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Getting a Degree in Human Resources

Learn what it takes to get a degree in human resources and find the degree that is best for your life and goals.

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Human resources degrees prepare students for the complexities and challenges of managing a workforce. The specific degree you choose will depend on your educational status, career goals, and desired time and financial commitment.

Armed with skills crucial to working with diverse individuals in a variety of business settings, graduates of human resources degree programs can build rewarding careers in a wide range of industries.

Business Administration Degree

Types of Human Resources Degrees

Undergraduates can earn a bachelor's degree in human resources management. At most colleges, human resources programs fall under the school of business and are often concentrations within the business administration major. Bachelor's programs generally require four years of full-time study, after which graduates are qualified for middle management human resources positions.

Alternatively, an associate's degree in human resources offers a practical base of knowledge for students interested in entry-level positions. Taking an average of one to two years to complete, associate's degree programs prepare students for basic HR roles and cost significantly less than traditional four-year programs.

For students interested in graduate study, advanced human resources degree options include a master's degree in human resources management or an MBA with a concentration in human resources. Graduates who have earned either of these degrees can qualify for executive-level HR roles such as director or vice president of human resources. Full-time students can complete their master's or MBA in an average of two years.

Additionally, professionals with work experience in the field can obtain certification as a way to demonstrate their HR knowledge and training. The Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) awards different levels of professional certification:

  • Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
  • Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
  • Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR)

For details about requirements for professional certification, refer to www.hrci.org.

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