Several schools offer online bachelor's and
master's programs in professional administration and human resources
management. Students seeking to embark on a career in employee relations
or occupational recruiting may pursue an academic degree in a flexible
program at their own pace. Professional administrators may find earning a
graduate degree online fits within a working schedule, and may be
covered by an employer's tuition assistance program.
An online bachelor's degree in
human resources
management provides an overview of organizational administration and
aims to integrate business knowledge with specific skills in employee
relations. Studies engage students in the variety of duties required to
manage human resources, including compensation and benefit management,
recruiting, training and problem-solving. Enrollment in a bachelor's
degree program requires a high school diploma or GED. Some programs may
also require applicants to take a reading assessment test.
Many bachelor's programs in human resources management make
coursework available entirely online. Students obtain course materials
and submit finished assignments and exams through the school's website.
All interactions with instructors and other students are handled through
web-based forums and email. Online completion programs allow students
to transfer credit from a 2-year program and earn a bachelor's degree in
an additional two years. Full 4-year programs are also available on a
self-paced, flexible schedule.
List of Common Human Resources Management Bachelor's Degree Courses
Online bachelor's degree programs generally include a liberal arts
component. Structurally, some programs emphasize proof of competency in a
given subject rather than the accumulation of credit hours.
Employment Law Course
This course surveys the body of law governing the rights of workers
and the responsibility of employers toward employees. Coursework
examines the effect employment law has on an employer in terms of
employee relations, employee morale and the success of a business.
Employee Compensation Course
Students learn the range of compensation packages businesses offer
and the economic constraints that influence those decisions. Lessons
teach how to prepare appealing hiring packages, provide benefit
incentives and keep employees satisfied.
Development and Training Course
This course considers the purpose of employee training and its
importance to achieving business objectives. Topics covered also include
instructional concepts and different approaches to training.
Graduates of an online bachelor's degree program in human resources
management often qualify for entry-level positions in human resources,
recruiting and labor relations. Corporations, government agencies,
unions, and academic institutions utilize human resources professionals.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a 22% increase in
occupations related to human resources management between 2008-2018 (
www.bls.gov).
Payscale.com reported that human resources managers with 1-4 years of experience earned medial salaries of $39,055-$56,718.
Working professionals who want to specialize in particular areas of
human resources management, advance to senior administrative positions
or both can considering earning an online master's degree. Professionals
with two or more years' experience may also obtain optional
certification through many credentialing organizations.
Overview of a Master's Degree Program in Professional Administration
An online master's degree in professional administration provides a
balance of management and leadership theory with practical application
within an organization. Students learn to facilitate teamwork,
communicate ideas effectively and make maximum use of information to
devise policies or solve problems. Training on recruitment and hiring
practices conform to a code of professional ethics. Graduate programs in
professional administration may be included as a concentration of a
primary program in business or leadership. Other programs include their
own specializations, such as information resources, acquisitions or
health services.
Courses in a master's program in professional administration may be
available entirely online. Course content and all other educational
resources are accessible at any time through a school's website.
Interaction with instructors and other students take place through
online forums and email. Master's degrees often require around 36 credit
hours which may be completed in two years.
The minimum technical requirements to take part in an online program
include a multimedia-capable computer, Internet access and word
processing software. Students may have to learn to use an educational
content management system for communication with professors and
assignment submission.
List of Common Professional Administration Courses
Master's degree programs are often organized into sets of core
courses and electives. Foundational courses cover organizational
leadership, financial management and employee relations. Electives
include advanced problem-solving and decision-making skills, as well as
legal concepts in the workplace.
Administrative Leadership Course
This course examines leadership concepts, principles and practices
that are paramount to administrators. Exercising authority effectively,
balancing competing interests, administrative processes, organization
theory and conflict resolution are among the topics covered.
Subjects in this course teach methods for managing information and
using it to make better decisions. Students learn to demonstrate
statistical and critical thinking, comprehensive analysis of data,
avoidance of interpretive bias and professional communication skills.
Employee Relations and Ethics Course
The fundamental principles underlying ethics and morality and their
application to employee relations are the focus of this course.
Coursework covers the framing of ethical choices; resolving conflicts of
interest; privacy and electronic monitoring; workplace diversity; and
corporate responsibility.
Accounting and Financial Management Course
Financial analysis and planning are integral to all facets of
business management. Students learn budgetary strategies, accounting
principles and project planning for short- and long-term financial
goals.
Master's degree programs in professional administration are designed
for experienced, low-level managers. Graduates of an online program
develop advanced qualifications to progress a career to the executive
level. The range of possible positions open to graduates include human
resources, operations, information systems, administrative and finance
management. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported little or no growth
in employment for executives between 2008-2018. Instead, opportunities
varied by the growth or decline of specific industries. In 2009, a
general and operations manager's median annual income was $92,650, while
executive positions took home $160,720 per year (
www.bls.gov).
Participation in company training events, executive development
programs and trade group seminars are accessible to management-level
workers through a number of national and international organizations .
Although not explicitly necessary for any particular position, earning
the certified manager credential offered online by the Institute of
Certified Professional Managers can help managers demonstrate initiative
and further develop their leadership skills.
Overview of an Online Master's Degree in Human Resources Management
Online master's degree programs in human resources management are
particularly suited for practicing business professionals who want to
build on existing knowledge and skills. Program topics often include
conflict resolution, contract negotiation, managing organizational
change, staffing and training. Applicants of a master's program
typically require a bachelor's degree, preferably in business
administration or related areas. Schools may give preference to those
with two or more years of management or administrative experience.
Students may complete an online master's program in human resources
management entirely online. A master's degree is typically earned in two
years. Schools provide 24-hour access to course readings, lectures and
other materials through their websites. Students interact with the
instructor and other students through online message boards and email. A
computer with Internet access is the minimal technical requirement.
List of Common Human Resources Management Master's Degree Courses
A common structure for a master's degree program in human resources
management might include a series of core courses, subject-specific
courses and electives. Students may also have to complete a capstone or
thesis project.
Public Policy and Human Resources Course
Students consider the impact government regulation and public policy
have on the workplace and the conduct of human resources management.
Studies examine the framework of public policy and the influences of
human resources managers on employment legislation.
Compensation and Benefits Course
Lessons in this course teach how to evaluate and construct benefits
packages to recruit and retain employees. Students also learn legal
issues regarding hourly, salary and contract hires.
Training and Leadership Course
This course teaches the importance of maintaining current skills and
knowledge in the workplace, and how to develop and present training to
individuals and groups. Lessons include assessment of training needs and
strategic methods for team-building exercises.
An online master's degree in human resources management enables
working professionals to increase knowledge and skills or advance a
career. Graduates often qualify to become recruiters, compensation
managers or training and development managers. According to the BLS,
demand for training and development managers, a component of a human
resources management profession, may rise significantly between
2008-2018 as employers implement new technologies. In 2009, the BLS
reported average salaries for recruiters and placement specialists was
$54,530, human resources managers earned $105,510, and training and
development managers took home $94,360.
Several organizations specializing in human resources management,
such as the HR Certification Institute, provide optional certification.
These credentials test professionals' competency in areas such as
employee relations, technology and leadership. Certification levels may
be structured for beginning professionals, senior managers and
international experts. Additionally, many national societies and
associations have been developed to provide human resources managers
with updated training and networking events.
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