Program Format

• How long will it take to complete the program?

  Part-time students taking two courses a term can expect to complete the degree within 18 months. 

  If you don't want to take two courses every term it will take a bit longer. We offer three full terms and one condensed term each year.  

• What is the average amount of work experience required for this program?

  Work experience in human resources is not required prior to being accepted into the program.  However, most students have between 2 to 5 years of experience, and some have much more.

  We also have new graduates and professionals who are transitioning into the field. 

  If you have no experience in HR, you should consider completing an internship or finding HR work experience as you progress through the program to become more marketable.

• Are students able to work while pursuing a degree in HRM?

  Yes! Most of our students are working professionals pursuing degrees while continuing to work full-time. Our flexible asynchronous online course format enables you to balance your work and family commitments.

• How do online courses work? What does "asynchronous" mean?

  All of our courses take place within Brightspace, our online learning platform. The course format is asynchronous, meaning that the interaction doesn't happen in real time (like in a Zoom meeting). Instead, you have the flexibility to choose the times that work best for your schedule to complete your coursework.

  Our courses run for 10-weeks (except for the 3-week Winter Session). Each week covers a different unit and typically starts on Monday and ends on Sunday. During the course of the week, you will engage with the course material, participate in threaded discussions with your professor and classmates and hand in any assignments. 

• Is there help available if I run into an issue?

  All your professors will be available to help if you run into problems while taking their class. In addition, the SPD staff is here to support you throughout your program. And if you have a technical issue, SBU's Division of Information Technology (DoIt) can provide solutions.

Admissions

• Do I need an undergraduate degree in business to apply?

  No, you do not need to have a particular degree in business or human resources to be accepted into the program. Our courses will expose you to the essential business concepts you need to know to succeed as an HR business partner.

• Is the GMAT/GRE required?

  No. We don’t believe that one’s ability to do well on a standardized test is a good predictor of success in the program – or on the job. 

• What documents are required with my application?

  You’ll need to submit a personal statement and a resume to let us know why you think this program helps you achieve your personal and professional goals. You will also need to arrange to have your official undergraduate transcript sent to us showing you have earned a bachelor's degree. You will need to ask at least two people to submit letters of recommendation. 

• It’s been a long time since I’ve been in contact with my professors. Who should I ask for a recommendation?

  Recommendations can come from a variety of sources, such as a current or past supervisor or someone who is currently working in the field. These would be appropriate people to ask if you cannot contact a professor. 

• Can I transfer credits I've earned at another university?

  You can transfer a maximum of 12 graduate credits toward an SPD master's degree.  All requests must be reviewed and approved by the faculty director. Review Transfer Credit Policy

Costs and Payment

• What costs and fees are associated with the HRM program?

  SBU’s program costs are the second-lowest among public research universities in the Northeast. *

  Tuition is determined by your residency status. As of Fall 2023, the costs are as follows:
  

  • Part-time New York State residents pay $1,832.49 for a three-credit course, or $18,324.90 for the complete 10-course program).
  • Out-of-state Online students pay $2,114.49 for a three-credit course, or $21, 122.90 for the complete 10-course program. (See if you're eligible for this rate.)

  The costs do not include the cost of learning materials and the tuition and fees are subject to change by the State University of New York without notice.

  View Cost & Aid Details

  *Source: SBU Office of Student Financial Services and IPEDs  
• Are financial aid or scholarships available?

  Our students finance their degrees through loans (federal and private),  awards, scholarships, employer reimbursement programs, student employment, veteran’s programs, and time-option payment plans offered through the University.

  While the program does not offer scholarships, the Financial Aid website explains which options are available and their staff of experts can help you identify which options would work best for you. 

  We've collected some useful financial links for part-time graduate students at the website below.

  View Cost & Aid Details

 

Career Support

• Do you offer job placement assistance?

  Stony Brook University has an award-winning Career Center that supports students and alumni through their job search journey.  They love to keep in touch with alumni as well as students currently enrolled in a program.

• What else can I do to improve my marketability?

  Approach each course as an opportunity to network by making yourself known to your professor and connect with your fellow classmates.

  If you aren't already a member of the Society for Human Resource Management, take advantage of the student discount to join. SHRM has a wide range of online resources for job-seekers and each regional chapter offers networking events. 

• Will this program help prepare for or maintain SHRM certification?

  Yes. By being enrolled in an HR master's degree, you meet the eligibility requirements to prepare for your SHRM credential. 

  If you already hold a SHRM credential, you must earn 60 professional development credits (PDCs) within the 3-year recertification cycle.

  As an accredited university, courses taken for college credit are eligible for PDCs.  One credit hour = 15 PDCs, so our 3-credit graduate courses carry 45 PDCs each.

  Please note that if the course is graded, you must earn a grade of C or better to receive recertification credit.  

  SHRM Credentialing Resources:

  • Certification
  • Recertification