Florida international University’s leadership and human resources management degree programs have set themselves above the competition, capturing national #1 rankings.

FIU Business’ Master of Science in Human Resource Management and the college’s undergraduate human resources management program have been ranked #1 in the U.S. for 2018 by HR.com. The ranking was announced at the annual LEAD.com conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, February 7-8, 2018.

This is not the first time FIU’s human resources programs have been honored by HR.com. The Master of Science in Human Resource Management program was ranked #2 in 2016 and 2017, and the undergraduate program was ranked #2 last year.

“We are very proud of these rankings,” said Joanne Li, dean of FIU’s College of Business. “We also take great pride in the outstanding leaders and faculty members who make our programs excellent choices for ambitious HR professionals.”

HR: A crucial function for business.

The recognition comes at an important time for the HR profession, said Marc Weinstein, academic director of HR programs at the College of Business.

“Today, companies recognize that to maximize success, they must create a culture that allows individuals to flourish,” he said. “Skilled, well-trained human resources professionals can lead that effort. We are very proud of FIU’s leading role in training these valued professionals.” Weinstein noted that FIU’s HR programs maintain strong relationships with leading South Florida HR practitioners, many of whom are program alumni.

Both degree programs also focus on accessibility and convenience. Nationally, the master’s program is the only AACSB-accredited human resources program offered both face-to-face and online, and the undergraduate program is the only on-line HR program in the State University System of Florida. In Fall 2018, the Master’s program will also be offered for the first time in Broward County, at FIU’s I-75 facility, making it more accessible to additional South Florida populations. A part-time option is also available at both Miami-Dade and Broward County locations.

The HR.com award was accepted by Eric Cartaya, faculty advisor to the FIU SHRM Student Chapter, and Aiko Ortega, program manager. Cartaya also participated in an interview that contributed to the award consideration, and Cartaya and Ortega hosted a roundtable discussion at the LEAD.com conference.

Two of FIU’s Center for Leadership programs also won accolades in the 2018 HR.com rankings: #1 ranking in the Open Enrollment category for the Leadership Development Programs, and #1 for Custom Content Programs. Its academic director, Nathan Hiller, who accepted the award, is an FIU Business faculty member.