What is Human Resources?
In a business or organization, there is one department that is responsible for the well-being of both the employees and the business itself. Human resources, or HR, oversees staff recruiting, hiring, training and compensation, and also ensures business operations are in compliance with local, state and federal labor laws. It’s a big job, but a rewarding one that provides lots of opportunities to help and guide other people. If you’re curious about what degree you need to work in human resources, know that there are many fields that can adequately prepare you for a career in HR.
Degrees Recommended for a Career in Human Resources (HR)
Earning a degree that’s related to HR is a plus when launching a career in this field. Human resources requires a person who has an expertise in written and verbal communications and management. Additionally, a successful HR professional is someone who is able to understand human behavior and be a leader. There are many types of degrees that apply to a career in HR, so there’s no clear-cut answer to the question, “what degree do you need to work in human resources?”. What’s important in any degree you pursue is having good interpersonal skills, the ability to problem-solve, and a strong understanding of how businesses operate.
Associate’s Degree in Human Resources
An associate degree is a two-year academic commitment that represents the first step in building a career in human resources. By completing your associate degree, you lay a strong foundation for academic success as you pursue higher degrees. Generally, associate degrees are obtainable at community colleges and technical colleges, though some universities do offer this degree. If you’re wondering what degree you need to work in human resources at an entry-level role, an associate degree can be a way to become an office manager, HR coordinator or administrative assistant — all roles that have the potential to grow over time.
Benefits of an Associate Degree
Obtaining an associate degree has lots of benefits, particularly for students who want to enter the workforce quickly and gain practical skills. Because of its short, two-year duration, an associate degree can prepare students for entry-level work in HR. Additionally, earning an associate degree generally costs less than a higher degree program. For students who want to go further and earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree, getting an associate degree is a great starting point because it teaches problem-solving, critical thinking and communication skills.
Typical Coursework for an Associate Degree
Earning an associate in business administration or management would be a great first step to build a career in HR. Typically, this degree requires students to take courses in communication, business law, marketing and economics. The classes in this program will ensure a broad understanding of how businesses operate. Associate degree programs specific to human resources will typically provide courses on employment law, employee training and management, creating compensation and benefits packages and perhaps more technical areas like information technology in HR and ethics in human resources.
Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources
A bachelor’s degree is generally considered the first level of higher education, requiring at least four years of study at a college or university. A bachelor’s degree is usually required for most jobs beyond entry-level roles, and is almost always mandatory before students can pursue graduate-level degrees like a master’s or doctorate. If you’re unsure of what degree you need to work in human resources, obtaining a bachelor’s degree is a great place to start if you want to hold more senior positions.
Benefits of a Bachelor’s Degree
Completing a bachelor’s degree opens the door to more career opportunities in HR than would a high school diploma alone. The level of rigor it requires to complete a four-year degree means students are adequately prepared with specialized knowledge and skills — traits that stand out to employers. With a higher-level degree also comes higher earning power, and the ability to expand beyond jobs that are intended for beginners. Further, holding a bachelor’s degree represents an investment in yourself. Dedicating the time and energy to studies is an exercise that pays off in the long run.
Typical Coursework for a Bachelor’s Degree
Coursework for a bachelor’s degree largely depends on the specific major. For instance, students majoring in human resources at Tiffin University can expect their bachelor’s degree program to include courses on management, information technology, ethics, law, risk management and much more. Additionally, many bachelor’s degree students will complete courses that are required for graduation, like math, communications, and more. Earning a bachelor’s degree is a great example of the type of degree you need to work in human resources.
Master’s Degrees and Higher Degree Programs
After completing a bachelor’s degree, the next step is to earn a master’s degree. A master’s degree represents an even higher level of expertise in a particular field and is often required for students who want to pursue a doctorate degree. Both a master’s degree and a doctorate require students who are fully dedicated to scholarship because they require a lot of time spent on classes, research and completing a thesis or final project.
Benefits of Earning a Master’s or Higher-Level Degree
There are many benefits to earning a master’s or doctorate degree, particularly for people who want to enter the working world. These degrees prove that you have an expertise in a particular field, and possess valuable analytical and research skills. An advanced degree is also a plus for candidates who want a higher earning potential over their lifetime. Generally, with this level of education, individuals hold senior or executive leadership roles.
Can I Get a Job in Human Resources Without a Degree?
It is possible to have a job in human resources without completing a degree, but it is much harder to build a long-lasting, high-paying career without one. There are many answers to the question, “what degree do you need to work in human resources?,” because it depends on what kind of career you want. If you’re looking for an entry-level position, it’s possible to have a job in HR but know that your earning power is likely capped. With a degree, the human resources job opportunities and salary potential are much broader.
Potential Job Titles with an Education in Human Resource Management
A human resources degree of any level provides many career opportunities. These potential job titles include: human resources coordinator, manager, specialist, director or vice president, corporate recruiter or talent acquisition specialist. There’s even an opportunity to be an independent consultant, HR analyst, or specialist. Human resources is an occupation that’s wide-ranging and full of potential for the candidate with the right combination of education, skills and dedication.
Conclusion
As long as businesses hire people, people will always need management and a human resources expert will always be in demand. Tiffin University is the ideal setting for students with a passion for helping people to sharpen their skills. Students who want to make a career in human resources can earn both a bachelor’s of business administration and an MBA in human resource management from Tiffin University. Both programs offer online and campus learning, plenty of financial assistance, and a supportive learning environment. Click below to explore the educational opportunities available at Tiffin University.