What You Should Know About This Degree
Human resources managers may find themselves working in a few different settings. While many have a traditional office job with a single employer, others work as external consultants or hiring managers. These latter situations might require extensive travel, so you’ll want to consider your willingness to go on business trips as you evaluate a potential career in this field.
The courses for online MBA in Human Resource degrees can generally be completed remotely, but these programs might have components that must be done in person. For example, they may have brief in-person orientations or seminars, or they may require in-person internships. Confirm that any in-person requirement will fit within your budget and schedule.
Several human resources certifications are available for professionals in the field. Although these certifications are voluntary, employers are giving them increasingly more weight in the hiring process. Accelerated certifications through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) are available if you’re in an SHRM-approved MBA program. You can still be certified through the society if you go to a non-approved program, but the certification process will likely take longer.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when considering MBA in Human Resources programs:
- What tests are required for this online degree? MBA degree programs usually require applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), although some may waive this requirement for students with qualifying undergraduate GPAs. When you decide which programs you’d like to apply to, check whether they have a test requirement, and schedule the appropriate exam.
- Am I eligible for this program? Most MBA programs require an undergraduate degree, and students may need an undergraduate degree in a related field. Some programs might also have a work experience requirement, although this is less common.
When you find a few programs you’re interested in, get their admissions details by visiting their websites or contacting the programs. Know application deadlines and which materials you must submit by those dates.
Also consider how you’ll pay for your schooling. You can ask programs about scholarships and other financial aid. And find out if your employer offers tuition remission or reimbursement. A number of companies offer those perks to mid-level employees pursuing MBA degrees.