Do I Need a Degree To Work in HR?

Although the role of an HR professional serves multiple facets of a business and provides vital functions across department lines, it is a unique department from other business units that it works with.

As a result, some prospective students wonder if they need a degree to work in HR like they do to work in other business departments.

The short answer is yes. To work in most human resources departments you will need a degree of some kind as well as accompanying certifications.

What Do Human Resources Professionals Do?

Human resources is a field within business that strives to create a beneficial, safe, and productive work environment for employees of all levels across departments.

Human resources departments are responsible for tasks like:

• hiring and recruiting
• writing employee handbooks and policies
• coordinating payroll and benefits packages
• enforcing disciplinary action and termination

Do I Need A Degree To Work in HR?

Although there will be some entry-level and support roles within a human resources department that can be earned by completing a certificate program, most jobs for human resources professionals need at least an associate degree, with more advanced roles requiring a bachelor's degree or higher.

Many colleges offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs in human resources, allowing potential HR professionals opportunities to break into the industry.

HR Jobs Without A Degree

Although there aren't any positions in HR that don't require a degree, some companies might have entry-level positions that assist full-time human resources professionals with some tasks.

If you are looking to apply for these positions, you should at least complete a certification course that will confirm you know the basics required to work in the industry.

What Degree Is Preferred To Work in HR?

Human resources degrees are available in all four main levels of degrees from associate to doctorate. For most college students, a bachelor's degree will be enough to get a job as an HR professional after graduation, but some students pursue a master's degree to give themselves a shorter path to advanced certifications.

Some jobs are available to graduates of associate degree programs, but these positions are often entry-level and might have longer paths to promotion or management compared to professionals with a bachelor's or a master's degree.

Why Is an HR Degree Required?

Degrees are required for human resources professionals for many reasons. Primarily, the role of an HR professional requires a very diverse skill set. On a given day, an HR professional will use accounting, communication, and additional skills.

Although many of these can be learned through hands-on experience, most employers prefer to hire candidates who are going to bring a complete or nearly complete skill set to the role.

Beyond employer requirements, most human resources professionals pursue advanced certifications from independent bodies. The primary certifications both have reduced requirements for professionals with at least a bachelor's degree before taking the certification examination.

HR Certifications

Beyond a degree, there are two main types of certifications that most human resources professionals need to have to work at high levels of the industry. The two certification programs have differing levels of certification that will have varying requirements based on years of experience or degree status, although both can be earned without a degree.

Professional of Human Resources

The Professional of Human Resources, offered by the HR Certification Institute, is an examination to certify the skills and knowledge of human resources professionals. Without a degree, an HR professional is required to have four years of experience before applying to take the exam.

Society of Human Resource Management

The Society of Human Resource Management's lowest level of certification, SHRM Certified Professional, doesn't have a degree or even an experience requirement. However, it is highly recommended that applicants have previous knowledge of the basics of human resources before attempting the certification exam.

Degree vs. Certification: Which Is Better?

The difference between a degree and a certification is their general purpose. A degree is to teach a student about human resources and provide them with the skills and knowledge they need to start work in the industry. A certification is to confirm that a person has all the knowledge that is needed. Certifications also include a continuing education requirement, where a degree is earned once.

Although it is possible to earn a certificate without a degree, it will be harder to learn the required information on your own or without hands-on experience.

Can I Complete a Human Resources Degree Online?

Some students are unable to attend on-campus classes to earn a degree, resulting in them never pursuing a degree for the career they want. Fortunately, many accredited colleges and universities offer human resources degree programs online. From fully online schools to online programs offered through traditional universities, there are plenty of opportunities for you to earn a human resources degree at your own pace.