SNHU Spotlight: Jenny McCracken, BS in Business Administration Grad
Business | 10min Read
Technology, multigenerational workforces and the rapidly changing economic landscape are evolving the role that human resource professionals play in the bigger picture of business operations.
Our online Master of Science (MS) in Human Resource Management program is designed to equip human resource professionals with the creative problem-solving skills, data-driven decision-making, strategic management skills, empathy and ethics they need to forge a path for themselves and the organizations they represent.
Gain the business acumen and industry knowledge and technical skills necessary to support an organization's vision, mission and goals. In the master's in human resources management at SNHU, you'll take an integrated approach to developing relevant HR expertise, focusing on communication and negotiation skills, critical legal and ethical principles, strategic HR program development, and the global and cultural context of HR today.
The Master of Science curriculum and outcomes of the graduate program were developed in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) competencies and master's degree curriculum standards.
In your major courses, you'll explore topics like labor relations and negotiations, talent acquisition and development strategies, ethical and legal problem solving, workforce planning and effective models of human resource service delivery.
Don't have a business background? No worries – this HR program is built to support students with or without prior business experience and education.
For students without a business-related undergraduate degree, this program may begin with a Business Foundations course. This course is designed to help you to understand terminology and topics that can set you up for success in the master's in human resources program.
Visit the course catalog to view the full MS in Human Resource Management curriculum.
Minimum Specifications:
Additional Information:
SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has acknowledged that SNHU's MS in Human Resources Management is aligned to the Society for Human Resource Management's Body of Applied Skills & Knowledge™ (SHRM BASK™) competencies.
Developed through a series of large-scale research studies, the SHRM BASK incorporates global HR viewpoints to collectively establish a grouping of critical HR competencies and content areas.
Choose to go further and establish yourself as a globally recognized human resource expert by earning the new standard in HR certification:
These professional certifications can open doors for professional advancement, serve to harmonize standards with changing expectations and signal to employers advanced professional development.
And why would you want to earn SHRM certification? According to the organization, it's recognized across industries, and it's offered by the world's largest HR membership organization.2 With many employers seeking SHRM credentials each month, you'll likely want to enroll in a HR program that can set you up for success with SHRM.
Beyond completing education requirements for certification, you'll also complete a capstone project, which provides employers with an example of the skills you've developed throughout your online master's in human resources program. The course is structured to support student success in fulfilling program requirements.
Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!
Upcoming term starts: Nov. 10, 2025 | Feb. 2, 2026
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 91.6% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2024 survey with 8,000+ respondents.
Our faculty members bring years of HR experience to the online classroom. Leveraging their experience in human resources management, they connect theoretical concepts with real-life situations, allowing you to understand how scenarios play out in real organizations.
Dr. Dean Gualco has served as an HR director for two California cities, the Governor of California and at the University of California, in addition to serving as a city library director. Gualco is also the author of 11 books, the last titled The Perfect Country: the Traits and Characteristics of a Good and Decent People, and has taught at universities throughout the world for over 20 years.
Position
Adjunct Faculty Member
Joined SNHU
2018
Education
With over two decades of teaching experience in higher education and 25 years of leadership in human resources at the C-suite level, Deborah Gogliettino brings a wealth of knowledge to the HR faculty at SNHU. Credentialed in executive coaching, Gogliettino enjoys mentoring emerging leaders. She also holds the designation of Senior Professional in Human Resources® (SPHR) from Human Resource Certification Institute® and has written about the value of continuous learning for the organization.
Position
Associate Dean, Human Resources
Joined SNHU
2015
Education
"I entered human resources not only to solve problems and creative innovative solutions, but to play an influential role in a company's strategy. That's the fun of HR."
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 250,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.
It's easy, fast and free.
Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)
After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.
Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.
*before previously earned credits are applied
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.
If 3 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $17,199
If 6 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $15,288
If 9 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $13,377
If 12 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $11,466
How we estimate your tuition cost:
We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a master's degree. Most master's degrees require 36 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 12 credits, requiring a minimum of 24 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.
Transfer credits toward your master's degree program at SNHU. If you’ve taken one course or many, we’ll evaluate them for you.
Fill out the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for grants or work-study. (You could also be offered loans, though you’ll have to pay those back later.)
Earn credits in leadership, technology and more – while taking advantage of an online graduate tuition discount for active-duty service members and spouses.
Getting free money for college – from SNHU or an outside organization – could help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Bring in credits from popular options like CLEP, Sophia Learning, Google and other common credit for prior learning (CPL) experiences.
Learn how you can save money with tuition reimbursement from your employer.
Take advantage of an online tuition discount through your organization’s partnership with SNHU. Check with your employer to see if your organization partners with us and if you’re eligible for additional tuition savings and partner education benefits.
By enrolling in the master's in human resource management program, you can equip yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to enter management-level positions in human resources and related business professions.
As an HR leader, you'll work to align the employee experience with organizational goals – helping individuals and the business grow. In a human resource manager role, you might gather and analyze business data, establish efficient operational processes, develop hiring strategies, design talent development strategies, lead equity and diversity initiatives and beyond.
As an HR manager, you could find yourself working in almost any industry. Here are a few:
Help train educators and administrators to make positive impact on education systems and services.
Help people discover their passions, find their careers or advance in their current careers.
Promote team-building, collaboration, and better communication for teams large and small.
Help strategize ways to help people work together more efficiently so they can better serve communities.
Make an impact in communities and healthcare setting by helping to hire, manage and train staff.
Be "the people person" at large-scale and enterprise companies, overseeing hiring and training programs.
Median annual pay nationally for HR managers as of May 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1 Statistic not based on wage data for SNHU graduates.
Median annual pay nationally for training and development managers as of May 2023, according to the BLS.1 Statistic not based on wage data for SNHU graduates.
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not on SNHU graduate outcomes, and do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
If you have a passion for helping lead an organization in the right direction, then yes.
With a master’s in human resource management, you’ll learn to approach HR initiatives from a strategic and data-driven perspective and understand how HR impacts organizations on every level.
Many human resources jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field, with leadership positions more often requiring a master’s degree. Earning a master’s in human resources online can help you stand out when applying for new roles or promotions.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs opportunities for human resources managers are projected to grow 5% through 2032, as new companies form and existing organizations work to adhere to changing and complex employment laws and regulations.1
The benefits of earning your master's in human resource management go beyond your career. For Nancy Glasheen, a current student pursuing her MS in Human Resources Management, this degree has opened doors within the SNHU community. "The open doors for me included allowing for a bigger identity footprint with other students, the SNHU Alumni community, and exposure to the National Society for Leadership and Success."
In 2023, the median annual wage for human resources managers was $136,350, with the highest 10% earning more than $239,200, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1
In addition to HR manager roles, you can also be well compensated as a training and development manager. The BLS notes the annual median wage in 2023 as $125,040, with the top 10% earning more than $220,060.1
Salaries for human resources jobs can vary based on the industry or organization you’re working in, but earning a master’s degree can help boost your salary potential overall.
In 2023, master’s degree holders’ median weekly earnings were approximately 16% higher than bachelor’s degree holders and approximately 64% higher than associate degree holders, according to BLS.1
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:
Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
2Society for Human Resource Management, on the internet, at https://www.shrm.org/credentials/certification (viewed April 19, 2024)