Employee turnover is not only disruptive but costly. According to a 2024 Gallup Workplace article, replacing a frontline employee costs about 40% of their salary while replacing employees in technical and leadership roles costs even more, ranging from 80% to 200% of their salary. That means building strong talent acquisition and retention strategies is not just good practice but a business imperative.
The online Master of Science (M.S.) in Human Resources Management (HRM) program from Florida Institute of Technology equips human resources professionals with industry-specific tools and knowledge so they can create, refine and implement forward-thinking strategies that attract and retain top-tier talent. This online HR program blends cutting-edge theory with practical applications, empowering graduates to identify high-potential candidates and create workplace cultures that support growth, inclusivity and long-term employee retention. Whether you’re an experienced HR professional looking to sharpen your skills or interested in learning more about human resource management, this degree offers a comprehensive foundation for success.
What Is Talent Acquisition and Why Does It Matter?
Talent acquisition is more than just recruiting. As Forbes explains, talent acquisition is a strategic approach to identifying, attracting and hiring the best candidates for long-term organizational success. This includes building an employer brand, leveraging technology, forecasting workforce needs and nurturing relationships with potential candidates even before jobs are available.
An effective talent acquisition strategy includes identifying the right people and aligning them with the company’s mission, values and long-term goals. In courses like Human Resources Management, Florida Tech’s MS in HRM online program students learn to master these seven proven strategies.
- Employer branding involves creating and promoting a strong and positive perception of your company as a great workplace. A well-defined employer brand communicates culture, values and career development opportunities to attract like-minded candidates. According to the Academy to Innovate HR (AIHR), a strong brand can reduce cost-per-hire and improve the quality of applicants. Students in the online human resources degree program learn how branding intersects with recruitment strategies and company culture.
- Data-driven recruitment comprises using analytics and metrics to inform hiring decisions. From tracking time-to-hire to evaluating candidate quality, data-driven approaches ensure objective hiring practices and minimize biases. Florida Tech’s MS in HR Management online coursework teaches students how to interpret HR analytics, enabling graduates to improve recruitment efficiency and effectiveness.
- Candidate relationship management deals with building long-term relationships with potential candidates. In addition to focusing on current openings, companies can use candidate relationship management to communicate with promising candidates over time. Genius notes that this strategy benefits high-volume or hard-to-fill roles and supports proactive hiring efforts.
- Diversity and inclusion initiatives ensure that recruitment processes actively support a diverse and inclusive workplace. Florida Tech’s online MS in HR Management program emphasizes inclusive hiring practices that align with today’s ethical and legal standards. According to Benepass, inclusive strategies help build teams that reflect customer demographics and lead to increased team innovation, giving the organization and HR management a competitive advantage.
- Social recruiting involves leveraging social media platforms to attract, engage and hire candidates. Platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram and even TikTok are now central to recruitment efforts. Social recruiting expands reach, humanizes the brand and allows companies to connect with passive candidates. The Florida Tech online MS in HR Management program teaches students how to design impactful, platform-specific messaging that resonates with today’s digital native workforce.
- Internal mobility programs are initiatives and resources encouraging current employees to apply for new organizational roles or promotions. Promoting from within not only boosts employee retention but also preserves institutional knowledge and morale. As highlighted by Upwork, internal mobility is a cost-effective and employee-centric strategy for talent development.
- Structured onboarding processes provide clear and consistent plans and pathways to integrate new hires into the organization. Retention begins on day one. Structured onboarding ensures employees feel welcome, trained and aligned with company goals. Florida Tech HR Management graduate students explore onboarding models that support early engagement and long-term satisfaction.
Why an Online Human Resources Degree Is a Strategic Career Move
Human resources professionals face a rapidly changing landscape influenced by technology, remote work, shifting employee expectations and global competition. Florida Tech’s M.S. in human resources management online program provides the flexibility working adults need while delivering comprehensive, high-impact content. Graduates of the program are prepared to hire effectively, enhance employee retention and support strategic growth. Through courses in recruitment strategies, employee relations, compensation planning and organizational behavior, students learn what it takes to become HR leaders capable of building resilient, diverse and thriving teams.
Whether you are currently managing HR functions or considering a role in human resources, this HR management degree offered online by Florida Tech equips you with the skills you need to impact business success from within. Prepare to lead, retain and grow talent in a dynamic workplace and build a career that makes a lasting impact.
Learn more about Florida Institute of Technology’s online Master of Science in Human Resources Management program.
