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Getting a Degree in Human Resources

Learn what it takes to get a degree in human resources and find the degree that is best for your life and goals.

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Human resources degrees prepare students for the complexities and challenges of managing a workforce. The specific degree you choose will depend on your educational status, career goals, and desired time and financial commitment.

Armed with skills crucial to working with diverse individuals in a variety of business settings, graduates of human resources degree programs can build rewarding careers in a wide range of industries.

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Types of Human Resources Degrees

Associate's and Certificate Programs

Human Resources certificate and associate programs are designed to offer a practical base of knowledge for students interested in human resource management. These programs deal with the complexities and challenges of managing today's workforce. Students learn to handle disputes, grievances, discipline and dismissals while acquiring the skills needed to work with a variety of people in diverse work settings.

Degrees commonly offered:

  • Associate of Arts in Business Administration
  • Associate's - Human Resources Management

Bachelor's Programs

Undergraduates can earn a bachelor's degree in human resources management. At most colleges, human resources programs fall under the school of business and are often concentrations within the business administration major. Bachelor's programs generally require four years of full-time study, after which graduates are qualified for middle management human resources positions.

A comprehensive program offering courses in human resource management, the bachelor's program prepares you to deal with organizational issues, employment practices, compensation and benefits, labor relations, and health, safety and security programs.

Degrees commonly offered:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources Management
  • Bachelor's (BSBA) – Human Resource Management
  • Bachelor of Science in Management – Human Resource Management
  • Bachelor of Business Administration Degree – Human Resource Management
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Graduate Programs

For students interested in graduate study, advanced human resources degree options include a master's degree in human resources management or an MBA with a concentration in human resources. Graduates who have earned either of these degrees can qualify for executive-level HR roles such as director or vice president of human resources. Full-time students can complete their master's or MBA in an average of two years.

Degrees commonly offered:

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA) – Human Resource Management
  • Human Resource Management (MA)
  • Master of Science (MS/HRM) in Human Resource Management
  • Master of Human Resources (MHR)
  • Master of Labor and Human Resources (MHLR)

Additionally, professionals with work experience in the field can obtain certification as a way to demonstrate their HR knowledge and training. The Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) awards different levels of professional certification:

  • Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
  • Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
  • Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR)

For details about requirements for professional certification, refer to www.hrci.org.

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