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Human Resources MBA Programs

Effective recruitment and management of human capital remains an ongoing challenge across all business sectors of the global economy. The ultimate success of any enterprise resides in the management's ability to foster strong, ethical and effective HR policies. A once-simple, straightforward human resources policy won't apply across the board in organizations struggling with profitability, legal issues and benefits programs. That's why organizations and management professionals understand the value of hiring managers that hold a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in human resources.

MBA in human resources programs help managers make the direct connection between business performance and personnel training, hiring policies, compensation and internal policies. How do HR managers relate to the ever-changing landscape of factors including technology, training and development, employee evaluations and labor negotiations? While there are no boilerplate solutions, managers that pursue MBA human resources degrees learn best-practice skills that increase effective leadership, recruitment and retention in order to solve short- and long-term business problems.

The MBA in human resources and you

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has projected an increase of 22 percent in job openings for human resources, training, and labor relations managers between 2008 and 2018. The opportunity reflects the demand for HR professionals who have the leadership qualities to recruit new employees or upgrade the obsolete skills among current staff. Companies involved in management, consulting and employment services will offer the greatest number of opportunities, according to the BLS.

However, competition for the best jobs will be intensive. Think for a moment as a recruiter. Pursuing your MBA in human resources may provide just the edge when it comes to openings in HR management. Completing coursework toward your MBA human resources degree can take between 18 months and three years, depending on whether you attend school full-time or part-time. There are accelerated online degree programs with scheduling flexibility that won't compromise your work and family commitments.

The MBA human resources course of study

Your MBA program may focus initially on fundamental, advanced business studies in theory and application, including core classes in finance, marketing, economics, management, business law and ethics. You can add courses that best fit your objectives, whether in labor relations, recruitment or training.

Specialty HR coursework can include seminars or workshops in:

  • Bargaining and dispute negotiations
  • Compensation theory and applications
  • Labor laws, compliance and ethics
  • Staffing and evaluation
  • Leadership

Depending on your MBA program, you'll meet a range of administrators and executives with extensive experience in your sector. You'll learn from subject-matter experts how to respond to current challenges in the economy and the best practices for implementing cost-effective HR solutions. Is your organization juggling outsourcing, temporary employees and its legacy staff? You'll gain hands-on experience under the guidance of leaders who have already solved their staffing issues.

Students in MBA in human resources programs begin to integrate their new skills into their existing corporate or non-profit roles, building a solid platform for advancement. At the same time, students build professional mentorships and career relationships to foster extended career growth and opportunities.

Careers and earnings in the human resources professions

No matter where you are now, when you earn an MBA in human resources, you broaden your career opportunities. Employment and placement managers can advance from recruitment into managing a staff of recruiters. Occupational analysts may advance from crunching trends and numbers into leading a team of recruitment and benefits managers. Employee assistance plan managers can join business analyst or consulting firms that work with a diverse range of clients.

Here is a sampling of several other career options:

  • Human Resources Managers. 2009 median annual income: $96,550. Top-tier earnings: $164,270.
  • Compensation and Benefits Managers. 2009 median annual income: $88,050. Top-tier earnings: $148,390.
  • Training and Development Managers. 2009 median annual income: $88,090. Top-tier earnings: $146,820.

Of course, wages vary by your industry, employer, experience and location. If your career has stalled or you're ready for greater challenges--and rewards--explore the opportunities that can grow from completing your MBA in human resources.

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