Online Master of Science in Human Resources
Develop Strategic HR Leaders for a Changing Workforce
The Pepperdine Graziadio Business School Master of Science in Human Resources (MSHR) is designed for professionals who want to advance or transition into impactful careers in human resource management. As organizations increasingly rely on HR as a strategic business partner, there is growing demand for leaders who can align talent strategy with business outcomes, lead organizational change, and foster high-performing, people-centered workplaces.
This flexible, online program includes 28 core units and 2 elective units and can be completed in as few as 16 months. Through a structured, career-focused curriculum, you’ll build expertise in areas such as talent management, organizational leadership, employment law, and strategic HR, while gaining practical experience through applied coursework and interactive digital learning.
From the start, the program emphasizes real-world application, ensuring you graduate
with the skills to lead HR initiatives that drive measurable business impact, no matter
where you are located.
Core Curriculum
The MSHR program consists of 30 total units, combining foundational HR coursework
with applied learning experiences.
Program Structure
Core Courses (28 units)
Develop a strong foundation in key areas such as:
- Organizational behavior, leadership, and culture
- Strategic human resources and talent management
- Employment law and the American legal system
- Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
- Total rewards and HR consulting
- Digital platforms for HR processes and information management
- The business case for human resources and HR capstone
Elective Courses (2 units)
Choose from options such as:
- Cross-cultural management
- Global Business Intensive
Program Experience
- Live online classes hosted on Zoom
- Cohort-based learning model
- Two in-person Malibu residencies (program launch and conclusion)
- Capstone HR simulation experience
For more detailed course descriptions, view the Online MSHR Academic Course Catalog.
Take the Next Step
Learn more about how to achieve your career goals with the Pepperdine Graziadio Online MS in Human Resources Program.
What Can Students Expect?
SHRM-Aligned Curriculum
Aligned with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) guidelines, ensuring relevance to today’s HR standards and practices.
Flexible Online Format
Complete coursework through a blend of live online sessions and asynchronous content, allowing you to balance your studies with professional responsibilities.
AI-Infused HR Leadership
Take your master's degree one step further and accelerate your path to earn an MBA in as little as 15 months.
Experiential Learning Opportunities
Engage in real-world consulting projects, case studies, and internships that provide practical experience solving global business challenges.
Flexible Completion Timeline
Finish your degree in as few as 16 months while pacing your coursework to fit your professional and personal commitments.
Professional Network & Cohort Model
Learn alongside a diverse cohort of peers, building strong relationships and cross-cultural understanding through collaborative coursework and shared global experiences.
Balancing Theory and Hands-On Experience
The MSHR curriculum blends foundational knowledge with practical application to prepare students for strategic HR leadership.
- Strategic HR Foundations: Develop expertise in key areas such as leadership, talent management, and organizational strategy, with a focus on aligning HR initiatives to business outcomes.
- Real-World Case Integration: Apply concepts through case studies and team projects that reflect current workplace challenges and organizational dynamics.
- Applied Learning & Simulation: Participate in a capstone HR simulation, where you’ll act as an HR leader making critical decisions in a dynamic business environment.
- Immediate Workplace Application: Translate classroom learning directly into practice, applying insights to real-world professional settings in real time.
Learn in a Global Destination
Our Online MSHR program includes opportunities to broaden your perspective through immersive international learning experiences.
One of the program’s most popular electives features a week-long Global Business Intensive (GBI), where students travel abroad to engage directly with international businesses, policy leaders, and diverse economic systems. You'll explore how cultural, regulatory, and economic factors shape global markets while building relationships with peers and professionals from around the world.
Whether you're visiting financial institutions in London, startups in Berlin, or supply chains in Singapore, these experiences equip you with a sharper, more nuanced understanding of global business strategy, giving you the insight to lead confidently across borders.
Frequently Asked Questions