What is Human Resource Law?
Human resource law is part of the legal system that focuses on laws affecting the workplace and workers. Here, you'll find more information on what human resource law is, the colleges that offer this area of study and the employment outlook for human resource managers.
Human Resource Law Overview
<p>Human resource law consists of federal employment statutes and regulations, employment discrimination and workplace privacy issues. Human resource law is part of the legal system that regulates how employees should be hired, evaluated, promoted and fired. These laws and regulations allow the company and employer to administer fair and equal treatment to all of its employees to avoid lawsuits. Human resource law also consists of laws affecting non-unionized work environments.
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<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutHumanResourceLaw">Important Facts About Human Resource Law</h3>
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<table border="1"><tr><td> Common Courses </td><td> Employment law; international employment & labor law; grievance arbitration</td></tr>
<tr><td> Programs</td><td> Human Resources Law Certificate; Bachelor of Business Administration; Master of Science</td></tr>
<tr><td> Online Availability</td><td> Fully online programs are available</td></tr>
<tr><td> Median Salary (2021)</td><td> $126,230 (<i>for all human resources managers</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
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<h3 id="section---CollegesOfferingHumanResourceLawCourses">Colleges Offering Human Resource Law Courses</h3>
<p>Colleges that offer human resource law courses include Cornell University and Woodbury Institute of Champlain College. These colleges provide students with introductory courses and specialized concentrations in human resource law. Students learn about federal employment regulations and how employers should comply with nationality verification laws for employees to work in U.S. jobs.
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<p>Cornell University's human resource law introductory course covers employment agreements, nondiscriminatory employment decisions and health rights. Woodbury College's online Master of Science in Law program provides a background in tort law, employee contracts, unemployment and wrongful discharge.
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<h3 id="section---EmploymentOutlookForHumanResourceProfessionals">Employment Outlook for Human Resource Professionals</h3>
<p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 174,200 people were employed as human resources managers in the U.S. in 2021 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). Another 782,800 people held the title of human resources specialist in 2021, the BLS noted. Human resources managers with a background in human resource law can find more job opportunities within large companies that need individuals knowledgeable in wages, employee work verification, legislation and federal regulations. Employment for human resources managers was expected to grow 7% between 2021 to 2031, according to the BLS. In comparison, HR specialists were expected to see 8% growth in employment during that same period.</p>