Preparing tomorrow’s HR strategists: Fisher expands access to MHRM program

By Vicki Christian
Fisher College of Business

Specialists in human resources serve as a vital link between employees and a company’s goals and objectives. HR professionals influence culture and engagement, develop talent, support employee growth and help drive a business’ strategy.

As organizations continue to lean heavily on HR to shape their futures, interest in the role has steadily climbed. Fisher is meeting this emerging need.

“According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the HR field is expected to grow 5 percent from now until 2034, which is faster than most occupations,” said Brian Mittendorf, associate dean for graduate programs. “At Fisher, we’ve recognized the need to train individuals for this growing field and are offering new flexible Master of Human Resources Management (MHRM) options for individuals to gain this strategic knowledge and be prepared to fill these roles.”

In addition to the current full-time 16-month MHRM degree, Fisher will also offer a new 12-month accelerated option and an extended part-time program that begin in autumn 2026.

The 12-month, full-time degree path is designed exclusively for U.S. students seeking a faster route to success.

“The accelerated track lets students gain strategic HR expertise and leadership skills on a condensed timeline, allowing them to begin jobs immediately after their internship,” said Charles Buchanan, academic director of the MHRM program and a senior lecturer in management and human resources.

“It offers students greater career mobility by being able to move beyond administrative roles into strategic business partnerships, managing complex employee relations and driving organizational change.”

The 12-month pathway develops principled leaders by emphasizing in-demand skills. The program, covering the same comprehensive coursework as the full-time option, includes classes on staffing and talent, organizational change and project management, leadership and interpersonal dynamics and employment law.

During the program’s final semester, students complete a capstone project and an internship, with the flexibility of completing their remaining classes online.

For working professionals balancing career, family and education, the extended part-time MHRM option offers one to three nights of classes per week. Students can start in spring or autumn semester and typically complete the program in three academic years, or longer if needed.

All three MHRM options include a small cohort of students. Each program consists of 39 credit hours and features action-based learning experiences, including a capstone project, an annual case competition, the Leadership Effectiveness through Applied Project course and networking opportunities with high-level HR professionals and business executives.

“No matter which MHRM option students choose to pursue, they will gain enhanced leadership skills of critical thinking, problem-solving and communication to help manage diverse teams effectively,” Buchanan said. “Fisher’s MHRM degree helps future leaders gain the knowledge required to make sure that human capital becomes a competitive advantage in any organization.”