What Can You Do With a Master’s Degree in Human Resources?

Earning a master’s degree in human resource management positions graduates to succeed in a wide variety of HR careers. The degree can help HR specialists move into a management role or specialize in compensation and benefits, labor relations, and training and development.

HR careers continue to expand as human resources take on more strategic roles within organizations. An online MS in Human Resource Management prepares HR professionals for these jobs while giving them the flexibility to earn their degrees. They learn the latest strategies for attracting and retaining the best employees, resolving workplace conflict, how technology impacts HR functions, including ethics and compliance.

Master’s in HR Designed to Boost Professionals’ Careers

A master’s in HR program attracts HR professionals ready to elevate their careers to the next level. A graduate program in HR also attracts other professionals who want to transition into HR.

Organizations seek talented HR professionals because they play a central role in creating an employee-centered, diverse, inclusive workplace. They also develop hiring strategies that attract people who can solve complex challenges and help an organization meet strategic goals.

As noted by The Balance, HR “owns the overall talent management processes.” Working with department managers, HR spearheads management development, performance management, and succession planning, among other talent management issues. They also create strategic compensation plans based on current market conditions and lead vital training programs to equip workers with the latest skills.

Types of Human Resources Jobs

Each of the following HR careers is key to the success of any organization. An organization can’t thrive without filling these positions with talented leaders.

Keep in mind that pay for these jobs depends on several factors, including the size of the organization and the job responsibilities. For example, an HR manager in a mid-size company may make slightly more than one who works for a large company because she handles more job duties.

All salaries and job projection numbers come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Human Resource Manager

Managers direct the activities of a human resource department. They work closely with the management team on matching the right applicants to the right positions. They also oversee training programs for employees. Human resources managers are also responsible for fielding and addressing employee concerns. Human resources managers had an average annual pay of $134,580 in May 2020. The federal agency projects 9% job growth in the field by 2030.

Training and Development Specialist

HR develops training programs that help employees acquire fresh skills as they move through their careers. HR training and development specialists create and manage these training programs. The job requires assessing the training needs of an organization and identifying employees who make good candidates for management training. The BLS projects 11% growth in this field by 2030. Annual pay reached $67,440 in May 2020.

Compensation and Benefits Manager

Compensation and benefits managers develop and manage compensation plans for employees. They are key to establishing an organization’s compensation structure. They help set competitive pay rates for employees and manage relationships with outside vendors such as insurance brokers or investment managers. The average annual salary for compensation and benefits managers reached $137,160 in May 2020. Job growth is projected at 4% by 2030.

Labor Relations Specialist

A labor relations specialist works as the lead contact with labor for a company. They advise management on labor issues, help create contracts, lead meetings between management and labor, and draft rules and regulations. The average salary for labor relations specialists reached $74,870 in May 2020. Job growth is projected to decline slightly by 2030 because of the decline in union membership among employees.

Human Resource Specialist

This job typically applies to those who are transitioning into HR from another field. Organizations may start them in an HR specialist position. Here, they learn about HR through the experience of carrying out strategies developed by managers, including attending job fairs and working face-to-face with job applicants during the recruitment process. HR specialists earned an average annual wage of $69,430 in May 2020. Projected employment growth for HR specialists is 10% by 2030.

The TUW Master’s in Human Resource Management

Most employers expect HR specialists to hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources, or a related field. Coursework may include industrial relations, psychology, professional writing, and accounting.

To enter the top HR careers, professionals need to earn a graduate degree. Touro University Worldwide’s online MS in Human Resource Management prepares graduates for these careers. The 100% online program features eight-week courses. Most students complete the program in one year.

TUW offers graduate students the chance to choose a concentration in three areas:

  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  • Employee Engagement and Total Rewards
  • Training and Development

For HR professionals, earning a master’s degree in human resource management qualifies them to enter HR careers requiring expertise and leadership skills. It’s a rewarding and challenging field and continues to grow as companies face more challenges in a competitive environment.

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