HR Operations
Organizations operate differently depending on size, scope, mission, and sector—but one common denominator is the need for an organization to recruit, develop, utilize, and retain talented employees. In this program geared for HR leaders, you’ll use a variety of models and tools including descriptive and predictive analysis, hiring needs, and compensation structures to inform human capital investments and organizational strategies.
At a Glance
Free Application
University College is committed to educational access, and given the difficult circumstances currently impacting millions of people, we are waiving application fees.
Skills You'll Learn
Staffing forecasting, recruitment, succession planning, and competency modeling
Create analytics and research reports using modeling, analysis, and mapping
Acquire, hire, and retain talented human resources
Curriculum
Master of Science in Strategic Human Resources with a concentration in HR Operations requires completion of 48 credit hours (12 courses).
All students are required to complete a zero-credit Student Success Course.
Elective courses may be chosen from among non core and concentration courses in the Strategic Human Resources program, and you may also select courses in other University College graduate programs.
Your academic advisor will help you select electives that align with your career and personal goals.
Sample Schedule
Plan out your schedule and determine your preferred timeline for completing your master's degree—finish in as few as 18 months or take up to five years.
| Year 1 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classes | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Year 2 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classes | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Year 1 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classes | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Year 2 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classes | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
Interested in a graduate certificate?
Explore our four and six course graduate certificates in HR Operations.
Take a Course Before You Apply
We know how important it is to get started when you're ready and that's why you can enroll in a course before you officially apply.
Career Outcomes
Predicted outcomes for graduates of HR Operations
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, HR professionals can expect to see a job growth of 9% over the next decade. A shortage of HR professionals with foundational competencies and knowledge is expected, with other critical skills gaps in problem-solving, work ethic, written communications, and leadership.
Solution-oriented HR professionals will be in high demand as optimizing the workforce within an organization and redesigning training and development are likely.
Job Titles
Human Resource Managers Salary: National Average
Get Ahead with Career Services
One-on-one career coaching and mock interviews
Job database dedicated to DU students and alumni
Résumé and cover letter guidance
Hear from Our Students
"I recently passed my SHRM-CP with very little time in the field. I feel like my first instincts are good because the foundation was laid with my education." —Shannon Harbison, graduate.
Flexible Online Classes
We understand the demands of balancing work, friends and family, and school can be challenging. That's why at University College, you can complete your program entirely online. Our online learning platform makes it easy to work anywhere at any time.
Featured Instructors
Accreditation & Associations
University College programs maintain the highest level of accreditation offered by The Higher Learning Commission, one of the regional accrediting bodies recognized by the federal government. The University of Denver and all of its academic programs are regionally accredited by this commission, and regional accreditation is the highest standard for universities in the United States.
The University of Denver University College is an Approved Provider with the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). Each course in the Strategic Human Resource curriculum is approved for 48 recertification hours of General, Strategic, or International credit with HRCI. Upon successful completion of the course, human resource professionals may apply the credit earned towards their Professional in Human Resources (PHR), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), or Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) certification. Looking for HRCI certification prep for PHR, SPHR, and aPHR? See offerings through the Center for Professional Development.
The MS in Strategic Human Resources offered through University College is formally acknowledged by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) as being aligned with its HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates through September 2023. As a university with a master's degree program aligned to SHRM's curriculum guidelines, students are eligible to apply for the SHRM-CP exam provided they meet SHRM's student eligibility requirements.