M.S. in Human Resource Management and Development: What It Is and How It Can Advance Your Career
An M.S. in Human Resource Management and Development is a graduate business degree. This Program prepares individuals to become HR generalists and/or specialists. Core human resources functions are covered, and students gain in-depth knowledge of organizational development functions, including training and development and leadership. This degree is designed to give students the practical skills of an HR professional as well as the strategic skills to manage the development of people in an organization. Several universities offer this degree, including National Louis University. National Louis University offers the M.S. in Human Resource Management and Development through its Graduate Studies in Business and Leadership.
M.S. in Human Resource Management and Development: The Core of the Degree.
Human Resources Management graduate programs cover the core functions of Human Resources (HR), including recruitment and selection, compensation and benefits, employee and labor relations, and HR law and compliance. In addition to these core functions, many graduate programs in Human Resources Management cover Organizational Development, including topics such as training, leadership development, and change management. Many graduate programs in Human Resources Management prepare students for professional HR certification upon graduation.
National Louis University's Master of Human Resource Management and Development (HRMD) program is designed for individuals looking to develop skills in the Human Resources field. The Program provides practical knowledge that students can apply immediately in the workplace. Upon completion of the 336-semester-hourprogram, students will be prepared to take the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) and Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) professional certification exams. NLU's Graduate School of Business and Leadership is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).
Why Pursue an M.S. in Human Resource Management and Development?
Why Would HR Professionals Seek This Degree? They are looking to formalize and enhance the work that they are currently doing, seek out opportunities to move into higher-level HR positions (most of which require a graduate degree), and/or transition into the field of Human Resources from another functional area (i.e., general management, psychology, business, etc.). In terms of the variety of skills that they can gain, the degree offers a great balance of both HR Management (the operational side of HR – compliance, day-to-day management, etc.) and Organizational Development (the strategic side of HR – growth, development, etc.). In terms of depth in a single function, this degree does not offer the same level of skill in individual HR functions (i.e., compensation, recruiting, etc.) that students could seek in a more focused degree.
Programs designed for individuals who want to pursue professional HR certification prepare students for the HRCI and SHRM certification exams. Employers also recognize the value of the certification in and of itself, regardless of whether the individual has completed a degree program.
Key Questions About This Degree
Do I need a business background to apply?
Most graduate Human Resources programs do not require prior Human Resources knowledge. They can accept candidates with undergraduate degrees in a variety of fields, including psychology, business, communications, and more. These programs build the foundational Human Resources knowledge graduates need to work in many organizations and roles.
What's the difference between HR management and organizational development?
Another perspective for your consideration concerns the differences between Human Resources Management (HRM) and Organizational Development (OD). In terms of degree programs, both exist to further develop Human Resources in an organization by passing on knowledge in Human Resources Management and Organizational Development.
What HR certifications does this kind of Program typically prepare students for?
These programs typically prepare students to sit for professional certifications offered by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Depending on the Program, students prepare for entry-level certifications, such as the Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) offered by the HR Certification Institute, or more advanced certifications offered by HRCI or SHRM, which typically require a certain amount of work experience.
Can I specialize as an HR generalist or a specialist?
Programs can be structured so that students focus on becoming either HR generalists (candidates for jobs that exist in organizations of all sizes that have HR functions, who are expected to be knowledgeable in all areas of HR) or HR specialists (candidates for jobs in very large organizations with HR functions that are highly specialized and who have deep knowledge in a limited number of areas).
Career Outcomes
Some of the many career paths available to Human Resource Management and Development graduates include HR Generalist/Manager, Talent Acquisition Manager, Compensation and Benefits Manager, Training and Development Manager, and Organizational Development Consultant. Many new Human Resources Management jobs are expected in the coming years. As a matter of fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Human Resources Managers are expected to experience faster-than-average growth in employment over the next decade, and Training and Development Managers are also expected to experience fast growth. The Bureau's Occupational Outlook Handbook contains information on current employment, growth, and salary data for Human Resources Managers and Training and Development Managers.
Occupational Outlook Handbook, Human Resources Managers and Training and Development Managers entries.
HR jobs are available in every industry so that graduates can look for jobs in all kinds of organizations, including corporations, non-profits, government agencies, and healthcare organizations. Those who complete professional certifications, like the aPHR, and later, more advanced certifications, as they gain experience, find that the certifications support their career advancement and salary growth, even after they have completed their graduate degree.
M.S. in Human Resource Management and Development at National Louis University
The Graduate School of Business and Leadership at National Louis University offers a 36-semester-hour Master of Science degree in Human Resource Management and Development. This degree allows students to pursue a career path as an HR generalist or specialist. The coursework focuses on providing students with practical knowledge and skills they can apply immediately in the workplace. The Program prepares students to take the HRCI and SHRM professional certification exams.
