Dr. Jillian Yarbrough, Clinical Assistant Professor of Management & Virginia Engler Professor of Business
Online Master's in Human Resource Management
The Master of Science in Strategic Human Resource Management (MS-SHRM) at WTAMU is designed for professionals who want to move beyond traditional personnel administration and develop the strategic mindset required to influence organization direction. Unlike conventional HR programs that focus primarily on compliance and day-to-day operations, the MS-SHRM emphasizes the intersection of human capital, organizational strategy, and long-term competitive advantage. Students learn how to align HR practices with overarching firm goals, contribute to strategic decision-making, and serve as a catalyst for organizational growth.
Graduates of this program are equipped to:
- Achieve organizational competitive advantage through the strategic alignment of employees and organizational goals
- Foster human capital leadership by identifying, developing, and maximizing employee potential
- Integrate HR functions with broader organizational strategies to support sustained success
- Address complex organizational challenges, such as low employee motivation, high turnover, and misaligned operations
QUALIFY FOR THE SHRM-CP EXAM
The Society for Human Resource Management's Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) exam widely recognized as one of the most comprehensive competency-based credentials for HR practitioners. Earning this respected certification provides a significant professional advantage, validating both expertise and strategic capability within the field. As part of our HR master's program, students receive preparation grounded in industry expectations and best practices. Our college worked with SHRM to make sure our curriculum aligned with the knowledge needed to pass this exam.
Designed for Working Professionals
Earning a graduate degree while maintaining professional and personal commitments can be challenging, which is why this online HR master’s degree is built with flexibility in mind. Courses are delivered fully online and asynchronously, allowing students to engage with materials, complete assignments, and progress through the program on a schedule that supports full-time employment.
Students can tailor their workload each semester by choosing from four semesters offered throughout the year:
- Fall - Last week of August through the end of November, 14 weeks
- Spring - Mid-January through the end of April, 14 weeks
- Summer 1 - Beginning of June through the first week of July
- Summer 2 - Second week of July through the third week of August
This structure makes it possible to pursue an online master's in human resources without pausing your career - making this MS-SHRM accessible, manageable, and supportive of your long-term professional goals.
Who This Program Is For
The MS-SHRM program is ideal for:
- Current HR professionals seeking to deepen their expertise and take on strategic leadership roles
- Managers, supervisors, and business leaders who want to strengthen their ability to attract, develop, motivate, and retain talent
- Professionals in non-HR fields who recognize that strategic human resource management is essential for organizational competitiveness across all industries
- Individuals preparing for advanced HR certifications, especially the SHRM-CP, and looking for a curriculum aligned with industry-recognized competencies
- Students interested in an MS in human resource management that emphasizes strategic thinking and the integration of human capital decisions with organizational goals
Commonly Asked Questions
Degree Requirements
Requirements shown below are for the 2025-2026 catalog year.
Students seeking an MSSHRM degree must first establish proficiency in Accounting. This proficiency may be established by courses taken in an undergraduate program, by completing an advanced standing examination in this area, or by taking ACCT 6300.
This leveling course will be built-in to the degree plan for students who need to take it. This means that the program could be 31 - 34 hours depending on leveling requirements.
Next Steps
Students interested in the MS-SHRM Program are encouraged to request a free Preadmission Degree Plan. This individualized document outlines the courses required for the program, identifies any needed leveling work, and helps confirm eligibility for streamlined admission.
As one of the most affordable and accessible options for an HR master’s degree, WTAMU’s MS-SHRM offers the flexibility working professionals need while delivering academically rigorous, SHRM-aligned training that provides immediate and practical value in today’s evolving workplace.
The Paul & Virginia Engler College of Business is accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, which is the highest accrediting body for business colleges. Less than ten percent of business programs in the world achieve this standard of excellence.
MS-SHRM Program Faculty for 2025-2026
| Faculty | Degree | Institution |
| Goutham Abotula | Ph.D. | Washington State University |
| Rahul Chauhan | Ph.D. | University of Oklahoma |
| Robin Clark | J.D. | University of Texas |
| Dave Howe | Ph.D. | University of Utah |
| Scott Jones | Ph.D. | University of Arizona |
| Jimmy Kim | Ph.D. | University of Pittsburgh |
| Andrew Li | Ph.D. | University of Arizona |
| Kelly McCauley | Ph.D. | Texas Tech University |
| Eric McKee | Ph.D. | University of Iowa |
| Jonathan Shaffer | Ph.D. | University of Iowa |
| Huabing Wang | Ph.D. | University of Alabama |
| M. Nate Xu | Ph.D. | University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign |
| Jillian Yarbrough | Ph.D. | Texas A&M University |
| Wei Zhang | Ph.D. | University of Minnesota |
Additional Graduate Programs Offered in the Engler College of Business
Contact Information
Office of Graduate Business Programs
Email: COBGrad@wtamu.edu
