COURSE CURRICULUM

The MS in Human Resources (MSHR) at DePaul University is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in a talent-driven, fast-changing business world by combining academic learning with hands-on industry experience in the city of Chicago. As a major hub for Fortune 500 companies, startups, nonprofits, and global organizations, Chicago serves as a living classroom where students engage directly with real HR challenges and practices. The program emphasizes experiential learning through live industry projects with companies such as Bosch, where students work on real-time human resources challenges and apply classroom knowledge to practical situations. A key component of the curriculum is the capstone consulting experience, in which students solve workforce-related problems for real organizations and present their recommendations to company leaders, gaining valuable professional feedback. Students also benefit from executive networking opportunities, including panels, mentorship programs, and networking events with HR professionals across Chicago, helping them build strong industry connections before graduation.Academically, the program focuses on developing both strategic and technical HR skills that are directly aligned with employer needs. Students learn how to design workforce strategies that support organizational goals, apply people analytics using tools such as R, RStudio, CapSim, Qualtrics, and O*NET, and make data-driven decisions that improve performance and engagement. The curriculum also covers legal and ethical leadership, including employment law, diversity, employee relations, and ethical decision-making. In addition, students develop skills in global workforce management, preparing them to navigate hybrid work environments, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and international business challenges. Training in consulting and change management further prepares students to support organizational development and lead workplace transformation efforts. The program is aligned with SHRM and HRCI standards, helping students prepare for professional certifications such as SHRM-CP and HRCI-PHR.Graduates of the MSHR program pursue careers in areas such as human resources business partner roles, talent acquisition, talent development, total rewards analysis, DEI leadership, people analytics, labor relations, and organizational development consulting. Overall, the program equips students with practical skills, industry experience, and a strong professional network to lead effectively in modern human resources careers.