Human resources management is an essential field that helps power the relationships between people and organizations. A master’s in human resources management is an increasingly popular degree that can prepare you for a fulfilling and lucrative career.
In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says human resources managers can expect to make a median of $56.11 per hour, which translates to $116,720 per year.
So what are the best master’s in human resources programs? Read on to learn more about what you can do with this degree and how to choose the best program for you.
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What Is a Master’s in Human Resources?
A master’s degree in human resources is a reputable and worthwhile path for anyone interested in business administration, organizational management, career development, or the law.
However, different master’s programs have different areas of focus, depending on what you plan to pursue after your degree. The two main tracks are a Master’s of Science and a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA). A Master’s of Science in human resource management (MSHRM) will be more appropriate for someone seeking a career in managing human resources at an organization.
The MBA is much more focused on business and leadership and will prepare someone for a career in business administration. This field of study emphasizes business theory and strategy, whereas the MA is focused more on organizational relationships and the allocation and management of resources.
Potential Opportunities and Careers
An advanced human resources degree opens up many career opportunities.
For example, students interested in pursuing law can use a master’s in human resources to work in labor relations. This is because a career in labor law or employment law could entail fighting for the rights of workers or helping create new policies about the relationships between employers, employees, unions.
There is also a wealth of opportunities and jobs available in business administration. For example, human resource managers can work in leadership positions where they serve as a business partner or help manage the allocation of people and resources. Another common route is working in talent management, talent acquisition, or human capital organization for a recruiting company.
Someone with a management degree in human resources can also serve as a human resources manager at an organization where they’ll play an important role in employee relations and workforce planning.
The best Master’s of Human Resources Management programs will also prepare you to uphold ethics and morals and set standards for organizational behavior so that everyone has a safe space to work. HR managers and similar roles are needed at corporations large and small as well as at non-profits.
Common Prerequisites for Master’s in Human Resource Management
Like all master’s degree programs, a master’s in human resources management requires a number of prerequisites, or core courses that need to be taken prior to admission.
The prerequisite coursework varies across different colleges and universities, but the majority of programs require a bachelor’s degree. Some colleges don’t mind what your degree is, while others prefer students who have a background in a related field like business.
There aren’t any particular certification exams required for admission to an advanced human resources program. However, most institutions will want to see that you scored well on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
Also, keep in mind that graduate students in human resources often have to complete a capstone course in order to graduate. Capstone projects can be completed on a range of topics, depending on what’s interesting to you. Themes like workplace diversity, objective employee hiring, HR management, and the role of employee retention in revenue are all examples.
Plus, a degree would enable you to join the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) to access career guidance, resources, groundbreaking research, and other membership perks.
Who Should Consider a Master’s in Human Resources?
The most important element of working in HR is communication. Human resources professionals need to have superior listening, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills. Therefore, anyone who enjoys creating interpersonal relationships might enjoy a career helping others with their challenges at work.
Human resources professionals also have the opportunity to help others with their career development, which can be personally and professionally rewarding. If you consider yourself a trustworthy, organized individual who can remain level-headed and impartial during conflict, a master’s in human resources might help you find the perfect job for your strengths.
Best Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management
The best master’s degrees in human resource management will offer a myriad of career paths across business, career management, and leadership. Here’s a look at the top five programs right now.
1. Georgetown University Master’s in Human Resources Management
Like many graduate programs, Georgetown is moving toward a hybrid model that allows students to take classes online, in-person, or both. The Georgetown University Master’s in Human Resources Management degree emphasizes the strategy behind human resources management. It also places emphasis on organizational development, preparing students to effectively add value to organizations and lead with confidence.
Students can enroll part-time or full-time and the program lasts 2-5 years depending on how many courses a student takes each semester.
2. Manhattanville College Master’s in Human Resource Management and Organizational Effectiveness
Located in the school of business, the Manhattanville College human resources management and organizational effectiveness program prepares graduates for jobs as HR professionals. This program in New York emphasizes communication, management, and HR strategy, especially as it applies to creative, diverse, and qualified workforces.
This program offers more flexibility with weekend and night classes and lasts 18 months.
3. Wichita State University Master’s of Human Resource Management
The Wichita State University Master’s of Human Resource Management (MHRM) focuses on employee relations, staff training, and legal relationships. Located in the business school of Wichita State, this program also teaches students strategic management skills so they can hold leadership roles at corporations of all sizes.
This master’s degree program consists of 30 credit hours, which translates to a year of full-time enrollment.
4. Master’s Concentration in HR Operations at the University of Denver
If you want a fully online master’s degree, consider the master’s concentration in HR Operations at the University of Denver. Students in this master’s program will focus on employee hiring and retention strategies, including how to analyze and apply data to strengthen an organization’s workforce.
This HR program is completed in a minimum of 18 months, and local residents can take the needed classes in the evenings.
5. Master’s of Business Administration at Southern New Hampshire University
This MBA program is entirely online, making it an accessible way to prepare for your career in human resources. The Master’s of Business Administration at Southern New Hampshire University prepares business students for careers in a range of industries, including economics, operations, finance, marketing, leadership, and more.
Master’s in Human Resources
A graduate degree in human resources can prepare you for a range of fulfilling futures in law, business, career services, and more. Whether you opt for an online program or a hybrid option, there’s a program for every student’s career goals.
For more expert tips on choosing a human resource management program and extensive information on master’s programs, visit CollegeRank today.
Frequently Asked Questions
A graduate degree in HR management is worth it because it opens more career opportunities for you. Many HR positions require at least a master’s degree. And even if a master’s degree isn’t required, you can stand out from other applicants by having a graduate degree. Master’s-level HR managers tend to make more money, are eligible for careers in a broader range of fields, and have a greater level of responsibility than bachelor’s-level managers – all good reasons to get a graduate degree!
An MBA is a more generalized degree that can qualify you for multiple positions within an organization, including in human resources. If you aren’t sure what career you want to pursue, an MBA might be the better option due to this flexibility. However, a masters in HR helps you build a greater set of knowledge and skills that can be more beneficial for you as a prospective HR worker. If HR is where you’re certain you want to work, getting a master’s in HR might be the better choice. In either case, you will get a respected degree.
Most master’s degrees in human resources require about two years of full-time study. However, you might be able to complete your program quicker by taking an extra class each semester. A typical course load in graduate school is 6-9 credits per semester. By taking 12 credits, you could complete a graduate HR program in one-and-a-half years. Some programs offer accelerated options that could help you complete your degree in just one academic year. The speed with which you can graduate depends on the exact length of the program, though.
Human resources is not considered a difficult degree. You’ll study concepts like business, management, and leadership. Risk management, business ethics, and change management are additional topics you’re likely to study. Though each of these courses can be time-consuming and complex, they don’t require a tremendous amount of prerequisite work, research, or writing to complete. Additionally, courses that are often considered the most difficult, like science and math, are typically not part of a master’s in human resources curriculum.
HR graduate programs are increasingly offering online options. You can pursue a 100 percent online program or a hybrid program with a mix of online and in-person courses.
The obvious career choice for graduates of a master’s program in HR is to become a human resources manager. This position focuses on managing the human element in an organization, including searching for talent, hiring employees, and resolving workplace conflicts. Many other career options are available, too:
• Compensation and Benefits Manager
• Diversity Officer
• Recruiter
• Management Analyst
• Performance Manager
Other popular options include Labor Relations Director, Talent and Development Manager, and Placement Specialist.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for human resource managers is $130,000. The lowest ten percent of earners in this field make around $76,000, while the highest ten percent of earners make $224,000 per year. What you make as a master’s-level HR manager depends on a myriad of factors. Your experience, employer, and the geographic area in which you work are all central factors in your salary. Any specialties, certifications, or licensures can also affect how much you make. Your salary depends on the specific industry in which you work as well.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, HR managers in the professional, scientific, and technical services field tend to make the most, with a median yearly salary of $153,830. HR managers for companies and enterprises earn a median yearly wage of $144,640. Manufacturing is another well-paying industry for HR managers, who have a median salary of $128,620 per year. Other HR management options that pay six figures include working in government, healthcare, or social assistance settings.