Master of Business Administration in Human Resources
Lead People. Strengthen Organizations. Navigate the Future of Work.
The role of human resources has expanded far beyond hiring, benefits, and compliance. Today's HR leaders help organizations attract and develop talent, build effective leaders, manage organizational change, strengthen culture, and prepare their workforces for new technologies and changing skill requirements.
Waldorf University's online Master of Business Administration in Human Resources combines advanced business education with specialized human resource management coursework to prepare professionals to lead people and workforce strategy within increasingly complex organizations.
Whether you're already working in human resources, preparing for greater leadership responsibility, or seeking to move into HR management, this flexible online MBA helps you develop the business, leadership, and organizational expertise needed to make a greater impact.
Designed for Today's HR Professionals
Waldorf University's online MBA in Human Resources is designed for professionals who want to expand their HR and business expertise without stepping away from their careers. The flexible online format allows students to continue working while developing knowledge they can apply within their organizations.
Program Highlights
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100% online format
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Flexible scheduling for working professionals
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36-credit curriculum
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Human Resources concentration
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Designed for current and aspiring HR and organizational leaders
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No campus residency requirements
Why Pursue an MBA in Human Resources?
People strategy has become business strategy.
Organizations need HR leaders who can recruit and retain talent, develop future leaders, guide organizational change, use workforce data effectively, and connect people strategy with broader business objectives.
An MBA in Human Resources brings people strategy and business strategy together. Students build a foundation in finance, economics, information systems, research, and business management while developing specialized expertise in human resources, leadership development, coaching, organizational change, ethics, and organizational development.
Students may pursue this degree to:
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Advance into HR management and leadership positions
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Connect human resource strategy with organizational goals
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Strengthen talent development and leadership capabilities
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Lead organizational change and workforce transformation
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Improve employee and organizational performance
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Develop stronger analytical and business decision-making skills
For HR professionals seeking greater influence within their organizations, the MBA provides business knowledge that complements specialized expertise in managing and developing people.
HR Leadership and the Changing Workplace
The workforce is undergoing significant transformation. Artificial intelligence, automation, changing employee expectations, demographic shifts, and evolving skill requirements are changing how organizations recruit, develop, manage, and retain talent.
According to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025, 39% of workers' core skills are expected to change by 2030. Employers identify skills gaps as their greatest barrier to business transformation, increasing the importance of workforce development, reskilling, talent management, and organizational adaptability.
For HR leaders, these changes create a broader mandate. The profession is increasingly involved in decisions about workforce strategy, leadership development, organizational design, technology adoption, employee development, and change management.
The Changing HR Landscape
HR Leadership Trend |
What It Means for Organizations |
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39% of workers' core skills are expected to change by 2030 |
Organizations must continually identify, develop, and reskill talent |
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69% of organizations report difficulty filling roles |
Recruiting, retention, talent development, and workforce planning remain strategic priorities |
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Only 18% of CHROs report their HR strategy is seamlessly aligned with overall business goals |
Organizations need HR leaders who can connect workforce strategy with broader business priorities |
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51% of CHROs identified leadership and manager development as a top priority for 2025 |
Developing managers, future leaders, and succession pipelines has become a critical HR responsibility |
Sources: World Economic Forum, Future of Jobs Report 2025; SHRM, 2025 Talent Trends; SHRM CHRO Priorities and Perspectives.
The Waldorf Difference
The Power of AND
HR professionals shouldn't have to choose between advancing their education and continuing to build their careers.
Waldorf University's online MBA in Human Resources brings graduate business and specialized HR education together in a flexible format designed for working professionals.
Faculty with real-world business experience bring practical perspective to the classroom, helping students connect what they learn to challenges within their own organizations.
Lead People AND Understand the Business
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Develop HR expertise AND strengthen business acumen
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Build future leaders AND improve organizational performance
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Lead workforce change AND understand its organizational impact
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Advance your career AND continue working full-time
YOUR LIFE CONTINUES. YOUR EDUCATION DOES TOO.
Who Should Consider This Program?
Waldorf University's MBA in Human Resources is designed for current and aspiring HR professionals seeking greater responsibility in human resource management, talent development, organizational development, and workforce strategy. It may also be valuable for managers and business professionals who lead people or want to transition into human resources.
For experienced HR professionals, the combination of advanced business and specialized HR coursework can help prepare them to contribute at a more strategic level and pursue senior or executive leadership opportunities, including roles responsible for aligning workforce strategy with broader organizational goals.
Curriculum Designed for Human Resource Leadership
Strategic HR decisions don't happen in isolation. They are shaped by organizational strategy, financial performance, technology, leadership, and change.
Waldorf University's MBA curriculum provides that broader business foundation while the Human Resources concentration develops specialized expertise in managing people, developing leaders, measuring change, and strengthening organizations.
Students explore how to coach and develop leaders, approach difficult business decisions ethically, measure the impact of HR and organizational initiatives, and help organizations successfully navigate change.
This program is available online only.
Master's Degree Requirements
- Completion of 36-credit hour curriculum
- Minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA
- Grade of B or higher in all required courses and professional electives
| Prefix | Number | Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACC | 5301 | Management Applications of Accounting | 3 |
| ORG | 5100 | Leadership Theory and Practice | 3 |
| MBA | 5401 | Management Information Systems | 3 |
| MBA | 5501 | Advanced Marketing | 3 |
| MBA | 5652 | Research Methods | 3 |
| MBA | 6053 | Economics for Managers | 3 |
| MBA | 6081 | Corporate Finance | 3 |
| Total Major Requirement Credit Hours: | 21 | ||
| Prefix | Number | Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| HRM | 5200 | Human Resource Management | 3 |
| HRM | 5300 | Ethics for Business Leadership | 3 |
| HRM | 6000 | Leadership Development and Coaching | 3 |
| HRM | 6400 | Measuring HR and Change Impact | 3 |
| HRM | 6800 | Organization Development | 3 |
| Total Concentration Credit Hours: | 15 | ||
| Total Credit Hours: | 36 | ||
Ready to Advance Your Career in Human Resources?
Take the next step toward greater responsibility in human resources and organizational leadership.
MBA in Human Resources Degree Requirements
Students must complete the 36-credit curriculum with a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA and earn a B or higher in all required courses and professional electives.
Applicants seeking admission to Waldorf University's MBA in Human Resources must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
Additional admission requirements, transcript guidelines, and application information may apply based on academic history and transfer coursework.
For complete admission requirements and application details, request information or speak with an admissions representative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MBA in Human Resources fully online?
Yes. Waldorf University's MBA in Human Resources is offered 100% online.
How many credits are required?
The program consists of 36 total credit hours, including 21 credits of core MBA coursework and 15 credits of Human Resources concentration coursework.
Do I need to currently work in human resources?
No. The program can support both current HR professionals seeking advancement and professionals interested in transitioning into human resource management or organizational leadership.
What will I study in the Human Resources concentration?
Concentration coursework includes Human Resource Management, Ethics for Business Leadership, Leadership Development and Coaching, Measuring HR and Change Impact, and Organization Development.
Why combine an MBA with Human Resources?
The MBA develops broader expertise in areas such as finance, economics, marketing, information systems, research, and leadership, while the concentration develops specialized HR and organizational capabilities. Together, they can help professionals understand both workforce decisions and the broader business environment in which those decisions are made.
How is technology changing human resources?
AI, automation, workforce analytics, and other technologies are changing recruiting, workforce development, employee roles, and organizational decision-making. HR leaders increasingly help organizations understand how technology affects people, skills, organizational structure, and workforce strategy.
What types of roles can an MBA in Human Resources support?
Depending on prior experience and other qualifications, graduates may pursue opportunities in human resource management, talent management, employee development, organizational development, workforce planning, recruiting, HR operations, and related leadership functions.
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