Human Resources: Which Degree Is Right for You?

In the past, the human resources (HR) department was largely confined to finding job candidates, ensuring compliance, developing compensation packages, and dealing with administrative matters. Today’s human resources professional has a more dynamic role within organizations, which extends to areas like workforce development and employee engagement.

The expansion of workplace responsibilities has created additional opportunities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), human resources specialists are expected to see faster-than-average job growth through 2031. Projections suggest that on average, there will be more than 81,000 job openings per year during this time frame.

We sat down with Purdue Global business faculty members Robert Freeborough, Jack McCann, and Carrie Stringham to learn how to become a human resources professional.

What Degree Do You Need for Human Resources?

It generally takes a combination of education and experience to enter the field of human resources. With the expansion of HR responsibilities, evolving workforce issues, and organizational changes, education is likely to become even more important for aspiring human resources professionals.

“Pursuing a formal HR education is becoming increasingly important in today’s competitive job market,” says McCann. Stringham adds that most employers want human resources candidates to have a formal education, and many positions require a bachelor’s degree.

But exactly what degree do you need for a human resources career? You can pursue various degrees and certificates in human resources or with a human resources concentration. The path you select depends on your specific career goals. For instance, Purdue Global offers multiple degrees and certificates to help you align your education with your career path:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration (BSBA) with a human resources concentration
• Master’s degree in business administration (MBA) with a human resources concentration
• Master’s degree in management and leadership (MSM) with a human resources concentration

Additionally, students can earn a human resources postbaccalaureate certificate or a graduate certificate in human resources.

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in human resources offers a strong foundation for any human resources career. The bachelor’s program centers around developing managerial skills. The human resources concentration gives students the fundamental skills needed in today’s workplace.

Stringham adds, “This degree pairs nicely with a human resource certification through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).”

Master of Science in Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Science in Management and Leadership (MSM)

At the master’s degree level, students can more directly align their education with their professional goals. Purdue Global has two graduate-level programs that offer human resources concentrations:

• Online MBA with a concentration in human resources: This program covers change management, corporate policies, and executive management. It also includes recruitment strategies, hiring practices, and the topic of employee training.
• Online MSM with a concentration in human resources: Students develop leadership knowledge within the degree program and learn how to navigate professional challenges. They also learn to take a strategic approach to human resources development (HRD) processes.

Human Resources Postbaccalaureate Certificate

Aspiring executives may want to elevate their education with the addition of a certificate program to gain specialized knowledge. For example, the Human Resources Postbaccalaureate Certificate examines compensation and reward systems, employee development, recruitment and training, and employment law.

Human Resources Graduate Certificate

Freeborough says it's common for students who want to be executive leaders to focus on obtaining a postgraduate certificate, like the Human Resources Graduate Certificate. This certificate covers employment and labor law, talent development, recruitment, and various assessment models.

Build Your Human Resources Career at Purdue Global

When looking for a program to help you develop as a human resources professional, it’s important to find one aligned with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) certification requirements. Freeborough says this is critical because earning a separate certification through SHRM is considered a strong advantage when looking for HR roles. Having your formal education align with SHRM requirements makes this process easier.

>> Read: How the Society for Human Resource Management Can Help Your Career

Today’s HR professionals are tasked with many vital responsibilities that directly impact the health and effectiveness of an organization. They must also navigate rapid changes in the workforce, effectively utilize technology, and have a deep, functional understanding of complicated labor and employment law.

Purdue Global offers online degree and certificate programs created for aspiring human resources professionals. Fully aligned with SHRM requirements, students can be confident with the quality of their education. If you’re interested in earning a human resources degree or certificate, contact Purdue Global to learn how to get started.