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Strategic Human Resource Management Center


Bolstering Business Strategy

The Strategic Human Resource Management (SHR) Center educates the next generation of HR professionals who are driven by data and strategy.

Innovating education

Industry-driven curriculum is aligned with the Society for Human Resource Management.

Advancing expertise

Students gain skills to become strategic business partners and support successful firms worldwide.

Sharing insights

Industry experts and alumni engage in learning experiences that meld theory and application.

Programs We Support

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MBA in strategic human resource management

Recognized for its alignment with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the SHR specialization in the MBA program blends core business and comprehensive human resources curricula with practical learning experiences. This unique combination prepares students for success in human resources, business strategy, consulting, and leadership careers.

The SHR Center supports MBA students through internships and career preparation, applied learning, and instruction from world-class faculty.

5
in the U.S. for best MBA for human resources
Princeton Review, 2024
2
best MBA program for human resource management
Fortune, 2025
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Undergraduate program: management and human resources majors

Management and HR undergraduates learn the fundamentals and skills to succeed in general management and human resource management. The SHR Center guides students on their career paths in management and human resources through industry mentorship and events.

Learn more about the management major

Learn more about the human resource management major

Learn from industry experts

Award-winning management and human resources faculty deliver a curriculum that integrates proven theory and application.

Hear from our students

Learn about events, classroom experiences, and what it’s like to be a SHR student.

Corporate & Alumni Engagement

Corporate partners and alumni can get involved with our programs and connect with our students and faculty in several ways.

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Partner with us

The SHR Center fosters premier industry partnerships to guide the future of human resources. Work with us to mentor students, collaborate on events, or host applied learning.

Engage with us and our students

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Recruit our students

Enhance your recruiting efforts with the help of our Career Management Team. Learn how our MBA graduates can help take your company to the next level.

Learn about recruiting

Meet our MBA students

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Get inspired at our annual human resources conference

Every year, our students, alumni, and industry leaders network, learn, and discuss current industry issues and trends at our SHR Symposium. We utilize the strengths of our university to bring industry and higher education together.

Learn more about the SHR Symposium

Ben Burney
“Wisconsin builds leaders with can-do spirit, a deep base of functional knowledge, and hands-on experience who are ready to tackle the challenges faced by any organization who recruits them.”
Ben Burney
Senior Advisor, Executive Compensation Consultant, Exequity

History of the SHR Center

The Strategic Human Resource Management Center was founded in 2004 by Barry Gerhart, management and human resources professor and Bruce R. Ellig Distinguished Chair in Pay and Organizational Effectiveness. The goal was, and still is, to recruit and educate HR professionals driven by data, strategy, and a desire to create policies that directly support a business’ goals. The center unites academia and industry to develop the human resources leaders of tomorrow.

Connect With Us

Stay up to date with the SHR Center.

Receive updates and invitations to events.

Make a lasting impact for our students.