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Become an HR Leader With an MBA

Human resources (HR) managers play a critical role in the workplace by advising upper management while counseling and mentoring lower-level staff members. HR leaders are the communication bridge between the various tiers of a workforce. They are often the point of contact for employees with concerns that need to be communicated to upper management.

Beyond basic payroll, retirement and other administrative insights, HR professionals must have the leadership skills to cultivate employee buy-in on HR policies and services. The online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Human Resource Management program from St. Thomas University (STU) teaches critical leadership abilities so that graduates can take on a broad range of HR leadership roles.

How Can an MBA Further My HR Career?

HR professionals oversee employee benefits, performance evaluations and training, among other duties. Successful HR managers cultivate leadership skills in addition to these basic functions. The most important asset for any company is its employees. That human capital often requires direction and guidance from HR leaders. Ultimately, effective HR leadership strives to ensure that all workers feel fulfilled in their roles.

Reflecting the job’s importance and the advanced skills it requires, HR managers are well-compensated and see steady job growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), HR managers made a median annual wage of $130,000 in 2022. Further, BLS projects 5% employment growth in HR management from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.

BLS also notes that some employers require a master’s degree, like an MBA for HR management positions. HR professionals look toward MBA degrees to provide the leadership skills and problem-solving expertise needed to thrive in HR. MBA programs like STU’s online MBA with a concentration in Human Resource Management teach many of the leadership skills needed in upper-level HR positions:

  • Management strategies
  • Oral and written communications
  • Listening skills
  • Conflict resolution abilities
  • Talent-scouting
  • Placement

Specialized Courses in STU’s Online MBA in HR Management

MBA programs offer the right balance of theory and real-world applications, preparing business professionals to take on upper-management positions. STU’s online MBA with a concentration in Human Resource Management program includes the following courses:

  • Organizational Design and Theory: In the context of domestic and global environments, this course focuses on the organization at a macro level and the impact of scale and technology on process and structure.
  • Human Resources Planning and Staffing: This online course explores the steps involved in forecasting staffing needs. Graduates will understand the legal framework involved in covering staffing.
  • Human Resource Management:This overview course touches on human resource planning, staffing, equal employment opportunity, quality of work life and other HR-related topics.
  • Labor-Management Relations: Understanding the relationship between employees and employers is critical for any HR leader. The course covers the history and current framework that regulates employee/employer relationships.

Take the Next Step Toward HR Leadership

STU’s online MBA with a concentration in Human Resource Management program teaches practical leadership skills with real-world applications. STU’s faculty bring their personal experiences to each class to ensure that graduates can make important decisions related to equal employment opportunity laws, performance appraisal, labor-management relations and compensation management. This accelerated program consists of six- and seven-week courses and can be completed in as few as 12 months.

Learn more about STU’s online MBA with a concentration in Human Resource Management program.

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