Masters in Human Resources Management

What Do You Learn in a Masters in Human Resources Management?

A master’s degree in human resources, or a MBA in HR, is an educational path that typically offers students more insight and skill building opportunities in the field of human resources. Students typically focus on skills and topics related to working with other employee within a company or a government agency. They may explore a range of topics related to both managerial positions and leadership skills to work in this field.

Those who earn a master’s degree typically have completed a bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related business field. HR is a specific concentration that some students may wish to focus on as they begin working in the business or corporate environment. Coming back to complete a master’s degree may allow a business major to gain the core skills necessary to work in that field.

Human Resources Courses May Include

Each college or university has specific rules and requirements for gaining access to a master’s degree like this. Many may provide a combination of academic and hands-on practice to help students gain core skills and experience in the field, which some employers may require. Students may choose courses that interest them, too, to gain specific insight into various aspects of labor relations or law. Below are some of the courses students may take in this field.

Managing Through Communication

This course often covers the use of communication as a tool in leading and developing people. Topics covered may include motivating, team building, developing relationships, and active listening. Students may need to construct documents and presentations as a part of this course.

Strategic Human Resource Management

This course typically covers regulatory procedures as they apply to human resources. The role of a human resource manager and their duties are often covered. Topics may include hiring, training, career development, and the Society for Human Resource Management.

Total Rewards

The subject of this course is often compensation and benefits. How they are applied and how they affect the functions of management may be covered topics. Areas covered may include job analysis. Surveys, incentives, wage scales, and pay delivery.

Law, Ethics, and Politics in HR

This course typically looks at the balance between the legal side of human resources and balancing it with what is ethical. Political influence on human resource management is typically a large focus of this course. Employment law, safety, workplace health and corporate social responsibility are often additional topics.

Talent Development and Workforce Planning

This course typically focuses on training and development of a workforce. How to best implement new policies and procedures as well as how to focus on training and development of staff may be discussed. Topics may include forecasting for future employee needs as well as training and development plans.

Leading Change

This course typically focuses on the leadership aspect of human resources including how to implement change effectively through various techniques and strategies. Organizational development and transformation theory are also common topics.

Find Funding for a Masters in HR Management

For students considering a master’s in HR, costs may be a factor. The NCES states that, for the 2019/2020 school year students spent $19,792 on their educational costs. Paying for that out of pocket may be difficult for some students. However, there may be other options available to pay for education. Below are some examples of potential available funding for students looking to complete their master’s degree.

Scholarships

Scholarships are one option that may be available to students. These often do not require repayment. Students may be able to apply to numerous scholarships with the hopes of securing funds to use to cover their tuition and other costs. There may be a number of scholarship opportunities available to those completing a human resources masters degree.

Federal Loans

Federal loans are a common option for covering the cost of master’s degree education. These are loans often backed by the U.S. government. They come with numerous rules and, in some cases, stipulations. For many people, they may provide a new level of financial support. Keep in mind that there are typically fewer options available in federal loan programs than could be expected by undergraduate students. Still some options exist.

Here is a look at some of the options for graduate degree programs through federal student loans:

• Direct Unsubsidized Loans: These are available to graduate schools and professional students. Unlike direct subsidized loans, which are made available to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need, direct unsubsidized loans do not have a need based requirement. More students may be eligible for them.
• Direct PLUS Loans: These are made available to professional or graduate level students. They are designed to pay for educational expenses that are typically not paid for through other loans. Eligibility for these loans is not based on financial need. However, some require a credit check to be performed, and borrowers may not qualify without meeting other requirements in some cases.
• Direct Consolidation Loans: These loans enable a student to combine all of their undergraduate and graduate level federal debt into one new loan. This consolidation loan is typically provided after a student completes their education.

Students may wish to compare several options to determine which type of federal loan may be applicable to their unique needs.

Private Student Loans

Private student loans are similar in that they are funding often to cover the costs of education. However, these loans typically use non-government lenders. Each lender sets their own terms and conditions for the loan, which may mean differences in everything from interest rates to available funding. Individuals thinking about a private student loan for their master’s degree may need to factor in aspects such as:

• Credit score requirements
• Borrowing limits
• Repayment limitations and requirements
• Work history or educational history (including GPA)
• Repayment factors related to forbearance

Is human resource manager a good career?

Working as a human resource manager may mean working as the intermediate between the management team in a company and the employees in it. This may involve interpreting and administering contracts, managing questions from all parties, and resolving work-related concerns. They may advise managers on policy matters, ensure equal employment opportunity is met, manage legal requirements in terms of hiring, and meet all federal and state compliance requirements.

• Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Management of Personnel Resources — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
• Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Human resource managers may also perform other duties, including dealing with understaffing, hiring, administering disciplinary procedures, and terminating employees. They may also have to represent the organization in any hearings and investigations related to personnel. Work activities may also include communicating with supervisors, peers, and subordinates on a daily basis. They may have to work to establish and maintain relationships and work to resolve conflict that arises over time, which may include negotiating with others to settle disputes or manage complaints. Many times, they are decision makers and problem solvers.

Those who wish to work as a human resource manager may need at least a four-year bachelor’s degree. Some companies may require more education or experience for some positions. There is a significant amount of work-related skill and knowledge needed to perform this type of job. Employees may receive some on-the-job training, but much of their skill comes from education.

2023 Median Salary for Human Resources Managers

The median salary for a human resource manager in 2023 is the following in each state, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Is labor relations specialist a good career?

Working as a labor relations specialist may including spending a significant amount of time negotiating and resolving disputes between groups of people. Typically, this type of work includes working to resolve disputes between employees and managers. It may include negotiating collective bargaining agreements and handling grievances.

Those that work as a labor relations specialist may monitor the company’s or the workforce’s adherence to existing labor agreements. They may negotiate terms with all parties involved. In addition, they may present the position of the company they work for or the labor party they represent during arbitration or other significant labor negotiations. Often, this may involve communicating relating to all labor relations activities including dispute or conciliation, letters to amend collective bargaining agreements, or to seek clarification on terms.  They may also draft or counter proposals in these types of negotiations.

Typical work activities may include resolving conflicts and negotiating between groups of people. This includes settling disputes, resolving conflicts, and handling complaints from all parties. They may also make decisions and solve problems related to employment or management. They may establish and maintain interpersonal relationships, work to gather information for decision making, and communicate with peers, supervisors, and subordinates on all aspects of the work to be done.

Those who work as a labor relations specialist typically need to have ample skill in these areas. That often requires at least a bachelor’s degree, though some employers may prefer someone with more experience or a master’s degree. Some do not have educational requirements. The amount of work involved takes time to learn and limited on the job education is typically provided. Some work related experience may be necessary for some employers.

• Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Negotiation — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

2023 Median Salary for Labor Relations Specialists

The following are the median salaries for those working as a labor relations specialist in each state during 2023, as provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.