Degree Overview: Master of Human Resource Management Degree Program
Majors Overview May 26, 2015Get information about Master of Human Resource Management degree programs and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education and certification choices.
Master of Human Resource Management Programs
Those who hold bachelor’s degrees or have proven work experience and wish to identify and match quality workers with appropriate careers could benefit from enrolling in master’s degree programs in human resource management. Specialization in certain areas of human resources, such as recruitment, benefits, or training is allowed at many schools. Students learn techniques relating to the comparison of applicants, creation of employee training modules and promotion of inner-office communications. The program also develops their skills relating to the design of employee incentive packages, including competitive compensation and benefits. Graduates must have a good grasp of human resources financial management, local labor laws, and conflict resolution strategies; the program may make them eligible for voluntary certification.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree. Some schools may insist on bachelor’s degrees in human resources or business management, among other related fields. Schools that don’t require a bachelor’s degree may insist on valid work experience and specified coursework.
Coursework
Coursework includes topics on both a global and local scale. Students enrolled in most programs gain a broad grasp of all major human resource issues. In elective courses, students are allowed to choose specializations in numerous areas, including talent management, advanced coaching strategies and organizational development. Core coursework may cover subject areas such as:
•Human resource planning
•Personnel selection and training
•Organizational behavior
•Benefits and incentive packages
•Human resource technology
•Policy development
•Financial management
•Collective bargaining and negotiating
•Conflict resolution strategies
•Labor relations
Career Choices
Program graduates can pursue work within human resource departments at numerous organizations. Human resource departments in most organizations branch off into several sub-departments, such as safety management, benefits, training, placement and recruitment. Graduates may choose from popular job options such as:
•International human resource manager
•Labor relations manager
•Placement manager
•Human resources director
•Benefits manager
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a job growth rate of 7% has been predicted for human resources specialists. Over the same period, human resources managers are expected to see a 13% growth (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In 2012, human resources specialists brought in an average annual wage of $55,640, while human resources managers earned $99,720 (BLS).
Continuing Education and Certification Choices
Graduates may earn a doctoral degree to pursue careers in academia or research (BLS). Continuing education classes related to new employee training strategies, changes to labor laws or technology trends may be needed to stay abreast of the field. Program graduates may seek voluntary certification in specialty fields, such as employee assistance programs, training, human resource management. They may also seek employee benefits that may gain in some programs through the passage of exams, and completion of coursework. Work experience may also be a requirement for some certifications. Continued education coursework or retaking of exams may be a requirement for re-certification.
