What Can I Do with an Associate's Degree in Human Resources?

The skills you learn from an associate's degree program in human resources (HR) prepare you for a variety of entry-level opportunities in the growing field of HR management. HR jobs are available in the areas of recruiting, training, benefits management or administration. Read on to learn more.

HR Recruiting Jobs

With an associate's degree, you may be able to participate in the recruitment process for new employees by screening applicants. An HR program also teaches you how to post job listings, write job descriptions, participate in job fairs, conduct interviews, administer assessment tests, collect employee data and answer questions from potential employees. HR recruiting jobs include:

Human resources generalist
Personnel recruiter
Staffing specialist

Important Facts About Human Resources Careers

	Human Resources Manager	Human Resources Specialist	Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk
Median Salary (2021)*	$126,230	$62,290	$47,610
On-the-Job Training	None	None	Some provided, depending on organization
Work Environment	Office setting	Office setting	Various office settings
Job Outlook (2021-31)*	7%	8%	-15%

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

HR Training Jobs

In HR training, you may conduct new employee orientations and assist in the development and implementation of employee training programs. You can also explain employee policies and regulations, administer surveys, prepare presentations and write training manuals. HR training job titles include:

Training and development coordinator
Employment training specialist
Assistant training manager

HR Benefits Management Jobs

Working with benefits management includes maintaining legal forms and records, filing reports and assisting with benefits and compensation administration. It also includes researching benefits packages and maintaining employee information. HR benefits managers may work as:

Compensation and benefit assistants
Compensation and benefits administrators
Human resources specialists

HR Administrative Jobs

There are many administrative functions carried out by the HR department that require some knowledge of HR management. Functions may include compiling data, providing customer service, entering payroll, issuing employee identification or documents and maintaining files. Positions with these HR responsibilities include:

Human resource specialist
Human resource generalist
Payroll specialist
Personnel clerk

Associate's Degrees in Human Resources

Associate's degree programs in HR provide hands-on training in the basic skills used in many HR positions. As a student, you learn computer, communication and administrative skills. You can also learn the basics of compensation structures, benefits management, evaluation practices, labor law and employee development techniques. Courses will cover basic HR functions, including:

Listing jobs
Interviewing
Tracking hours
Managing payroll
Training new employees
Evaluating applicants
Maintaining employee files