Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources Management | Learn.org

A bachelor's degree in human resources management trains future HR managers to help organizations be successful. This program equips students with skills in recruitment, employee relations, and strategic planning.

The courses focus on talent management, compensation, and labor laws, which allow graduates to pursue careers in HR and other business sectors. Below, we explain in detail all you need to know about this degree.

What Is a Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources Management?

A bachelor's degree in human resources management (HRM) teaches students how to manage an organization's workforce effectively. Most Bachelor of Science (BS) programs in HRM blend business acumen, strategic thinking, and interpersonal skills.

HRM programs cover the essentials for understanding and managing workplace dynamics. Students learn about HR topics that provide a comprehensive understanding of how to attract, develop, and retain talent within an organization:

• recruitment and selection
• employee training and development
• performance management
• compensation and benefits
• labor relations
• organizational behavior

An HRM program's primary objective is to prepare students to handle various human resource functions. This includes developing strategies for improving employee satisfaction and productivity, ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations, and fostering a positive workplace culture.

Students also learn to use data and analytics to make informed decisions that align with the organization's goals and objectives. Additionally, the degree provides a solid foundation for those interested in furthering their education through advanced degrees or professional certifications in human resources.

Read more: Best Human Resource Management Degree Programs

Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources Management Core Curriculum

An HRM program includes a comprehensive core curriculum that provides students with a strong foundation in HR principles and practices. Key courses typically include:

• introduction to human resources management: overview of HR functions, including recruitment, training, and employee relations
• organizational behavior: study of individual and group behavior within organizations and how it affects performance
• recruitment and selection: techniques and strategies for attracting, screening, and selecting qualified candidates
• employee training and development: methods for developing effective training programs and enhancing employee skills
• compensation and benefits: examination of compensation structures, benefits programs, and reward systems
• labor relations: understanding of labor laws, collective bargaining, and managing union relationships
• performance management: approaches to evaluating and improving employee performance and productivity
• business ethics: exploration of ethical issues in business and HR practices
• employment law: study of legal frameworks governing employment and workplace practices
• strategic human resources management: integration of HR strategies with overall business objectives to drive organizational success

How To Earn a Bachelor's Degree in HR Management

To earn a human resources management degree, you must follow a few key steps. These steps will make sure you get the most out of your degree and are prepared to begin an HR career.

Research and Choose a Program

Begin by researching accredited colleges and universities that offer HRM programs. On the college's websites, look at the degree's curriculum, faculty's experience, internship opportunities, and campus resources.

Some colleges have HRM programs as concentrations of a Bachelor of Science in business administration (BSBA) programs while other offer an actual HRM degree. Be sure to double check which one the colleges you're interested in are offering.

Meet With an Academic Advisor

Schedule a meeting with an academic advisor from the college you got accepted to. You should discuss your academic and career goals because advisors can provide valuable insights into program requirements, course selection, and potential career paths. They can also help you create a personalized academic plan that aligns with your interests and aspirations.

Complete Core Curriculum and Electives

Enroll in and successfully complete the core curriculum courses that are listed above. You also can choose electives that align with your specific interests within HR. Some great elective ideas include:

• communications and conflict management
• foreign languages
• psychology
• public speaking
• web design

Adopt Best Studying Practices

Develop effective study habits to excel in your courses. This includes regular class attendance, active participation, and consistent study schedules.

Utilize resources like tutoring centers, study groups, and office hours with professors. Engaging with the material through practical experiences, such as case studies and group projects, can also enhance your learning.

Complete an Internship in the Field

Gain practical experience by participating in internships. Many HRM programs offer opportunities to work with businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.

These internships provide hands-on experience, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, build a professional network, and enhance your resume.

Career Opportunities for a Human Resources Management Major

An HRM bachelor's degree opens the door to numerous career opportunities across various sectors. Here are 10 potential careers for HRM majors:

• Human resources specialists handle recruitment, employee relations, and other HR functions to support an organization's workforce.
• Recruiters focus on attracting, screening, and selecting qualified candidates for job openings.
• Training and development coordinators design and implement training programs to enhance employee skills and performance.
• Compensation and benefits analysts develop and manage compensation structures and benefits programs to attract and retain talent.
• Employee relations managers address employee concerns, manage conflict resolution, and foster a positive workplace environment.
• HR consultants provide expert advice to organizations on HR strategies, policies, and best practices.
• Labor relations specialists manage relationships with labor unions, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, and ensure compliance with labor laws.
• Talent acquisition managers oversee the recruitment process, develops strategies to attract top talent, and builds employer brand.
• HR generalists handle a wide range of HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and employee relations.
• Organizational development specialists focus on improving organizational effectiveness through change management, team building, and leadership development.

FAQs about Human Resources Management Degrees

If you still have questions after learning about HRM degrees and seeing what careers you can pursue with one, we've answered some frequently asked questions below.

Is a Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources Management Worth It?

A bachelor's degree in human resources management is worth it for those interested in managing workforce dynamics and improving organizational performance. It offers diverse career opportunities, strong earning potential, and a foundation for advanced studies.

Is a Human Resources Management Major Hard?

A human resources management major can be difficult due to the need for strong interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills. However, with dedication and effective study habits, students can succeed and find it highly rewarding.

How Much Does a Human Resources Management Degree Cost?

According to U.S. News & World Report, an online human resources management degree typically costs between $43,000 to $64,000 per year, depending on the institution, location, and whether it's a public or private university. Financial aid can help offset these costs.

Are There Any Free or Affordable Human Resources Management Degree Programs?

Yes, there are affordable online HRM degree programs. Community colleges and some state universities offer these lower-cost options. To make the degree free, you'll need to complete FAFSA to see if you are qualified for grants, scholarships, and loans.

What Skills Will I Gain in a Human Resources Management Degree Program?

In an HRM degree program, you'll gain skills in recruitment, employee relations, training and development, compensation and benefits, labor relations, performance management, strategic planning, and business ethics.

What Can I Do With a Human Resources Management Degree?

With an HRM degree, you can pursue careers such as HR specialist, recruiter, training and development coordinator, compensation analyst, and more. As you earn your degree, choose a specialization that best aligns with your career goals to find the field that best suits your interests.