Ready to earn more in your first job placement, leave Purdue with both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree, and save up to $14,000 along the way?
In the combined BS/BA and MSHRM program, high-achieving students like you can build on your undergraduate foundation in your senior year with master’s‑level HR coursework and hands‑on learning opportunities that strengthen your business acumen and leadership skills. The program creates a seamless transition to graduate study by allowing select graduate courses taken as undergraduate electives to count toward both degrees, helping you step into the job market sooner with advanced preparation for strategic HR roles. With a three‑semester, 16‑month MSHRM sequence that includes a summer internship, you’ll be ready to launch a high‑impact HR career.
*Savings for in-state students
#1
Eduniverse, 2025
Program Cost $45,712 In-State
Average Starting Salary $56,000
Return on Investment
Program Cost $32,364 In-State
Average Starting Salary $83,000
Return on Investment
The Quickest & Most Affordable Path
*Fall 2025 Data. Includes differential fees.
Completing the MSHRM significantly boosts both starting salary and long‑term earning potential compared with stopping at a bachelor’s degree.
MSHRM students benefit from strong recruiting relationships with leading employers that value Purdue’s HR talent. Top partner companies that frequently engage with the program include:
96%
These and other organizations recruit for internships and full‑time roles, host company presentations and participate in networking and experiential events.
The BS/MS HRM Combined Degree Program requires 36 credit hours of master’s-level courses completed in three semesters. Students are only in dual status for the fall semester of senior year. They officially graduate with their BS at the end of the fall semester and transition to the graduate program in the spring semester of that year. Here’s how to make it happen:
*Any master’s-level courses completed prior to enrollment cannot be used to meet course requirements for the combined degree.
The combined degree strongly encourages a professional HR internship as part of your plan. Most students complete an HR internship in the summer between their senior year and final MSHRM semester. This internship experience complements the program’s applied projects, case studies and interactions with corporate partners.
The MSHRM Combined Degree is open to qualified students in specific Purdue majors. Eligible majors include:
Key admission requirements include:
*Includes completion of MAI Core, Foundations courses; University Core requirements and cultural competencies, upper division courses except for specified substitutions; concentration courses for Management students.
Semesters 1-4
Connect with advisors early to optimize your plan of study for a seamless transition.
Junior Year (Semester 5)
Meet with UG & MSHRM advisors to finalize your dual-degree path.
Junior Year (Semester 6)
Submit application. Receive decision by March 31st. Apply Jan. 1-31st
Senior Year (Semester 7)
By this point you have 108 credit hours. Complete final 12 credits towards BS in the Fall semester. Graduate in December.
Semester 8 & Beyond
Transition to full MS status to complete remaining requirements.
Meet with your undergraduate advisor and MSHRM advisor to discuss the combined degree option, confirm that you are on track with credits, and map out your senior‑year plan.
