LEXINGTON, Ky. — Now, perhaps more than ever, human resource (HR) professionals are central to how companies are keeping employees safe and connected, while also maintaining productivity.
As a result, more recent graduates and working professionals want to enhance their careers as organizational strategic partners.
In response to this growing need, the Gatton College of Business and Economics at the University of Kentucky is launching two new programs — a Master of Science in Strategic Human Resource Management and Analytics (MS-SHRMA) and a Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management.
“The demand for HR professionals who can adapt to a changing landscape and elevate organizational contributions will continue to grow as companies have increased expectations around the role of HR within the organization,” Scott M. Soltis, academic director of the MS-SHRMA program in the Department of Management, said.
Approved by the UK Board of Trustees and pending approval by the Council on Postsecondary Education, the new programs will begin Fall 2021.
Master of Science in Strategic Human Resource Management
The 11-month, 30-credit MS-SHRMA focuses on HR-based analytics and strategic decision making and includes coursework on organizational network analysis and human capital planning and integration.
The personalized learning experience and flexible format allow students to choose 100% in-person, 100% online in real-time, and/or a hybrid.
Built with pre-approved alignment to SHRM standards, the program is taught by distinguished faculty researchers, including Soltis.
“We are very excited to be the first master’s program to fully embrace the role of social network analysis in human resource management,” he continued. “This intersection, along with other people analytics, will significantly enhance the strategic potential of HR.”
Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management
The 11-month, 15-credit certificate is for current HR professionals looking to grow their current role participation and career trajectory, as well as recent graduates who want to better prepare themselves for a career in human resources.
The certificate combines insights from top faculty with real-world application and also features flexible delivery (in-person, real-time online, or hybrid).
The launch of these programs will help meet the need for qualified human resource professionals across the Commonwealth and beyond. Many of the biggest challenges businesses face in today’s complex workplace, such as changes caused by the global pandemic, require HR professionals to step up and advance their skills.
“We are realizing the source of competitive advantage for many companies is in the leadership and management of people and organizations” Brad Patrick, Gatton lecturer, and executive in residence said.
Interested candidates are invited to register online for the MS-SHRMA Virtual Open House from 5-6 p.m. on April 26.
For more information about the value of the programs, you can view this video interview. For additional questions, contact Rick Mason or visit https://gatton.uky.edu/MSSHRMA.
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