Human Resource Management Career Outlook

Whether you are interested in entering the human resources field or have several years of experience under your belt, a master’s in Human Resource Management from Saint Mary’s University is a valuable credential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers often prefer an advanced degree for many human resources jobs, especially top management positions1. The in-depth knowledge you will receive from Saint Mary’s, complemented by a curriculum steeped in the university’s Lasallian, Catholic values of ethical leadership and service to the community, can help put you ahead of the pack in the job marketplace and position you for a professionally and personally fulfilling career.

 

An Evolving Field and the Promise of Growth

The job outlook for human resource managers is positive. The BLS estimates that employment will grow by 22 percent from 2008 to 2018. This growth is driven by a number of factors including revised standards related to employment, medical and family leave, and health care; a trend toward conflict resolution rather than legal action; and the increasingly global and technological nature of work. Many companies are contracting out human resources functions, resulting in job openings at organizations in management, consulting, and employment services.

As jobs become more complex and technology advances, there will be a need for specialists in training and development to teach employees new skills to keep up with workplace functions. More organizations are also realizing the benefits of training existing employees rather than spending money and time searching for and hiring new ones.

If you are changing careers and entering the human resources field for the first time, a master’s in Human Resource Management from Saint Mary’s University can help distinguish you from other job seekers and can also give you a leg up toward future advancement. If you have experience in the field, coursework can prepare you for management and executive positions.

 

Human Resource Management Jobs and Salaries

Examples of positions that may be open to you with this degree include:

  • Compensation and Benefits Manager
  • Training and Development Manager
  • Director of Human Resources
  • Employee Relations Manager
  • Employment, Recruitment, and Placement Specialist
  • Compensation and Job Analysis Specialist


Senior management jobs in the human resources field offer good salaries. According to the BLS, as of May 2008, the median annual salary for compensation and benefits managers was $86,500; for training and development managers, $87,700; and for human resource managers, $96,1301.

Want to learn more about how you can become a strong, ethical leader with an online MA in Human Resource Management from Saint Mary’s? Request more information  today or call us at 877-308-9954 to speak to an enrollment counselor.

1Statistics and salary information on this page are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, accessed 8/8/11, http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos021.htm