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About the Master’s in Human Resources at Loyola
Any organization is only as good as its most valuable asset: its people. In today’s diverse, complex, and increasingly global work environments, engaging, developing and keeping top talent is more challenging — and necessary — than ever. Human resource professionals play a critical role in organizational success and the need for skilled professionals who can meet these challenges continues to grow.
The Loyola MS in Human Resources gives you the in-depth analytical, leadership, and communication skills you need to recruit, develop, and reward the employees that ensure your organization’s success every day.
You'll be well-prepared to recruit, select, develop, and reward the employees that ensure your company's success every day. You'll also gain access to a strong alumni and human resources network in Chicago, as well as the mentor program run by Loyola's Institute of Human Resources and Employment Relations.
Whether you have a few years of HR experience and are looking to level up your career, or are a professional looking to transition to a new career challenge in the HR field, Loyola’s broad and flexible curriculum prepares you for human resource management positions in a variety of organizations and industries, from business to government to nonprofit.
Program Structure
The human resources master’s program can be pursued full-time or part-time. Classes are held weekday evenings at Loyola's Water Tower Campus, which is conveniently located off the Red Line in the heart of Chicago.
The program is on a 10-week quarter system, and you can begin the program in the Spring or Fall quarter.
Are you a current Loyola undergrad?
Get a head start on your master’s degree by earning graduate credits as a senior. This program is eligible for an Accelerated Master’s Pathway (AMP), welcoming students from any undergraduate major who meet admission requirements.
LEARN MOREWhy Choose Loyola for Your Master’s Degree in Human Resources?
Established in 1941, Loyola's Institute of Human Resources and Employment Relations, part of the Loyola Quinlan School of Business, is the longest-established master's degree program of its kind in the U.S. The Quinlan School of Business is among the 5% of the world's business schools that meet the rigorous standards of AACSB international accreditation.
- A tradition of academic excellence
- Flexible learning options for busy professionals
- Career focus with SHRM certification
- Alumni mentors
- Global perspective
- A program built on a foundation of ethics and values
- A broad and flexible curriculum
- A professional network to last a lifetime
You’ll earn your degree from a nationally ranked business school with a tradition of student success. Our full-time faculty are internationally-known scholars who are leading thinkers in the area. Adjunct Instructors are leading professionals and excellent teachers.
The MS in Human Resources offers hybrid and in-person options and can be pursued full-time or part-time. You can complete your master’s in as little as a year, or at a pace that fits with a full-time job. No previous HR experience is required.
The MSHR at Loyola is aligned with Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) guidelines and will help prepare you for SHRM Certification, a mark of distinction and leadership in the field that can give you an edge in the job market.
Relationship building is at the core of the Loyola experience. HRER mentors are proficient and well-placed alumni who work with students to improve their approach to real-life human resources challenges and help them better understand the employment relations profession.
Multinational companies require deep knowledge of working and managing staff around the globe. You’ll gain a global perspective through coursework, interactions with international students and faculty members, and through MSHR study abroad courses to countries such as India, China, Australia, and Ireland.
What kind of a leader do you aspire to be? Develop ethical and values-based leadership skills to meet today’s workplace challenges.
HRER courses prepare students for human resource management positions in a variety of organizations. Our Business Career Services team maintains relationships with area companies, ensuring that exciting and challenging internships/research opportunities are consistently available.
Join a network of 3,000 human resources Loyola alumni who work in nearly every major corporation in the Chicago metropolitan area, giving you opportunities to build your own strong network in the HR field. Networking and learning opportunities are also available through our HR Student Association and Society for Human Resource Management affiliations.
Meet the Faculty
Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the Quinlan School of Business faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the Human Resources MS program.
Faculty and StaffMSHR: Career Connections
Graduates of the MSHR program are in high demand because of their ability to help organizations attract, retain, and motivate talented employees. Our graduates have been hired by many of the top companies in the Chicago area, including the Federal Savings Bank, Morningstar, Five Below, Trisect, S&C Electric Company, Northern Trust, and more.
Specific job options include:
- Human resources manager or generalist
- Specialist in international human resources
- Staffing or talent acquisition
- Compensation/benefits or rewards management
- Employment relations
- Employee development
Loyola University Chicago is a member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU), a network of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities nationwide. This membership provides our graduates with access to career advising services, resume and interviewing assistance, career fairs and events, and employment listings in our Career Services center, as well as at career centers at other U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the job outlook and pay potential for specific careers and fields that interest you.
Loyola Stories
Curriculum and Program Outcomes
While courses for the Human Resources MS program may vary from quarter to quarter, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.
Additionally, this resource will provide Human Resources MS learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.
2025-2026 Catalog
Browse Academic CatalogMSHR Results and Skills
Human resources professionals need a wide array of critical skills to succeed in today’s constantly evolving and dynamic workplaces. Among the skills our program emphasizes are:
- International human resources
- Staffing
- Compensation/benefits
- Employment relations
- Employee development
- Analytical, team, and communication skills
- Business ethics and social responsibility
Costs, Scholarships, and Aid
Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.
If you are a Loyola alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.
Accelerated Master's Pathway Cost Benefit
This program has an Accelerated Master's Pathway (AMP) for current Loyola undergraduates. Through the AMP, you can lower the cost of a master's degree by earning graduate credits at undergraduate tuition rates (before your undergraduate degree is conferred). Once you graduate with your bachelor’s degree, you will also be eligible for the Returning Rambler Scholarship, offering 25% off graduate tuition.
Tuition and Costs
| Program | Credit Hours | Cost Per Credit Hour | Estimated Tuition and Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Resources MS | 36 | $1,840.00 | $66240.00 |
For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.
Quinlan School of Business Scholarships
Dean’s Merit Scholarship
The Quinlan School of Business automatically considers each student admitted into Quinlan’s Next Generation MBA and MS programs for a Dean's Merit Scholarship. Eligibility is determined through a holistic review at the time of admission.
Graduate Business Student Scholarship
The Graduate Programs Office at Loyola University Chicago awards scholarships to Quinlan graduate students who demonstrate proven academic success and financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Please visit the Scholarships page on the Quinlan School of Business website for more detailed information about scholarships.
Appointments and Events
Whether you’re just beginning your search, in the midst of the application process, or eager to explore our graduate and professional programs, our admissions staff is here to assist you every step of the way.
Schedule an AppointmentThe Quinlan School of Business offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.
View all EventsUpcoming Events
Visit and Connect With Us
With our visit opportunities, you can tour our beautiful Chicago campuses and learn more about Loyola's ties to one of the most prestigious cities in the world.
Application Process
This program has multiple versions you can apply to. Find specific information about the application process for each option below. Please note that Accelerated Master's Pathways are only for current Loyola undergraduate students.
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Human Resources MS are listed below:
Fall & Spring: Rolling admission
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Human Resources MS include:
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
Resume/CV
Statement of Purpose Details
Recommended for applicants with a cumulative GPA under 3.0 and for applicants who may feel that one or more parts of their application is weak, the personal statement provides the admission committee with more insight on your candidacy.
Please discuss how Loyola’s Quinlan School of Business degree program and our focus on responsible leadership will prepare you to achieve your career goals. Your statement should be 2-3 pages in length, double-spaced.
Application Deadlines
Loyola students should apply to Accelerated Master's Pathways (AMP) during their junior year. The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Accelerated Master's Pathway: Human Resources MS are listed below:
Fall, Spring, & Summer: Rolling admission
Recommended Deadlines
October 15: For students completing their degree in May
April 15: For students completing their degree in December
Application Requirements
Please note that only current Loyola undergraduates are eligible for AMPs. Application requirements for the Accelerated Master's Pathway: Human Resources MS include:
Official transcripts from all institutions attended
3.2 Minimum GPA
Resume/CV
Official Documents
Applicants must submit official transcripts from all institutions attended. Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts (with U.S. educational credentials) sent by the student to Loyola are considered unofficial documents, and while they may be utilized for initial review of your application, official transcripts are still required. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu.
International Applicant Requirements
An official English language proficiency exam is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. If you have non-U.S. educational credentials, you are required to submit an official transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation cannot be waived, and unofficial transcripts will not be accepted for international applicants.
Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.
Start Your Application
Applying online to the Human Resources MS program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.
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