Master's in Human Resource Development (MS) Degree

Go Beyond Traditional Human Resource Management

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Program OverviewWhy Earn a Master's in Human Resource Development?

Upgrade Yourself to Strategic HR Leadership | Build Organizational Capability | Align People Strategy with Business Performance

Traditional human resource management focuses on compliance, policy, and managing the day-to-day workforce. The Barry University MS in Human Resource Development program is built for what comes next: unlocking human capacity and driving workplace transformation.

The program prepares professionals to advance into strategic roles across people operations and human capital management. Students build high-demand expertise in the learning sciences, organizational change, people analytics, and technology, including AI. These capabilities prepare them to align people strategy with business outcomes.

Designed to support career advancement in Learning and Development (L&D), Talent Development (TD), and Organization Development (OD), the program combines a comprehensive curriculum, scholar-practitioner faculty, and experiential learning. Graduates emerge ready to guide people and culture decisions based on evidence, not assumptions—prepared to design and implement solutions that build organizational capability and fuel workplace transformation.

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Barry's MS in Human Resource Development was ranked #7 in Human Resources degrees by Online Master’s Degrees.

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Personalized attention and real-world application

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Evening classes: Online, in-person or hybrid

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Cost: $650 per credit

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Time to complete: 15 months

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    Personalized attention and real-world application

  • instructor

    Evening classes: Online, in-person or hybrid

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    Cost: $650 per credit

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    Time to complete: 15 months

Highlights

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    Market-Driven Capabilities

    Move past standard administrative human resources. Your coursework targets the high-demand skills driving modern workplace transformation, featuring specialized courses like:

    • People Analytics and AI for Workforce Intelligence: Learn to leverage data and emerging technologies to optimize talent strategies and drive evidence-based decisions.
    • Fundamentals of Coaching in the Workplace: Master evidence-based coaching frameworks to use as strategic tools for leadership, growth, and team performance.
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    Accelerated, Flexible Design

    Built specifically for working professionals who need to balance career momentum with advanced education.

    • Completion Time: Finish your degree in just 15 months.
    • Format: Flexible options including online, in-person, or hybrid evening classes to fit your schedule.
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    High Earning Potential & Rapid Growth

    Organizations are heavily investing in workforce transformation. A graduate degree in HRD positions you for high-earning leadership roles in L&D, talent management, and organizational development.

    • Strong Compensation: Training and Development Managers command a median annual salary of $127,090 (BLS). Human Resources Managers command a median annual salary of $140,030 (BLS).
    • Rapid Job Demand: The market for Training and Development Specialists is expanding rapidly, with a 11% growth projection over the decade, much faster than the average for all occupations (BLS).
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    Direct Pathway to Elite Certification

    Maximize the value of your course credits. The curriculum is intentionally aligned with the highest standards in the industry, serving as a direct launchpad for globally recognized professional credentials including:

    • SHRM-CP (Society for Human Resource Management - Certified Professional)
    • CPTD (Certified Professional in Talent Development)

Curriculum

The MSHRD curriculum is deliberately engineered to move past legacy administrative processes and focus entirely on the strategic capabilities needed to drive workplace transformation. You will build high-demand expertise across three core areas: leading complex organizational transitions through Change and Organization Development, designing modern, tech-enabled learning ecosystems in Principles of Instructional and Digital Design, and applying behavioral science to foster equitable workplace practices in Practicing Inclusion in Leadership and Organizations.

The program directly highlights the future of work through specialized coursework in People Analytics and AI for Workforce Intelligence, where you will leverage predictive data and artificial intelligence to optimize talent strategies, and Fundamentals of Coaching in the Workplace, where you will master evidence-based frameworks to drive continuous leadership development. Rather than writing a theoretical thesis, your degree culminates in a hands-on consulting project through the HRD Practicum, allowing you to solve a live human capital challenge for an active organization and graduate with a tangible portfolio that proves your strategic readiness from day one.

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Success and Career Outcomes of Our Graduates

  • Director of People and Culture | Waystone Health and Human Services Arlene Venero-Martin

  • Senior Global HR Business Partner @ UniUniFelix Vega-Pagan, SHRM-CP

  • Executive Director of Learning & Development | Atlantis, The Bahamas Athena Russel

  • Head of Organizational Learning, Community Development Institute (CDI)Jubal Raffety

  • Manager, Training and Organizational Development Commonwealth Bank BahamasD'Adra Smith

  • Master Facilitator |Management Consultant | Professor| Venture Capital & Private Equity InvestmentsOscar E. Arias

  • Global, Talent Development Partner | Project Management InstituteJamiel Rivero

  • Employee Experience Specialist with the Air Force, Washington DCDaniel Brown

  • Human Resources Manager at Atlantis BahamasLeslie Lopez

  • Webinar Producer | Technical and Strategic Advisor | Program ManagerApril Pagan

  • Project Coordinator at Millennial WeekByron Lee

  • Senior Talent Management Specialist at Atlantic Health SystemGeralda Vastey

  • Learning and Development Coordinator at Dart Enterprises Ltd.Melesia Adderley

  • Experienced Leadership and Development ProfessionalCorina Velasquez

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Upcoming Information Sessions

Admissions OverviewGetting Started

Congratulations on taking the first step to pursue your passion, advance your career, and make a difference in your community. We are committed to assist each student through the admission process.

Whether you transition straight from undergraduate studies to a graduate program or have been out of school for some time, we offer a welcoming and professional environment for graduate study.

With small class sizes, there is a considerable amount of personalized attention from your faculty and opportunities to build strong relationships with fellow classmates.

Want to learn more? 

Phone: 305-899-4825 Toll-free: 1-800-756-6000, ext. 4825

Email: mshrd@barry.edu

Apply Now!

Admission Requirements

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A completed Application

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A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited or internationally recognized institution

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Two References

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Statement of purpose, 500-750 word requirement

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No GRE

GRE Not Required

Admissions OverviewInternational Student FAQs

If you are an international student, applying as early as possible is in your best interest in order to allow ample time for immigration processing. Please be aware that admission to Barry University does not guarantee that you will be granted a student visa by the United States Embassy or Consulate in your country of origin.

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Financial AidAffordable for You

At BarryU, our tuition is competitive, affordable and still promises all the perks of a private school education. Our cost per credit is in-line with other institutions, but we offer a mission-driven educational experience and provide our students with small class sizes, personalized attention, and academic excellence. Scholarships, graduate assistantships, and financial aid can also be explored to help offset overall costs.

Barry University participates in the full array of federal and state financial aid programs. At Barry, we are committed to doing all we can to help you finance your education.

Barry University's Financial Aid staff will assist you through the financial aid application process.

Financial Aid Programs Cost of Attendance

Scholarship Opportunities

If you’re looking for scholarships for graduate school to make this M.S. in Human Resource Development a little more affordable, here are several resources to look into. Getting an award for graduate studies from the Society for Human Resource Management (LINK FOR SHRM HERE) or choosing a scholarship from the vast scholarship opportunities on Fastweb, you can help yourself make your Human Resource Development degree a reality and take your HR leadership knowledge and skills to the next level.

Barry Scholarship System Fastweb

Accreditations

All of the Barry University Education Graduate Programs are accredited by the regional accrediting agency, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Accreditation is a process whereby an educational institution (and/or a program within an educational institution) is assessed for educational quality based on already developed standards.

Accreditation also serves as a statement to the public that an institution and/or its programs are committed to educational quality.

Barry University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, masters, specialist and doctoral degrees.

View all our Accreditations

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