After graduating with your bachelor’s degree, it can be hard to know what your next step should be. Maybe you’ve got an HR job but you want to move up in the ranks of your current organization or want to diversify your role. A postgraduate degree might be your next big move.
A human resources (HR) career can be very rewarding for people-oriented professionals who want to help organizations manage their most valuable asset – their employees But what degree do you need to start in this field?
An Associate Degree Can Open Some Entry-Level Doors
An associate degree, typically taking 2 years to complete, offers the most direct path to beginning an HR career. Common program names at this level include human resources management, business administration and general studies with a concentration in human resources.
With an associate degree graduates may qualify for HR assistant or coordinator roles handling administrative tasks like
- New employee onboarding
- Maintaining personnel files
- Coordinating training
- Processing payroll
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), HR assistants earned a median annual salary of $40,420 in 2021. Other entry-level titles accessible with an associate degree include recruiting assistant, benefits coordinator and compensation analyst.
An associate degree serves as a starting point, but additional education can expand your options. Many schools structure their programs to facilitate seamless transfer into a bachelor’s program.
A Bachelor’s Degree Opens Up Specialist and Manager Positions
The next step up the educational ladder, a bachelor’s degree, qualifies graduates for higher-level HR positions with more responsibility. Common bachelor’s-level roles include:
- HR specialist/generalist – implements HR policies, handles employee relations issues
- Compensation and benefits manager – oversees compensation, benefits programs
- Training and development manager – manages employee training initiatives
- Recruiter – coordinates hiring processes and recruits job candidates
According to the BLS, HR specialists earned a median salary of $63,490 in 2021. Compensation and benefits managers made a median $127,990 annually.
With a bachelor’s degree and some experience under your belt, you may also qualify for an HR manager role, directing the operations of an organization’s HR department. The BLS reports a median salary of $126,230 per year for HR managers as of 2021.
A bachelor’s in human resources, business administration or a related field like psychology typically takes 4 years to complete. Coursework blends business and HR topics, including:
- Training and development
- Compensation and benefits
- Recruiting
- Labor relations
- Performance management
- Employment law
Some programs incorporate hands-on learning through internships or capstone projects. Professional certification, like earning a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) credential from the HR Certification Institute, can also boost job prospects after graduation.
A Master’s Degree Fits If You Want to Specialize or Move Up the Ranks
Though not always required, a master’s degree can advance and deepen an HR professional’s skill set. A master’s program takes 1-2 years to complete beyond the bachelor’s level.
With a master’s degree, graduates may qualify for positions like:
- HR director – oversees HR operations for an entire company
- Labor relations director – heads labor relations and union contract negotiations
- Director of talent management – manages employee training, engagement and retention initiatives
According to PayScale data, HR directors earn an average salary of $108,250 per year. Directors of talent management average slightly less at $105,808 annually.
Common program options include a Master of Science (M.S.) in Human Resources or Human Resource Management and a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. Curricula cover topics like:
- Strategic HR management
- Advanced employment law
- Organizational development
- Talent management
- HR metrics and analytics
- Conflict resolution
Some schools also offer accelerated bachelor’s to master’s programs, allowing ambitious undergrads to earn both degrees in 5 years. A graduate degree can also help professionals specialize, such as pursuing their master’s in labor relations or talent development.
Hands-On Experience Matters Too
Along with earning the right degrees, human resources professionals need relevant experience to continue moving up the ranks. Here are some ways to get hands-on HR experience:
-
Complete internships: Internship opportunities exist for both undergraduate and graduate students. Look for paid internships that allow you to rotate through different HR areas.
-
Volunteer to work on HR projects: Offer to help out with HR initiatives at work, even if it’s not your formal role yet. Just make sure you have your manager’s support.
-
Pursue side gigs: Take on part-time HR consulting or admin gigs that let you put your people skills and training into practice.
-
Earn HR certifications: Consider certification through organizations like the HR Certification Institute or Society for Human Resource Management to verify your expertise.
-
Join HR associations: Student chapters allow you to network with professionals. Local and national groups offer development resources and events.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Different HR Degree Options
When deciding which education path suits you best, consider factors like your career goals, time commitments and financial constraints. Here’s an overview of the key upsides and downsides of HR degrees at each level:
| Degree Level | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Associate | – Typically the quickest option – Lower tuition costs – Can start working sooner | – Fewer job opportunities compared to bachelor’s or master’s grads – Lower earning potential |
| Bachelor’s | – Expands career prospects – Still typically takes just 4 years | – Bachelor’s degree now standard for many HR roles |
| Master’s | – Qualifies for advanced specialist and leadership roles – Can specialize or switch focus | – Additional 1-2 years of study – Increased tuition costs |
While an associate degree offers the fastest track into the field, a bachelor’s degree opens far more HR career doors in the long run. A master’s degree can help take your career to the next level, but is not essential for many generalized HR positions.
The right human resources degree for you depends on your professional aspirations, existing experience and schedule/budget needs. By researching programs and requirements carefully, you can find the ideal education for launching your rewarding HR career.
PLNU – Mega Menu
After graduating with your bachelor’s degree, it can be hard to know what your next step should be. Maybe you’ve got an HR job but you want to move up in the ranks of your current organization or want to diversify your role. A postgraduate degree might be your next big move.
Organizational Leadership vs. HR Degree
While both offer important learning outcomes to apply in an HR career, it’s important to discern what role you want to step into within HR.
A general master’s degree in organizational leadership can give you a diverse range of experiences and skills to apply in HR work. The broad outcomes and curriculum can be helpful to someone curious about the variety of opportunities available. In contrast, an HR degree focuses specifically on HR practices within the degree program.
Determining which degree you wish to pursue is impacted by whether you want to enter a specialized and specific role, or whether you have a wide range of career goals. While both can help you break into the HR world, what you want to do informs which degree to pursue.
After getting a master’s degree, some supplement their post-grad education with professional certifications. These can add to your career trajectory by helping determine the type of HR work you want to do. Typically, HR professionals can choose between specialist and generalist roles.
__________ It’s never too late to start your journey. Earn your M.A. in Organizational Leadership today. __________
A generalist career path consists of jobs that involve all functions of human resources, while a specialist pathway encompasses jobs dedicated to a single function. The following are some common certifications HR professionals pursue.
| SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) | Professional in Human Resources (PHR) | Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) |
|
The SHRM-CP allows applicants to demonstrate their proficiency with situational judgment and operational knowledge in the HR environment. The categories the certification covers are competencies (ethical practice, leadership and navigation, etc.), people, organization, and workplace. This is more of a general certification applicable in most positions. |
The PHR, like the SHRM-CP, covers technical and operational aspects of HR management; however, it also includes U.S. laws and regulations. The topics include employee and labor relations, business management, talent planning and acquisition, and learning and development. |
The GPHR focuses on applying HR operational knowledge in a global marketplace. This is more of a specialist certification that leads applicants to apply their HR knowledge specifically in the global marketplace setting. The topics of the exam include strategic HR, global talent management, global mobility, workplace culture, total rewards, and risk management and compliance. |
Is a Human Resource Degree Worth It? (Human Resources Management)
What degree do I need for Human Resources?
While entry-level human resources (HR) roles often require an associate degree, management positions and advanced HR careers may ask for at least a master’s. Before beginning your professional journey, it’s important to know which degree you need for human resources so you can set yourself on the right path.
What is a human resources degree?
A human resources degree provides the theoretical knowledge, practical abilities and soft skills required to succeed. Some bachelor’s in human resources programs also cover fundamental business concepts, including marketing, finance and economics.
Can a human resources degree be a business degree?
Most human resources degrees are housed inside of business schools due to overlapping courses, content and potential careers. Because of this, HR students may consider a double major or take courses from other areas of business in the form of certificates and minors.
What can I do with a bachelor’s degree in human resources?
With a bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field like business administration (often with an HR concentration), you can apply for roles such as: training and development specialist. Employers may also look for related work experience; completing a human resources internship can help you start building your HR résumé.
