What are the Different Levels of Human Resources Degrees?
Human resources is a growing profession with big implications for today’s businesses, and that’s why there are multiple levels of human resources degrees available to today’s students. Typically, the study of human resources begins at the undergraduate level, either as a major or as a concentration within a business program. Students can advance their understanding of human resources and human resource management by pursuing a Master of Business Administration or a Master of Science in the field, and can advance into doctoral-level studies of human resources through business Ph.D. or DBA programs. For new human resources students or those who are looking to advance their existing education, keep each of these options in mind.
Undergraduate Studies: The Human Resources Major and Concentration
Though it’s hard to find, a growing number of schools do offer undergraduate programs that reward students with a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management. This program is typically offered by the university’s business school, and involves a strong business and management core as well. Students who choose this degree can expect to be well-rounded business professionals, with required classes in finance, accounting, marketing, management, and economics. Human resources classes will make up the majority of the program during the final two years, and will teach students about the ethics and regulations governing human resources programs, the process of negotiating benefits, the best way to recruit and hire employees, and numerous strategies for making the workplace more employee-friendly throughout the year.
Resource: Top 25 Best Affordable Bachelor’s in Human Resources Degree Programs 2014
Most undergraduate programs pair these HR courses with a required internship, which is essential when developing hands-on skills and experiences for an entry-level position in this industry after graduation. Many other schools may offer 4+1 programs that combine an undergraduate and graduate degree in the HR field for maximum career versatility.
Graduate Studies in HR are Easily the Most Popular
Though there are many different levels of coursework for those professionals who aspire to work in human resources, the graduate level is easily the most popular. That’s because there typically has been a lack of undergraduate majors and concentrations in human resources in the past. Today, a large number of universities offer an HR concentration within the traditional, online, and executive MBA programs. A similarly long list of schools also offer students the ability to choose a Master of Science in Human Resource Management, which includes fewer general business classes and focuses more heavily on advanced human resources topics in today’s economy.
The Doctoral Level: Getting Ready to Teach Human Resources
Finally, it’s worth noting that human resources students can advance to the graduate level, typically as students in a business Ph.D. program or a Doctor of Business Administration program. In both cases, human resources would represent a strong concentration for a student who already has a professional background in the industry. The goal of these doctoral programs is to create effective instructors who have an extensive knowledge of human resources practice and theory, with instructional skills that can help convey advanced and difficult concepts to students in an approachable way.
Many Levels of HR Coursework Serve Today’s Professionals
Human resources is a key part of the everyday work experience, and it can make the difference between a bad place to work and one that’s top-ranked for overall quality and compensation. With the man available levels of human resources degrees, students can advance very far in this field and adapt their skills to different workplaces, academic settings, and more.
