Choosing an Online Master's in Human Resources Program
Students interested in earning a master's in HR should consider several factors when researching prospective programs, including length, available concentrations, and cost. For example, public schools typically offer lower tuition rates than private schools, and in-state students at public schools generally pay the lowest tuition rates. However, many programs allow all online students to pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency.
Most online master's in human resources programs take four years of full-time study to complete, but some programs offer accelerated timelines that allow students to graduate faster. Additionally, students with transfer credits should ensure their chosen schools offer generous transfer credit policies, which may save money and expedite graduation.
Students should also consider their career goals before choosing a program. Many programs offer concentrations that prepare for specific careers after graduation. Common concentrations include project management, organizational leadership, and recruiting and staffing.
What Is a Master's in Human Resources?
With a bachelor's degree in human resources, professionals can work as human resource assistants or specialists. A master's degree prepares students for more advanced roles with more responsibilities and potentially higher pay, such as human resource manager, compensation and benefits manager, and top executive.
During a human resources master's program, learners expand upon the knowledge and skills they developed at the bachelor's level, studying advanced concepts like organizational strategy, employee hiring and retention, and employment law. Many master's in HR programs also offer concentrations that allow students to tailor the degree to their interests and career goals.
Curriculum for an Online Master's Degree in Human Resources
Online master's in human resources programs typically offer knowledge and skills in the following areas.
- Employment Law: Human resource professionals need a strong understanding of employment law because they must adhere to laws, procedures, and regulations to ensure fair, ethical treatment of employees across their organizations.
- Human Behavior: Human resource professionals must understand human behavior to effectively work with a variety of employees. This understanding helps HR professionals manage conflicts and ensure employees are treated appropriately.
- Business Tools: HR professionals can take advantage of various business tools to help them better manage employees and the functions of their organization. These tools may include effective communication methods, organizational software, and training programs.
- Compensation and Benefits Management: Human resource professionals in managerial roles often oversee compensation and benefits packages for employees. To ensure fair treatment of employees while adhering to an organization's budget, they need a strong understanding of the best methods for choosing and administering these packages.
- Conflict Resolution: Human resource professionals often manage a variety of employee conflicts, including sexual harassment claims, employee complaints, and disputes among employees and supervisors. Therefore, these employees must understand best practices for resolving conflicts in diverse scenarios.
Accreditation for Online Master's in Human Resources Degrees
When researching potential programs, students should check accreditation status. Accreditation indicates that a school meets high standards with respect to faculty qualifications, student learning outcomes, and academic rigor. Schools may receive national or regional accreditation. Regional accreditation typically applies to nonprofit, degree-granting institutions, while national accreditation applies to for-profit, vocational, and technical schools. Regional accreditation is generally considered the more prestigious of the two.
Accreditation benefits students in several ways. First, only learners at accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid, and many schools only recognize degrees and transfer credits from accredited institutions. Additionally, many employers prefer or require candidates to hold an accredited degree.
Programs within a school, such as teaching, social work, and business schools, may also receive accreditation. Human resource programs taught within a business school may hold accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Learners can verify a school's accreditation status through the Department of Education's database.
Human Resources Certifications and Licensure
Human resource professionals who deliver human resource services and are the main point of contact for stakeholders and staff can benefit from earning the SHRM certified professional credential.
Candidates for this credential must meet education and experience requirements. Candidates who hold a master's degree in HR and currently work in HR automatically qualify to sit for the exam, which comprises 160 questions and takes four hours to complete. SHRM members receive a discount on exam fees.
PHR certification demonstrates expertise in the technical and operational aspects of human resource management, including employment laws and regulations and HR program implementation.
Candidates for certification must meet experience requirements, which vary by level of education. Candidates with a master's degree need one year of experience in an HR position to qualify to sit for the exam. The exam comprises 150 questions and takes three hours to complete. Candidates must pay an application fee and an exam fee.
Human Resources Jobs
Earning a master's degree in human resources prepares graduates for advanced human resource roles such as human resource manager, top executive, and compensation and benefits manager. Below, we cover several common roles and potential salaries for graduates of master's in human resources programs.
| Median Salary (2019): $113,300 |
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029): 7% |
Human resource managers direct, coordinate, and plan the administrative functions of an organization. They oversee employee recruitment and hiring, mediate disputes, and determine disciplinary procedures. Human resource managers also oversee employee benefits programs. They often oversee a team of human resource professionals and work with other managers in the organization.
| Median Salary (2019): $60,880 |
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029): 5% |
Human resource specialists work with employers to identify employment needs and help organizations recruit and interview potential employees. They may contact references, screen candidates and inform them about potential job duties, and conduct new employee orientation programs. They also maintain employment records and process paperwork.
| Median Salary (2019): $121,010 |
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029): 3% |
Compensation and benefits managers plan, develop, and maintain employee compensation and benefits packages. They often research competitive rates and packages, prepare program budgets, and keep business operations within budget. These managers also identify appropriate outside vendors and partners, including benefits vendors, investment managers, and insurance brokers. They may also oversee HR specialists and other staff.
| Median Salary (2019): $104,980 |
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029): 6% |
Top executives devise policies and strategies to help organizations meet long-term goals. These professionals direct and manage the budgetary activities of their organizations, often analyzing financial statements, performance indicators, and sales reports to improve business operations. They may also conduct contract negotiations.
Human Resources Professional Organizations
Human resources students and professionals can benefit from joining professional organizations. These organizations often offer scholarships, career search assistance, and mentorship opportunities. Members may also benefit from professional development, continuing education, and networking events.
SHRM represents and supports more than 300,000 HR professionals and business executives across 165 countries. Members have access to career development tools, networking opportunities, discounts on professional services, various SHRM publications, and legal and compliance resources.
NHRA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the careers of human resources professionals. The association provides networking and professional development opportunities in addition to HR publications and webcasts.
HRPA aims to advance the human resources profession and protect public interests by ensuring ethical HR practices. Members have access to professional development opportunities, annual conferences and trade shows, career planning tools, and information on HR best practices and salary data.
