Human resources jobs | Duties, Job Skills, and Career Paths | edX

Online master’s in human resourcesOnline master's in human resources programs teach leadership, development, and management skills. Discover top programs, career paths, and admissions requirements. Explore online master’s in human resources programsWhy earn an online master's in human resources?Advanced knowledge Master's students can learn about complex human resource topics, including labor relations, workplace ethics, and conflict management. Flexibility Asynchronous programs can allow you to work and study simultaneously. Career benefits Master's degree-holders can access higher-than-average salaries and promotion opportunities. Online master's in human resources (HR) programs can teach you about HR strategies, leadership skills, and development methods. Some programs allow you to specialize in fields like executive coaching and global talent management. Discover in human resources, degree benefits, and popular career paths.Find the right master’s in human resources for youWhat can you do with an online master's in human resources degree?As a graduate of a master's in human resources program, you can qualify for jobs across a wide array of industries.Below are possible roles in human resources that you can pursue after earning your master's, with data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).HR managerHR managers oversee HR departments, develop HR strategies, and ensure that organizations comply with labor laws and company policies.Median annual salary (2023): $136,350Projected job growth (2023–33): 6%, faster than the average for all occupationsCompensation and benefits managerCompensation and benefits managers design and manage compensation and benefits programs at a company or organization. They ensure that benefits packages for employees are competitive and attractive.Median annual salary (2023): $136,380Projected job growth (2023–33): 2%, slightly slower than the average for all occupationsTraining and development managerTraining and development managers plan and coordinatate training programs within their organization to enhance employee skills and support career growth.Median annual salary (2023): $125,040Projected job growth (2023–33): 7%, faster than average for all occupationsLabor relations specialistLabor relations specialists handle negotiations with labor unions, interpret labor contracts, and address labor-related issues.Median annual salary (2023): $89,980Projected job growth (2023–33): 0%, little or no changeWhat can you learn in an online master's in human resources program?Online master's in human resources programs prepare students to pursue advanced roles in the field. Programs typically consist of 24-30 credits, depending upon the program's curriculum and your concentration area. Full-time students can complete the program within one to two years.Master's in human resources programs can teach you about talent retention, HR analytics, and employee relations. Graduates can design comprehensive human resource strategies, align corporate values with HR plans, and use data to analyze strategic goals. Some programs may offer specialization tracks, including leadership, diversity, compensation, and people analytics.Some MBA programs may also offer HR concentrations, but offer different benefits and curriculums.Admissions for an online master's in human resources programsOnline master's in human resources programs have various admissions requirements, but most commonly require the following:A bachelor's degree from an accredited universityA minimum GPA of 3.0 or abovePersonal essayRésuméLetters of recommendationOfficial transcriptsMost programs do not require you to submit standardized test scores, but check specific program requirements for more information.Take the next step in your careerReady to earn an online human resources degree programs? Check out edX degree programs or sign up for a course today.Explore online master’s in human resources programsFrequently asked questionsHow long does it take to get an online master's in human resources degree?Full-time students can earn an online master's in human resources degree within 1-2 years. The exact program length depends on program requirements and your course load. It may take part-time students one and a half to three years to complete the program.How much does an online master's in human resources cost?Tuition rates vary widely and depend upon the program's delivery format, institution type, and location. Be sure to check each program's fees and consider costs that aren't included, such as transportation, housing, and textbooks. You can apply for financial aid opportunities like scholarships, grants, and teaching assistantships to help lower your costs.Is it worth it to get an online master's in human resources?While the value of a degree depends on your career goals and financial capacity, some people may find that earning an online . Master's in human resources students can learn advanced human resources skills, including corporate social responsibility and HR technologies.What can you do with an online master's in human resources?Graduates from master's in human resources programs can pursue roles like HR manager, compensation manager, or training and development manager. According to the BLS, multiple advanced human resources roles earned an average salary above $100,000 in 2023.