An online master’s degree in human resources management may equip individuals with the skills and training to manage and direct the personnel of an organization. In this one to two-year program, students may learn how to plan and coordinate a workforce, manage staffing issues, and insure compliance with employment law. Program coursework may include specialized electives alongside major-specific courses including labor market analysis, employment compensation, and diversity in the workplace.

Upon completion of the master’s degree program in HR management, students may either seek employment or enroll in a doctoral degree program. Master’s-level graduates may seek employment in government, healthcare, finance, management, and manufacturing.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree
• Program Length: One to two years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment or Doctoral Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 13% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum for master’s-level human resource management degree programs may include core coursework as well as specialized electives in the student’s chosen field. These courses may teach students how to analyze personal, legal, and organizational issues within an organization and prepare a plan to resolve those issues. Online master’s level HR management courses may include the following:

• Labor and Employment Law
• Labor Market Analysis
• Diversity in the Workplace
• Employment Compensation
• Workplace Dispute Resolution
• Workplace Safety and Health
• Employment Compensation

Career Options

Master’s-level graduates may gain employment in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, finance, government, and business management. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, human resources management employment is projected to increase by 13% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Human Resources Manager
• Training and Development Manager
• Director of Human Resources
• Compensation and Benefits Manager
• Recruitment Specialist

Continuing Education

Those who successfully complete a master’s program may wish to continue their education by enrolling in a doctoral degree program. A doctoral degree in human resources management may provide students with leadership theories and strategies to address global workforce issues. Employers may require students to hold a bachelor’s degree at minimum to be eligible for entry and upper-level human resource management positions.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook