The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below will provide answers to most of the common questions that we receive about the UConn graduate programs in HRM. Contact us with additional questions at: hrm@business.uconn.edu
General
What degrees are offered?
Students can earn a Master of Science in Human Resource Management (MSHRM) or a certificate in HRM.
What is the average amount of work experience required for this program?
Students typically come to our program with a minimum of one year of experience in HR or a related field. However, we also consider well qualified candidates who do not meet this guideline.
How many students are in the program?
Each cohort is typically composed of 30-40 students. We have found that this size maximizes peer learning and provides a stimulating classroom experience.
How long does it take to complete the program?
The MSHRM program takes a total of 20 months. The certificate in HRM is usually completed in two semesters.
Are students able to work while pursuing a degree or certificate in HRM?
Yes! Our graduate programs in HRM are designed for working professionals and can all be completed on a part-time basis.
What is the average age of students?
The average age of our most recent MSHRM cohort is 28 years of age. However, we have enrolled students that range in age from 21-60+ years old. We invite qualified applicants of any age to apply.
Am I able to attend events on campus?
Yes, students in both our hybrid and online programs are a part of the UConn community an have full access to UConn events.
Are international students eligible for graduate programs in HRM?
Yes, however, the University of Connecticut does not issue a Form I-20 for part-time study. Applicants for graduate programs in HRM, therefore, do not qualify for the F-1 student visa through UConn sponsorship. If you are already in the U.S. on a visa, you are responsible to ensure that taking classes will not violate the terms of your visa status. The University cannot determine this for you.
Do students intern while pursuing their degrees?
The vast majority of our students are full-time working professionals and therefore do not intern. Though we do not have a required internship component in our programs, we do have designated career counselors who can assist students who wish to seek an internship independently.
Academics
How many courses are required to graduate?
The MSHRM degree consist of 11 courses (33 credits) and the certificate in HRM consists of 4 courses (12 credits).
Are there any prerequisite courses for graduate programs in HRM?
Our students come from different professional areas and have studied various undergraduate and graduate degrees, but all have a desire to become a more effective and knowledgeable leader in Human Resources. We require that you have completed your baccalaureate program to be admitted to our programs and to meet all of our admissions criteria. There is no prerequisite coursework for our HRM classes.
What courses do you offer?
For an overview of each program, including a sample sequence of courses, please see the Courses page.
What does the Capstone Course entail?
The final course in the MSHRM program is MENT 5805 - Human Resource Management Capstone. It is the culmination of all previous coursework completed in the program. Students apply their knowledge to a “real-world” HR problem of their choosing. Students often choose to tackle an issue in their current organization, though this is not a requirement. In this hands-on course, you will gain competence at systematically addressing complex human resources challenges commonly faced by organizations. You will come away with a set of tools that you can use in the future to identify, analyze, evaluate, and solve these HR-related challenges. Though this is not a thesis-based course, a final paper outlining your course experience is a component of the course requirements.
Is there a thesis requirement?
No, there is no additional requirement separate from the assignments proscribed within each course.
What are the Saturday Seminars?
The Saturday Seminars are a key component of our hybrid and online MSHRM programs. Students in our MSHRM programs will participate in one Saturday seminar per month during their time in the program. For the hybrid program, seminars are offered in person at our Graduate Business Learning Center in downtown Hartford. For the online program, seminars are offered in an online synchronous format. These seminars bring a depth and richness to the Graduate Programs in HRM by incorporating interactive case roundtables, guest speakers, small group breakouts, and cohort discussions. Our faculty are experienced in teaching online and in person and bring a wealth of knowledge to both methods of delivery.
What kind of support is available?
We offer a variety of support services to students in our Graduate Programs in Human Resource Management, including academic, technical, and career services support.
- Academic support: If you have questions directly related to the course content, contact the instructor directly.
- Technical support: Click here to go to technical support.
- Advising: For all advising questions, please contact our HRM team at HRM@business.uconn.edu or 860-728-2400.
- Career services: For career services support, please contact https://grad.business.uconn.edu/career/
Admissions
When should applicants expect an admissions decision?
Applicants will receive a decision by the indicated response date that corresponds with the deadline found on the Business School's website.
How are students notified about their admissions decision?
Decisions are shared via email. The decision will also be available on the application portal.
Is there an application deadline?
Yes, we have specific deadlines every year. Please be sure to verify the deadline for the program you are applying for - https://grad.business.uconn.edu/deadlines
Is there a GPA requirement?
We seek at least a 3.0 GPA from your undergraduate studies. If you fall below this GPA, please contact our Admissions team to discuss your options.
Is there a minimum work experience requirement?
A minimum of one year of professional experience in HR or a related field is preferred. However, we also consider well-qualified candidates with less than a full year of work experience.
Application
Who should I ask to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf?
Letters from professors, business professionals, employers, etc. are generally acceptable. We encourage you to submit at least one of the letters from a current or previous direct supervisor/manager. The second letter can be your choice of a professor, coworker, employer, professional mentor, etc.
Can I upload copies of my letters of recommendation?
No. While you are completing the application, you will be prompted to enter the information of your recommenders, including email addresses. Once your recommenders are added, they will receive an email with a personalized link to securely upload their recommendation. You should not upload any letters of recommendation yourself.
Is the GMAT/GRE required?
No, the GMAT/GRE is not required for graduate programs in HRM.
What documents are required with my application?
You must complete an online application and upload your unofficial transcript(s), resume, one personal essay, and two letters of recommendation.
Do I need my official transcript for the application?
No, you only need to upload your unofficial copy of your transcript into the online application. If you are admitted, you will be prompted to furnish your official transcript which must be submitted directly from your previous institution(s). (Please note that UConn undergraduates will not be required to submit their official transcripts upon matriculation but will still be required to send their unofficial transcripts when applying).
Can I save my application and return to finish it later?
Yes, you will be prompted to create login credentials to access the application and complete it at your own pace. Please be sure your completed application is submitted before the deadline.
Cost and Fees
Do program fees need to be paid in full upfront?
No, there is no difference in costs for graduate programs in HRM no matter where you live.
Does tuition need to be paid in full upfront?
Our tuition is set up on a per-credit basis. Therefore, you will pay tuition each semester based on the number of credits you are taking that semester. Payment plans are available for the fall and spring semesters. You can learn more about payment plan options here: https://bursar.uconn.edu/payment-plan/
Is financial aid available?
Financial assistance may be available to matriculated students in a degree-seeking program. If you have questions, please contact the Financial Aid office directly. You can visit their website for more information: Financial Aid website or contact them at financialaid@uconn.edu
Are there military/veteran’s benefits available?
Yes. To find out if you qualify for the Veteran’s Waivers and/or benefits, please contact UConn Veterans Affairs and Military Programs. HRM students may contact Rob Passmore at (robert.passmore@uconn.edu) in the Veterans Affairs and Military Programs office.
Is there an application fee?
Yes, there is a $75 non-refundable application fee required when you submit your application.
Are there application fee waivers?
Please see the Graduate School website for a complete list and instructions for applying for a waiver
Are scholarships available?
We do not offer any scholarships for new students. However, once you are a current student in the program, you will be notified of any award opportunities that may become available.
Career Outcomes and Future of HR
How is the future of HR changing?
The HR profession is evolving from an administrative function to a strategic business partner. Today's HR leaders are expected to leverage data, technology, workforce planning, and business strategy to help organizations attract, develop, and retain talent. UConn's MS in Human Resource Management prepares students for this evolving role through coursework focused on business acumen, talent management, analytics, leadership, and organizational effectiveness.
What careers can I pursue with a master’s degree in Human Resource Management?
Graduates of the UConn MSHRM program pursue careers in talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation and benefits, organizational development, learning and development, HR business partnering, workforce planning, people analytics, and HR leadership. Many graduates also advance into strategic HR management and executive leadership positions.
Is a master’s degree in Human Resource Management worth it for career advancement?
An MS in Human Resource Management can help professionals develop advanced HR expertise, leadership skills, and strategic business knowledge that are increasingly valued by employers. Many students pursue the degree to accelerate career growth, transition into HR leadership roles, or expand their impact within their organizations.
Is a Master of Science in Human Resource Management worth the investment?
For many professionals, earning an MSHRM can lead to significant career advancement, increased earning potential, and expanded leadership opportunities. The UConn MSHRM program is designed to help students build strategic HR expertise, strengthen business acumen, and develop the leadership skills employers seek in today's evolving workplace.
The program also delivers measurable career outcomes. Among the 2026 graduating class:
- Graduates reported an average salary increase of $29,000 after completing the program.
- More than 50% earned a promotion or accepted a new position while enrolled in the program.
While individual results vary based on experience, industry, and career goals, these outcomes reflect the value many students realize during and after the program.
How can the UConn MSHRM program help advance my career?
The UConn MSHRM program prepares students to become strategic business partners by combining advanced HR knowledge with leadership development, analytics, and business acumen. Graduates are equipped to pursue opportunities across talent management, HR leadership, organizational development, people analytics, and other high-impact HR roles.
In addition to developing new skills, many students experience career growth while completing the program. More than half of the 2026 graduating class reported receiving a promotion or accepting a new job before graduation.
Will earning an MSHRM increase my salary?
While salary outcomes vary based on factors such as experience, industry, and location, many graduates report meaningful financial benefits after earning their degree. For the UConn MSHRM Class of 2026, graduates reported an average salary increase of $29,000 following completion of the program.
AI, Technology, and People Analytics
How is artificial intelligence (AI) impacting HR careers?
Artificial intelligence is transforming many HR functions, including recruiting, workforce planning, employee engagement, learning and development, and talent analytics. HR professionals who understand both people strategy and emerging technologies will be well-positioned to lead organizations through these changes. UConn's MS in HRM curriculum helps students develop the strategic and analytical skills needed to navigate technology-driven workplaces.
Does the UConn MS in HRM program include people analytics?
Yes. The program includes coursework in Human Resource Metrics and Talent Analytics, where students learn how to use workforce data to inform decision-making, measure organizational effectiveness, and support business outcomes. Students develop skills that can be applied to people analytics, workforce planning, and evidence-based HR management.
What is people analytics and why is it important?
People analytics involves using workforce data to better understand employee behavior, improve talent decisions, and align HR initiatives with organizational goals. As organizations increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making, people analytics has become an important capability for modern HR professionals.
Does the program prepare students to work with HR technology?
Yes. HR professionals are expected to work with a variety of HR information systems, analytics tools, and workforce technologies. The UConn MS in HRM program emphasizes data-informed decision-making and strategic HR practices that prepare students to effectively evaluate and leverage HR technology in their organizations.
Is an HR technology-focused master’s degree right for me?
If you are interested in the intersection of people, data, and technology, the UConn MS in HRM program can help you build the skills needed to lead in modern HR environments. The curriculum combines HR expertise with analytics, strategic decision-making, and business knowledge to prepare graduates for technology-enabled workplaces.
Strategic HR Leadership and Business Acumen
Why is business acumen important for HR leaders?
Today's HR leaders are expected to understand how talent decisions impact organizational performance, financial results, and business strategy. Business acumen enables HR professionals to communicate effectively with executives, align workforce initiatives with organizational goals, and contribute to strategic decision-making.
How do the UConn Graduate Programs in HRM program develop business acumen?
Business acumen is a core differentiator of the UConn HR graduate programs. Students complete coursework in Business Acumen and Strategic Human Resource Management and learn how HR decisions influence organizational performance. The curriculum is designed to help HR professionals think beyond traditional HR functions and become strategic business partners.
Does the program prepare students for strategic HR leadership roles?
Yes. The curriculum focuses on leadership, influence, organizational effectiveness, workforce capability development, talent management, and strategic decision-making. These competencies help prepare graduates to lead HR initiatives and contribute to business strategy at a higher level.
What makes the UConn MS in HRM program different from other HR master’s programs?
One of the program's key differentiators is its emphasis on business acumen and strategic leadership. Students learn not only how to manage people-related challenges but also how to connect HR initiatives to broader organizational goals and business performance. The program also combines analytics, leadership development, and practical application through a capstone experience.
Employee Experience and Engagement
What is employee engagement, and why does it matter?
Employee engagement refers to the level of commitment, motivation, and connection employees have with their work and organization. Organizations with engaged employees often experience stronger performance, retention, productivity, and workplace culture.
Can the UConn MS in HRM program help prepare me for employee engagement and culture-focused careers?
Yes. The program includes coursework related to talent management, employee development, leadership, interpersonal relations, workforce capability development, and organizational effectiveness. These areas provide valuable preparation for careers focused on employee engagement, employee experience, and organizational culture.
SHRM and Professional Development
Does the UConn MS in HRM program align with SHRM competencies?
Yes. The UConn MS in HRM curriculum is designed to develop many of the competencies recognized within the HR profession, including leadership, business acumen, relationship management, ethical practice, workforce management, and analytical decision-making. These competencies are highly relevant to HR professionals seeking career advancement and professional development.
Will the UConn MS in HRM program help me prepare for SHRM certification?
The knowledge and skills developed through the UConn MS in HRM program can support professionals pursuing HR certifications such as the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). Students interested in certification should review the eligibility requirements and preparation resources provided by the Society for Human Resource Management.
Why do HR professionals pursue SHRM certification?
SHRM certification demonstrates professional knowledge and competency in human resource management. Many HR professionals pursue certification to enhance their credibility, support career advancement, and stay current with evolving HR practices and industry standards.
What other local professional membership associations support HR professionals?
HRACC and SMA are both local to central Connecticut and offer robust programming to support the professional HR community. Student membership can be purchased at a deeply discounted rate if interested.