MSHRM: Human Resource Management in People Analytics

The MS in Human Resources Management in People Analytics focuses on specialized expertise that distinguishes graduates in a competitive HR field. Unlike general MSHRM programs, this STEM-designated curriculum focuses specifically on the intersection of human resources and data analytics, preparing leaders for the future of workforce management. HCU’s small class environments foster direct engagement with distinguished faculty who contribute decades of industry expertise.

Students benefit from Houston Christian University’s commitment to both excellence and ethical leadership through coursework designed to develop technical competencies and moral clarity. The ever-growing city of Houston also provides access to diverse industries and networking opportunities within one of America’s most dynamic business environments.
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Program Distinctives

The 33-credit hour curriculum strategically balances foundational business knowledge with specialized human resources and analytics expertise. The program structure accommodates working professionals seeking career advancement while maintaining professional commitments, with courses offered across multiple terms throughout the academic year.

The program is designed to offer students flexibility in modality.  Students can opt to complete the program 100% online without visiting campus, or students can complete the program in a hybrid format where classes blend on-campus residential and online components.  This hybrid modality provides students with the benefits of a strong in-person learning community, peer connections for networking, and direct interaction with faculty, while lessening the on-campus time commitments of a fully residential program.

Curriculum

Houston Christian’s MSHRM-PA curriculum is STEM-designated, and establishes mastery through foundational business coursework that delivers essential knowledge in quantitative methods, management principles, accounting, finance, and economics while introducing graduate-level communication and presentation techniques. Students explore the intersection of spirituality and workplace leadership, developing ethical frameworks for professional practice.

Advanced data analytics coursework introduces fundamental concepts, techniques, and applications through hands-on exercises and real-world case studies. Students master data visualization methods and mining techniques to develop descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive models for business applications, learning to extract meaningful insights from complex data sets.

The program emphasizes strategic management from a value-based perspective, exploring decision-making models from formulation through implementation and evaluation. Students examine how resources, including intangible assets like knowledge, drive strategic success in organizations.

Leadership development integrates leadership theory with ethical frameworks and experiential practice. The curriculum emphasizes transformational leadership necessary for organizational change, ethical behavior in leadership, strategic thinking, and shaping organizational culture to nurture leadership development throughout the organization.

Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management with People Analytics

Want to learn about people analytics but don’t need a full graduate degree? HCU offers a 9-hour Certificate in People Analytics, available conveniently as a hybrid or fully online program. This certificate’s coursework focuses on people analytics, HR technology and digital HR strategies and is intentionally designed to give you the skills and knowledge needed to engage in this exciting field.

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Career Outcomes

Graduates of the MS in Human Resources Management in People Analytics will be exposed to diverse opportunities in organizations seeking data-driven HR leadership. The program builds proficiency in designing and implementing people analytics strategies, optimizing workforce performance through data insights, and leading organizational transformation initiatives. This preparation enables careers in corporate human resources, consulting firms, technology companies, and healthcare organizations.

The expanding field of people analytics presents growing opportunities for professionals with combined expertise in human resources principles and data science methodologies. Graduates advance to lead strategic HR initiatives, drive organizational change through workforce insights, and contribute to evidence-based decision making across industries.

Salaries

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports career details for relevant positions:

Human Resources Managers:
Median annual wage of $136,350
Projected growth rate of 6% (faster than average) from 2023–2033

Management Analysts:
Median annual wage of $99,410
Projected growth rate of 10% (much faster than average) from 2023–2033

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists:
Median annual wage of $68,230
Projected growth rate of 13% (much faster than average) from 2023–2033

Training and Development Specialists:
Median annual wage of $64,340
Projected growth rate of 7% (faster than average) from 2023–2033

Doctoral Studies

The MS in Human Resources Management in People Analytics also establishes a solid foundation for doctoral studies in organizational psychology, industrial relations, or business administration. The program’s emphasis on data analytics and research methodologies prepares graduates for advanced academic pursuits or consulting careers requiring sophisticated analytical capabilities.

Students may pursue additional certifications in project management, organizational development, or specialized analytics platforms, positioning themselves as subject matter experts in rapidly evolving fields.

Society of Human Resource Management

The Dunham College of Business at HCU is proud to host an active chapter of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), proud recipient of the 2024-2025 SHRM Superior Merit Award! The SHRM offers students a wide array of professional development opportunities and industry and alumni connections.

Current SHRM professional members can take advantage of student membership benefits by switching to a student membership, giving you full access to the HCU chapter’s resources, networking events, and student-focused programming!

Internships

Students may complete a human resources management internship as part of degree requirements, providing practical application of classroom learning in professional settings. These experiences build professional networks while developing hands-on expertise in people analytics implementation, strategic HR planning, and organizational development initiatives.

Faculty connections facilitate placement in internships with leading Houston-area employers across industries including energy, healthcare, technology, and professional services, enabling students to build professional portfolios demonstrating capabilities across multiple sectors.

Research

The program’s analytical foundation prepares students to conduct meaningful research in human resources and organizational behavior. Students develop skills in quantitative analysis, survey design, and data interpretation essential for evidence-based HR practice and organizational consulting.

Research opportunities include collaborating with faculty on workforce analytics projects, conducting independent studies on emerging HR technologies, and contributing to academic publications in the field of people analytics and organizational development.

Networking

Houston Christian University’s location in one of America’s major business centers provides commanding networking opportunities through industry partnerships, professional associations, and alumni connections. Students engage with HR professionals, business leaders, and analytics experts through guest lectures, industry events, and professional development workshops.

The program’s cohort model fosters professional relationships among classmates while faculty mentorship opens doors to career advancement opportunities across the greater Houston metropolitan area and beyond.