There are many reasons to get a degree but is a master’s degree in human resources worth it?
The HR career has become very competitive with the increase in companies and businesses. Companies and employers are now looking forward to hiring the best applicants.
The decision to pursue a master’s degree in human resources is not one to be made lightly, as it requires a great deal of time, energy, and money.
So, is a master’s degree in human resources worth it? The answer would be explored in this blog post.
Is A Masters Degree In Human Resources Worth It?
As stated earlier the development of new businesses and companies has made HR graduates one of the most sorts after graduates in the business world.
Businesses and companies need the help of human resource officers to run effectively.
They require hardworking, smart, and people-oriented human resources managers to assist them in training and employing qualified candidates for their companies.
HR personnel acts as a mediator between the employees and the administrative team they train the workforce, recruit staff, and handles any employee issue that may arise.
A master’s degree in human resources would teach you how to handle administrative positions and duties that are related to the affairs of an organization.
Furthermore, few roles relating to human resource management are available for bachelor’s degree holders, having a master’s degree in human resources would increase your qualification for job offers.
These HR roles require at least a minimum of 3 years of experience and training in the administrative field.
In addition, a master’s in Human resources management helps students in developing specialized skills needed to improve an organization.
This degree prepares them for leadership roles. In the coming years, there would be a 9% increase in job growth for human resource managers.
HR managers are responsible for improving the general welfare of employees and developing strategic ways to promote the vision of an organization.
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Why Should You Earn A Masters Degree In Human Resources
There are many reasons to take up a master’s degree in human resources but we have coined a few below. Keep reading to find them out.
1. Higher Earning Potential.
Don’t you want to earn well as a human resource manager? I bet you do!
Expand your knowledge and skills in the HR line and watch your earnings go up. Earning a master’s degree in human resources provides a pathway for administerial advancement and expansion.
2 Expanded Carrere Opportunities.
You should know by now that earning a master’s degree in human resources can expand your career opportunities in so many fields.
You would e asked to take on roles like management responsibilities, administrative roles, and more advanced positions in an organization.
A master’s degree in human resources allows you to critically think about the best ways to improve an organization.
In addition, you would have the opportunity of working in HR positions for industries and companies in diverse fields.
3. Increased Confidence
Advancement in academic degrees can give you a certain amount of confidence that would e needed in running the affairs of a company.
Knowing you are familiar with human resources gives you the confidence to stand in front of your prospective employer.
4 Professional Certification.
You need to get at least a master’s degree to be a professional human resource officer. Being certified places you above all the candidates with just an undergraduate degree.
Educational advancement shows your employer that you have the knowledge and you are the best candidate for the job.
It also allows you to apply for the society for human resource management certification (SHRM). People with just an undergraduate degree in human resources are not qualified for this role
5. More Innovative Ideas
Education is one of the keys to success. A master’s degree in human resources will expose you to many opportunities, research, and ideas in all aspects of life.
A Master’s degree broadens the mind and showcases new ways to ack up ideas that can improve an organization’s strategy.
Furthermore, the research exercises in your degree give you innovative ways to move your workplace forward.
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6. Specialized Knowledge
Most master’s degree courses are specialized in an area of study. It can distinguish you from candidates who don’t have the depth of knowledge that comes with advanced studies.
A master’s degree would give you a deeper understanding of the duties and responsibilities of an HR specialist.
In addition, a master’s degree in human resources would allow you to carve out your specialization.
Look at all the career options available for human resource degree holders before applying for a master’s degree. This would enable you to know the area to specialize on
What Courses Can You Take In A Masters Degree Program In Human Resources?
Master’s degree courses in HR management vary according to university, although most courses in this program might be similar.
However, let’s take a look at some of the courses you might face when you gain admission for a master’s degree in human resource management.
1. Human Resources Strategy
This master’s degree course concentrates on the essential roles HR officials play in companies and businesses.
You would develop an understanding of human behaviors along with social capital. The course also analyzes the critical aspects of HR decision-making and how you can be productive as a human resource manager in an organization.
2. Organizational Culture and Employee Outcomes
This course exposes employee behavior towards work. OCEO gives students an insight into how they can implement HR best practices.
It prepares the way for students to create and manage companies and develop the best ways that employees can manage and perform their duties without stress.
Organizational culture and employee outcome also assist students in developing tools needed to build employee trust.
3. Leadership In Human Resources
Leadership in human resources assists students in the development of critical thinking and social intelligent skills that are needed in administrative roles within an organization.
During this course, you would go through the skills and behaviors of notable leaders, develop the qualifications needed to change and overcome resistance from staff and create the best solutions for leadership development through training, motivation, and assessment.
4. Talent Management
You must have heard of this course from your friends in the human resource field. As the name goes, talent management helps in discovering new skills needed for the advancement of a company.
It exposes talent management methods that are useful in improving employee experience.
Talent management also helps prospective human resources managers to develop and train employees and improve HR approaches that can increase the development of a company.
This program would also teach prospective HR managers to identify potential leadership qualities that can improve the affairs of an organization.
5. Human Resources Information Systems
HR information systems focus on various systems used to communicate with employees in an organization.
It also evaluates the best HR performance tools like cloud-based tools and how technology has created an avenue for human resource officials to perform their duties at a faster rate.
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Admission Requirements For Master’s Degree In Human Resources Program
There are important documents that are required, by universities before one can be accepted into a master’s degree program in HR.
These admission requirements vary by the university, but it also includes some important documents that cut across all universities.
Admission requirements for a master’s degree in human resources are connected, although some specializations may have some additional requirements.
You must possess an undergraduate degree in any business-related field before you can get admitted to pursue a master’s in human resources.
So go through some of the requirements below and compile your documents to suit the requirements.
1. Application
This is the first step in your admission process.
You must present basic documents and information such as your full name address, date of birth previous chill certificates, and citizen status.
Technology has made application easier because now you can submit your application online unlike in those days people applied on paper.
2. Test Scores
Some universities require that human resource students have GMAT scores This test score is not required in all universities.
3. Letters Of Recommendation
This is one of the most important documents you should keep in place if you are pursuing a master’s degree in human resources.
Universities request a letter of recommendation from students to see the different aspects of the student’s life.
You must present at least two letters of recommendation from a professor, supervisor, or even your workplace.
This letter is important because people need to speak or recommend you as the best applicant for the job.
4. Resume And Work Experience
Some master’s degree courses require applicants to have some form of work experience in the field.
You should go ahead and apply for a master’s degree If you have relevant professional experience in HR management.
Ensure you prepare a resume that showcases your work experience when sending a master’s degree application.
5. Essays
Essays help applicants to talk about why they have chosen to take on a degree.
it allows you to talk about your previous personal, academic, and work experiences that have contributed to the desire to get a master’s degree in human resources.
Some universities provide samples of how your essay should e written while others allow you to fully express yourself.
6. Official Transcripts
These provide information on your former degree. It throws light on your academic background, the classes, and the courses you went through at your previous school.
If you are a transfer student, a transcript is required in other to help your new school or program to determine which GPA credit will transfer.
Step-By-Step Guide To Choosing A Master’s Degree In Human Resources.
1. Cost
We cannot deny the fact that taking up a master’s degree can be very drastic on your pocket.
Studies have shown that in the 2021 academic year most public schools charged about $8,950 while private institutions charged $29,500 for a master’s degree program in the same time frame.
Although public universities are known to offer affordable education, you must ensure that you go through the cost of studies of a master’s degree course before sending an application to the school.
2. Program Format
A master’s degree program often provides various learning options for students.
It’s important you go through the schools that offer a master’s degree in human resources, check out their type of program, and see if it suits you.
You can pick an online, part-time degree, accelerated degree, full-time degree, or physical learning option. Go through the type of sturdy and pick the best that suits you.
3. Location
The surrounding community of a school can influence your studies The location of a school should be an important factor when choosing a school.
You may love the school but hate the city or town of the school, this can keep you miserable and frustrated.
Make inquiries about the environment of a school before sending an application.
4. Accreditation.
The importance of selecting an accredited program cannot be overemphasized.
Spending two years on an unaccredited master’s degree course can be very frustrating. To prevent this, ensure you make inquiries on the accreditation status of your course before enrolling.
The school must hold a regional accreditation to teach a master’s degree in human resources before you start making plans to enroll at the school.
Would You Have Access To Student Support?
Yes, there are many scholarship and student support options that master’s degree students can choose from. These services were created to make tuition easier for students.
So, if you are in search of student support ensure you visit your school’s student affairs department and go through the scholarship and support groups that are available for students.
What Can You Do With A Master’s Degree In Human Resources Degree?
The increase of companies and businesses has made employers constantly search for human resource managers so that they can concentrate on matters like diversification and including.
This relieves the workload of administrators and promotes employee wellness programs
1. Human Resources Specialist
They work hand in hand with companies to employ intervene and recruit new employees.
Human resource specialists work with management to ensure that all employees are properly placed in their prospective roles.
They identify the employment needs of the company, conduct applicant interviews for the company, and communicate with candidates regarding their responsibilities, benefit, and job details.
Human resource specialists are also in charge of employment records and paperwork processes.
A human resource specialist earns about $63,490 every year.
2. Compensation And Benefits Manager
This position is in charge of the payment program and pattern of the company. They set the payment structure, compensation pattern, and benefits that employees are entailed too.
Compensation managers monitor the salaries, compensation plans, and investment patterns of an organization.
They also prepare the annual budget of an organization, while ensuring that all investors adhere to the organization’s rules and regulations.
A benefits manager earns about $124,130 every year.
3. Human Resources Manager
Are you interested in planning and directing an organization? if yes you should specialize as a human resource manager.
This professional plans and directs the affairs of an organization. HR managers assist the company in recruiting employees and placing job opening adverts to reach the best candidates.
Furthermore, they are also in charge of employee talent management. Human resource managers train employees to develop skills that would be beneficial to their organization.
HR managers also advise employees, on a wide variety of issues which includes sexual harassment, salary increases, and equal employment opportunity.
Human resource managers earn about $121,120 every year.
4. Labor Relations Specialist
A labor specialist is in charge of everything that has to do with payment. They control labor contracts like healthcare fees, pensions, and wages.
In addition, they also work closely with the administration to settle worker’s grievances and disciplinary measures
Labor specialist also mediates between the administration and the employees and also develop training procedures for employees
Labor specialists earn about $120,400 every year.
5. Training and Development Specialists
Training and development specialists develop the best ways to train employees in an organization.
They develop training manuals and seminars, that are directed to increase the skills, productivity, and knowledge of employees. These programs are also evaluated to determine the effect on the employees.
Training specialists earn about $115,640 every year.
HR Certification Options
Many groups are created to assist graduates of human resources in developing and advancing in their HR careers.
1. The Association For Talent Development
This is one of the best associations for those who wish to take up a career in human resources.
It is a great group for human resource professionals. The association for talent development offers certified professional courses that can improve the knowledge and skills of HR officials.
2. Certified Employee Benefit Specialist Program.
This program also offers certifications and solutions to challenges human resources officials might face.
It teaches HR officials and students about retirement plans, health care plans, and other compensation that should be offered to employees.
This program prepares you for duties as an HR official.
4 HR Certification Institute
For many years this institution has been offering professional development for HR careers.
They have more than 6 certifications one of these certifications are professional in human resource certification and senior professional in human resources.
You can enroll in this course online. After your studies, a certificate would be handed to you.
5 International Society For Performance Improvement
This is another HR organization it provides many options for networking and development among HR officials.
Through the international society for performance improvement, you can get certified as a performance technologist, certified developer of training, and certified facilitator.
6. Institute Of Management Consultants.
This HR certification is centered on consultants you wish to train other HR officials.
Institute of management consultants certification is recognized by companies and organizations all over the world.
7 The Society For Human Resource Management.
This certification would improve your understanding of the responsibilities and duties of HR officials.
It promotes human resources materials and offers certification to improve the skills of HR officials
To improve your skills ensure you Apply for the SHRM-CP certification or the SHRM-SCP certification online.
8 WorldatWork
Our list of HR certifications would not e completed without mentioning WorldatWork.
This certification is restrained for selected human resource official who wishes to work at a non-profit organization.
WorldatWork offers many certifications like Certified Compensation Professional and Global Remuneration Professional.
Now you the reasons to get a master’s degree in human resources, what are the best schools that offer a master’s degree in human resources? Check them out on the list below.
Best Universities To Get A Masters Degree In Human Resource
1. Cornell University
Cornell university is one of the best universities in the world that provides the best human resource degrees.
It concentrates on educating students about employment and labor relations which has helped in improving the employee quality of life in the workforce.
You would go through a 15-month executive master’s degree course in human resources management.
In addition, this school allows you to enroll in a master’s degree in human resources from anywhere in the world, you can also set your classes to suit your schedule.
2. The University Of Edinburgh
This is another great university to get a master’s degree in human resources.
This master’s degree program runs for 4 years and it provides background knowledge on various fields in humanities.
In addition, the university of Edinburgh is one of the best schools for students who wish to get a master’s degree in human resources.
You can get a degree in accountancy and finance, strategy, marketing, and human resource management from the University of Edinburgh.
3. Purdue University.
Purdue is one of the best public universities in the United States. It was created in the mid-19s.
The university is a great institution to get a master’s degree in human resources.
The human resource program runs for 11 to 18 months.
It equips students with the skills needed to explore the real world and make arrangements for a promising and lucrative human resource career.
4. The National University of Singapore.
The national university of Singapore is another great school to get a master’s degree in human resources. The program runs for one year which is divided into two semesters.
It was created in the early 19s and since then it has been famous for its contribution to the business world.
All these recognition assisted in making the university the best university in Asia and one of the best in the world.
NUS is committed to the training and improvements of HR skills that would create a valuable improvement in the workplace.
Furthermore, you must complete 45 modular credits to earn the MS degree.
The degree costs about $61000 which might be expensive for some students but the school offers students grants options that help students to finance their schooling.
5. New York University
The University of New York is one of the oldest universities in the US.
This university has contributed to the numerous changes relating to employee relations in the city and the whole of the United States.
Due to the school’s standard of education, over 60% of students can get a job after graduation.
Some graduates of this reputable school also secure jobs at international firms and organizations like Amazon and Facebook.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take To Get A Masters In HR?
It takes just two years to complete a master’s degree in human resources.
However, some colleges and universities tend to be slower or faster when running a postgraduate degree program.
Can I Get An Hr Job Without An MBA?
The answer is yes you can become an HR without an MBA degree.
Most companies look at qualities, characteristics, and skills rather than educational qualifications.
How Do I Get Into HR Without Experience?
Earn a degree, look for internship openings, get certified, and build networks.
These are the best ways to get into HR without experience.
What Is An Hr Degree Called?
You would receive a BA in human resources after 4 years of studies.
Is HR A High-paying Field?
With the right qualifications, some human resources jobs can pay more than $180,000 every year.
There are so many jobs for human resource managers all you need to do is to pick the best one that suits you.
What Skills Do You Need In Hr?
Communication, finance, organizational skills, Swift decision-making skill, training, and developmental skills are some of the skills that every HR manager should possess.
How Many Years Do You Study For Hr?
A degree in HR would take you 3 to 4 years to complete.
What Is The Hierarchy Of Human Resources?
The HR Hierarchy is as follows: Chief, VP, Director, Manager, Individual Contributor, and Entry-Level HR positions.
What Part Of Hr Makes The Most Money?
According to statistics Recruitment onboarding and Training, job analysis, employee, manpower planning, sourcing, and performance management makes the most money.
What Is The Hardest Part Of Hr?
Engaging the Workforce, attracting Talent to the enterprise, managing relationships, training and development strategies, talent retention, and diversity in the workplace are some of the HR challenges.
Conclusion.
No doubt that your question “is a master’s degree worth it” has been answered.
It’s time to roll your sleeves and level up your HR degree.
Getting a master’s degree in. Human resources will increase your educational advancement and qualifications.
Are you enrolling in a master’s degree? If yes, let us know the degree you are taking in the comment section.
It’s time to level up your HR career
No question that earning a Human Resources Master’s degree will take a big commitment. The hard work that goes into earning a graduate degree can pay off in a big way, though, as you reach for new heights in your human resources career. on at the institutional level. Some MBAs with human resources concentrations may also hold a programmatic accreditation.
