Is a Master’s in Human Resources Worth It?

Individuals interested in building on their existing education and taking their human resources (HR) careers to the next level may want to consider an advanced degree in the field. Earning such a degree can help them deepen their understanding of HR-related laws, policies, and practices, promoting personal and professional growth.

However, before investing time and resources into this effort, individuals should answer the question if a master’s in human resources is worth it. Reviewing the degree’s benefits and requirements, along with the job outlook for careers in HR, can help.

Benefits of Earning a Master’s Degree in Human Resources

To help determine whether a master’s in human resources is worth it, it’s important to understand the benefits of achieving one. A master’s degree in HR can enhance understanding of the field and provide more expansive career opportunities.

Deepened Understanding and Skill Set

From learning effective methods of talent management to delving into HR legislation, students have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skill set while pursuing an advanced degree in human resources.

HR master’s degree programs may go beyond viewing HR as a single business function, instead exploring its strategic role in the broader business or organization. Other areas that many HR master’s degree programs cover include:

• Workplace diversity
• HR analytics
• Workforce development
• Organizational change
• HR ethics

Access to Senior-Level Positions

The skills and experience graduates gain through an advanced degree open them up to a greater range of human resources roles, which can include the following:

• HR executive/director
• HR manager
• HR consultant
• Compensation and benefits manager
• Talent acquisitions manager
• Training and development manager

Higher Earning Potential

Senior-level positions come with the opportunity to earn higher salaries. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reflects that for general HR specialists, the 2023 median annual salary was $67,650. However, for HR managers, the median annual salary jumps to $136,650. Similar median salaries are estimated for more niche managerial roles such as compensation and benefits managers ($136,380) and training and development managers ($125,040).

Higher compensation reflects the fact that more senior HR positions manage teams of people, direct administrative objectives within a company, and consult with top executives regarding strategic planning.

Admission Requirements for a Master’s in Human Resources

Part of determining if a master’s degree in human resources is worth it is understanding the admission requirements for such programs. Requirements may vary based on the program, but individuals who want to pursue a master’s in HR will generally need to have earned a bachelor’s degree, submit school transcripts showing the achievement of a minimum grade point average (GPA), and provide a resume or curriculum vitae (CV).

Bachelor’s Degree

Before pursuing a master’s degree, students must earn their bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. While many programs welcome a bachelor’s degree of any concentration, bachelor’s degrees in business, communications, human resources, or psychology are popular among students applying for master’s in HR programs.

School Transcripts and Minimum GPA

Generally, students must provide official transcripts from the institution that granted their bachelor’s degree to show completion of studies and an acceptable GPA. Most master’s programs will impose a minimum GPA standard for admissions, such as 2.5 or 3.0. However, some institutions also make provisions for students who don’t meet the GPA standard. This allowance may require additional documentation.

Resume or CV

It is typical for a master’s program in human resources to request a work resume or CV. With their resume or CV, applicants can showcase a base understanding of human resources and relevant experience and skills. A well-crafted summary of their work, educational, or research history can outline a prospective student’s ability to succeed in the HR field and assert their qualifications for a master’s program.

Human Resources Career Outlook

Individuals interested in advancing their careers in HR should find the job outlook encouraging, another reason that earning a master’s degree in human resources may be worth it.

The need for human resources professionals is constant as they assist companies and other organizations with talent acquisition, organizational structure, diversity and inclusion, compensation, and much more. Additionally, human resources is an area that spans industries and organizational types.

Growth of HR roles in general is expected to be strong over the next few years. The BLS anticipates faster-than-average growth for human resources managers (6%), training and development managers (7%), and HR specialists (8%) through 2033.

Honing advanced HR skills through a master’s degree program can help professionals exploit current HR trends around diversity, technology, and the need for HR to be a strategic partner that helps the organization hit its operational goals. According to Gartner, some 70% of chief executives want their chief human resources officer to play a significant role in business strategy.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the human resources field is an increasingly relevant issue. AI may be able to replace people in some tasks or roles; however, senior-level roles that require human judgment and involvement, such as managers and directors, may be less likely to be affected.

Expand Your HR Management Skills With an Online Master’s Degree

Human resources professionals are critical to fostering an organization’s success and creating a challenging and supportive working environment for employees. For individuals looking to take their HR career to new heights, earning a master’s degree in human resources can be worth it.

Claremont Lincoln University’s online Master of Arts in Human Resources Management (MHR) exposes students to all aspects of human resources functions in a professional setting, bolstering their skill set for the next stages of their professional life. It features interactive learning platforms and an asynchronous format, meaning there are not set times for viewing the instructional content or completing the work; the degree program can be completed in as little as 13 months.

Consider CLU’s program requirements and learning outcomes today to see how a master’s degree in HR management can work for you.