Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

What you'll study

The programme combines core human resources disciplines with applied practice and ethical leadership. Typical modules cover strategic human resource management, employment law and compliance, compensation and benefits, recruitment and talent acquisition, training and development, performance management, diversity and inclusion, and organisational behaviour. You will also encounter coursework in HR analytics and data-driven decision-making, change management, and HR policy design.

Delivery is designed for working professionals and often includes case studies, group projects, and a capstone or practicum that applies HR tools to a real organisational challenge. Classes are taught by faculty with practitioner experience and may be available in on-campus, hybrid or online formats, enabling part-time study.

Entry requirements

• A completed undergraduate degree from an accredited institution in any discipline. Applicants with non-HR degrees may be asked to demonstrate preparatory coursework or relevant experience.
• Evidence of academic readiness, typically via academic transcripts. Specific GPA expectations, where applicable, are set by the university and may be discussed with admissions staff.
• A current résumé or CV outlining professional and volunteer experience; HR or related workplace experience is advantageous but not always mandatory.
• A personal statement describing career goals and reasons for pursuing the degree, and how the programme fits those goals.
• References (academic or professional) to support the application. Standardised tests such as the GRE/GMAT are not typically required for experienced applicants but policies may vary—check with admissions for alternatives or waivers.
• International applicants must meet the university's English language requirements and submit any required documentation for study in the United States.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for roles across the HR spectrum. Common career paths include HR generalist, HR manager, recruiter or talent acquisition specialist, learning and development or training manager, compensation and benefits analyst, and organisational development consultant. Skills acquired in the programme—strategic planning, employee relations, legal compliance, analytics and leadership—are applicable in private industry, public sector organisations, healthcare, education and non-profit settings.

Many students use the capstone or practicum to develop employer relationships and build a portfolio of applied HR work; alumni often move into supervisory and senior HR roles or transition from specialist to strategic HR positions.

Why study at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

• Focus on values-based leadership: the university emphasises ethical practice, servant leadership and respect for the dignity of work, which are integrated into HR curriculum and discussions of workplace culture.
• Flexible formats suited to working professionals, with options for online, hybrid and on-campus learning that support part-time study while maintaining a strong practitioner focus.
• Faculty with real-world HR experience who bring contemporary practice, case studies and employer perspectives into teaching.
• Small class sizes and cohort-based learning foster personalised feedback, peer networking and collaboration across industries.
• Access to career services, internship/practicum placements and regional employer networks—especially valuable for students seeking to expand professional contacts in the Twin Cities and regional job markets.