Can I Get a Master’s Degree in Human Resources if My Undergrad Degree is in Something Else?

In the human resources world, master’s degrees often lead to more exciting and sustainable career prospects. Obtaining advanced degrees can be a solid investment in your future, but you might wonder whether your undergraduate degree will be useful in getting your master’s or doctorate. Fortunately, you can obtain a master’s in human resources regardless of your undergraduate degree, but you may need to complete extra steps in order to qualify. Read on to learn more about the qualifications, expectations and other information related to getting your master’s degree in human resources.

Prerequisites for Earning a Master’s in HR

Many master’s programs don’t require a particular undergraduate degree; however, human resources operates a little differently. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), human resources managers, who would generally hold an advanced degree, “usually need a bachelor’s degree in human resources or business administration.” This implies that those seeking an advanced degree would also need a bachelor’s in human resources. However, the BLS goes on to point out that “as not all undergraduate programs offer a degree in human resources, candidates can get a bachelor’s degree in another field and take courses in human resources subjects,” which may vary based on the demands of location and business needs.

If you hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as business administration, public administration, communications or even accounting, then you may be more likely to get accepted into a master’s program because the skills are transferable between disciplines. Rest assured that even if your undergraduate degree is in totally different subject such as art history or psychology, you may still qualify for a master’s program because some universities seek the completion of a degree as testament to your ability rather than the subject of the degree itself. Humanresources.com, one of the leading sites on HR info since 1999, offers additional information for those interested in human resources careers.

The Benefits of an M.A. in Human Resources

Should you even earn a master’s degree in human resources? Is the extra time and expense worth the effort? After all, according to the BLS, many successful HR managers only hold a bachelor’s degree. Despite its own claim that HR professionals can hold high-paying jobs with only a bachelor’s, the Bureau also reports that those “with certification or a master’s degree – particularly those with a concentration in human resources management or an MBA – should have the best job prospects.” Companies may be more willing to hire those with advanced degrees due to the higher level of knowledge gained by graduate degree programs. Likewise, those with a master’s degree in human resources will be in much higher demand thanks to advanced internships and other certifications.

In a recovering economy, finding a great job with rewarding benefits can be challenging, especially when you don’t think you have the right degree that businesses seek. However, as evidenced above, you can earn a master’s degree in human resources even if your undergraduate degree is in a different field. From taking additional business classes to finding a program that accepts alternate degrees, you can expect a promising career in human resources as long as you put forth the effort into your education.