Overview

Master's and/or advanced certificates

Human Resource Leadership is a set of 10 courses arranged into three advanced graduate certificates in people leadership that you may take individually, or take in sequence, plus a capstone course to earn the Master of Science in Human Resource Leadership. The delivery is hybrid — some in person, some online.

The three certificates:

  • Strategic People Leadership
  • Strategic Talent Development & Coaching
  • People Analytics 

Key Program Features

  • Customize your program. Earn an advanced certificate to increase your competency base or a full M.S. degree to accelerate your career growth.
  • Enhance your ability to lead your organization in attracting, retaining, and developing its human capital in an increasingly turbulent environment.
  • Learn to sustain productive work environments while balancing your employer’s strategic and economic priorities through an emphasis on people metrics and analytics. Learn to unlock the power of data to uncover insights and guide decisions. 
  • The 9-credit certificate programs provide you with the tools and resources necessary to specialize in talent development, people metrics and analytics, and/or strategic business partner leadership.
  • Complete the master’s degree to be well positioned to compete for senior human resource management positions.
  • This master's degree is aligned with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates.

Student Perspective

    Student Perspective

      Shield for best master's in human resources degree programs 2025
      College of Distinction: Business badge
      SHRM certification badge

      SHRM-aligned program, accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education

      Laurie Zaucha

      Flexible Certificate Path

      "The advanced certificates in this program are a fantastic way for professionals to increase their expertise and value in the workplace. They address the key priorities for business today as demographic shifts and digital transformations shape the workforce and how we do business."

      — Laurie Zaucha, senior human resources executive, retired from Paychex

       

      Combination of online and in-person (evening) classes

       

      Flexible design — certificate(s) or degree

       

      Complete a certificate in 12 months or full degree in 24 months part-time

      Program is Ideal for

      • Human resource and people leadership professionals who wish to advance in their career by earning a graduate degree
      • Human resource and people leadership professionals who wish to expand or deepen their competencies by earning one or more advanced certificates 
      • Career changers with a strong desire to enter the challenging and rewarding field of people leadership and human resources management

      Curriculum Examples

      • Attracting and Retaining Top Talent
      • Predictive People Analytics
      • Coaching and Critical Conversations
      • Leading Transformational Change
      • Diversity and Inclusion
      • People Strategy Alignment

      Value of your Degree

      • The Society for Human Resource Management reports that human resources is one of the fastest-growing fields in the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts above-average job growth through 2032 for people managers, human resource specialists, and human resource managers.
      • “A new spectrum of People-Management functions will dominate by 2025. This new spectrum of future People-Management includes both classical HR tasks such as talent management, employee qualification, and culture management as well as newly emerging tasks such as people-related data & technology management.” — The Institute for Leadership and Human Resource Management
      • “Principles and concepts learned during any graduate program expose the HR professional to viewpoints he or she may not have been exposed to previously. In the long run, this may mean additional competitive advantage for the organization in terms of applying evidence and knowledge acquired in graduate school to better manage the business enterprise.” — Nancy Woolever, director of academic initiatives for the Society for Human Resource Management, in Workforce magazine
      Brad Ford

      "The combination of in-person and online learning, paired with the progressive curriculum really gave the programs a competitive advantage to the others I was exploring. I would highly recommend human resources professionals exploring higher education to consider these programs as they will advance your career and knowledge in the field immensely." — Brad Ford '14, '18G, '20G

      Program options

      HRL MS and Certification Options

      100%

      100% of Nazareth's School of Business and Leadership graduate students in the Class of 2023 were employed within six months of graduation, based on surveys and other follow-up.

       
       

      Why Nazareth?

      "It has been said that the key to why things change is the key to everything. The importance of distilling and understanding workforce metrics cannot be overstated. Given the incredible speed of decision-making required to effectively compete, whether for talent or for customers, demands analytical skills and tools to unlock trends and insights. Leaders today need to have the right balance of empirical data and motivational tools to truly unlock the potential of the workforce. I am pleased to see Nazareth offering the opportunity for leaders to develop these skills."

      Tom Kane, chief human resource officer, Constellation Brands

      What to Expect

      • Courses offered evenings and online throughout the calendar year.
      • Flexible, self-paced program. Complete the 10-course degree part-time in as little as two years, or complete an advanced certificate in 12 months.
      • Learn from professors and peers, encompassing a diverse student population representing a range of organizations and sectors of the economy.
      • Apply concepts to practical applications that create value for you and for the organization.
      • A unique attribute of the program that enhances your career and professional opportunities is the partnership between the School of Business and Leadership and the Center for Life's Work. As a student in this graduate program, you will have a dedicated career coach to assist you with your career planning and job search.

      Catalog: Program Requirements »

       

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