MS Management, Strategy & Leadership - Human Resource Management

The Master of Science in Management, Strategy & Leadership concentration in Human Resource Management from MSU provides students a tailored education experience designed to build knowledge and skills in the diverse facets of managing human resources to achieve your organization’s strategic objectives.

Career Opportunities

Projected Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment for human resources managers is projected to increase 7 percent from 2021 to 2031, as fast as average for all occupations.

For information on other management occupations, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/home.htm

Potential Outcomes

Graduates of the MSL Human Resource Management concentration may qualify for a wide range of positions, including:*

• Program manager
• Director of HR
• HR manager
• HR business partner
• HR generalist
• Technical program manager
• Program director
• Analytics manager
• Recruiter
• Associate director

* Source: EMSI/Burning Glass Program Overview – Program: HR Management (52.1001); Education: Master’s; Timeframe: Apr ‘21 – Mar ‘22

What You Can Learn

The online Master of Science in Management, Strategy & Leadership features 10 core courses that explore topics in business strategy, leadership, negotiations and conflict resolution, international management, ethics and more.

In addition, students opting for a concentration in Human Resource Management must complete the following four courses (each carrying two credit hours):

• MGT 811 – Fundamentals of Human Resource
  StaffingFamiliarize yourself with the essential components of talent acquisition and development, including legal issues, measurement, job analysis, performance assessment and recruitment.
• MGT 814 – Managing Diversity in the Workplace
  Explore how organizations can benefit from differences in ethnicity, age, tenure and education. You can also discover some of the challenges that may arise and learn techniques to manage conflict.
• MGT 818 – Talent Management and Development
  How do you manage human resources to realize an organization’s goals and mission? Study strategies for employee recruitment and development, performance management, succession planning and retention, career management and leadership development.
• MGT 822 – Developing Reward and Compensation Systems
  Learn how to apply compensation principles to organizational objectives and strategically use compensation systems to attract, motivate and retain employees. You can also discover the managerial aspects of paying employees at all levels.

The full program curriculum covers additional topics in human resource management, team development and leadership to help students empower themselves and gain the skills and knowledge to become HR leaders.

This graduate degree is designed for experienced business professionals looking to maximize their potential in managing people and leading organizations, while enhancing their career opportunities.

To be considered for MSU’s online MS in Management, Strategy and Leadership program, you should have:

• 3 years (minimum) full-time managerial experience in a supervisory role and a high degree of potential for advancement to an organizational leadership role
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college
• 3.0 minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA)

International Applicants click here for more information.

MS in Management, Strategy & Leadership Program Application Checklist

Start Your MSU Application ?

• Complete your online application with a $100 application fee (one-time, nonrefundable)

Order Transcripts ?

• Official transcripts from all college/university programs or courses of study attended prior to applying to Michigan State University
• Official military transcript (if denoting servicemember or military veteran status in application)

Provide Professional Resume, Essay & Recommendations ?

• Applicants’ resumes must include up to 20 years of work experience (if applicable).
• Applicants’ resumes must explicitly list supervisory vs. non-supervisory for each role within their work experience. If the role was supervisory, the applicant must include a range of direct reports.
• Applicants with military service must denote rank (and associated pay grade) for every position listed on their resume (military roles).
• 3 letters of recommendation from professional, work-related references, preferably supervisors. Letters should speak to your ability to work within and lead teams, and your contribution to a professional business environment are strongly recommended.
• Statement of intention essay (2 pages), detailing your direct supervisory and/or management experience, and stating how you see the degree furthering your career and organizational goals.

Please note, while the application deadline has been extended, if your application is submitted after April 5, 2024 we cannot guarantee consideration for the Summer semester.