Master’s in Human Resources (HR) Career Guide
What Can I Expect from an Online Master’s in Human Resources Program?
If you’re considering a career in human resources or if you’re already employed in the industry, online master’s degrees offer a flexible, affordable way to advance your credentials. Whether you’re a full-time student or a working professional, internet-based courses let you earn a degree at your own pace. These programs are offered by nationally recognized schools and taught by industry-leading professors. The only difference is that you don’t have to leave home or commute to school. If these benefits appeal to you, take a moment to consider all of your options before you enroll.
Degrees Offered for an Online Master’s in Human Resources
PROGRAMDESCRIPTIONCAREERS THIS DEGREE PREPARES FOR
| MBA in Human Resources Management | Geared towards aspiring leaders, this specialization covers general business management principles, such as finance and marketing, with a secondary emphasis on recruitment strategies and workforce development techniques. | Director or VP of operations, HR manager or director, training and development manager |
| Master of Human Resources | This master’s-level program provides a greater focus on all aspects of employment, including hiring, training, labor negotiations, employment law and HR strategy. General business electives are also required. | HR manager or director, recruiter, compensation analyst or labor relations director |
Curriculum for an Online Master’s in Human Resources
There are some significant differences between master of human resources degrees and HR specializations offered within a master of business administration program. The most noticeable difference is the emphasis placed on core courses and electives. There are also minor differences between each school.
- In an MBA program, approximately 60 to 70 percent of the coursework focuses on business, including leadership, marketing, public relations, finances, economics, research and analysis. The remaining electives emphasize workforce management and recruitment.
- In a master of human resources program, the majority of the courses focus on employee training, professional development, talent acquisition, employment law, labor negotiations and compensation. The electives tend to focus on traditional MBA courses, such as leadership and business strategy.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Master’s in Human Resources?
The average online master’s degree in this field requires approximately 36 credit hours, but some programs may have lower or higher requirements, especially if a capstone project or hands-on internship is included. Most online master of human resources degrees can be completed in 19 months to two years if you’re a full-time student. Generally, this means enrolling in three courses during the fall and spring semesters and two courses during the summer. Adult learners also have the option to enroll part-time or to take one or two courses per semester depending on their schedule. Most colleges let you complete your online master’s degree over the course of four or five years if needed.
Certifications and Licenses an Online Master’s in Human Resources Prepares For
CONCENTRATIONCERTIFICATION
| HR Certification Institute | This program offers eight general and specialized certifications to qualified HR professionals. One of its primary exams is the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification that measures candidates’ knowledge of program implementation strategies, HR responsibilities and accountability principles in a three-hour, 150-question exam. |
| SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP | The Society for Human Resource Management administers two certification programs for professionals and senior professionals. The exams are open to candidates who meet education requirements and have sufficient industry experience. Each exam takes four hours to complete and includes 160 questions that measure applicant’s general HR knowledge and situational judgments. |
Accreditation for Online Master’s in Human Resources Degrees
Whether you’re pursuing an online HR degree through a distance-learning school or an internationally recognized university, it’s important to select an accredited program. The college should participate in one of the six regional accreditation systems that are recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.
Because HR programs are an integral part of most business schools, they are often accredited by third-party organizations, such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Accreditation ensures that you’re receiving a well-rounded, thorough education that’s in line with industry standards. Approximately 30 percent of business schools meet these stringent quality requirements.
Employment Outlook for Master’s in Human Resources Graduates
Job Placement: Master’s v. Bachelor’s
According to the Graduate Management Admission Council, 21 percent of companies surveyed in its 2018 Corporate Recruiters Survey plan on hiring a master of human resources graduate within the year. This makes it one of the top five MBA specializations in the United States. Plus, professionals who have a master’s degree are more likely to advance to well-compensated managerial and directorial positions compared to those who have undergraduate degrees.
Expected Salary
Besides enjoying a competitive edge over other candidates, job seekers who have a master’s degree in human resources or business administration often earn more. Additionally, human resources professionals sometimes qualify for performance-based bonuses, commissions and profit-sharing agreements that aren’t included in median earnings data.
Job TitleSalary Range
| Recruiter | $36,000-$75,000 |
| HR Generalist | $39,000-$69,000 |
| HR Information System Analyst | $41,000-$74,000 |
| HR Consultant | $45,000-$120,000 |
| Training Manager | $47,000-$118,000 |
| HR Manager | $48,000-$94,000 |
| Compensation Analyst | $52,000-$94,000 |
| HR Director | $58,000-$133,000 |
| Senior HR Manager | $59,000-$128,000 |
| Director of Human Resources | $67,000-$165,000 |
| Compensation & Benefits Manager | $69,000-$120,000 |
| VP of Human Resources | $92,000-$187,000 |
HR professionals who have a master’s degree earn more at the outset of their careers, and their average earnings continue to increase over the years. Late-career professionals in HR earn approximately $30,000 more per year compared to their entry level counterparts. The following chart shows how the average salary for HR managers increases with experience.
Experience LevelSalary Range
| Entry Level | $39,757-$78,874 |
| Mid-Career | $47,114-$89,894 |
| Experienced | $50,137-$97,416 |
| Late-Career | $50,665-$101,257 |
Career Opportunities
An online master of human resources degree or an MBA with a focus on human resources can prepare you for several exciting career paths in the business world. There’s consistent demand for HR professionals to fill the following positions.
JOB TITLEJOB DESCRIPTIONMEDIAN SALARYPROJECTED GROWTH RATE
| HR Manager | These mid- and senior-level professionals communicate with executives and oversee junior HR employees. They’re responsible for planning and coordinating recruiting activities and related administrative tasks, such as payroll, training and benefits administration. | $110,120 per year | 9% |
| Training and Development Managers | Training and Development Managers analyze workers and jobs within an organization to design and deliver learning and experiential opportunities to enhance workplace skills and operations. | $108,250 per year | 10% |
| Compensation and Benefits Managers | An HR Director oversees management of HR personnel and designs strategic programs to benefit HR functions as well as positively impact the entire workforce. | $119,120 per year | 5% |
| Administrative Services Managers | Professionals who have training in HR and business administration are ideal candidates for this position. Administrative services managers coordinate all types of back-office tasks and day-to-day business operations, including record keeping, workforce management, facility maintenance and internal and external communications. | $94,020 per year | 10% |
Professional Organizations
Professional organizations are here for you before and after graduation. Membership-based groups offer a variety of resources to new and experienced HR professionals, including local networking opportunities, online training programs, national conferences and member-to-member support. The following associations can help you achieve your academic and professional goals.
Society for Human Resource Management: SHRM is the world’s premier professional association for members of the HR industry. The society represents 300,000 members in 165 countries. It provides education, training and advocacy programs to promote efficiency and effectiveness within the human resources profession.
National Human Resources Association: Established in 1951, the NHRA provides career services, networking opportunities and professional development resources to HR professionals nationwide. The group organizes conferences, seminars and live events. It also provides resources to assist members with marketing, public relations and finances.
International Association for Human Resource Information Management: This professional organization is dedicated to advancing the HR industry through education, certification and collaboration. The organization provides continuing education courses, develops industry best practices, certifies HR professionals and funds research through the HRIM Foundation.
Association for Talent Development: The ATD is a membership group that supports HR professionals who specialize in training, talent development, performance consulting and workplace learning. The organization provides career assistance, professional development resources, online training and a platform that encourages the exchange of ideas.
A more thorough list of professional HR associations can be found on the Fuse Workforce Management blog.
Financing Your Online Master’s in Human Resources Degree
A master’s degree in business or human resources is a worthwhile investment, especially when you have the freedom to complete your studies online from the comfort of your home. Despite the lower cost of online degrees, you may still benefit from financial assistance, including student loans, federal grants and scholarships. For best results, financial aid counselors recommend completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) first to determine which options are available. You may also qualify for scholarships offered by national and regional HR associations. Start your journey toward earning a master’s degree by reviewing the following resources that can help you better manage the cost of higher education.
Resources
| Understanding FAFSA |
| Financial Aid for Graduate Students |
| Knowing Your Options |
| Employer Tuition Benefits |
| Tuition Assistance Programs |
Scholarships
Scholarships
Details
|
Award: Up to $5,000 Deadline: August 15 Eligibility: This scholarship is open to current and prospective graduate students who are pursuing an HR-related master’s degree through a regionally accredited college or university. Eligible specializations include human resources, business and organizational development. |
|
|
Award: $2,000 Deadline: June Eligibility: The International Public Management Association for Human Resources gives $2,000 to students who are seeking a master’s degree in law, business administration, public administration or a related field. The award can be renewed for one additional year based on the student’s academic performance. |