How Long Does it Take to Complete an Online Master’s in Human Resources?

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Staff
Updated October 2, 2020

One of the great things about technology is that you can enroll in an online Master's in Human Resources degree program while you maintaining your current job. While there is still a population of would-be master's degree students who would prefer to earn their degree by attending in-person classes where they can sit with professors and peers, many today appreciate their personal time more than being amongst peers.

Before you start to scope out the Master's in Human Resources programs online, you should really map out the road that you will take to earn your degree. Plan for the next period of your life where some of your personal time will have to be freed up to complete coursework. Knowing how long of a commitment you will be making can help motivate you to put in the effort now so that you can enjoy life later. Here is what you need to know about the duration of these programs.

How Many Credits Must You Earn?

If you want to earn your Master's in Human Resources, start your search by narrowing down the program options in your area. You can start doing this by reviewing the list of accredited programs offered all around the world.

Related Resource: Most Affordable Top Master's in Human Resources Online Degree Programs 2020

While the number of credit hours varies between programs, most will require close to the same number of hours of study. At minimum, students will have to complete 36-semester credits (12 college courses). Some schools have more in-depth programs and require at least 54-semester credits (18 college courses) before completion of the program.

What is Your Enrollment Status?

Both four-year colleges and graduate schools will offer their students the option to choose from three distinct enrollment statuses. Part-time students will complete eight or fewer semester credits each term. Full-time students complete at least 15-semester credits per term. Three-fourth students will complete at least nine-semester credits per term.

Your enrollment status will be the same if you are studying in a traditional classroom setting or if you are studying online. Anyone who is enrolling in courses full-time and who passes their classes should be expected to complete their Master's degree education before students studying part-time or three-fourths time.

Determining The Duration of Your Program

To determine how long you will be in school earning your graduate degree in HR, you will need the information above. Once you have this information on your distance education program, you will be able to do the math to determine how long you are going to be spending your nights and weekends on advanced studies.

If you are enrolled as a full-time student in a 36-credit degree program and you are taking 12 credits per semester, you can expect to complete your degree in three semesters. Students studying part-time, earning only eight credits per semester to start, would be earning their degree for over four semesters. You can, however, increase and decrease credits each term that you enroll.

Earning a Master's in Human Resources can help jump-start your career. The Society for Human Resource Management has resources available to help you plan your career. With a graduate-level degree, you can pursue positions in upper-management that would take many years of experience and promotion to achieve. Start planning for your future and set aside time to earn your Master's in Human Resources online.

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