Prepare for Professional Certification

American Military University aligns HR management coursework with the pre-established core competencies outlined in the SHRM’s HR Curriculum Guidebook. With origins dating back to 1948, SHRM “is the world’s largest HR professional society devoted to human resource management,” according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). SHRM actively works to advance the HR profession in more than 165 countries.

Eligible students enrolled in this program may take the SHRM exam and obtain Certified Professional status during their senior year. Although a bachelor's degree is not required to sit for the SHRM-CP exam, AMU equips HR management students with in-depth knowledge of the field to help them prepare for certification. Advisors from SHRM have reviewed this degree program to confirm courses cover the subject areas of each respective exam.

This human resource management program also aligns with requirements for HRCI’s PHR and aPHR certifications. As the Bureau of Labor Statistics explains, certification may be beneficial for human resources generalists, “because it shows knowledge and professional competence across all human resources areas.” Reviewers from HRCI have verified that AMU’s human resource management curriculum coordinates with exam subject matter.

Servicemembers and Veterans Share Key Traits with HR Professionals

Studying human resource management could be a natural next step for those transitioning from active-duty service. While we welcome all backgrounds at AMU, those with military experience may be particularly well-suited to this online human resource degree. The emotional intelligence and ethical leadership skills servicemembers develop are also important qualities business students discuss in this online program.

Adaptability

In many ways, the military equips servicemembers with transferrable skills that may help them navigate the world of HR. For example, military service introduces troops to different cultures and environments that each pose unique challenges and test their decision-making abilities.

Similarly, HR professionals need to be nimble leaders. They must adjust to new situations, learn new skills, and adopt new strategies to align organizations with the expectations of an ever-evolving workforce. Being an HR manager also requires adapting to complex workplace dynamics and fostering harmony among various personalities and skillsets.

Problem-Solving

Much like servicemembers, human resource managers must think critically and consider many points of view to address complex problems. In both military and office settings, decision-makers need to anticipate the long-term consequences of their choices. Decisions regarding employment and business operations can have ripple effects on an entire organization's workforce.

Compliance-Based Experience

When serving in the military, there are important laws, rules, and regulations that every servicemember must commit to memory and closely follow to be successful. Human resources can be quite similar in this regard. Human resource specialists must not only know about a broad range of laws and policies, but also uphold them. In fact, compliance is key to many human resource functions, including:

• Overseeing labor relations
• Developing performance management processes
• Implementing reward systems
• Implementing workforce planning objectives

Leadership

In addition to working well under pressure, servicemembers often demonstrate a willingness to take on new challenges. Those working in human resources need to operate similarly. Maintaining a healthy workplace culture requires proactive decision-making, and responding to conflicts quickly is crucially important. Moreover, roles in both the military and the human resources field involve solving problems through teamwork and critical thinking. 

Resilience

Military training teaches recruits how to prepare for every possible scenario and overcome adversity. The drive to push forward when faced with hardships defines both servicemembers and HR professionals. Reaching organizational success requires a tireless commitment to solving problems in the workplace, even while navigating setbacks, tight deadlines, or limited resources.

Why Pursue an Online HR Degree?

Online human resources degree programs enable students to advance their knowledge and skills from anywhere. At AMU, we are committed to making higher learning both accessible and practical. Learners may access course materials and participate in weekly discussion forums from anyplace with internet access.

Gain an Affordable Education

Our University offers quality education for affordable tuition rates. Additionally, this online HR management degree program allows students to save on the costs associated with commuting and on-campus housing. Undergraduate students also save on the cost of textbooks with University-provided  $0 ebooks.

Furthermore, AMU’s Preferred Military Rate lowers the cost per credit hour for qualifying U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and their families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents. 

Create a Flexible Schedule

Our programs are designed for working adults who need to balance their studies with professional and/or family responsibilities. We also recognize that service life can be unpredictable. Our curriculum therefore allows students to learn from anywhere, even while deployed. You can access lectures and course materials 24/7 and complete weekly assignments as your schedule permits.   

Make Connections Through Student Organizations

American Military University is home to a number of student organizations designed to connect like-minded learners and help foster professional development. Student clubs and events can also serve as helpful resources for career exploration and networking.

AMU’s chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management holds a Gold standing, per the university's Chapter Standards program. The chapter provides an excellent opportunity for human resources management students to practice some of the core skills they discuss in their courses.

Chapter members have access to weekly webcasts, state and federal compliance resources, online discussion groups, and exclusive member discounts. Members may also attend webinars on trending topics related to human resources management. In addition, students interested in leadership opportunities may pursue officer roles.

AMU’s chapter of Student Veterans of America (SVA) is a special coalition connecting veterans from colleges throughout the United States. SVA’s primary mission is to introduce fellow veteran groups to one another and raise awareness of resources for veterans pursuing higher education. They advocate on behalf of student veterans at the local, state, and national level.

AMU’s Military Spouses Support Club is open to all university students, alumni, faculty, and staff who are interested in the unique issues military spouses face. Members gain access to networking opportunities as well as a private Facebook group dedicated to the community. Additionally, this club has a $0 membership fee.These are just some examples of the many student groups at AMU.