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Understanding the Two Capstone Options for Walden's MS in Human Resource Management

Want to advance as an HR strategist? Is SHRM certification on your list of goals? This master’s degree program offers a capstone that can support your career path.

The human resources profession is not what it used to be. Gone are the days when human resources management simply meant administering payroll and handling day-to-day employee issues. Today, HR managers are strategic business partners who help their companies navigate the complexities of a dynamic workplace environment.

More and more companies are understanding the value of qualified HR managers, and as a result, job opportunities are on the rise for professionals with advanced training in human resources. Employment of human resource managers is expected to grow 7% between 2018 and 2028, faster than the average for all occupations1. An HR career also offers strong earning potential—human resource managers earn a median annual salary of $113,300.1

Understanding the Two Capstone Options for Walden's MS in Human Resource Management

Whether you’re looking to start a human resources career or are already an experienced HR manager who wants to move up in your organization, earning a master’s degree can help you gain the specialized knowledge and skills for the next level.

An HR Degree Program With Choices

Walden University’s MS in Human Resource Management is a great option for aspiring HR leaders, especially if they want a master’s degree program that allows them to tailor their online learning to their career goals.

For example, in Walden’s HR master’s degree program, you can choose from two options for the capstone course, which is the final course you will take before completing your MS degree. Let’s take a look at the differences between the two capstone offerings:

Capstone Option 1: Strategic Human Resource Management

If you’re looking for hands-on experience as a human resource management strategist, this traditionally formatted capstone course might be a good choice for you.

In this online course, you will apply all the skills, knowledge, and strategies you’ve learned throughout the master’s degree program to solve a real-world human resources management issue.

This capstone option focuses on building your practical knowledge in strategic human resource management. Through real-world practice, you will learn how today’s HR managers can make significant contributions to the executive strategic planning process.

Capstone Option 2: Meet Society for Human Resource Management Competencies

This MS in Human Resource Management capstone option is designed for students who want to pursue professional certification by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). SHRM certification is a valuable credential that makes you a recognized expert and leader in the human resource management field.

This online capstone class explores the content outlined in the SHRM Body of Competency and Knowledge (BoCK)™. You will be challenged to demonstrate proficiency in all SHRM competencies within the four SHRM Certified Professional modules. These include HR competencies, people, organization, and workplace.

If you choose this capstone option, you’ll have the chance to put your human resource management knowledge to the test by taking practice exams reflecting actual SHRM certification exams.

Advance Your Education With an Online Degree

Get ready for the next step in your HR career with an MS in Human Resource Management. By earning a master’s in human resources degree online at an accredited university, you can get the high-level human resources training needed to grow your influence and keep you and your organization competitive in today’s global economy.

Walden University is an accredited institution offering an MS in Human Resource Management degree program online. Expand your career options and earn your degree using a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.

1Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/management/human-resources-managers.htm

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.

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