Factors to Consider When Selecting a Human Resource Management (H.R.M.) School
Higher Education Articles June 15, 2015Various universities across the U.S. offer master’s degree programs in human resource management (H.R.M.). Some graduate programs in business, like the Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), feature emphases in HRM. Employee management, business methods, and interpersonal skills are all very important to HRM careers.
Selecting a Human Resource Management (H.R.M.) School
The human resources and business departments of 4-year universities commonly offer master’s degree programs in human resource management. In this article, we take a look at some important factors to consider when you select a human resource management school:
Key Skills Imparted
The emphasis of human resource management (H.R.M.) degree programs is on techniques devised to improve or analyze relationships between staff members and employers. Enrollees would benefit from having strong communication and interpersonal skills, and courses often cover organization, employee evaluation and recruitment, business ethics, management, and laws. These key abilities can help careers in human resource management by helping hone strong relationships among members of the business, including the use of recruitment and training to introduce new employees.
Coursework
Coursework typically covers advanced techniques and principles related to various topic areas. HRM curriculum frequently includes:
•Financial management and analysis
•Staff management
•Technological classes
•Organization dynamics
Practical Instruction
These programs often feature applied projects, seminars, internships and research projects whereby students are provided hands-on experience in various HRM topic areas. Relevant technological tools, including decision-making simulations, among others, are available through computer labs.
Certification
The Society for Human Resource Management certifies master’s degree programs in HRM to help prospective students choose good schools. Faculty with upper-level management experience offer advice and assistance to students.
Master of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Human Resource Management
MBA programs across the U.S. offer many concentrations, including HRM. Coursework in many of these degree programs combines core business coursework and HRM courses. Program graduates are ready for various career roles in HRM fields and gain a solid educational base in strategy, business management, organization, and communications. Coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Decision making
•Compensation models
•Marketing and operations
•Data analysis
•Training and development
Master of Human Resources and Labor Relations (M.H.R.L.R.)
In MHRLR programs, which are not as common as MBA and MS programs with human resources emphases, coursework covers the laws concerning employer and employee relationships. Core coursework may include topic areas such as:
•Employee privacy rights
•Dispute resolution
•Equal opportunity employment
•Occupational injury and illness
•Public sector industrial relations
Master of Science (M.S.) in Human Resource Management
Coursework in many MS in HRM programs covers various classes in relationship or communication skills. A well-rounded foundation in various aspects found in HRM careers is available through additional courses in business. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Staffing techniques
•Organizational skills
•Negotiation skills
•Employee benefits
•Recruiting methods