EMU Today

YPSILANTI —  Eastern Michigan University has been ranked among the top 33 accredited Master’s in Human Resources (HR) programs in the nation by Intelligent.com, a leading resource for online and on-campus program rankings and higher education planning. EMU's program was ranked No. 24, highlighting the University’s commitment to excellence in higher education and its robust HR program. 

"Eastern’s M.S. in human resources and organizational development degree prepares students for advanced roles in the HR field, such as HR manager, compensation manager, and benefits manager," said Thomas Traynor, interim dean for EMU’s College of Business. “These roles are highly lucrative, with HR managers earning a median annual salary of $130,000 and compensation and benefits managers earning a median annual salary of $131,230, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.”

Intelligent.com evaluated programs nationwide based on program strength, student readiness, return on investment, cost, and student engagement. This ranking reflects an extensive review of master’s degrees offered nationwide.

EMU’s Master of Science in human resources and organizational development curriculum is designed to prepare students to understand and apply human resource practices that enhance employee satisfaction and performance, ultimately improving overall organizational effectiveness. 

The flexible program is offered in various formats, including on-campus, online, or a hybrid of the two, accommodating different student needs. The human resources program requires 30 credit hours for the degree, with some students needing up to 12 credits of prerequisite or foundation courses, totaling 42 credits. Most students complete the degree in two years.

Graduates of the program have successfully pursued careers in diverse fields, including careers as quality service specialist for Bank of America, assistant personnel director for the Department of Agriculture, quality planning manager for Wyandotte Medical Center, and HR planning and development for McAuley Health Services, among others.

Some EMU graduates have also launched consulting businesses or become internal change agents within organizations.

The program’s excellence has been recognized on a national level. The program was honored as the No. 1 "Master's Program with Emphasis in HR" in HR.com's 2021 LEAD Awards, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in human resources education.

All programs on Intelligent.com's list have been approved by a Department of Education-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These accrediting bodies ensure that schools provide a high-quality education.

For more information about EMU’s Master of Science in Human Resources and Organizational Development, visit the webpage.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.