Program Availability

The Human Resource Development Accelerated Master’s program is available to qualified U.S. and international applicants and can be completed on campus or 100 percent online. Designed for Indiana State undergraduates in approved bachelor’s programs, this 4+1 pathway lets you begin graduate coursework during your senior year and earn both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years. 

With guidance from faculty advisors, you’ll build a personalized plan of study that supports your career goals and prepares you for in-demand opportunities in the field. To make the most of this accelerated option, connect with an academic advisor early to review eligibility, GPA requirements, and your academic path. 

Why Earn a Human Resource Development Accelerated Master’s Degree at Indiana State?

Indiana State’s Human Resource Development Accelerated Master’s program prepares you to lead and strengthen organizations through effective people-focused strategies. You’ll learn how to analyze workplace needs, design training and development initiatives, improve performance, and guide teams through change. Designed for students in human resources and related business majors, this 4+1 pathway helps you build advanced skills and earn both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years.

Gain Experience in the Field Before You Graduate

The Human Resource Development accelerated master’s program expands your expertise through a flexible curriculum that combines core coursework with directed electives. By doing so, you can tailor your studies to your background, goals, or area of interest.

You’ll apply what you learn through hands-on experiences in the classroom and beyond, including an internship that helps you build skills, gain confidence, and explore full-time career opportunities.

Flexible Options for Adult Learners

Designed with working adults in mind, this program offers flexible course sequencing and delivery options that make it easier to balance school with your career and other responsibilities. Whether you’re returning to finish your degree or advancing your education, you can complete coursework on campus or online with options that support transfer credit and degree completion.

Learn from Our Excellent Faculty

At Indiana State, you’ll learn in small classes where faculty know your goals and support your growth. You’ll get personalized feedback on projects and interactive coursework, while advisors work with you one-on-one each semester to help you choose the courses that fit your academic and career path.

You’ll also connect with the degree beyond the classroom through student organizations, including the Wabash Valley Collegiate Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). From business and industry site visits to professional meetings, guest speakers, mentoring, and chapter events, you’ll build your network and gain insight into human resource careers.

What You’ll Learn in the Human Resource Development Accelerated Master’s Program

The Human Resource Development Accelerated Master’s program educates students on important human resource skills. This includes concepts and practices of human resource development, organizational leadership and development, human resource evaluation, performance evaluations, organizational psychology, consulting and coaching, continuous performance improvement, team dynamics, human resource ethics, and related topics. The 4+1 accelerated program combines undergraduate and graduate courses to complete the master’s degree in five years. 

The program allows students to choose from two program options – with one option requiring a culminating project where you’ll demonstrate your proficiency in human resource principles for organizations; and the other option requiring a master’s thesis supervised by a thesis committee.  

View required courses

Career Possibilities for Human Resource Development Accelerated Master’s Graduates  

Human resource development is a competitive field with specialists providing the training and education in technical, supervisory, motivational, diversification, and orientation areas required for successful organizations and enterprises. Graduates of the Human Resource Development Accelerated Master’s program are prepared for such responsibilities, including training and development, organization development, career development, performance management systems, union/labor relations, work-life initiatives, and other general human resource functions.  

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall human resource employment is projected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, with a median annual wage of $72,910 last reported in 2024. 

Accreditation

Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.