Online Master of Human Resources and Employment Law
Are you interested in gaining expertise in the legal and regulatory aspects of recruitment, hiring, maintenance, promotion and termination? Earn a Master of Human Resources and Employment Law from Arizona State University to learn how to identify and solve the employment-related challenges that face organizations across all sectors.
Quick facts
Next start date: 08/21/2025
Total classes: 10
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 30
Become a leader in employment law
In this program, you’ll build knowledge of employment law and human capital management, as well as how to navigate the local, state and federal laws that regulate labor markets. This knowledge becomes increasingly critical to support organizational operations as HR professionals advance to higher roles. Graduates will also acquire a deep understanding of U.S. law, legal structures and legal reasoning when making decisions about human resource problems.
In addition to learning about the metrics and measurements of HR, the role of HR in organizations and strategic HR, you’ll also gain valuable skills in areas such as:
- Compensation and benefits.
- Employee and labor relations.
- Job analysis and design.
- Performance management.
- Training and development.
- Workplace health, safety and security.
- Workplace planning and talent management.
Who’s a good candidate for this program?
This program offers non-lawyer human resources, recruitment and operations professionals opportunities to further their skills and credentials. Whether established or new to the field, ideal candidates are interested in employment law and seek advanced human resource management roles.
Additionally, this program is an excellent step toward becoming SHRM certified. The Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM), a premier HR professional organization, has recognized ASU Law as the first law school fully aligned with the SHRM curriculum guidelines. This paves the way for students who enroll in this program to apply for the SHRM Certification Professional (SHRM-CP) exam. This certification is a distinction that many employers recognize when hiring and promoting HR and employment law professionals. Those who already have SHRM certification can receive continuing education credit for completing courses.
Professional licensure and certification
ASU's academic programs that prepare you for professional licensure or certification are designed to meet Arizona's requirements. Completing an ASU program may not fulfill educational requirements for licensure or certification in other states. For additional information, visit the professional licensure webpage.
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
HR and employment law master’s courses
This program consists of six core courses, three electives and a capstone. In your core courses, you’ll delve into employment law and other HR topics such as workplace rights and obligations, employment discrimination and human resources fundamentals. Elective courses cover employment-law adjacent topics ranging from dispute resolution and contract law to conflict theory and immigration law. To culminate the program, you’ll apply your knowledge of how the law interacts with and impacts the human resources profession through a capstone course.
The jobs you’ll be prepared for
Upon graduating, you’ll be equipped to pursue human resource management roles that extend beyond entry-level positions. Trained professionals who understand the intricacies of employment law and labor relations are assets to organizations across all sectors. Potential career paths you can pursue include, but aren’t limited to:
Learn alongside renowned faculty in human resources and employment law
The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law faculty has more than 300 combined years of experience. Hailing from across the country, they’re nationally recognized for their wealth of knowledge. Our world-class faculty provides comprehensive legal education in popular focus areas and addresses legal challenges on a global scale.
Learn alongside renowned faculty in human resources and employment law
The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law faculty has more than 300 combined years of experience. Hailing from across the country, they’re nationally recognized for their wealth of knowledge. Our world-class faculty provides comprehensive legal education in popular focus areas and addresses legal challenges on a global scale.
How to apply
Applicants who have received a bachelor’s degree from an institution in the United States can apply through our FastApp process, which streamlines the application process and may allow for an offer of conditional admission to the MHREL program while the applicant continues to submit any additional requested documentation. Foreign-educated applicants must submit a full application.
Study at one of the best law schools in the country
The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at ASU is one of the top schools in the nation, providing personalized and practical legal education. Offering more than 250 unique courses, students can tailor their educational experiences to meet their unique interests. Our bar passage achievements and peer-reviewed U.S. News & World Report rankings highlight our dedication to preparing students for success.
#1
in Arizona for bar passage
7
specialty law programs ranked amongst the top 35 in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report
Top 20
best public law schools, according to U.S. News & World Report
#45
best law schools, according to U.S. News & World Report
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
