An MBA in Human Resources is becoming a more sought-after degree, as businesses require a more in-depth understanding of the unique HR and recruiting issues that play in a global economy. From labor laws to multicultural issues to trends in workforces all over the world to information systems to a broad but intense knowledge of managerial principles and practices, human resources managers are responsible for more than just hiring and firing employees. An MBA in Human Resources can turn an HR assistant or recruitment officer into a manager who works with company executives, labor unions, employment agencies, government organizations and international employees in order to promote the success of a company. Online programs help busy professionals find the time to study and earn their degrees while completing assignments at home. Instead of worrying about commuting between work, school and home, students are allowed to study on a more flexible schedule and earn their MBA at their own pace.

In an MBA Human Resources program, students gain a deeper understanding of human resources, managerial and business principles and how to apply those theories to a practical work environment. To enroll in an MBA program, students need to prove that they have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Many schools may require that their undergraduate degree is in a business-related field or that they have related work experience to prepare them for the rigorous training in the MBA program. Students can expect to receive training in areas like organizational behavior, recruitment, operations management, hiring senior level executives, working with diverse groups of people, understanding global economics and international business and general management. Within the Human Resources program, students may also be allowed to narrow their degree even further, by choosing to focus on labor laws or labor relations management; compensation and benefits; or employee training and retention.

Those looking to fill open human resources management positions will witness an increase in those types of jobs over the next several years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports that human resources managers who work in technical and consulting agencies earn the highest salaries in the field, around $53,000 in 2006. The next highest salary level was for managers in general businesses, who earned around $48,000 during the same time. Graduates of MBA Human Resources programs can work in labor relations management agencies, government organizations, nonprofit organizations, in-house human resources departments, for HR and recruitment consulting firms and more.