MA in Human Resource Management FAQ

Do I need experience in human resources to be admitted?
No, a background in human resources is not required to be considered for admission. We welcome students who are interested in joining this growing field.

Is this program accredited?
Saint Mary’s University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. In addition, the Society for Human Resource Management certifies that coursework in the online master’s in Human Resource Management program is aligned with SHRM’s core knowledge areas.

Will I receive SHRM certification when I graduate?
No. SHRM certification is not automatically conferred upon your graduation. However, coursework in the online master’s in Human Resource Management program is aligned with SHRM’s core knowledge areas, so it serves as a foundation for certification if you decide to pursue it.

Who are the instructors in the program?
Instructors teaching in the online MA in Human Resource Management are currently working in the field, so they can offer you a current picture of issues, challenges and developments facing human resource managers today. What you will learn isn’t limited to the classroom—they are also available for extra support and guidance whenever you need it.

What will my classmates be like?
The age range among students is wide, from recent college graduates to individuals in their 50s. Some students have been working in HR for a few years; others are interested in making a career change. Part of the online experience includes learning from peers with different perspectives. As long as you are committed to the program, you will fit in no matter your background.

How do the university’s Lasallian, Catholic values impact the curriculum? Do I have to be Catholic to apply?
Saint Mary’s programs are open to individuals of all faiths and beliefs. As an HR professional, you have a zeal for helping employees work more effectively and improving organizational performance. At Saint Mary’s, we imbue our programs with that same enthusiasm as well as a passion for service to the community. We believe that our graduates can help make the world a better place through their expertise, professional and personal fulfillment, and ethical leadership.

What are the admissions requirements for the program?
You must have earned an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution, where you maintained an overall GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale, and be able to demonstrate language proficiency.

Is there a residency requirement? How do online classes work?
No. Coursework is completely online and is asynchronous, meaning you do not have to be online at a certain time on a certain day. As long as you complete your assignments according to the schedule set by your instructor, you can log in whenever it is convenient for you.

How long will it take me to graduate?
To earn your degree, you will complete 13 graduate level classes equaling 39 credit hours of program work.  At two courses per consecutive semester, you will complete your course work in just a little over 2 years, or 26 months.

Have a question about the online MA in Human Resource Management that you don’t see here? Call 877-308-9954 to speak to an enrollment counselor, or request more information today.