How can a human resources master's degree advance my career?

Joey Dormady

Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs and New Education Initiatives

Joey Dormady leads ASU Law’s growing portfolio of master’s degree programs and is passionate about creating accessible, high-quality legal education for students from all backgrounds.

In today’s workplace, human resources (HR) and employment professionals are expected to do more than ever – they navigate evolving laws, resolve sensitive conflicts, build policies and shape company strategy. That’s why more and more HR leaders are turning to graduate degrees that don’t just teach theory – they deliver practical, legal skills.

At the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, our Master of Human Resources and Employment Law (MHREL) is designed for exactly that. Whether you're looking to earn a promotion, increase your salary or stand out in an increasingly competitive employment market, this degree gives you the legal expertise to lead confidently and make decisions that protect your organization – and your career.

What jobs can I get with a master's in human resources?

Earning a master's degree in HR and employment law can unlock leadership roles you may not have been considered for before. Think director of human resources, head of people operations, labor relations lead or vice president of HR.

At ASU Law, our MHREL graduates have stepped into executive roles, launched their own consulting businesses and moved into specialized positions in compliance, investigations and dispute resolution. What sets them apart? Legal fluency. Employers trust them to navigate risk and handle complex employee matters with confidence.

Will a legal master’s in HR help me make more money?

It can – and for many of our graduates, it does. When you combine HR experience with legal knowledge, you bring a rare skill set to the table. That makes you more valuable to your organization and more competitive in the job market.

The MHREL program was designed with real-world outcomes in mind. We focus on equipping you with actionable skills that help you move up, take on more responsibility and negotiate for higher pay.

Is SHRM certification part of this degree?

It’s more than part of it – ASU Law is the first law school in the country to offer an HR legal master’s program fully aligned with SHRM curriculum guidelines. That alignment means you’ll be fully prepared to sit for the SHRM-CP exam, one of the most recognized certifications in the field.

For those who already hold SHRM credentials, our courses qualify for continuing education credit – so you can keep your certification current while building new legal expertise.

Can I earn this degree online while working full time?

Yes, and many of our students do. The MHREL program offers full flexibility: you can study online or on campus, full time or part time, all while keeping your day job.

And online doesn’t mean impersonal. You’ll learn from the same highly experienced faculty as our in-person students, engage with a strong network of classmates and get one-on-one support from our student services and career services teams.

Do I need legal experience to apply?

No law degree, no problem. The MHREL was built for professionals without legal training. There’s no LSAT required, and our FastApp lets you apply in just 10 minutes.

Our faculty know how to teach legal concepts in a way that’s clear, relevant and immediately useful in HR roles. You’ll put your legal skills into practice as soon as you start classes, and graduate with the knowledge you need to lead effectively – no JD necessary.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the MHREL program take to complete?

Most students finish the program in about 18–24 months, depending on course load. The degree requires 10 courses, including a capstone.

Is the program available online?

Yes. The MHREL is offered both fully online and on campus, with a high-quality curriculum and expert faculty in both formats.

Do I need a law background to apply?

No. The MHREL is designed for non-lawyers working in HR, operations, recruiting or related fields.

Is the GRE or LSAT required?

No entrance exams are required. You can apply online using the FastApp, which takes about 10 minutes.

Can international students apply?

Yes, international students can apply for the online MHREL program. Due to visa regulations, the on-campus format is currently not available to international students.

What are the admission requirements?

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required. No standardized test scores are needed.

What kind of courses will I take?

Courses include – but are not limited to – U.S. Law and Legal Analysis, Employment Law, Workplace Rights, Employment Discrimination and a hands-on capstone. Electives cover topics like contracts, dispute resolution, immigration law and more.

Who teaches the courses?

Courses are taught by ASU Law faculty with real-world legal and HR experience.

Does the program support career advancement?

Absolutely. Students get access to ASU Law’s Career Services team, which offers job search coaching, resume reviews and interview prep.