A degree in human resource management (HRM)
can lead to many upper-level positions such as compensation and benefits
manager or training manager. Online undergraduate and graduate degrees
are available in HRM.
Overview of an Online HRM Bachelor's Degree Program
This program focuses on effective use of personnel as a resource in
organizational management. Other areas of emphasis include marketing and
business communications, quantitative analysis, finance, accounting,
information technology, economics, business skills and
labor relations. Applicants must have a high school diploma or its equivalent for enrollment consideration.
The normal time required to complete this online bachelor's degree
program ranges from 2-2.5 years for those with an associate's degree, or
4-5 years for students with little or no prior college attendance. Many
schools suggest a time commitment of at least 20 hours per week. Some
offer online courses year-round, allowing students to complete courses
quicker than a traditional semester-based program. Distance-education
students can access classes at any time, although there is often still a
prescribed sequence of courses.
Online degree programs require access to a personal computer with
high-speed Internet. Some schools have additional software that is
needed to access courses, including media players and Microsoft Office
Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Assessments, assignments, tests and
communication with peers and faculty are all completed through the Web.
List of Typical Courses in an Online HRM Bachelor's Degree Program
General educations requirements may contain a heavy focus on liberal
arts for HRM. Electives may be applied toward a minor or specialization,
such as organizational behavior or global business. Some common core
courses are outlined below.
Human Resource Management Course
This course provides a broad overview of human resource management
and explains how theories apply to common, real-life situations.
Students investigate scenarios and analyze techniques for solving
workplace problems.
Management Principles Course
This course covers business leadership principles, functions and
motivational techniques. Organizational planning and control are
highlighted among lectures on management philosophies, practices, issues
and history.
Organizational Behavior Fundamentals Course
Theory and practical skills are conveyed through lectures and case
studies. Students examine individual, small group and inter-group
behavior, organizational effectiveness and development, human relations
and psychological motivation.
Overview of an Online HRM Master's Degree Program
This program prepares human resource employees for high-level
management positions. Using a theory- and application-based curriculum,
online graduate degree HRM programs enhance students' overall expertise
in the field, as well as in specializations such as recruitment or labor
relations. Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree, but may also
need to provide letters of reference and a resume or complete a personal
interview to be considered for admission.
The online HRM master's degree program offers scheduling flexibility
for working professionals. Time spent on coursework, study and testing
is based on personal availability. All online programs require access to
a personal computer with connection to the Internet. Software
requirements vary by school.
List of Typical Courses in an Online HRM Master's Degree Program
In addition to core coursework, a school's master-level general
education requirements must be satisfied. Often, a heavy emphasis is
placed on communications, especially proficiency in English. Some
typical courses are described below.
Salary Compensation and Administration Course
This course teaches compensation design and administration overviews
through varying human resource systems and theories. Topics include
compensation incentives, tax considerations and payroll philosophies.
Lessons also discuss job analysis and design, equitable pay laws and the
idea of increasing productivity through incentives.
Employee Benefits Management Course
Students learn about company-sponsored benefit plans. They focus on
areas such as life and disability insurance, health and dental plans and
retirement agendas. They must learn to keep costs contained while
meeting the needs of employees.
Laws of Labor Relations and Employment Course
This class covers personnel law history, concepts and issues in order
to help students to understand and comply with federal and state
statutes. It also teaches them how to design, implement and manage
practices and procedures that comply with laws such as the Taft-Hartley
and Wagner Acts. Other topics include health and safety, affirmative
action, drug testing, sexual harassment and discrimination.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, median annual wages
for human resource managers were $96,130, for training and development
managers were $87,700 and for compensation and benefits managers were
$86,500 as of May 2008. Overall HRM employment between 2008 and 2018 is
expected to grow by about 22%, which is faster than the average of all
occupations. Legislative changes in areas of wages, healthcare and
retirement will increase the need for human resource workers (
www.bls.gov).
Continuing Education
Several professional associations offer human resource workers
continuing education classes as well as certifications to prove
knowledge and increase their ability to advance in the field. The
International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans offers a Certified
Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) designation, achieved by completing
courses and passing exams. The American Society for Training and
Development (ASTD) administers 16 certificates and workshops in training
and development. The Professional in
Human Resources
(PHR) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certifications
are offered by the Society for Human Resource Management. Also,
WorldatWork Society of Certified Professionals offers four designations
in addition to a variety of classroom and online educational courses.
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