Master of Science in Human Resources

The Master of Science (MS) in Human Resources degree program at the University of Cincinnati’s Lindner College of Business prepares students at any professional level to advance in careers in HR through hands-on projects and flexible course schedules. Specialize your degree further by adding a graduate certificate in fields such as information systems, data analytics or AI in business.  

Offering excellent placement and research records and guided by faculty experts across business specialties, the master’s degree in human resources program allows you to spearhead your future by taking on projects with businesses across Cincinnati. 

In the master’s in HR program, you’ll lead initiatives ranging from talent acquisition to culture shaping, leadership training, compensation analysis and consulting, positioning you to work for prestigious organizations after graduation. 

• Top-ranked business school with leading programs: We are a Top 100 business school in North America for research (Poets&Quants) and a Top 100 public school in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report). 
• Customize your degree with a graduate certificate: Earn two degrees in the time it takes to earn one by adding one of our more than 20 graduate certificates to your degree program.
• Expedite your time to gradiation: Complete your degree in as few as two semesters, or one year, with full-time enrollment and as few as four semesters with part-time enrollment.
• Receive wrap-around career support: With a dedicated career advisor for graduate students, our Career Services team offers you the assistance you need to achieve top career placement.

A comprehensive curriculum equips HR professionals to tackle increasingly complex challenges in managing human resources functions such as compensation, benefits, innovation and business development. This practical approach includes a research capstone, foundational business courses, core courses and optional electives.

The master’s program requirements ensure that whether you are new to the HR field or have years of experience, you gain valuable insights through faculty guidance and the latest research. It also hones strategic and critical thinking skills for making decisions with significant implications in this critical aspect of running a successful business.

Courses in the MS in Human Resources program include:

• Benefits
• Compensation
• Human Resource Analytics
• Employment Law

Degree requirements for the MS in Information Systems degree include:

• Up to eight credit hours in business foundations (if applicable)
• 18-19 hours in MS HR core courses
• 12 credit hours in Human Resource and other elective courses which can be applied toward a graduate certificate

• 92% placement rate within three months of graduation. 
• $92,498 average income for master's graduates. 
• Post-graduate employers include Fifth Third Bank, Paycor and GE.

Experience-based learning is an integral component of Lindner’s Master of Science in Human Resources program. Embedded in every course is a dedication to hands-on learning that elevates your educational experience beyond the classroom. You’ll test-drive your skills with a real-world capstone project that connects you to industry partners and the current challenges they are facing, ensuring you graduate career-ready from day one.

Students benefit from a robust community of faculty, staff, classmates, alumni and industry partners prepared to aid them in their journeys. Enjoy networking opportunities with professionals at top organizations, company visits to Fortune 500 headquarters and course projects that challenge you to solve real-world problems. The Lindner student experience is unmatched as students learn inside and outside of the classroom, forming invaluable bonds that propel them in their journeys.  

Students forge deep connections to industry through the Human Resources Advisory Board. The board guides the MS in Human Resources program at Lindner, allowing professionals in the field to ensure program standards and connect with students for networking opportunities. Members currently work or previously worked at high-profile organizations such as Macy’s, Procter & Gamble, and First Financial Bank.

Cincinnati is home to the headquarters of eight Fortune 500 companies and lays claim to one of the most vibrant startup ecosystems in the nation, with nearly $100 million invested in venture capital alone. Cincinnati’s thriving scene of professional opportunities, artistic inspiration and social energy is what fuels us to go above and beyond.

The Carl H. Lindner College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Application deadlines vary based on term of enrollment. A full list of application requirements can be found via the application checklist.

Earning an MS in Human Resources opens the door onto a wide array of career opportunities. Begin your journey at Lindner.