Pursuing a Degree in Human Resources

Earning a degree in Human Resources (HR) is a doorway to a career in workforce planning, talent development, and workers rights. One partner university states, "A human resources degree can prepare you to execute important people-related functions within an organization. With an HR degree you’ll gain foundational understanding of all aspects of workforce planning, including attracting and retaining talent."

When you enter an HR academic program, studies include market and industry issues such as management principles, employee rights, business law, and advertising.

A career in Human Resources offers many different career opportunities. As long as there are companies and corporations, there will be a need for Human Resources personnel.

How Long Does It Take To Earn A Degree In Human Resources?

The Franklin University official site notes, "A bachelor’s in human resources management is typically a four-year degree that requires approximately 124 credit hours with coursework designed to build both broad-based and specialized knowledge and skills in human resources." Advanced degrees may have different time frames for completion depending on the college and the program.

Certificate Programs & Associate Degrees in Human Resources

Associate Degree and Certificate programs are a wonderful educational asset to attain, allowing students to jumpstart their Human Resource careers in less time than it takes to earn a traditional 4-year degree. A Certificate and/or Associate Degree is excellent preparation for a wide variety of entry-level jobs. While these shorter programs are specifically focused on Human Resources, they also prepare students for further educational success should they choose to continue with baccalaureate studies.

Jobs with a Certificate or an Associate Degree in Human Resources:

Customer Service Representative– Interact with customers to handle complaints, process orders, and answer questions. Median Annual Salary: $36,000.
Public Relations Specialist- Create and maintain a favorable public image for the organization they represent. Median Annual Salary: $63,000.

Ready to start your Certificate or Associate Degree in Human Resources? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools:

Lakeland Community College – Offers a Certificate in Human Resources Management. Lakeland Community College is a GI Bill-approved school, is approved for Tuition Assistance, and accepts both the DSST and CLEP exams for credit. Lakeland Community College also proudly offers college credit for military experience.
Scottsdale Community College – Offers a Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Human Resources Management. Scottsdale Community College has GI Bill-approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for the CLEP and DSST exams. Scottsdale Community College is approved for Tuition Assistance and is also a MyCAA-approved school.

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources

Students who have a knack for interdisciplinary education and interpersonal communication will thrive in a Human Resources Bachelor’s Degree program.

A recent graduate with a human resources bachelor’s degree can anticipate being hired for a wide variety of positions including:

Employee Relations Manager
Compensation or Benefit Analyst
Information Systems Manager
Training and Development Team
Labor Relations

Upon graduation, students can choose to enter the workforce and/or pursue further education by earning a graduate degree.

Jobs with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources

Training Specialist- Plan and administer programs that improve the skills and knowledge of their employees. Median Annual Salary: $63,000.
Human Resources Specialist- Recruit, screen, and interview job applicants and place newly hired workers in jobs. Median Annual Salary: $64,000.
Job Analysis Specialist- Oversee wage and nonwage programs that an organization provides to its employees in return for their work. Median Annual Salary: $67,000.

Ready to start your Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools:

Concordia University of Wisconsin– Offers a campus-based Bachelor of Science in Human Resources and Strategic Management. Concordia University of Wisconsin also offers a variety of fully online degrees and certificates in Human Resource Management including an Associate of Arts and a Master’s of Business Administration. Concordia U-WI has GI Bill-approved programs, offers credit for military experience, awards credit for the CLEP and DSST exams, and is approved for Tuition Assistance. Concordia U-WI is a MyCAA-approved school and proudly participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.
University of the Incarnate Word– Offers a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources. UIW has GI Bill-approved programs, offers credit for military experience, awards credit for the CLEP and DSST exams, and is approved for Tuition Assistance. UIW is a MyCAA-approved school and proudly participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

ONLINE DEGREE

Colorado State University Global– Offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management. CSU Global also offers a fully online Masters of Science Degree in Human Resource Management. CSU-Global has GI Bill-approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and is approved for Tuition Assistance. CSU-Global is also a MyCAA-approved school.

Master’s Degree in Human Resources

Students will become experts in all aspects of Human Resources including:

facilitating interaction among staff and managers
listening to understand
organizing meetings
interviewing and hiring skills
employee compliance
understanding and navigating specific company cultures
employee relations
employee and employer communication
management skills
leadership principles
employee administration
organizational development

Students will also cultivate their speaking, writing, and research skills. A Master’s is a popular choice for those choosing career paths such as research, writing, or teaching.

Jobs with a Master’s Degree in Human Resources

Public Relations Manager- Direct the creation of materials that will enhance the public image of their employer or client. Median Annual Salary: $118,000.
Human Resources Manager- Plan, coordinate, and direct the administrative functions of an organization. Median Annual Salary: $121,000.
Benefits Manager- Plan, develop, and oversee programs to pay employees. Median Annual Salary: $125,000.

Ready to start your Master’s Degree in Human Resources? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools:

Framingham State University– Offers a Master’s Degree in Human Resources. FSU also offers a Graduate Certificate in Human Resources. Framingham State University has GI Bill-approved programs, offers credit for military experience, awards credit for the CLEP and DSST exams, and is approved for Tuition Assistance. Framingham State University is a MyCAA-approved school and proudly participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

ONLINE DEGREE

Colorado State University Global– Offers a fully online Master of Science Degree in Human Resource Management. CSU Global also offers a fully online Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management. CSU-Global has GI Bill-approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and is approved for Tuition Assistance. CSU-Global is also a MyCAA-approved school.
Concordia University of Ann Arbor– Offers a variety of fully online degrees and certificates in Human Resource Management including a Master’s of Business Administration in Human Resource Management. Concordia also offers a campus-based Bachelor of Science in Human Resource and Strategic Management. Concordia U-Ann Arbor has GI Bill-approved programs, offers credit for military experience, awards credit for the CLEP and DSST exams, and is approved for Tuition Assistance. Concordia U-Ann Arbor also proudly participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

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