Is an HR Degree Right for Me?

What To Expect From a Human Resources Degree

Human resource degrees are available as both online programs and in-person on campus. A standard bachelor's degree usually has 120 credits and takes about four years to complete.

You should plan to enroll with an accredited university with internship opportunities or educational tracks that lead to HR certifications in the future.

Common Human Resources Degree Programs

Ideally, your bachelor's degree will teach you the necessary skills for problem-solving and strategic planning in human resources.

If you pursue a human resources certificate upon graduation, you should also have the background knowledge to pass your test.

Some of the most common human resource degree options are:

• Bachelor of Science in human resource management (BSHRM)
• Bachelor of Science (BS) in labor relations
• Bachelor of Arts (BA) in business management with a human resource management concentration
• Bachelor of Science (BS) in psychology with a human resources concentration
• Bachelor of Science (BS) in organizational leadership
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in human resource management

How To Decide if a Human Resources Degree Is Right for You

If you aren't sure whether human resources is the best career for you, there are a few questions you can ask yourself to get a better understanding of your goals and skills.

Determine Your Career and Life Goals

First, consider your long-term career goals. If you desire to excel in management or lead a team, consider the human resources tracks that could lead you there.

Many larger offices have multiple people working in human resources, creating the necessity for an upper management position within the department. Likewise, there are other types of positions that fall under the category of human resources jobs. For example, you may opt to become a benefits manager, who distributes and manages a company's healthcare and retirement plans.

Examine Your Skill Set

Many HR professionals have excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate with different types of people to accurately explain job responsibilities, benefits packages, and any other important information.

Most HR entry-level position requirements include being able to manage talent acquisition of a company with tasks like posting job applications, reviewing applicants, and conducting interviews. HR may be a great fit if you have a passion for identifying qualified talent and strong communication skills.

Consider Your Financial Situation

HR roles can pay well, though you may want to consider the starting salary for most entry-level positions. The salary range varies based on job opportunities in your area as well as your state of residence.

The entry-level role of HR generalist may offer a comfortable starting salary, though you may wish to advance to higher levels if you seek an increase in salary.

Speak With a Human Resources Professional

If you want to learn more about the skills necessary for effective employee relations, you may wish to contact someone already working in human resources.

This individual can provide you with direct and honest insight about the types of job functions in the HR field and the amount of experience necessary to work in management. This HR professional may also give you more insight into a typical HR work environment.

FAQs About Human Resources Degrees

Learning about typical HR positions may create additional questions about potential job prospects. Here are a few frequently asked questions about this career.

How Long Does It Take To Complete a Human Resources Degree?

A typical human resources career degree will take approximately four years to complete in a standard undergraduate college program.

In some cases, students can complete their degree faster or slower, depending on if they take additional courses throughout the summer or decide to go part-time.

Is a Human Resource Management Job Easy?

While human resources management can be a fulfilling and enjoyable job for many professionals, there are instances where it is not necessarily easy. Human resources managers must handle full-cycle employee relations, including onboarding and terminations.

Finding new talent qualified for the job and matching the necessary skills in job descriptions can also be difficult. The key is to examine your interests and strengths and determine whether these may align with the traits of an HR professional.

What Are Common Career Paths for Human Resources Majors?

Human resources majors can expect a wide range of positions with different functions in an HR department, from recruiters to HR generalists. Here are some common positions you might expect to see post-graduation:

• HR assistant
• HR specialist
• HR manager
• benefits manager

Would a Master's Degree in Human Resources Advance My Career?

Yes, a master's degree can typically advance your career as it builds additional knowledge on top of your existing work experience.