Master of Business Administration in Human Resource Management

How long is this program?
5-6 semesters
Is this online, in-person or hybrid?
On-Ground, Online
Where will I take my classes?
Gainesville & Online
Which semesters can I start?
Fall & Spring
What type of degree will I get?
MBA
How much is tuition?
$896/credit hour
Business Student in an interview

Connect workforce decisions with business priorities.

Prepare to take a larger role in how an organization recruits, develops, and retains its people. Brenau University’s MBA in Human Resource Management combines specialized HR study with a foundation in business management. Whether you work in HR or bring experience from another business function, you’ll build knowledge to pursue human resource management opportunities and take on broader responsibilities.

Program at a glance

Degree:
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Program length:
5–6 semesters
Format:
Online and on-ground
Location:
Gainesville & online

Why study Human Resource Management at Brenau?

  • Study a curriculum aligned with SHRM guidelines. Brenau’s MBA in Human Resource Management follows the Society for Human Resource Management’s curriculum guidelines, helping you develop knowledge and skills relevant to HR practice, so you’ll be ready to apply what you learn in your career.
  • Understand the financial side of HR. Courses in finance and budgeting help you consider the resources behind staffing, compensation, and employee development decisions.
  • Study the full employee experience. Explore HR responsibilities from recruitment and orientation through performance management, rewards, and career development.
  • Choose an additional area of business study. Select Excellence in Operations or Business Analytics within the MBA core to deepen your understanding of operations or decisions informed by data.

Skills you can apply at work

  • Plan for talent needs. Evaluate approaches to recruiting, developing high-potential employees, and retaining talent.
  • Evaluate a total rewards approach. Consider how pay, benefits, work-life needs, and recognition can work together to engage employees.
  • Measure HR’s contribution. Examine how HR practices support business strategy and how to evaluate their results.
  • Assess HR policies and practices. Consider the implications of legislation, regulation, and employee and labor relations.

Your coursework

Your 12-credit major includes four courses:

  • MG 733: Human Resource Management. Survey the major HR functions, including staffing, training, compensation, safety, and employee relations, along with the policies and regulations that affect them.
  • HR 750: Talent Acquisition & Management. Study talent planning, retention, performance management, and knowledge management, including web-based technologies used in these processes.
  • HR 760: HRM Total Rewards. Examine how organizations combine compensation, benefits, work-life considerations, recognition, and career development into a tailored rewards strategy.
  • HR 785: Human Resources Strategy and Analytics. Study how to create, implement, and measure HR systems as part of an organization’s overall strategy.

The 33-credit degree includes three credits in Business Communications, 18 in the MBA core, and 12 in the major. Complete BA 507: Business Communications before entering the core. Any required prerequisite study is additional.

The MBA core covers marketing, business law and ethics, financial management and budgeting, managing people, and strategic management, plus your operations or analytics selection.

Who is a good fit for this program?

Consider this program if you’re an HR professional seeking broader management responsibilities, a supervisor moving toward an HR career, or a business professional interested in talent management or total rewards.

Put your MBA to work in human resources

  • Human resources management: Oversee HR programs and advise managers on workforce issues.
  • Talent acquisition and management: Manage recruiting and help plan for future staffing needs.
  • Total rewards: Develop and administer compensation, benefits, and recognition programs.
  • HR strategy and analytics: Evaluate HR programs and use findings to recommend improvements.

These are potential career directions; specific opportunities depend on your professional experience and other qualifications.

Meet your lead faculty

Dr. Shatrela Washington-Hubbard

Dr. Shatrela Washington-Hubbard currently serves as the Swinton A. Griffith III dean and program director of human resource management programs for the Jacobs College of Business & Media at Brenau University. As dean of the Jacobs College of Business & Media, Washington-Hubbard is focusing on building strategic alliances to grow the college, differentiate the program offerings, and create programs that are regionally and nationally recognized.

Admissions requirements

To apply, you’ll need:

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
  • A GPA of at least 3.0
  • Official college transcripts
  • A resume

Prerequisite coursework

You can satisfy the prerequisite sequence through graduate coursework or qualifying undergraduate courses:

  • Economics: BA 508 Applied Economics for Managers, or both microeconomics and macroeconomics
  • Accounting and finance: BA 514 Overview of Financial Accounting, or both financial accounting and managerial finance

Courses used to meet these requirements must have been completed within the past five years with a grade of B or better. You may use the graduate option for one requirement and the undergraduate option for the other.

Contact Admissions to review your transcripts and determine whether you need prerequisite coursework in addition to the 33-hour MBA.

Master's Degrees, MBA Human Resource Management, Programs

Can I apply without a business degree?

Yes. Applicants may hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. Your previous coursework will determine whether you need prerequisites in economics, accounting, and finance. The catalog allows specified graduate courses or approved undergraduate alternatives, completed within the last five years with a grade of B or better. Required prerequisites are additional to the 33-credit degree.

Master's Degrees, MBA Human Resource Management, Programs

Is the MBA in Human Resource Management aligned with SHRM guidelines?

Yes. Brenau’s undergraduate and graduate HR curricula align with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) guidelines. Earning the MBA in HR Management does not automatically award a professional certification, which must be earned separately.

Master's Degrees, MBA Human Resource Management, Programs

Do I need HR experience to apply?

No, this program is designed for professionals from both HR and other business backgrounds. If you’re considering a move into HR, admissions can review your education and experience and explain any preparation you may need.

Explore related programs

  • Business, Jacobs College of Business & Media

    Bachelor of Business Administration in Management

    Undergraduate / BBA
  • Business, Jacobs College of Business & Media

    Master of Business Administration

    Graduate / MBA