Area of Study Overview
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An area of study focused in Human Resource Management in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program provides students with unique opportunities in the marketplace. This area of study allows students to explore the strategic value that a human resource management professional creates for an organization. Students who complete this area of study will be qualified for advanced human resource management positions and prepared to integrate complex HRM functions with the strategic initiatives of the organization resulting in increased stakeholder value.
The area of study in Human Resource Management (HRM) is predicated on the increasing strategic reliance on the appropriate management of the human resource administrative function for business success. Human Resource Management is an area of expertise requiring advanced training. The complexity of the human resource management function has grown as the traditional role of HRM has been automated and the human resource professional has shifted from an “administrative expert to strategic partner.”[1] Becoming a strategic partner requires an ability to tackle the challenge of integrating HR initiatives with the organization’s strategic objectives using comprehensive business analytics. An area of study focused in Human Resource Management in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program supports the School of Business and Management mission and goals by creating a specialized degree option that is in demand in the marketplace. This specific degree integrates the broad focus of the MBA with the specific knowledge necessary to serve as a Human Resource Management Specialist. This degree focus develops professionals capable of offering strategic expertise and operationalizing the human resource function to support long-term strategic goals of the organization.
As U.S. companies seek to expand operations into overseas markets, the need for skilled managers with training in advanced human resource management techniques increases. Couple this with an understanding that this field of study crosses all industry boundaries and the job possibilities expand. The reliance on professional Human Resource Managers to create connections between the organizational strategy and human resource function, results in a focus on hiring employees with advanced learning in HRM. In fact, entering the field in a higher-level human resource position often requires a master’s degree with a focus in “human resources, labor relations, or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.[2]” In addition, there is an expected above average job growth rate from 2012 – 2022[3]
[1] PeopleFluent. (2014). The Evolving Role of HR: Organizational Modeling Helps Meet New Demands for Headcount Planning and Budgeting. Workforce.com found at http://www.workforce.com/.
[2] Occupational Outlook Handbook: How to Become a Human Resources Manager. (2014). Massachusetts: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/human-resources-managers.htm#tab-4
[3] Occupational Outlook Handbook: Human Resource Managers. (2014). Massachusetts: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/human-resources-managers.htm