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Master of Arts (MA) — Human Resources Management (Online)

January 3, 2023

February 1, 2023

Program overview

Become a leader in developing strategies to translate human-resources needs into action

Now fully online, the Master of Arts in Human Resources Management enables you to develop and expand your knowledge and expertise in the human resources field. Provide leadership and strategies while managing human resources in business, government, or civil society. Become an impact-oriented professional informed by a Christian perspective.

Become a strategic partner in a business or organization with this AACSB-accredited program.

A graduate student sips from an SPU coffee mug while studying

Overview

Shape the future. Change the world.

You long to be the backbone, the strategic partner of a successful business or organization. You’re all about action and want to hone your knack of being able to effectively communicate with others in order to best understand human resource needs and translate them into purposeful action.

The Master of Arts in Human Resources Management program at Seattle Pacific is designed to prepare HR leaders to triumph as professionals in the human resources field. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has acknowledged the program’s alignment with SHRM’s HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates.

THE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, GOVERNMENT, AND ECONOMICS DIFFERENCE

A Master of Arts in Human Resources Management from Seattle Pacific integrates business competence and Christian character, inviting you to apply in-depth knowledge, communicate effectively, work in teams, and learn to provide values-based leadership to the management of human resources in organizations.

Intended for students who recognize the need to develop and expand knowledge and expertise in the human resources field, the Master of Arts in Human Resources Management program enables graduates to provide leadership in managing human resources in business, government, and civil society as impact-oriented, responsible professionals informed by a Christian perspective.

Why Seattle Pacific?

From its inception in 1977, SPU’s School of Business, Government, and Economics has upheld an unwavering dedication to excellence ― quality faculty and curricula, values and ethics, and readying students to impact their professional and personal worlds.

  1. AACSB Accreditation and SHRM Aligned

    Seattle Pacific was the first school of the nearly 100-member Council for Christian Colleges and Universities to achieve the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) distinction. AACSB International represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide — only 5% of schools globally. As a member, we are part of a united movement to improve the quality of business education around the world, helping to develop the next generation of great leaders. Four out of five alumni from AACSB-accredited schools say their graduate management education contributes to improvements in their competitiveness, proactiveness, innovativeness, and creativity. Also, SPU is listed as a Best Business School in the West by The Princeton Review. 

  2. Deep Ethics Emphasis

    Built on an ethical foundation, all graduate programs at SPU offer first-class HR education through the lens of Christian faith and values. Students take two ethics classes, and ethical issues are integrated throughout the curriculum. The School of Business, Government, and Economics also operates the Center for Faithful Business. SBGE is one of five PRME Champion schools in the U.S.

  3. Flexible Format

    Classes are smaller, allowing students to get involved with professors and fellow students in a cooperative and reciprocal learning environment. Responsive and caring faculty encourage students to reach their goals. Our evening courses are designed to accommodate students’ work schedules so they can pace their studies to fit their lives. 

  4. Mentor Program Advantage

    At SPU, students are encouraged to follow their inspiration and imagination while benefiting from a top-rated mentor program that connects them with professionals in their chosen fields of study. To enhance the MAM-HR experience, we offer a mentor program that gives students access to more than 2,000 business people and professionals from a variety of companies, industries, roles, and levels of experience. Meet one-on-one with a mentor or multiple mentors for a richer learning experience and network of contacts. 

  5. Valuable Connections

    When you graduate with a Master of Arts in Human Resources Management degree from SPU’s School of Business, Government, and Economics, you join a community of alumni and partnering stakeholders who stay connected. As a graduate, you’ll find experienced and engaged, top-level business professionals eager to lend their support.

  6. Robust Suite of Career Services

    Shaping a definitive course of action upon graduation is vital. That’s why we offer a robust suite of career and professional development opportunities including career counseling, job-search coaching, résumé development, workshops and seminars, networking events, and mentoring through SBGE Career Services.

    Watch the Human Resources Admissions Webinar

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Curriculum

Curriculum (45 CREDITS*)

The MAM-HR program develops readiness to act as a purpose-driven HR leader.

Responsible Management courses (12 credits)

BUS 6201     Christian Faith, Values, Ethics, and the Marketplace (2)
BUS 6202     Business Ethics: Current Issues and Moral Leadership (2)
BUS 6260     Managerial Communication (2)
BUS 6266     Leadership in Organizations (2)
BUS 6305     Leading in Diverse Contexts (2)
BUS 6937     Responsible Leadership Consulting Practicum (2)

Specialized HR Knowledge courses (30 credits)

BUS 6172     HR Information Systems (3)
BUS 6300     Human Resource Management (3)
BUS 6313     Business as Community of Work (3)
BUS 6301     Labor and Employee Relations (3)
BUS 6302     Performance Management (3)
BUS 6303     Total Reward Systems (3)
BUS 6305     Managing Cultural Diversity (3)
BUS 6308     Legal Environment for HR Management (3)
BUS 6309     People Analytics (3)
BUS 6360     Innovation and Change Management (2) or
BUS 6939     Management Consulting Practicum (3)
SHRM/PHR Professional Designation Exam

Substitute additional BUS elective credits for waived 61xx credits by prior approval as needed to reach a minimum of 45 credits (0–3).

*Foundations courses (10 credits)

Business foundations prerequisite coursework may be satisfied by prior undergraduate coursework or may be completed at SPU.  

BUS 5/6130   Financial Accounting (2)
BUS 5/6132   Managerial Accounting (2)
BUS 5/6140   Legal Environment of Business (2)
BUS 5/6164   Operations Management (2)
BUS 5/6171   Statistics for Business Decisions (2)

Possession of the MOS Certificate in Excel is also a pre-requisite.

To view the official curriculum requirements and course descriptions for the MBA degree, visit the online Graduate Catalog.

Transfer credit

Transfer credit from other institutions will be given only for graduate-level courses from AACSB-accredited schools covering the same body of knowledge. Students may transfer a maximum of three courses (9 credits). Acceptance of transfer credit is determined by the associate dean for graduate programs. Elective course offerings vary each year based on student interest and relevance of subject matter to the business community. Consult the graduate director to select a customized and appropriate sequence of courses.

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Career Opportunities

What careers can open up for you with a Master’s of Arts in Human Resources Management? Here’s a sampling:

  • Human resources manager or director
  • Organizational development consultant
  • Program administrator or evaluator
  • Compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialist
  • Labor relations director
  • Benefits manager

Career Services

Supporting the careers of our graduate business students and alumni is a high priority for the School of Business, Government, and Economics. These career resources are available:

Graduate students may use the Center for Career & Calling Resources for Current Graduate Students which include online vocational resources and résumé tips, workshops, and events. 

Job Leads

Job leads are posted in SPU's job posting board, Handshake, as well as in the SBGE LinkedIn group.

Career Counseling, Job Search Coaching, and Résumé Assistance

Where do you plan to work once you graduate? How do you plan to land your next job? If you just started your graduate business program, you might not know what is on the other side of your degree. A list of qualified, vetted career counselors and coaches is available to students who desire one-on-one assistance (i.e. résumé writing, career exploration counseling or job search coaching, career assessments, or other related activities).  This is on a fee-for-service basis.

Professional and Career Development Workshops

Managing your career is critical for success in today’s turbulent environment. To accelerate your development, each quarter we host one career related workshop on topics such as job searching, networking, résumé writing, interviewing, etc.

Alumni/Student Networking Events

Connecting alumni and current students together is a win-win for everyone. Networking events are held to connect and help current students and SBGE alumni navigate life in the workplace.

Mentoring

A mentor can be a pivotal influence in your career. Our Center for Applied Learning offers a world-class, individually customized mentoring experience that pairs you with a mentor based on your career goals and aspirations. Find out more about the Mentor Program.

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Costs

Tuition and fees for 2022–23

money icon

$788

per credit

$788/credit
$2,364/3-credit course
$35,460 for 45 credit

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$50

application fee

See additional fee details.

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45 credits

to complete

(if prerequisites satisfied.)

Finance your learning

Before applying for aid, you must first be admitted to a graduate program. Make sure you:

  • Enroll in at least 3 credits (or half-time) toward a degree or eligible certificate each quarter.
  • Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.

Just like undergraduates, you may take advantage of scholarships and loans. SPU does not have a deadline for graduate financial aid, though earlier is always better than later! Learn more

Fees

Learn more about administrative, certification, and other program fees.

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Application Info

Admission Requirements

Generally, you must have at least a 3.0 GPA in your undergraduate studies and evidence of at least one year of continuous, full-time, substantive work experience after receipt of the bachelor’s degree on your résumé.

Applicants must submit the following:

  • Online application and $50 application processing fee.
  • Current résumé as evidence of a substantive work experience. You will need at least one year, continuous full-time, post-bachelor’s degree experience at the time of application. More is preferred. This is a significant factor in the admission decision process. Applicants with less than one year of post-baccalaureate professional work experience, but who are otherwise strong candidates and are currently employed in a meaningful professional role may be considered.
  • GRE/GMAT test scores are optional for admission for applicants with a 3.0 GPA or higher in their bachelor’s degree.
  • Official transcript from colleges or universities attended. Include the transcript from the institution that granted your bachelor’s degree with the posted degree appearing on the transcript. Also, send official transcripts for all institutions attended following your undergraduate degree, as well as any other schools where you earned credits that may be used to request waivers of foundations courses.
  • Personal statement (3–4 pages) responding to the essay questions listed in the online application.
  • Two professional letters of recommendation listed in the online application (optional).

Application Deadlines

The application for admission, application fee, and personal statement must be received by the dates listed below. Recommendation letters, official transcripts and test scores must arrive before an admission decision can be made.

Quarter/Starting Month

Application Deadline

Autumn/September

August 1

Winter/January

November 1

Spring/March

February 1

Summer/June

May 1


Pre-Qualified Students

Qualified individuals may take up to five courses if they have an undergraduate degree (as evidenced by an Official transcript(s) from an accredited institution); a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0; and a minimum of one year full-time post-baccalaureate work experience (as evidenced by a current résumé).

Prequalified students must apply for admission to take additional courses. Prequalified status does not guarantee full admission at a later date.

Conditional Admission

You may request conditional admittance into the School of Business, Government, and Economics under these conditions:

  • You are a student who needs an F-1 visa to study in the United States.
  • You have graduated from an accredited four-year institution. Your transcript must show completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
  • You have achieved at least a 3.0 GPA on the US 4.0 scale.
  • You have a minimum of at least one year, continuous full-time, post-bachelor’s degree experience at the time of application. You will be required to submit a résumé with job titles, duties, start date and end date (month and year), Internships and job training are not accepted as full-time employment.

If approved, you will receive a Conditional Letter of Admission from SPU. Conditional admission assures that you will be considered for admission, if you satisfy all admission requirements at the time of your intended enrollment.

Please complete this form to request conditional admission to a graduate program in the SPU School of Business, Government, and Economics.

Visiting Graduate Students

If you have been admitted to a graduate degree program in another accredited institution, you may enroll for up to 9 credits at Seattle Pacific University — with the approval of the School of Business, Government, and Economics.

To gain admission as a visiting graduate student, you must submit:

  • Online application and $50 application processing fee.
  • Letter from the dean’s office at your home institution stating that you are in good standing at that institution.
  • Current résumé.

Questions?

For other questions, please check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.

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International Applicants

International students are an important part of Seattle Pacific University. A vibrant and active international population, SPU’s international graduate students represent 32 different countries.

International students are also eligible to complete this MA in Management program remotely from their own countries. 

International Student Applicants

In addition to general admission requirements, international students must also submit:

  • TOEFL score of at least 86 on the iBT, or an IELTS official score report of at least 6.5 if English is not your first language. Otherwise strong applicants with a TOEFL score of 68-85 (IELTS 6.0) may be probationally or conditionally admitted with the requirement to successfully complete SPU approved ESL coursework prior to or at the outset of enrollment and continuing as needed.
  • Official financial statement reflecting financial support equivalent to the cost of the first year of graduate study. Complete the Declaration of International Student Finances form and send it to the address listed on the form, along with an original bank statement and copy of your passport (front and back).
  • For non US transcripts, provide a transcript evaluation by World Education Services (WES) or Foundation for International Services Inc. (FIS). (A page-by-page evaluation is sufficient, but a course-by-course evaluation is needed to determine if any pre-requisite foundations have been satisfied.)

All official transcripts must be submitted in English. International applicants are responsible for all costs associated with this service, including transcript(s) order and/or delivery fees (official transcripts must be sent directly from the school or translation evaluation service in a sealed envelope).

International student application deadlines

International applicants who do not need an F-1 visa may adhere to the domestic-student deadlines. The application for admission, application fee, and personal statement must be received by the dates listed below. Recommendation letters, official transcripts and test scores must arrive before an admission decision can be made.

Quarter/Starting Month

Application Deadline

Autumn/September

June 1

Winter/January

September 1

Spring/March

December 1

Summer/June

Admission not available for F-1 visa students

 

Questions?

For other questions, please check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.

Alumnus Kedmon Mapana leads music festival in Tanzania.

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