HR Management
Master of Science in Human Resource Management

General HRM

Career exploration guide

This guide provides tools to help you explore careers related to this specialization. Use this information to start researching this field and the opportunities in it. This research can help you make a transition into positions related to this field. Start by gaining an overview of this program and learning about the field, jobs, and employment settings that are related.

About this specialization

The Master of Science in General Human Resource Management specialization provides learners with the knowledge and skills needed to lead and manage strategic and operational human resources management functions in organizations. Learners gain knowledge of the discipline and profession of HRM, and applied experience in specific HRM areas of practice and develop the critical-thinking skills needed to make informed decisions in collaborative, global work environments. In addition learners develop skills to effectively lead the practice of human resources within organizations through knowledge of business acumen, partnerships with business leadership, consultation, and effective communication. The program prepares learners for a career as a human resources generalist and specialist.

Skills gained through this specialization:

This specialization was designed to help you gain the following skills related to this field:

  • Apply foundational disciplines of human resource management to be an effective HR practitioner
  • Analyze data and metrics to support and evaluate HR programs
  • Communicate in a manner that is appropriate for the profession
  • Utilize leadership, change management, and consultation in the roles of an HR practitioner
  • Employ strategic thinking and business acumen in order to be an effective strategic partner
  • Apply and interpret the law and the legal responsibilities of a human resource manager
  • Apply the SHRM code of ethics to decision making and practice

Explore this field

Professional associations, social networks, and other industry-specific resources can provide a wealth of information about a specific field or industry, including best practices, career overviews, trends and access to industry professionals. By reviewing website information, attending events, and connecting with people in the field, you can deepen your knowledge about the field. 

Professional associations

Industry information

Explore jobs and employers

In addition to exploring the field, take some time to research specific jobs and employment settings related to this program. Consider how these jobs and settings fit with your experience, skills, interests and values. This is a sample list of job titles and employment settings related to this field. To learn more, review job postings and talk with people who have these roles or work in these settings. You can find these professionals through LinkedIn, family, friends, schools, employers and community groups. Spend time researching your industry and prospective employers to decide whether this type of degree will help advance your career.

Related job titles to explore*

  • Human resources manager
  • Director of human resources
  • Human resources generalist
  • Human resources specialist
  • Human resources consultant
  • Vice president of human resources
  • Human resources business partner
  • Human resources analyst
  • Employee relations manager
  • Adjunct or part-time human resource management faculty
  • Training and development manager
  • Compensation or benefits manager

Employment settings to explore

  • Land-based or online college or university
  • Hospital
  • Government - local, state, and federal
  • Accounting, Tax, and Payroll Services
  • Manufacturing organizations
  • Consulting firms
  • Insurance carriers
  • Human services agency

*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.

Job boards

This is a sample of jobs boards with positions related to this field. Use them in your research to identify additional job titles, common hiring requirements and local employers. 

Further exploration

There are a lot of factors that influence whether a career is a fit or not. These can include monetary compensation, benefits, work environment, organization culture, work/life balance, etc. As you consider your career, think about what is important to you in your employer, role and setting. These resources can help you perform this additional exploration.

For a more detailed guide on career exploration, review Capella’s Career Exploration YouTube series that helps you identify what is important to you in your career and how that aligns with the world of work. 

Accreditation

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.