Published June 10, 2026

MONROE, La. – The University of Louisiana Monroe has announced the addition of a new master’s degree program designed to help working professionals further their education and advance their careers. The Master of Arts in Human Resources Management is a fully online degree program that allows easy access to earning an advanced degree. The program was approved by the Louisiana Board of Regents on June 10, 2026.  

"We are excited to offer a new master's in human resources management,” said ULM President Dr. Carrie L. Castille. “This program perfectly aligns with the needs of the growing workforce in Northeast Louisiana. As we see economic growth and business development in the region, it is imperative that we have programs that train the next generation of professionals who are going to support this growth. We thank the Board of Regents for their approval of this program.”  

The new master’s degree program, housed in the College of Business and Social Sciences, will be fully aligned with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). SHRM is the world’s largest professional association dedicated to human resource management, with over 300,000 members. Students completing the program will be eligible to take the SHRM certification exam.  

The program is targeted to working professionals who are looking to advance their careers in human resources management and work on additional certifications. Admission to the program is based on undergraduate performance and does not require passing the GRE or GMAT. 

“We are proud to help meet the needs of a growing industry with this new master’s degree,” stated ULM Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Michelle McEacharn. “Earning an advanced degree can positively alter the trajectory of a career. Graduates will be prepared to add value to their organizations and become strong, strategic business partners.” 

The growth outlook for Human Resources professionals across the country is trending upward, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 6% growth in the field from 2023 to 2033. This growth is driven by the increasing need for more professionals able to navigate complex employment laws, manage employee relationships, and implement strategic initiatives. The projections for Louisiana include a 5.3% increase in HR managers and 4.5% increase in HR specialists.  

The Master of Arts in Human Resources Management has an anticipated start date of Fall 2026.