An economic slump doesn’t mean you have to put career goals on hold. Employers are always in search of experienced candidates, and now may be the perfect time to go back to school to pursue an advanced degree. Part-time and distance learning make getting an advanced degree convenient, flexible, and affordable.

More and more full-time employees are choosing to advance their careers despite a shaky economy. In fact, an advanced degree can increase your salary, hiring potential and chances of being promoted. A recession creates an opportunity to further your current career or make the change you have been waiting for.

HR professionals can make the most of the recession by returning to school for a Master of Human Resource Management (MHRM) or Human Resource Development (HRD). Masters degrees in Human Resources generally take two years and include a mix of required courses such as general HR, compensation basics, statistics and employment law and electives such as international HR, HR strategy and organizational psychology. Students will also take classes covering leadership and strategic management concepts and organizational design. Many HR Masters programs offer joint courses with related departments such as business, law, and psychology. You can also receive a Masters degree in Labor Relations, or a specialization in Labor Relations, which involves deeper learning in union law, negotiation and collective bargaining.

An advanced degree could give you a decent salary boost. Looking at HR Director Salaries by Degree, HR executive salaries are notably higher among those with a master of business administration, compared to those with a bachelor of business administration. Those with a master of business administration can actually earn HR executive salaries up to $122,000.

Whether you are looking to move up in your current job or you want to switch careers, an advanced degree can give you the skills you need to make your dreams a reality.

Money may be tight, but your education is the perfect investment. Invest in your future, invest in yourself.