About OU's Master of Arts in Human Resources
Are you interested in pursuing a degree in Human Resources? The Master of Arts in Human Resources (MAHR) accelerated, online program at Ottawa University prepares students to develop, support, and administrate personnel in business organizations across all industries. Graduates of our Human Resources masters program will understand the challenges of employment and staffing; the complexities of compensation and benefits; the policies and programs that promote employee responsibility, production and satisfaction; and the methods to hire, retain and terminate employees based on legal policies and ethical parameters that protect both the rights of workers and the interests of the company.
With OU’s online MAHR degree, you will be poised to lead HR teams in organizations of every industry reach their goals. Whether it’s in education, manufacturing, local government, private corporations or non-profits, every organization wants to attract the most qualified employees for their job opportunities. This graduate program is designed to help you increase your human resources skills and positively impact the lives of others.
Education and Qualifications
Most positions in human resources require a minimum of a bachelors degree. However, advanced degrees are becoming increasingly important. Specific certifications for specialty areas and national certification for broader human resource competencies should also be considered.
Concentrations
Ottawa’s masters degree in human resources offers two concentrations that allow you to tailor your degree in an area of specialization, such as:
Courses
Ottawa’s accelerated, online masters in human resources degree is designed for busy working adults who are looking to advance their career. The program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to assume leadership roles in human resources and related professions as human resources managers, consultants, employee and student development counselors, or trainers. Courses may include:
- Managing Human Resources Costs
- Human Resource Planning and Administration
- Wage, Salary, and Benefit Administration recruitment.
- Recruitment, Selection, and Placement
- Training and Development
- Organizational Behavior and Theory
- Employment Law
- Value Systems and Professional Ethics
- Trends, Issues, and Perspectives in Human Resources
- Research: Assessment and Evaluation
- Applied Case Studies in Human Resources
For curriculum and course descriptions, please download a program overview.
Careers in HR
There are many types of human resources, training, and labor relations managers and specialists. In a small organization, a human resources generalist may handle all aspects of human resources work, and thus requires an extensive range of knowledge. In a large corporation, the director of human resources may supervise several departments, each headed by an experienced manager who most likely specializes in one human resources activity, such as employment and placement; compensation and benefits; training and development; or labor relations. The director may report to a top human resources executive.
Career Outlook for the MAHR
Human resources managers plan, coordinate, and direct the administrative functions of an organization. There are a number of HR career paths and advancement opportunities in just about every industry imaginable They work in offices, and most work full time during regular business hours. Some travel to attend professional meetings or to recruit employees.
For example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of human resources professionals is projected to grow 7% through 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage for human resources managers was $116,720 in May 2019. The lowest 10% earned less than $68,300, and the highest 10% earned more than $205,720.
The MAHR in Perspective
If you’re wondering if it’s worth it and asking yourself, “What can I do with a human resources graduate degree?” think about this: There are a number of HR career paths and advancement opportunities in just about every of industry imaginable. Today, those holding a human resources graduate degree perform beyond the requisite administrative functions, but increasingly consult with top executives regarding strategic planning. They have moved from being behind-the-scenes administrators to leadership roles whereby they are oftentimes involved in changing company policies.
SHRM Approved
Ottawa University’s online Master of Arts in Human Resources degree also prepares you to take the exam leading to designation as a Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), and the program is fully aligned with SHRM’s HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates. Throughout the world, only 252 programs in 201 educational institutions have been acknowledged by SHRM as being in alignment with its suggested guides, templates and standards.
Accreditation
Why Choose Ottawa?
Ottawa University offers fully online courses for our Master of Arts in Human Resources program. We make it easy for you to transfer credits, which helps our students keep their costs down. Additionally, we conveniently offer courses in accelerated 8-week terms so you can complete your program faster with us than you could at most other universities. No matter where you want to study, whether it is in Kansas City, Milwaukee, Phoenix, or anywhere else, you will benefit from the support and insight of our faculty members who are dedicated to your success.
To learn more about Ottawa's online MAHR degree, contact us today!
If you are interested in gaining tips of the trade, such as the knowing the wide variety of careers you can pursue with a masters degree in HR or the importance of implementing succession planning and mentoring, then visit our Business Blog Spot!