/School of Professional Development
Human Resource Management

Master's and Advanced Graduate Certificate Programs

Become a Strategic HR Leader

Earn a comprehensive, SHRM-aligned master's degree from New York's top-ranked public university.

 

Earn Your Master's or Advanced Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management

The demand for human resource professionals continues to rise across industries. Employers are incresingly seeking HR managers with the advanced training to effectively manage teams, streamline internal operations, and drive business strategy.

Whether you've worked in the field for years or are just breaking into it, Stony Brook University's flexible graduate programs will enable you to better serve your organization and position you for higher-ranking roles in the HR ecosystem — all while you continue to work full-time.

We offer a 30-credit master of science that aligns with evolving industry standards and a 15-credit advanced graduate certificate built from the core of those SHRM-aligned courses. Both programs are offered fully online, and part-time master's students can complete their degree in as little as 18 months.

Taught by industry experts, our courses combine theory with practice so you can apply what you're learning directly to your work. Many of our students receive promotions before they even graduate.

 

A computer monitor icon

Fully Online

Asynchronous course format provides both the flexibility and interactivity that working professionals demand

A wreath with a star icon

Academic Quality

Stony Brook University is the #1 public university in New York and a Top 30 public in the country, according to US News and World Report

A shield and check mark icon

SHRM-Aligned

Alignment assures our curriculum is comprehensive, up-to-date, and responds to industry needs

An arrow shot into a bullseye icon

30 Credits

Our mix of foundational courses and electives allows you to develop a program that efficiently targets your learning goals

A calendar and clock icon

18-36 Months

Part-time students can speed their path to earning a degree with frequent, shorter terms

A money sign symbol with circles around it

$140K Salary

Average salary for Human Resource Managers according to the Occupational Outlook from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics

 

FEATURED FACULTY 
Douglas M. Silverman

Doug Silverman is the Vice President of Human Resources & Operations for Nikon, overseeing HR and labor relations responsibilities for North America, South America and Canada. He is a two-time president of the Long Island chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and a past Long Island Business News "40 under 40 Award" recipient. As a longtime faculty member in Stony Brook's HRM program, Doug is known for inspiring his students with real-life case studies that illustrate the theories and best-practices presented in the course materials. 

For his excellence as an educator, Doug has been recognized by the State University of New York as a SUNY Online Teaching Ambassador. Ambassadors are online teaching advocates who share their expertise with faculty in SUNY Online communities of practice.

MEET MORE FACULTY

Douglas Silverman

What Our Alumni Say

Photo of Gabrielle Kolo

“Once I graduated with my master's degree, I almost immediately got a deputy director role in human resources for a county in New York State. And after two years at the county, I am now in the director of human resources role at the city of Batavia."

Gabrielle Kolo, '20
Director of Human Resources
City of Batavia
Photo of Mia Tabukashvili

“I learned both theory and the practical applicability of human resources, which I use at work on a daily basis. After completing the program, I got an internship at the United Nations, joined a global company headquartered in London, and I recently earned my GPHR!"

Mzia Tabukashvili, '20
HR and Talent Acquisition Specialist
GlobalData Plc
Photo of Michael Inforna

“The quality of the learning is top-notch. The project- or problem-based assignments allowed students to apply learning to their workplace and work directly with successful HR practitioners. You will be equipped with the knowledge, attitudes and skills to lead people and have a positive impact on your organization."

Michael Inforna, '23
Curriculum Associate for Administration
Commack School District

Frequently Asked Questions

Earning a master's degree in HRM can provide many advantages that will contribute to professional and personal growth. Individuals choose to earn a HRM master's to:

  • Gain specialized knowledge in the field from industry experts
  • Stay current with trends and best practices
  • Add to credentials to advance their career or become competitive in the job market 
  • Improve their strategic decision-making skills
  • Build networking opportunities
  • Enhance their research and analytical skills
  • Increase their earning potential

HR employment opportunities vary by industry, geographic location, professional experience, and attained education. By combining broad-based core courses with focused electives, our MS in Human Resource Management curriculum provides the educational foundations for a variety of roles, including:

  • Human Resources Manager/Director
  • Training and Development Manager
  • Compensation and Benefits Managers
  • Labor Relations Director
  • Employee Relations Manager
  • Payroll Manager
  • Recruiting Manager
  • Job Analysis Specialist
  • HR Business Partner
  • Organizational Development Specialist
  • Diversity and Inclusion Manager
  • HR Data Scientist
  • HR Coordinator
  • HR Generalist


For details, take a look at the HR Career Outlook information published by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

Stony Brook University is New York's flagship school, the number 1 public institution in the state (U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges, 2025), and known worldwide for its academic standards and innovation. Its School of Professional Development has been a leader in online learning for more than 25 years, so you can be confident that our programs, courses and faculty reflect the highest standards in the industry.

Lastly, as a New York State institution, Stony Brook offers the affordable excellence, with the second lowest graduate tuition of any research institution in the Northeast (Source: IPEDS Data Center via SBU Financial Services).

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the world's largest professional HR association. SHRM sets the standard for HR professionals in today’s evolving workplace and enhances career opportunities by providing up-to-date, industry-relevant knowledge. SHRM-alignment ensures the curriculum is built around the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (BASK), leading graduates to develop skills in strategic thinking, leadership, and practical application that meet employer needs and can result in higher earning potential.

Visit SHRM.org for more information.

Yes. This asynchronous online program caters to working professionals who want to advance their careers without taking a pause to pursue a full-time program. You have the flexibility to complete your coursework when its convenient for your schedule.

Best of all, by pursuing your degree part-time while you work, you're able to start using what you've learned right away, which can improve your job performance and may open up other opportunities even before you graduate.

Get answers to more questions