MS in Human Resources
- Location: Irvine, CA
- Graduation Rate: 82%
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 18 to 1
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
UMass Global is a non-profit private university for working adults with many campuses throughout California and Washington. UMass’s educational model is called Instructional Design for Engaged Adult Learning (iDEAL) and uses traditional and digital learning.
UMass Global offers an MBA with a concentration in Human Resources. The degree is fully online and prepares leaders to make an immediate positive difference to various public or private organizations. You also can complete the program hybrid with over 15 locations to choose from. The online MBA trains you with complete and holistic business education in:
- Financial Reporting
- Data Analytics
- Marketing Management
- Organizational Leadership
- Process Innovation
Jobs in human resource management, employee education, and executive-level team leadership are some examples. The curriculum follows a traditional core of business courses such as Financial Management and Leading Organizational Change. This 24-36-credit core curriculum, depending on transfer credits, is followed by a robust 12-credit concentration in Human Resources.
Courses include Talent Management and Conflict and Negotiation to name just two. A capstone is required to complete the degree. Admission does not require a GRE or GMAT.
What goes into earning an Online Master’s in Human Resource Management?
Online Master’s in Human Resource Management (HRM) are advanced degrees. There are several types of HRM degrees offered, and there are significant differences between them.
The Master of Science (MS) generally places more emphasis on technical and research skills than a Master of Arts (MA). MS degrees may include a thesis, whereas MA degrees usually have an applied project. The degrees on our list also include Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) degrees.
The MBA program emerged in the early 1900s when a more scientific approach to business was needed. MBA’s are generally around 40-45 credits while the MS or MA degrees are 30-36 credits. The MBA also commands more respect in the business community and is the industry gold standard.
Those who earn an MBA have proven they have mastered fundamental business knowledge such as finance, marketing, organizational management, accounting, law and ethics, and communication. When the HR management concentration is added to the MBA, it tells potential employers you are a well-rounded and highly qualified candidate.
Whatever program best fits you, you’ll find that the programs take from one to three years. As for costs, there is great variation, but on our top 30, you’ll find a range of $11,000 to $46,000. Admission for the online master’s programs includes a bachelor’s and a minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0. Some do require a GRE or GMAT.
Is an Online Master’s Degree in Human Resources worth it?
An online Master’s in Human Resource Management can be well worth the time, energy, and money required to earn it. Today’s technology makes online learning a feasible option. The fantastic convenience and affordability of online learning complement the robust job market for Human Resource Managers.
Now is the perfect time to earn a master’s! With a master’s, you will increase your pay, skills, leadership, and confidence. According to Payscale, HR generalists average $55,000 a year while Human Resource managers with an MS in HRM average nearly $70,000.
From there, HR management varies depending on the degree type, experience, and title, but those in the field make over $100,000 if they are in senior management positions. These senior-level positions require advanced degrees. The online MBA in HRM can increase your earnings even more. When you combine the MBA with Human Resource Management, you are looking at completing more credits, and it is typically a more challenging degree. Employers are well aware of this, and compensation reflects it. Besides pay, earning an online master’s will increase skills, leadership, and confidence.
Today’s complex business climate of increased regulation, globalization, and changing technology is altering the way HR management is done. Earning a master’s gives you the most up-to-date training in analytics, talent acquisition, and valuable leadership skills.
What is the career and job market for Human Resource Managers?
Many organizations are looking to invest in HR managers who are highly qualified candidates with degrees from accredited universities. Today’s demand stems from increased state and international regulation, changing technology, and diversity within the workplace.
Dealing with these factors requires specialized training. The career outlook and job market for human resource managers are healthy, and indications are that it will continue.
Careers in HR management can be satisfying and pay well. According to a study by SHRM, the pay is among the best, but the job satisfaction is mixed. The reality is the HR job can be very challenging and stressful for some, while others thrive in that kind of environment. HR Managers earn anywhere from $55,000 to over $100,000 per year, depending on experience, title, and credentials.
There are also several specialties within the field with salaries that range from $70,000 to $120,000 and above. Specialty positions include:
- Instructional Designer
- E-Learning Specialist
- Organizational Development Consultant
- Human Performance Improvement Consultant
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), the HR management field is expected to grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032. This expected growth is faster than average. Based on economic indicators, the need for well-trained HR managers will continue. Jobs in private, public, and non-profit organizations are, and will be, available.
What kind of degree do you need to be a Human Resource Manager?
All in all, requirements vary considerably from company to company, job type, and previous work experience and education. To be an HR manager, you’ll need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and work experience. Certification (for example from SHRM) is not usually required but can be a difference-maker for employers.
Though not required for all HR positions, more senior-level positions often require advanced degrees such as a master’s. If you have a bachelor’s degree and three to five years of experience in HR and are looking to rise to senior levels, a master’s degree can help a lot.
Online masters provide exactly what employers are looking for: excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal relations skills as well as specific knowledge built into masters programs. This includes a firm grasp of employee and labor laws, managing cultural diversity, talent acquisition, and more.
Master’s degrees also increase earning potential. HR generalists with a bachelor’s earn an average of $55,000, whereas HR senior-level management positions holding a master’s degree can make over $100,000.
If you’re looking into an online Masters in Human Resource Management, odds are you understand the difference a master’s degree can make in salary, knowledge, skills, and confidence.
What are some organizations that I should know about?
The HR management position is vital. The HR manager oversees the work environment in general as well as individuals within organizations. The HR manager is dealing with the most valuable resource of every company—the men and women who are employed.
In light of the significance of the HR manager, and the intensely complex business environment of today, there are several organizations dedicated to ensuring quality.
The organizations listed here provide resources, training, and guidance to individuals, companies, and universities with the most current and relevant industry standards. Two agencies offer the most current accreditation for our schools. They are the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Only five and 10 percent of schools in the nation are accredited/recognized, respectively.
When you come upon a college or university accredited and recognized by both the AACSB and SHRM take note. You’ve found one of the best in terms of relevance and effectiveness.
In addition to the AACSB and SHRM, you will find support and resources through the American Society for Training and Development, the International Society for Performance Improvement, and the Academy of Human Resource Development.
Want More? Check These Out:
Sources:
BLS.gov
Payscale.com
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
