University of Hartford

What you'll study

The programme balances foundational human resources theory with applied skills and a strong practical emphasis. You will study workforce planning and talent acquisition, employee relations and employment law, compensation and benefits, training and development, organisational behaviour, and HR analytics. The curriculum typically includes a research methods or HR metrics course and a capstone applied project or practicum that allows you to work on real organisational problems.

• Core modules: Strategic Human Resource Management, Employment Law and Compliance, Organisational Behaviour, Compensation and Benefits.
• Skills and applied modules: Recruitment and Selection, Learning and Development, Performance Management, HR Information Systems and HR Analytics.
• Capstone/practicum: An applied consulting project, internship or research capstone that integrates classroom learning with workplace experience.
• Electives: Options often include diversity and inclusion, labour relations, change management, and leadership development depending on availability and student interest.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree. Typical admissions materials include official transcripts, a current résumé or CV, and a personal statement outlining career goals and reasons for pursuing the degree. The programme commonly asks for one or two professional or academic references.

Other considerations:

• Academic performance: A satisfactory undergraduate record; a minimum GPA expectation is applied in admissions reviews, though waivers or holistic review are considered for applicants with strong professional experience.
• Work experience: While recent graduates are welcome, applicants with one or more years of professional experience often strengthen an application—especially for those seeking advanced standing or practicum placements.
• English language: International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through accepted tests unless exempted by prior education in English.
• Standardised tests: GMAT/GRE requirements vary and may be waived for applicants with relevant work experience or a strong academic record; check the programme guidance for current policy.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to roles across public, private and non‑profit sectors. The degree prepares you for operational and strategic HR roles as well as specialist career paths.

• HR generalist or HR business partner
• Talent acquisition / recruitment specialist
• Learning, development and organisational development professional
• Compensation and benefits analyst or total rewards specialist
• Employee relations or labour relations advisor
• HR analyst or HRIS specialist
• HR consultant or workforce planning professional

The programme’s applied project and internship opportunities help build employer contacts and practical experience for progressing into supervisory and managerial HR roles.

Why study at University of Hartford

The University of Hartford offers a campus environment with small class sizes and personalised faculty attention, which benefits students seeking applied, career‑focused learning. Its location in the Hartford metropolitan area provides proximity to a broad employer base—particularly insurance, financial services, legal firms and regional businesses—supporting internship and placement opportunities.

Students benefit from practicum and capstone options, access to career services for résumé and interview preparation, and a network of alumni working in HR across the region. Flexible scheduling and part‑time pathways make the programme accessible to working professionals balancing study with employment.