Program Availability

The Human Resource Development Accelerated Master’s program is available to qualified U.S. and international applicants who meet admission requirements. It 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 knowledge base through a flexible curriculum that combines core coursework with directed electives. This allows you to 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 through an internship that helps you build skills, gain confidence, and explore full-time career opportunities.

Flexible Course Delivery Options

The Human Resources BS and MS programs offer flexible course sequencing and online delivery that make it easier to balance academics with other activities and involvement. Many undergraduate courses may be taken on campus or online, depending on your convenience or preference.

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 receive 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 profession 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, as a student in this program 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 teaches you important human resource skills and knowledge. These include the concepts and practices that underlie human resource development, such as 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. 

This 4+1 accelerated program combines undergraduate and graduate Human Resources courses to complete both the bachelor's and master’s degree in five years. 

This program allows you to choose from two program tracks: one requires a culminating project in which you demonstrate your proficiency in human resource principles for organizations; the other includes a master’s thesis supervised by a thesis committee.  

View required courses

Career Possibilities for Human Resource Development Accelerated Master’s Graduates  

Human Resources is a competitive field in which specialists provide training and education in the technical, supervisory, motivational, 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, organizational development, career development, performance management systems, union/labor relations, work-life initiatives, and other general HR 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.