inclusive Workplace Culture content. After completing the course, you’ll be ready to sit for the SHRM exam and earn your credential/badge at no additional cost.

Skills For Your Résumé

As part of this program, you will develop a range of valuable skills that employers are looking for. 

• Performance Management: Designed and implemented a structured process for the periodic evaluation of employee performance, enhancing accountability and productivity.
• Communications: Effectively communicated HR programs, practices, and policies to both HR and non-HR employees.
• Management: Analyzed operations to evaluate performance and identify potential improvements.
• Planning:  Assessed plans for efficiency and effectiveness in achieving specific goals, optimizing strategic initiatives for successful implementation.
• Talent Acquisition:  Developed effective strategies for sourcing, recruiting, and evaluating qualified job candidates, enhancing the quality of talent acquisition processes.
• Human Resource Information System (HRIS):  Managed all employee information through the HRIS, ensuring accurate and organized data management for efficient HR operations.

“In addition to advancing my career, having my education has been a huge asset for my kids. WGU has absolutely changed my life, and, more importantly, has changed the lives of my kids as well.”

—Misty Dieffenbach B.S. Human Resource Management

WGU vs. Traditional Universities Compare the Difference

Traditional Universities

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

Flat rate per 6-month term

Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors

Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one

Scheduled time

Whenever you feel ready

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

TIME TO FINISH

Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options

As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in 1 year

Earning Potential

An online human resources degree can dramatically impact your earning potential. Two years after graduation, WGU students report earning $22,200* more per year on average.

On Your Schedule

Competency-based education means you can move as quickly through your degree as you can master the material. You don't have to log in to classes at a certain time—you are truly in the driver's seat of your education

Entirely Online

The human resource master's degree at WGU is 100% online, which means it works wherever you are. You can do your coursework at night after working at your full-time job, on weekends, while you're traveling the world or on vacation—it's entirely up to you.

Accredited, Respected, Recognized™

WGU’s online HR degree program has been recognized by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) as fully aligned with their  HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates,  preparing students for the  SHRM-CP exam .  WGU has its own online,  SHRM virtual student chapter  that all school of business students at WGU are welcome to join. This SHRM virtual student chapter will help students continue learning and networking within the HR profession. WGU has also aligned its curriculum to the body of knowledge created by HR Certification Institute and prepares students for the  PHR exam .

COST & TIME

An Online HR Management Degree That's Affordable

By charging per term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees.

An HR Management Degree Within Reach

There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:

The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.

Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits. 

Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.

* WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE

What Makes Us Different: An HR Management Degree Designed to Fit Today’s Busy Lifestyles

WGU was built for the busy student . Study whenever and wherever works best for you while managing your existing job and family responsibilities. Your effort, not class time, determines the pace of your progress.  No interrupting your work or family obligations. No rigid class schedules. No barriers to earning your degree on your own terms.  Just a solid, career-focused education that dovetails seamlessly with your current lifestyle. 

This online M.S. in Human Resource Management degree program is designed for working professionals, so you don't have to quit your job or leave your other responsibilities behind to get an online HR degree. You don't have to log in to classes, your assignments don't have due dates—you're in charge of your education.

“My degree from WGU helped me advance from an entry-level position. WGU has a spokesperson in every alumnus—their job knowledge gained from their coursework speaks for itself.”

—Megan Elizabeth Darveau, Human Resource Generalist, Phoenix Healthcare Management Services

CAREER OUTLOOK

Strengthen Your Strategic Business Skills with a Degree in HR Management

Organizations largely succeed or fail based on the employees they hire and their engagement —talented, happy employees deliver much better outcomes. That is why hiring skilled, qualified HR managers and professionals is essential for every organization. HR professionals help find the r ight employees, train them, and ensure they have a positive experience.

With your master’s degree in human resources management, you will gain the critical skills and credentials that will help you stand out from the competition in an exciting and lucrative field. Some of the critical skills you will develop focus on include workforce planning, training, development, benefits, compensation, and more. Get started on your educational journey with a master's degree today!

Return on Your Investment

On average, wgu graduates see an increase in income post-graduation.

Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source:  2023 Harris Poll Survey  of 1,655 WGU graduates.

Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.

Human resource management professions are expected to grow by 7% by the year 2031, which is faster than the national average for job growth.

—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

An Online Human Resource Degree That Helps You Focus on Helping Others

Relevant hr skills.

• Talent Acquisition
• HR Management
• Employee Relations
• Training and Development
• Performance Management
• Organizational Leadership
• Strategic Planning
• Total Rewards Management
• Change Management

Employment Opportunities

• Recruitment Manager
• DE&I Manager
• Learning and Development Manager
• Director of HR
• VP of People and Culture
• Employment Law Specialist
• Talent Acquisition Manager

WGU Grads Hold Positions With Top Employers

Admissions requirements—hr management.

To be considered for this M.S. Human Resource Management program, students must:

• Submit a transcript verifying receipt of your bachelor’s degree from a recognized, accredited institution.

NOTE: You do not need to take the GRE or GMAT to be admitted to this program.  Learn why we don't require these tests.

Transfer Credits

Get Your Enrollment Checklist

Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.

Get Your Questions Answered

Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.

MORE DETAILS

Additional Credentials

The Human Resource Management Master's degree program allows students to earn valuable credentials on their path to a degree, including the WGU HR Technology and Analytics for Decision Making Certificate, and the SHRM Inclusive Workplace Culture credential. These credentials allow you to demonstrate mastery and add impact to your résumé before you even graduate with your degree. Additionally this program is SHRM and HRCI aligned, preparing you for the SHRM CP and HRCI PHR if you have not already earned those credentials.

Commonly Asked Questions About the HR Management Degree

What subjects are studied in a master’s in human resource management.

In a Human Resource Management master's degree program you'll study a variety of subjects, including:

• Managing and leading people
• HR compliance and employee relations
• Data-driven decision making
• Management communication
• Talent acquisition and development
• Inclusive workplace culture

Is a master’s in human resource management worth it?

Earning your master’s in HR management equips you with the in-demand skills and expertise you need to be a leader in your organization and in your field. It opens up new career opportunities and higher salaries. This makes pursuing this degree an ideal choice for those who are ready to boost their career. 

What can you do with a master’s in human resource management?

You’ll be prepared for a variety of roles in Human Resources, DEI, and Organizational Culture, such as:

• HR Business Partner
• HR Manager, Director of HR
• Total Rewards Specialist
• Chief HR Officer
• DEI Manager
• HR Compliance Specialist

How much can I make with a master’s in human resource management? 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2022, the national median salary for a human resource manager was $130,000. Salaries ranged from $76,600 to $224,360.

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