Human resources managers, directors and executives have one of the most diverse skill sets in the corporate world. They have broad-based knowledge in a number of business areas, including marketing, finance, information systems, accounting and strategic management. They have a foundation in legal issues pertaining to human capital, and they stay current in legislative changes and judicial precedents. In many organizations, they are the chief architects of organizational development and ongoing personnel strategies.
Leaders in HR are also known for their problem-solving and people skills. They can refine these skills — decision-making, interpersonal relations, organizational development and public speaking — in MBA programs.
Experience provides much of this training, but a broad-based educational foundation is indispensable for those who want to reach the top of the human resources profession. The job market for HR professionals is competitive, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, but MBA graduates may have an advantage. In fact, for most corporate employers, an MBA or equivalent graduate business degree — preferably with a focus on HR — is required.
A Concentrated HR MBA Builds Core and Focused Skills
A specialized MBA provides the necessary academic preparation to meet employers’ requirements and address the diverse challenges of HR leadership.
The Fitchburg State University online Master of Business Administration in Human Resources Management program was developed with input from corporations and HR leaders in Massachusetts and across the United States. The program provides training in all of the HR subsystems, from benefits and compensation to recruitment and training. The curriculum includes human resources strategy, organizational behavior, ethical leadership, policy and procedure development, and business and management concepts. Students learn how to work with managers and C-suite executives in order to devise, implement and manage changes within their organizations. They also learn how to communicate these changes effectively in a variety of formats and settings.
In addition to the HR concentration courses, Fitchburg State students also fulfill the core requirements of an MBA. Courses including Accounting Practices for Managers, Strategic Management, and Management Information Systems prepare graduates to be versatile assets who can be consulted for a broad range of business decisions.
“MBA candidates have experienced rigorous academic programs, project work in a team environment, internships with industry leaders, and, in many cases, international business experiences,” notes Tisa Head, executive vice president of human resources at Navy Federal, in a recent Poets & Quants article. “All of these experiences, in and out of the classroom, develop critical thinking, problem solving and team-oriented skills that enhance their overall business acumen and provide advantages in a very competitive job market.”
A faculty of accomplished professors can help produce the most well-rounded MBA graduates. Among the many reasons that Fitchburg State has received accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges is the quality of its faculty. Fitchburg State professors do not simply teach the courses in this program; they are working practitioners who set an example for the next generation of HR leaders.
Learn more about the Fitchburg State online MBA in HR Management program.
Sources:
U.S. News & World Report: MBA Programs Help Students Become Leaders in Human Resources
