San Jose University

What you'll study

This programme combines core human resources theory with applied skills and service delivery. Typical modules cover:

• Strategic Human Resource Management – alignment of HR strategy with organisational goals, workforce planning and HR metrics.
• Employment Law and Compliance – workplace legislation, discrimination law, contracts, and regulatory compliance relevant to US workplaces.
• Talent Acquisition and Selection – recruitment strategy, selection methods, employer branding and onboarding best practice.
• Compensation, Benefits and Total Rewards – pay structures, benefits design, incentive systems and external benchmarking.
• Learning, Development and Organisational Development – training design, leadership development, change management and culture shaping.
• Employee Relations – conflict resolution, collective bargaining basics, performance management and disciplinary processes.
• HR Analytics and Information Systems – people analytics, HR metrics, reporting, and practical use of HRIS.
• Research Methods or Capstone Project – applied research, consultancy-style projects or a capstone integrating learning with a real organisational brief.

Programme structure typically comprises a set of core modules plus electives that let you focus on areas such as diversity and inclusion, global HR, or HR technology. Many students undertake a practicum, internship or capstone in collaboration with local employers to gain practical experience.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Typical requirements include:

• A completed undergraduate degree in any discipline from an accredited institution; degrees with coursework in business, psychology, sociology or industrial relations are commonly accepted.
• A competitive academic record; some applicants with extensive relevant professional experience may be admitted where academic criteria are borderline.
• Curriculum vitae/resume and a personal statement outlining professional goals and readiness for graduate study.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees.
• Proof of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English (such as TOEFL or IELTS), according to university thresholds.

Standardised tests (GMAT/GRE) are sometimes optional and may be requested on a case-by-case basis. Working professionals with several years of HR or related experience are often encouraged to apply and may follow part-time study options.

Career prospects

Graduates work across public, private and non-profit sectors in HR generalist and specialist roles. Common career paths include:

• HR Business Partner or HR Manager, advising leaders and implementing people strategy.
• Talent Acquisition / Recruitment Specialist, managing sourcing and hiring processes.
• Compensation and Benefits Analyst or Total Rewards Specialist, designing pay and benefits programmes.
• Learning and Development Manager, delivering training and leadership development initiatives.
• Employee Relations or Labour Relations Specialist, handling disputes, investigations and union relations.
• HR Analyst or People Analytics Specialist, using data to inform workforce decisions.
• HR consultant or specialist advisor, working with organisations on change, restructuring or HR transformation.

Placement support from university careers services, local employer partnerships and an active student SHRM chapter (or equivalent) help graduates connect with Silicon Valley firms, start-ups and public sector employers.

Why study at San Jose University

San Jose University’s location in the heart of Silicon Valley gives students direct access to a dense network of employers, HR professionals and technology-driven people practices. The programme emphasises applied learning through projects, internships and practitioner-led teaching, so students gain experience with contemporary HR systems and analytics used by local organisations.

Faculty typically combine academic expertise with industry experience, and the university’s career services and alumni network support professional development and local recruitment. The programme is suited to those who want a practical, career-focused master’s that prepares them for leadership roles in modern, fast-moving organisations.