A Master of Business Administration (MBA) in human resource management program allows working professionals to develop a foundation in both business and HR management to further their careers and fill upper-level leadership positions. The online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in Human Resource Management program from St. Thomas University (STU) equips graduates with the analytical and strategic skills that senior HR roles increasingly demand.
The degree is ideal for candidates who wish to grow their business acumen with a focus on HR, while expanding their knowledge of international business, managerial accounting, data analytics and more. For professionals looking to move into management, the career possibilities within HR are broad and financially rewarding.
What Are the Benefits of an MBA in HR Management?
An HR management degree at the graduate level positions candidates for mid-level and senior leadership roles across a broad range of industries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), human resources managers earned a median annual wage of $140,030 in 2024, with the top 10% earning more than $239,200. BLS projects HR manager employment will grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, with approximately 17,900 openings each year.
While an MBA is not always a prerequisite for HR roles, upper-level management positions generally require graduate-level education or professional certification beyond a bachelor’s degree. STU’s online HR MBA degree also provides the expertise in emerging technologies and strategic management that today’s HR leaders need to excel.
Career Possibilities in HR Management
HR professionals who earn an advanced degree can pursue a wide range of specialized management roles. The following positions represent some of the career paths available to MBA-level HR graduates, with salary data from BLS:
- Compensation and benefits managers plan, develop and oversee programs to compensate employees, including salary structures, bonuses and benefit packages. The median salary for these professionals was $140,360 per year in 2024.
- Training and development managers oversee staff and direct programs that enhance the knowledge and skills of employees. The median salary for this position was $127,090 per year in 2024.
- Administrative services managers coordinate one or more support services for a business, which may include information management, custodial operations and facilities planning. The position paid a median salary of $108,390 annually in 2024.
- Labor relations specialists advise and prepare information for management during the collective bargaining process. Using their knowledge of labor law, these specialists interpret contracts while helping management and employees reach consensus on issues ranging from wages and pensions to life insurance and healthcare benefits. These professionals earned a median annual salary of $93,500 in 2024.
Grow Leadership Skills Through an MBA in Human Resources
The online MBA with a specialization in Human Resource Management degree from STU prepares students for HR leadership roles while developing ethical management skills. The 30-credit-hour program is taught by STU faculty who bring real-world perspectives and experience. Courses cover subjects like employment law, health and safety, managerial accounting, contract negotiation, organizational behavior, and compensation management.
HR specialization courses explore planning and staffing, human resource management, and labor-management relations. Data analytics is also woven throughout the curriculum, reflecting the growing role of workforce data in strategic HR decision-making. The human resource management MBA program delivers seven-week courses in a convenient online format, designed for working professionals.
The field of human resources is as varied as the people it serves. An MBA in HR management online degree is ideal for candidates looking to continue working while furthering their careers and staying ahead of HR management trends.
Learn more about the STU online MBA with a specialization in Human Resource Management program.
