MBA in HR — Strategic Human Resource Management
An MBA with an Emphasis in Strategic Human Resource Management is an advanced degree that teaches you how to manage important aspects of HR, including employee relations, talent acquisition, staff turnover and company benefits. Human capital is invaluable for business success. Strategic human resource management is a proactive approach for developing talent. It aims to achieve long-term business objectives and meet organizational challenges. Strategic human resource management emphasizes the fostering of a positive and efficient company culture that embraces innovation and strives to achieve a competitive edge.
Earn Your MBA in Strategic Human Resource (HR) Management From GCU
Learn why an online MBA in strategic human resource management from GCU is the right choice:
- Collaborate in online courses
All courses for the MBA in HR are online. - Use your transfer credits
You can use any applicable transfer credits from your previous education.
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The Master of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Strategic Human Resource Management offered by Grand Canyon University (GCU) guides you through the core concepts in human capital. As an MBA in HR degree emphasis candidate, you will learn to apply sound theory and research to further organizational success. The challenging but affordable MBA in HR program is offered by the Colangelo College of Business.
These are three aspects that the Colangelo College of Business believes how business affects the greater good:
- Business as a force for good
Conduct business guided by conscious capitalism to elevate humanity in your community and all around the world. - Free markets and purpose for prosperity
There is a higher purpose of business. Orient your business around your stakeholders for long-term success. - Business as ministry
Love, care and support your team through a Christian perspective.
Learn the Strategic HR Process With an MBA in Human Resources Online
During the MBA in strategic human resources management program, you will acquire an in-depth understanding of the strategic human resource management process, and how these practices support the overall vision of an organization. As an MBA in HR candidate, you will examine the strategic application of research and quantitative methods to inform business decisions. There is an emphasis on ethical decision-making, Christian servant leadership and critical analysis.
The curriculum for an MBA in HR is aligned with the standards and core competencies outlined by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM).
Study Advanced Topics During Your MBA in Strategic HR Management
GCU’s MBA in strategic human resource management includes coursework on general business principles and human resource management in particular. Some of the course topics you will cover include:
- Gaining a competitive advantage through HR
- Human capital
- Methods and concepts of strategic management
- Leadership within organizations
- Managing operations
You may take evening courses or earn an MBA in strategic human resource management online. GCU’s online classroom community provides robust opportunities for peer engagement and intellectually stimulating discussions. This MBA in human resources degree emphasis program requires a total of 54 credits for graduation. Most of the online courses are eight weeks long.
Career Opportunities for Strategic Human Resource Management Degree Emphasis Graduates
Strategic human resource management is widely recognized by corporations and public agencies as being integral for long-term achievements. Graduates with an online MBA in HR degree emphasis have an in-depth understanding of how to align the responsibilities of human resources with departmental and organizational objectives. As a result, companies across a range of sectors and industries value the skills of MBA graduates with an online MBA in strategic human resource management emphasis. Some of the career opportunities that may be related to this degree include:
- Human resources manager
- Training and development manager
- Compensation, benefits and job analysis specialist
- Human resources specialist
- Training and development manager
- Administrative services manager
Business organizations, nonprofit groups, business consulting organizations and government agencies may all hire experts in strategic human resource management.
MBA in Human Resource Management Degree Emphasis FAQs
Read through our frequently asked questions to learn more about advancing your career with an MBA in HR.
Obtaining an advanced degree in human resources can give you the additional training to set you up for success and propel your HR career forward. Since MBA human resource coursework is broader than a specific master’s in HR degree, it allows you to learn about the many different areas of business. This versatility will expand your knowledge and skills and provide you with opportunities to explore other careers paths after graduation.
Additionally, in May 2021, human resources managers had a median annual wage of $126,230, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.2
With an MBA being one of the most versatile degrees, there are many roles an MBA in human resources can help you acquire or advance in. Ultimately, this particular specialization is for people who want to be effective liaisons between employees and employers. Your degree with a strategic human resource management emphasis provides the necessary skills to see and balance both sides of the equation – the needs of the stakeholders and the needs of the employees. Some of the most common positions in HR include:
- Human resources specialist
- Human resources manager
- Training and development manager
- Director of recruitment
- Human resources benefits manager
The MBA with an Emphasis in Strategic Human Resource Management program at GCU requires a total of 54 total credits to complete. You will complete courses surrounding topics including accounting, finance, marketing, leadership and management strategies, to name a few.
Coursework in an MBA in HR online program will cover topics that will prepare you for HR management and strategic optimization of the human capital of an organization. Topics such as talent management, employee development and succession planning, along with business topics like accounting, economics and marketing combine to provide you with the knowledge you need to lead others and gain an edge in your industry.
Yes. The master’s in strategic human resource management program at GCU adheres to SHRM standards and competencies. You can feel confident that you are learning best practices and modern-day strategies in your MBA in HR management program.
1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is based on 2020, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Human Resources Managers.
2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Human Resources Managers as of May 2021, retrieved on Oct. 25, 2022. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Human Resources Managers. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, and accept employment from, determines salary not only based on education, but also individual characteristics and skills and fit to that organization (among other categories) against a pool of candidates.
Core Courses
Course Description
This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in the College of Business. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success.
Course Description
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the College of Business, key concepts of leadership, and an overview of how the science of organizational behavior contributes to effective leaders and managers.
Course Description
This course is designed for students who are preparing for more advanced coursework in business but who have not had accounting in undergraduate work. Topics covered include the principles and practices of financial accounting, including the fundamentals of revenue recognition, the components of the balance sheet, and financial statement analysis. ?The course explores accounting theories using publicly traded companies and case studies.
Course Description
This course is designed for individuals who are preparing for more advanced coursework in accounting and is designed for students who have not had finance in undergraduate work. Topics covered include financial analysis, financial planning, asset evaluation, capital structure, and working capital management.
Course Description
The purpose of this course is to prepare students in mathematical, probability, and statistical concepts for their upcoming studies in quantitative methods. The course is intended for those students who have not had any prior statistical education, although students who have had statistics should also consider taking the course as a refresher.
Course Description
This course introduces microeconomic and macroeconomic concepts that are relevant to contemporary business. Emphasis is placed on using economic data for business decision making.
Course Description
This course is a study in the quantitative tools and techniques used to model business functions and applications. Emphasis is placed on how to set up models, and how to interpret and apply their results. Prerequisite: SYM-506.
Course Description
Management of the marketing function, market environmental analysis, and marketing planning, strategy, and control are fundamentals of marketing management. The course examines the marketing process, marketing research, product development innovation and diffusion, pricing strategy, distribution value drain, advertising and promotion, and strategic marketing issues. Emphasis is placed on case study analysis and current academic research with a marketing plan as a significant curriculum component.
Course Description
This course covers managerial accounting concepts and procedures for internal reporting, including the study of cost behavior, cost systems, budgeting, and performance evaluation. Coursework includes case studies, group projects, and class discussion. Prerequisite: ACC-502.
Course Description
Operations Management examines managerial concepts and strategies relating to the management of operations in both manufacturing and service environments. Emphasis is placed on methods to streamline and drive inefficiencies out of a firm’s internal processes to build a highly efficient organization. The course also focuses on external processes by examining ways to achieve greater supply chain integration with suppliers and customers. Quantitative and qualitative methods and tools are introduced and applied. Prerequisite: SYM-506.
Course Description
This course discusses elements of business financial decisions, including financial forecasting and development of proformas, management of working capital, capital budgeting, capital structure, and raising funds in capital markets. Prerequisite: FIN-504.
Course Description
This capstone course focuses on preparing and conducting a strategic analysis of a selected publicly traded firm to produce actionable intelligence used to formulate recommendations to promote the creation of a value-adding strategy. Based on the results of their strategic analysis, students are then required to prepare the framework of a strategic plan that creates significant value for the selected firm. Prerequisites: MGT-605, MKT-607, ACC-650, and FIN-650.
Course Description
The effective strategic management of human capital is the differentiator of every successful organization. This course examines talent management, workforce diversity, succession planning, employee development and motivation, and performance matrix. This course addresses human resource competencies identified by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). Using the strong strategic human resource acumen provided by this course, students will be well-prepared for positions as senior human resources specialists or as general managers.
Course Description
Frequent mergers and acquisitions, downsizing, and globalization have increased the complexities of managing human resources. Linking human resource management to the bottom line and decision making is critical for both strategy and business success. This course addresses human resource competencies identified by the Society of HR Management (SHRM). Using the strong strategic HR acumen provided by this course, students will be well-prepared for positions as senior human resources specialists or as general managers.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
Grand Canyon University’s evening programs cater to the demands of working professionals who prefer an in-person learning environment. Our night classes meet just once per week and offer the interaction and discussion of a typical college classroom.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.