Loyola University Chicago

What you'll study

This programme combines core human resources subjects with applied skills and ethical leadership. Typical modules cover:

• Strategic Human Resource Management – aligning HR strategy with organisational goals, workforce planning and performance management.
• Employment Law and Compliance – US employment regulations, workplace policy, risk management and dispute resolution.
• Talent Acquisition and Workforce Planning – recruitment strategies, selection methods, employer branding and succession planning.
• Compensation, Benefits and Total Rewards – pay structures, incentive schemes, benefits design and market benchmarking.
• Learning, Training and Organisational Development – needs analysis, instructional design, leadership development and change management.
• HR Analytics and Information Systems – people metrics, data-informed decision making and HR information systems.
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – inclusive practice, bias mitigation and building diverse workforces.
• Labour Relations and Collective Bargaining – where applicable, foundations of unions, negotiation and labour law.
• Ethics and Social Responsibility in the Workplace – reflecting Loyola’s Jesuit emphasis on ethics, social justice and corporate responsibility.

The curriculum typically includes a capstone project, practicum or internship that gives practical experience with an employer or a real-world consultancy assignment. The programme is offered with flexible scheduling to accommodate full-time and part-time students, and may include evening, hybrid or online delivery options.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised undergraduate degree in any discipline. Typical entry requirements include:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (or equivalent).
• A competitive academic record; some background or coursework in business, psychology, sociology or related fields is advantageous but not always required.
• A current résumé or CV outlining employment history; relevant professional experience in HR or related fields strengthens an application.
• A personal statement or statement of purpose describing career goals and reasons for pursuing the degree.
• References (academic and/or professional) to support the application.

Some applicants may be invited for an interview. International applicants must satisfy English language proficiency requirements and provide documentation in line with university admissions policies. Specific admissions policies and any prerequisite coursework are provided by the university and should be checked before applying.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for a wide range of roles across private, public and non-profit sectors. Common career paths include:

• HR generalist or HR business partner, providing end-to-end HR support to business units.
• Talent acquisition specialist or recruiter, focusing on sourcing and selection.
• Compensation and benefits analyst or total rewards specialist.
• Learning and development or organisational development practitioner, designing training and change initiatives.
• HR analytics or workforce planning professional, applying data to people decisions.
• Labour relations or employee relations specialist, handling negotiations and dispute resolution.
• HR consultant, working with organisations on strategy, culture and transformation.

Graduates also often progress into leadership positions such as HR manager or director roles, or pursue professional HR certifications to complement the master’s degree.

Why study at Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago offers a human resources programme that emphasises ethical leadership, social responsibility and applied learning—reflecting the university’s Jesuit mission. Students benefit from faculty who combine academic expertise with practitioner experience, and from connections to Chicago’s diverse employer community for internships and practicum opportunities.

The university provides career support services, networking through alumni in the region, and flexible programme delivery to fit working professionals. The curriculum’s focus on ethical practice, diversity and data-driven decision making is designed to prepare graduates to lead HR functions in complex, modern workplaces.