MBA in HR (Human Resources) Syllabus (2025 – 26): All Semester Subjects List India

As an aspiring HR professional, it is essential to demonstrate a combination of solid theoretical knowledge and practical skills to land lucrative roles in top companies. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Human Resource Management (HRM) is designed to help learners master essential skills required to succeed in the evolving HR landscape.

 A comprehensive  MBA in Human Resource Management syllabus typically combines a host of core subjects and elective/specialization options to prepare you for the job market ahead. 

The course spans 2 years (2 semesters each year). The first year helps you strengthen your foundational concepts through core subjects like Entrepreneurial Practice, Operations Management, and Data Visualization, among others. 

The last 2 semesters in the second year also include a host of other specializations crafted to prepare you for highly targeted roles in the professional landscape. This blog helps you explore everything about an MBA HR degree to make an informed career choice.  

Also Read: Most In-Demand MBA Specializations in 2025

What is an MBA in Human Resource Management?

An MBA in Human Resource Management program prepares you for successful HR roles across various areas, including Human Resource Management, Operations Management, Manpower Planning and Sourcing, Compensation and Benefits, and other related fields. A few core subjects taught in the first year across two semesters include:

• Managerial Economics 
• Financial Management 
• Operation Management 
• Financial Accounting 
• Organizational Behavior

These subjects introduce you to the basic concepts of Business Management and are primarily theoretical in nature. The MBA in HR syllabus, covered in the last two semesters in the second year, comprises both core subjects and elective options, and equips you with practical skills to solve real-world business problems. International Business Management, Compensation and Benefits, and Employee Relations Management are among the elective subjects. 

Getting an MBA in HR subject from a top-notch institution entitles you to ace leading career opportunities, such as:

• Compensation and Benefits Manager
• Employee Relations Manager 
• HR Manager
• Talent Acquisition Specialist
•  Learning and Development Manager

You Might Also Like: MBA Subjects in India – A Semester-by-Semester Guide

MBA in HR: 1st Year Syllabus (Sem 1 & 2 Subjects)

The first year of the online MBA offered by Manipal University Jaipur on the Online Manipal platform is your initial exposure to the world of business studies. The subjects in the MBA HR first year are thus primarily theoretical in nature. Spanning the first and second semesters of the course, the curriculum provides a solid foundation in the fundamentals of business management. 

Take a quick look below at the key subjects covered in the MBA HR syllabus for the 1st year, including learning objectives and skills developed.

MBA in HR: 1st Year Course Overview & Structure

• Key Subjects: Entrepreneurial Practice, Business Research Methods (R/Python), Business Communication (WAC), Operation Management, Financial Accounting, Financial Management, and Human Resource Management, among others. 
• Learning Objectives: To enable a strong understanding of the core concepts of business management so that learners can implement this knowledge in their second year and during their internships, and to come up with innovative and practical solutions to real-world business challenges. 
• Skills Learned: Communication, Interpersonal Skills, Budgeting, Financial Statements, Decision-Making, Problem-Solving, Business Analysis, among others. 

Also Check Out: MBA Salary in India: How Much Can You Really Earn in 2025?

MBA in HR:  1st & 2nd Semester Subjects

The first year MBA in Human Resource Management syllabus covers 14 core subjects in total, equally divided between two semesters. Here’s a quick look at these subjects:  

Semester	Subjects
Semester 1	Entrepreneurial Practice Managerial Economics Data Visualization (Excel/Tableau) Business Communication (WAC) Organizational Behavior Financial Accounting Marketing Management
Semester 2	Operation Management Business Research Methods (R/Python) Legal Aspects of Business Human Resource Management Business Communication (VAC) Financial Management Management Accounting

Interesting Read: What are the Different Types of MBA Programs You Can Do in India?

MBA in HR: 2nd Year Syllabus (Sem 3 & 4 Subjects)

The second year of the MBA program, which spans the third and fourth semesters, combines mandatory core subjects with a range of elective options. These subjects help students develop unparalleled functional expertise in Human Resource Management. Get ready to take real-world business challenges head-on!

Read on to find out about the key subjects, elective options, learning objectives, skills developed, and internship opportunities in the second year of the degree.

MBA in HR: 2nd Year Course Overview & Structure

• Key Subjects: Strategic Management, Term Paper, International Business Management, and Project Study.
• Elective Subjects for HR: Manpower Planning and Sourcing, Compensation and Benefits, Management and Organizational Development, and Performance Management and Appraisal, among others.
• Learning Objectives: The core subjects equip you with a strong foundational knowledge of HR Management, while the elective subjects prepare you for highly specialized roles in the field. 
• Skills Learned by the Student: Leadership, Teamwork, Adaptability, HR Analytics, and Financial Literacy, among others. 
• Internship Opportunities: Value-packed internships and projects offer hands-on training in real-world business operations. 

Also Explore: 10 Things to Know Before Pursuing an Online MBA

MBA in HR: 3rd & 4th Semester Subjects

Explore the range of core and elective subjects taught in the third and fourth semesters of an MBA in HR  program that help you apply your theoretical learnings in a practical setting. Note that the core subjects remain the same across both semesters, as listed below. 

Core Subjects 

Semesters	Core Subjects
Semester 3	Strategic Management Term Paper
Semester 4	International Business Management Project

The table below further provides the complete list of electives in the 3rd and 4th semesters in the MBA HR programs for your understanding:  

Semester	Elective Subjects/Specializations
Semester 3	Manpower Planning and Sourcing Management and Organizational Development Employee Relations Management HR Audit
Semester 4	Compensation and Benefits Performance Management and Appraisal Talent Management and Employee Retention Change Management

Read More: The True Impact of an MBA on Career and Leadership

FAQs

1. What are the 1st year subjects in MBA HR?

The first year (semesters 1 and 2) of an MBA in HR program covers only the mandatory core subjects, aimed at enabling students to master the fundamentals of HR management. These subjects include:

• Entrepreneurial Practice
• Operation Management 
• Business Communication (WAC)
• Management Accounting
• Data Visualisation (Excel/Tableau)
• Business Communication (VAC)
• Marketing Management
• Legal Aspects of Business
• Managerial Economics
• Business Research Methods (R/Python)
  

2. How many subjects are there in total in the MBA in HR?

The total number of subjects in the MBA in HR may differ across institutions. Typically, this two-year course encompasses more than 20 subjects, taught over 4 semesters. These include both the core and elective options, including:

• Entrepreneurial Practice
• Operation Management 
• Business Communication (WAC)
• Management Accounting
• Data Visualization (Excel/Tableau) 
• Strategic Management
• International Business Management
• Change Management
• Management and Organizational Development
• Compensation and Benefits
  

3. Is an MBA in HR a good option?

Yes, an MBA in HR is a worthwhile career option, provided you secure your degree from a reputable institution. An MBA in HR can open doors to a wide array of career opportunities for you. Depending on your specialization, you can opt for hyper-targeted career roles like Talent Acquisition Specialist, Compliance Specialist, Compensation and Benefits Manager, HR Director, and HR Manager, among others. 

4. Is the MBA Human Resource syllabus the same in all universities?

No, the MBA Human Resource syllabus is not the same across all universities. The first year generally covers almost the same core subjects. 

The specialization or elective options offered in the second year may vary depending on faculty expertise, curriculum design, and the focus of special programs. 

Make sure that you thoroughly research the program curricula to select coursework that aligns with your career goals and interests. 

5. Which topics are covered under MBA Human Resource Management subjects?

 A few of the topics covered under the core and elective MBA HR subjects are listed below: 

• Organizational Behavior
• Industrial Relations
• Marketing
• Finance
• Labor Law
• Leadership Development
• Strategic Management
• Talent Acquisition 
• Change Management
• Marketing Management 
• HR Analytics
• Strategic HRM
• International HRM
• Human Resource Development
• Compensation and Benefits
• Training and Development

6. How often is the MBA HR syllabus updated as per industry trends?

The frequency of updates in an MBA HR syllabus varies across institutions. However, it is typically updated every 1 or 2 years to help students stay current with the evolving trends and practices in the HR landscape. As an HR aspirant, you must choose an institution that updates its curriculum at least every 2 years. 

7. Does the MBA Human Resource Management syllabus include projects or internships?

Yes, the MBA in Human Resource Management syllabus includes projects and internship opportunities, providing students with hands-on training in real-world business management. These projects and internships provide an opportunity to apply your theoretical knowledge to solving real-world business problems. 

8. What are the elective subjects of the MBA in HR course?

The elective subjects offered in the 3rd and 4th semesters (2nd year) of an MBA program are listed below: 

• Employee Relations Management
• HR Audit
• Manpower Planning and Sourcing
• Management and Organizational Development
• Compensation and Benefits
• Performance Management and Appraisal
• Talent Management and Employee Retention
• Change Management

Please note that elective options across institutions may vary slightly due to faculty expertise and curriculum design. 

9. Is an MBA in HR course easy in comparison to other MBA specializations?

No, it would be incorrect to claim that an MBA in HR is easier compared to other MBA specializations. The level of difficulty depends on the learners’ strengths, weaknesses, and interests. Since an MBA in HR management requires great people and communication skills, it’s usually recommended for people with good interpersonal abilities.