Earning an online master’s in human resources in Alabama can be a wise choice for those seeking to enter or progress in the field of human resource management. Alabama was a highly rural state in decades past, but by 2006, agriculture accounted for only about one percent of the state’s total gross domestic product. Alabama has a broad and greatly varied economy spanning a wide range of industries. It even is home to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center that hosts annual design competitions, attracting entrants from throughout the country. Per capita income is below the national average but Alabama’s unemployment rate typically parallels the national unemployment rate.
A trend of the past was to outsource the human resource function as a means of reducing operational costs and employee headcount. Senior managers mistakenly overlooked the value of their human resource departments and learned that they were indeed relevant and necessary. Organizations began bringing the human resource function back in-house after realizing that effective human resource management positively contributes to employee longevity, organizational learning and even profitability. HR departments’ direct contribution to their companies’ bottom lines now are well recognized and there is much opportunity for current or prospective students considering entering the field or continuing their education within it.
The programs listed below all are accredited and offer a broad range of choices for gaining an online Master’s in Human Resources in Alabama.
Columbia Southern University
College of Business
Columbia Southern University operates fully online and offers an array of degree levels in several disciplines. Its College of Business offers associate, bachelor and master degree programs. Columbia Southern seeks to serve adults who for whatever reason are unable to attend more traditional classes and settings. As programs are offered only online, students are able to complete their degree programs wherever they are and around any work, family or military obligations and duties they currently have.
Master of Business Administration – Human Resource Management Concentration
Columbia Southern’s master degree is in business administration with a concentration in human resource management. This provides the student with a solid foundation in business theory, organizational operations, business research and an understanding of international influence. The HR concentration adds HR management practices, information systems, productivity studies and organizational risk mitigation. The university adheres to principles outlined in SHRM’s HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates. The program requires 36 credit hours and typically takes most students three years to complete.
Accreditation
Columbia Southern University also is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). CSU first received accreditation in 2001, which recently was renewed through January 2021.
Contact
21982 University Lane
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Phone: 251.981.3771; 800.977.8449
Email: No email address provided. The school offers an online chat option.
Strayer University
Business and Finance Department
Strayer University is a for-profit institution founded in 1996 with special focus on serving non-traditional students including working adults. It maintains 79 campuses located in 15 states but has a strong online program. Most of Strayer’s physical campuses are located in large office buildings. The school maintains two campuses within Alabama. Total enrollment across the entire system is about 40,000 students.
Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management
Strayer University’s Master’s degree is a master of science in human resource management degree. It provides extensive study in human capital in a variety of industries across all sectors including public, private, nonprofit and government organizations. Study includes business theory, talent management, information systems for HR, organizational development, employee relations and labor relations. Students can select from two concentrations. The first is Human Resource Generalist; the second is in Human Resource and Organizational Development.
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Contact
Strayer University-Alabama
3570 Grandview Pkwy #200
Birmingham, AL 35243
Phone: 205- 453-6300; 888-311-0355
Troy University
Sorrell College of Business
A public institution, Troy University was founded in 1887 and today is part of Alabama’s public university system. It maintains four campuses within Alabama and boasts a total undergraduate enrollment of 14,064. U.S. News and World Report included Troy University in its 2017 listing of Best Colleges, Regional Universities South at number 69. Though it does offer traditional classes, it also offers a significant number of fully online degrees, many of which also can incorporate a blended approach combining online and on-ground classes.
Master of Science in Human Resource Management (MSHRM)
Troy University’s Master of Science in Human Resource Management (MSHRM) addresses human resources management within the context of global business. Designed for the working professional student, the program offers a blend of online, on-ground and weekend classes according to the needs and capabilities of the individual student. Troy University’s MSHRM program is concentrated, to the point and can be finished within a single year.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Contact
Dr. Dennis R. Self
Department of Human Resource Management and Law
136 Catoma St., Suite 201
Montgomery, AL 36103
Phone: 334-241-9729
Email: [email protected]
Organizations of all types and sizes now recognize the value of having an effective human resources function. Online Master’s programs offer students flexibility and real opportunity to advance their HR careers through securing a high quality advanced degree in the discipline. There are several solid educational choices for those seeking an online master’s in human resources in Alabama.
See also: 50 Most Affordable Small Colleges for a Human Resources Degree and HR Study 2016
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