Are you an undergraduate eager to further your human resources education in grad school? Or perhaps a seasoned HR professional looking to expand your skills and career options? If so, understanding the various paths to a graduate degree in HR, including GRE requirements, is crucial. In this article, we’ll explore different educational paths for HR professionals and outline the GRE requirements for top master’s programs in human resources. Whether you’re just starting or looking to advance, this guide will help you navigate your journey.
Table of Contents
- GRE Score Requirements for HR Programs
- Master’s in Human Resources Program Options
- Master of Human Resources (MHR/MSHR) and Master of Human Resource Management (MHRM/MSHRM) Degrees
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Concentration in Human Resources Degrees
- Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology (MSIO) Degrees
- Master of Labor Relations and Human Resources (MLRHR) Degrees
- Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a Concentration in Human Resources Degrees
- What about PhD Degrees?
- Human Resources Career Outlook
- Takeaways
GRE Score Requirements for HR Programs
Master’s in Human Resources Program Options
There are several paths to a graduate degree in human resources. Instead of one standard master’s degree, you’ll find various options depending on your desired specialization. Because of this, it’s essential to research carefully and tailor your search to programs that fit your goals. Discussing educational pathways with your undergraduate advisor, HR manager, or other HR professionals through informational interviews can be incredibly helpful. A master’s degree requires a significant investment of time, money, and effort, and as such you want to ensure you’re choosing the degree that aligns with your career aspirations.
Why should you consider graduate education in human resources? There are several key advantages. First, a specialized master’s provides deeper knowledge in areas like compensation, benefits, labor laws, and people management. Second, this advanced expertise can help you become a strategic leader within your company and open doors to new opportunities. Additionally, if you’re aiming for a management role, especially at the director or C-suite level, a master’s degree can be essential. Finally, advanced degrees can boost your earning potential, helping to propel your HR career forward.
Let’s look at some different Human Resources degree programs
Master of Human Resources (MHR/MSHR) and Master of Human Resource Management (MHRM/MSHRM) Degrees
Degrees like the MHR/MSHR and MHRM/MSHRM are popular options for HR professionals pursuing graduate education. These programs focus on core human resources management topics, such as organizational behavior, labor law, employee relations, and compensation and benefits. Employers value these degrees for the specialized knowledge they provide, making them a solid stepping stone to advanced positions. However, their narrow focus on HR topics may offer fewer networking opportunities with professionals in other business areas.
Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Concentration in Human Resources Degrees
An MBA with a concentration in HR offers specialized HR knowledge alongside a broad business education. This combination provides a deeper understanding of overall business operations, giving you greater versatility beyond HR-specific expertise. While it may not dive as deeply into HR topics as MHR/MHRM programs, it equips you with flexibility, preparing you for a wider range of managerial roles and responsibilities. This broader approach can help you contribute more effectively across different areas of an organization.
Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology (MSIO) Degrees
Is research your passion? If so, a Master of Science in Industrial/Organization Psychology might be the perfect fit. These programs dive into the science of people and their interactions in the workplace. By focusing on employee motivation, performance, and organizational development, MSIO programs prepare you for traditional HR roles and more research-oriented HR professions. If you’re interested in how psychological principles apply in the workplace, this degree offers a solid foundation for both practical and research-based careers.
Master of Labor Relations and Human Resources (MLRHR) Degrees
The Master of Labor Relations and Human Resources degree blends traditional HR education with a deep dive into labor relations. You’ll study topics like labor law, collective bargaining, and employer-employee relations in more detail. If you’re interested in working in a unionized environment, this program is likely your best path. However, the strong focus on labor relations means there’s less emphasis on broader business principles and general HR learning, making it ideal for those who want to specialize in this area.
Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a Concentration in Human Resources Degrees
Like an MBA with an HR concentration, the MPA with a concentration in HR combines human resources education with a specialized degree. An MPA prepares you for roles in the public sector or nonprofits, and the HR concentration focuses on human resources work in these areas. You’ll study administration, governance, and public policy along with HR fundamentals. While this path may limit your private sector opportunities, it’s an excellent choice if you’re committed to working in nonprofits or government.
What about PhD Degrees?
There are PhD programs in Human Resources, but far fewer students pursue this path each year. The main difference between a Master’s and a PhD is their focus: a Master’s generally trains HR professionals, while a PhD prepares students for academic careers, advanced research, and some high-level consulting roles. If you’re aiming to work in business, government, nonprofits, or to advance your current HR career, a Master’s degree is likely the better choice. However, if you want to teach and contribute to HR research, a PhD is worth considering. A few top programs include the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, the ILR School at Cornell University, and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Human Resources Career Outlook
The HR field is growing and, according to experts, may be more resistant to AI and automation than other industries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% growth in HR roles between 2022-2032. This growth spans various industries and regions, making HR a solid career choice. When you pursue a graduate degree in HR you can expand your career opportunities and position yourself for success in an evolving field.
Takeaways
As shown above, many, if not most, HR graduate programs require or accept either the GRE or GMAT. As you narrow your school list and consider your options, you’ll want to pay close attention to each program’s requirements. When you are planning to apply to competitive programs, or MBA programs, it is highly recommended you take the GRE or GMAT. A strong test score can help you stand out from the crowd. Are you ready to see what your GRE baseline performance is? Take a practice test today and consider signing up for a Magoosh Premium Plan to get real ETS questions and expert explanations on all questions.
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