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What is Human Resources?

Human resources is an area of study and practice that prepares individuals for a career in business through the management of people, benefits packages, hiring practices, and the influencing the direction of policies that affect employees. Increasingly, human resources works with business administrators in determining business practices and how to better manage employees and their expectations, which in turn has led to an expanding role in the workplace.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$64,780

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

42.77%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

605,040

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Human Resources Degree

Established in 1851, this private university began upon its affiliation with some Methodist Episcopal members. Considering themselves as non-denominational, the university is the third-largest higher education institution in the USA, falling behind Harvard and the University of Michigan. It has two existing campuses located in Evanston and Chicago and one satellite campus in Qatar. Its Evanston’s main campus spans 240 acres for which almost all undergraduate programs were offered. Currently, the university holds about 22,000 students including undergraduate and postgraduate students. Notable faculty and alumni have been awarded Nobel Prize Laureates, Pulitzer Prize, National Medal of Science, and Olympic Medals. 

The Kellogg School of Management is provided with masters, doctoral, certificate, and executive education programs inclined for those who want to improve their knowledge of business and management. Depending on one’s specification, programs are tailored to what you needed. The Fundamentals of Human Resources is a certificate course designed for those professionals who plan on transitioning their careers in the human resources industry. Moreover, the SHRM Certification is an accredited course for HR professionals who want to excel in their careers in the field. It’s a 36-hour program that aims specifically to provide comprehensive HR knowledge. It reduces the MBA route which could last for years if one just wants to enhance its HR skills. 

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

This private Ivy League university was founded by Sen. Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White. A private land-grant university, this university was named after the senator who donated a huge lump of money and farm property to build a school. It's divided into seven undergraduate and seven graduate programs offering more than 100 programs of study. Its Ithaca campus located on East Hill overlooking New York City and Cayuga Lake spans more than 2,300 acres. Apart from this, it has two satellite medical campuses in New York and an international campus in Qatar. Cornell has a very low student acceptance rate at 10% with a semester-based enrollment of about 24,000. Considered to be one of the best research universities in the world, it has been involved in related research in space exploration, advanced and cloud computing, and nuclear physics. Notable alumni from this university include 61 Nobel laureates, 55 Olympic medalists, 35 living billionaires, and 34 Marshall scholars. 

Under the School of Industrial Labor and Relations (ILR), Cornell offers a master's degree in Human Resource studies which focuses on HR-related functions including key aspects on leadership, decision making, and conflict resolution. This 16 total course program consists of six core courses, six concentration courses, and at least four elective courses. Moreover, Cornell also offers an online-based 15 monthly executive program of Masters in Human Resource Management (EMHRM) for those who have more than 8 years of experience in any related professional career. 

Acceptance Rate

10.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

This private research university is the oldest institution of Catholic or Jesuit roots in the USA. It was established in 1789 by Bishop John Carroll upon conducting several meetings with the local clergy on the creation of a new university. It has four campuses, the main campus, the downtown campus, the law center campus, and a Qatar campus. Aside from that, it has academic centers abroad including two in Italy.  Its 104-acre main campus is situated overlooking the Potomac River, a few minutes from downtown Washington. This institution comprises ten undergraduate and graduate programs with more than 48 majors being offered. ‘

The School of Continuing Studies offers Masters in Human Resources Management that could be accessible through online or on-campus learning. This 33-credit course comprises two core, three foundation, and six elective courses. Four concentration courses of study could be chosen according to the student’s preference. Could be completed for at most two years, this program is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Education and Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM).  

Acceptance Rate

14.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

This private research university was founded in 1876 and named after its first benefactor, John Hopkins. Considered as the first research university in the USA, its system of teaching instructions are mostly research-based receiving funding of more than $2.5 billion. It has five existing campuses in the USA with international centers in Italy, China, and Singapore. Its programs are structured into ten divisions with more than 100 undergraduate programs and certifications offered. A founding member of the American Association of Universities, this institution admits more than 26,000 students per semester. Ranked number 3 amongst most cited research institutions in the world, Johns Hopkins has been receiving continuous funding in science, medical, and engineering research. 

The Carey School of Business offers MBA programs centered on business courses with immersion in research and technology on its curriculum. These programs are often flexible, could be accomplished through online or on-classroom learning setup. Otherwise, the institution doesn’t have a specific degree program for human resources. Nonetheless, a good option is to proceed on any MBA program or take any master of science programs to learn general knowledge of business and human relations. Depending on the setup, these programs could be earned for at most two years of studying. 

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

This private university started in 1853 through numerous funding from various business, religious, and political leaders in St. Louis. Named after the US first president, it consists of four campuses with its main campus, the Danforth spans 300 acres. Located in Greater St. Louis, Missouri, it's organized with seven undergraduate and graduate schools among more than 50 interdisciplinary programs. It incorporates a student population of 15,000 with almost half of it enrolled in undergraduate programs. Ranked as the seventh most cited institution in research publications throughout the world, the university has a 1,000-acre research center opened specifically for research in vast fields including biology, medicine, and technology. 

The Master of Arts in Human Resources Management is a 36 unit program that directs on managing people and organizational development. Furthermore, it prepares students in key operational areas such as human relations and communications, compensation and benefits, and staffing and retention. The study is designed for HR professionals which gained experience in human resources. For those opting for a non-degree study, the Advanced Certificate in Human Resources Management is a 9 credit units program that’s available fully online or in-classroom. 

Acceptance Rate

13.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

This public research university was founded in December 1801 by an act of the South Carolina General Assembly to promote peace between the Lowcountry and Backcountry portions of South Carolina. Located in Columbia, South Carolina, its main campus referred to as the Horseshoe spans 359 acres which include a student union, 24 residence halls, various academic buildings, and sports facilities. It is mainly organized into 14 colleges and schools with more than 350 programs of study being offered. The largest university in South Carolina, it has a student population of about 35,000. USC is most known for its extensive Robert Burns and Scottish literature materials collection, and the world’s largest Ernest Hemingway collection. 

Established in 1983, the 16 month Masters of Human Resources degree of USC offers a strong academic background in business, management, and human resources. Its curriculum is practically made to gain insights on HR-related real-world experiences. The 45 credit masters program comprises core HR courses, electives, and a paid internship that could take at least one year and a half of study. Provides numerous opportunities to its graduates, alumni most often get employed on HR-related functions such as attraction and retention, employee relations, and compensation and benefits. 

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

This private college was established in 1859 as Union Female College. It later changed the name in 1910 after receiving accreditation to become a junior college in 1917. Formerly affiliated with the Baptist community, it has separated after the university changes its position towards acceptance of homosexuality. Located in Danville, Virginia, it has three existing campuses scattered around the same area. The 19-acre main campus offers associate and undergraduate degree programs in approximately 30 majors. Moreover, it has two master’s degrees and adult education programs. Having an undergraduate population of less than 2000, this university has a 54% student acceptance rate. 

The MBA in Human Resource Management is a 40 credit hour pathway exclusive for working professionals pursuing a career in human resources. It’s a flexible program, 100% online formatted with accelerated completion to easily take courses one at a time. It covers advanced business concepts including finance, marketing, and the global economy with specializations in recruitment, hiring, employee benefits, and conflict negotiation or resolution. The curriculum entails basic coursework emphasizing the practical application of theories and research projects.  

Acceptance Rate

23.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

This public research university was established in 1819 through the recommendation of the US President, Thomas Jefferson who wants to establish a liberal and extensively science-based university without being involved in a certain sect or religion. It currently is divided into eight undergraduate and three professional schools with more than 121 majors being offered. Located in Charlottesville, Virginia, its 1100 acre campus known as ‘the Ground’ is popular for its Jeffersonian architecture for which has inspired a lot of colleges and universities in the USA. Moreover, it has a 562 acre UVA Research Park and 2913 acre Moven Farm which houses several research activities in the university. UVA has about 25,000 students of which 17,000 are taking undergraduate studies and the rest are graduate students. 

The Darden School of Business offers a full-time MBA program for responsible business leaders and managers who want to get ahead of their careers. After the first year of study, students get to choose about eleven different core concentrations including marketing, entrepreneurship, and supply chain management. It also has an experiential learning experience for a hands-on training experience with real companies outside classroom learning. For human resource majors, a 12-month certificate program was previously offered in this university. 

Acceptance Rate

23.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Started in 1909 by Andrew Carnegie, this private university was formed as a vocational-technical school intended for sons and daughters of middle-class workers. In 1967, through the support of Paul Mellon, the school was merged with the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research to become what is now. Its 140-acre main campus is situated in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania organized into seven undergraduate schools with the various bachelor and master's degree programs being offered. Apart from that, it has satellite campuses in other places in the world including one in Qatar and Silicon Valley. Integrated with more than 20 research partnerships, it has the highest recognition for research in software engineering and robotics.  

The Tepper School of Business serves undergraduate, executive education, and graduate programs. Otherwise, there is no specific program for Human Resources. Nonetheless, other programs could be chosen as an alternative. Its undergraduate program in business focuses on the intersection of business, technology, and analytics. Most courses are structured to introduce students to masters in technology-based business programs. Its online or on-campus MBA program could be taken for 21 to 32 months depending on the setup of the study. Concentration areas for the MBA program include organization management and organizational behavior of which students seeking a career in human resources could be specialized. 

Acceptance Rate

15.44

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

This public research university, often referred to as Public Ivy was established in 1795 and one of the oldest public universities in the USA. Its university town located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina spans 729 acres comprising two central quads namely Polk and McCorkle Place. Informally, it's divided into three regions including the north, middle, and south campuses. Regarded as one of the most selective universities in the USA in terms of acceptance rate, this university enrolls more than 28,000 students. It currently offers 71 bachelors, 107 masters, and 74 doctoral degree programs. Notable alumni from this university include a US president and vice president, nine Nobel Prize laureates, and 51 Rhodes Scholars. 

The Kenan Flagler School of Business offers undergraduate, MBA, and executive development programs for its students seeking a career in business and management. Its undergraduate business degree consists of an area of emphasis selected based on one’s desired career trajectory. For those opting for human resource careers, either choosing consulting, marketing management and sales, and operations would be most recommended. Moreover, the school provides executive development programs that aim to help businesses develop strategies to solve business-related problems. Its programs are intended as individual or organizational learning including business and talent management, strategies for negotiation and power, and business analytics. 

Acceptance Rate

22.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

This private university started as a medical college in 1834. It became a university in 1847 through a state legislature chartered by the federal government. Its name was derived from the philanthropist, Paul Tulane who made major contributions to the school. Its urban 110-acre campus is situated in uptown New Orleans on St. Charles Avenue. Apart from this campus, the institution has satellite campuses in Mississippi and certain parts of the world including Shanghai, Taipei, Chile, and Colombia. The ninth oldest private university in the Association of American Universities, it admits about 14,000 students which is the most selective acceptance in the state of Louisiana. Notable graduates from this university include a former president of Costa Rica, four living billionaires, two Nobel laureates, and two Surgeon Generals in the USA. 

The School of Professional Advancement Studies offers a 15 credit hour Professional Certificate in Human Resource Development that will expand the knowledge of HR professionals to manage business organizations, in particular, to plan, recruit, appraise, and compensate resources. Moreover, for those undergraduate students pursuing this career path, the Management Major will help students gain a basic understanding of several business topics including human resources, ethics, and negotiation. The curriculum includes core business courses, electives, and two available tracks, Consulting and Entrepreneurship of which students could choose one. 

Acceptance Rate

12.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

This private research university was founded in 1839 by Methodists as a theological school in Newbury, Vermont. By 1867, it transferred to Boston, Massachusetts upon the trustees' purchase of the relocation site. Departing from its Methodist roots, the university remains its historical affiliation with the United Methodist Church. Its 135-acre urban campus holds about 17 schools and colleges. Aside from its campus in Boston, the university has regional campuses in London, Los Angeles, and Paris. Mainly a research university, it receives funding from several government-related and private institutions including the National Science Foundation and US Department of Defense. The main focus of its research programs including fields of neuroscience, data science, urban health, and global health. 

The online MS in Human Resources Management program presents a broad perspective on human business relations, organization, and communication through its continuity strategic approach to learning. Its 12 course or 48 credit program consists of core, elective, and specialization courses that could be finished after one to two years of study. To be recognized by Boston University and get accredited as a Certified Employee Benefit Specialist after graduation, one must be able to study additional eight courses or 32 credit programs of study.

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

This private research university started in 1831 through the efforts of Albert Gallatin. Its urban Manhattan campus spans 230 acres spreading across more than 171 buildings in between Manhattan and Brooklyn. Additionally, it has 12 academic centers scattered throughout the world and 10 research institutes. This university receives one of the largest external funding amongst institutions in the USA. Though it has a very strict admission process, it remains to be the largest private university in the USA with a student population of more than 50,000. Notable alumni from this university include 38 Nobel Laureates, 7 Olympic medalists, 17 billionaires, and 12 Grammy Award Winners. 

The School of Professional Studies offers Masters in Human Resource Management and Development that will help business professionals to recruit and seek talents efficiently. This 42-credit program consists of 8 core courses, a student elective course, and a required capstone research project. Specialization credit courses that could be chosen include Human Capital Management, Global Talent Management, and Organizational Effectiveness. Boasting its 95.3% employment rate six months after graduation,  major companies that hire alumni include Amazon, Colgate-Palmolive, Estee Lauder, New York Times, and Pfizer. 

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

This private liberal arts university was established in 1830 by Rev. Edward Baptist, one of the founders of the Baptist Christian Church. It's organized into five different schools and colleges fitted to its 350-acre suburban campus in Richmond, Virginia. Apart from that, it has a small downtown campus operated with few classrooms, offices, and conference rooms. Offering more than 100 major courses, it has an undergraduate and graduate student population of about 4,000 coming from states of Virginia, New England, and mid-Atlantic regions in the USA. A lot of its students received financial aid from the government and other private institutions. 

The School of Professional and Continuing Studies offers a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management. Comprising 120 semester hours, its courses are divided into professional, required, and focus courses that could be selected depending on expertise or specialization. Apart from that, a 30 semester hours master's and 18 semester hours graduate certificate program could be taken after or during the study of an undergraduate degree. Nonetheless, these programs could be studied online or on-campus depending on one’s education preference. 

Acceptance Rate

28.33

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

This private research university began in 1937 through the endowment of the entrepreneur, George Pepperdine. Previously known as the George Pepperdine College, it's originally located in South Los Angeles before expanding in Malibu. Its main campus spans 830 acres organized into five schools and colleges offering more than 60 major and minor programs. Moreover, it has international academic centers in Argentina, China, Germany, and Switzerland. Currently, this denominational university maintains its affiliation with the Churches of Christ and has Christian-related courses offered for almost all programs.  Student enrollment is about 7,900 with more than half taking undergraduate studies. Known alumni whose institution's alma mater includes several actors, politicians, business leaders, and athletes. 

The Masters of Science in Human Resources introduces the basic concepts of talent management that cover practical application and lecture-based training useful in dealing with real-world day to day problems. Could be earned through online or on-campus based learning, the program requires two years related HR experience accomplished in one year of study. Accredited by AACSB, classes are aligned with the Society of Human Resources Management curriculum. A pathway to an MBA program is also offered to require at least 31 units for completion. 

Acceptance Rate

31.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Located in Coral Gables, Florida, this private institution was established in 1925. Its 453-acre suburban campus, south of downtown Miami holds about seven schools and two colleges. Moreover, it has separate medical and marine campuses of which situates also around the Miami area. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, it received a student enrollment of about 40,000 with an acceptance rate of 33%. It is mostly known for the extensive Otto Richter Library which includes more than 3.4 million volumes, 87,000 current serial titles, and 75,000 electric books and journals. According to the 2021 issue of US News & World Reports, UMiami ranks 49th amongst the best universities in the USA. 

The 120 credit BBA in Human Resource Management is a four-year degree program that prepares students to seek a career in human resources. This includes retention, recruitment, and maximizing human capital for business improvement or benefit. Apart from that, the university offers an SHRM certification that’s designed to expand and test an HR professional’s knowledge of practical business competencies. Its exam-type accreditation consists of 130 to 150 questions which are approximately about 3 hours in duration. Upon passing the exam, this credential will only be valid for three years. 

Acceptance Rate

27.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

This public university is the flagship institution of the University of Maryland System. UMD started in 1856 as an agricultural college chartered by the US Congress. It stands on a suburban campus sized at 1340 acres recognized for its red-brick Georgian infrastructures and ‘The Mall’ of which is the largest academic mall in the USA. It currently holds about twelve schools and colleges offering more than 200-degree programs including 92 undergraduate majors, 107 master's programs, and 83 doctoral programs. The largest university in the Washington and metropolitan region, it admits over 41,000 students of which three-fourths are taking undergraduate studies. Often compared to an Ivy League University, the UMD has strategically received research funding and support from NASA, the FDA, and the Department of Homeland and Security. 

Under the Department of Management and Organization, the doctoral program in Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management is offered to explore behaviors of organizations and individuals to improve human capital and achieve the company’s goals. Taken for at least two years, this 22 credit hour course comprises major courses, research tools, and a dissertation. Business professionals that are previously enrolled in the master's program of any business and management course meeting the grade requirement could be admitted for the doctoral program. 

Acceptance Rate

44.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

One of the oldest universities in the USA, this public college was founded in 1785 from the endowment of the governor of Georgia. Consequently, it’s the first university in the USA to gain a charter. It's considered a Public Ivy mainly located in Athens, Georgia. It has six existing campuses with off-campus facilities including a 313-acre botanical garden preserve and an athletic coliseum for sports training and events. With a total area of 41,539 acres, its main campus consists of more than 465 academic buildings and research facilities. The architectural styles of most infrastructures are classical and federal with touches of modernism. This prestigious university has a selective process of acceptance with approximately about 39,000 students admitted for the current enrollment.

The BBA in Management at UGA is a four-year undergraduate program focusing on skills in the industry, management consulting, and entrepreneurial careers. Its 120 credit hour curriculum is a four-year plan incorporated with management majors and electives of choice. Also, it includes an internship during the last year of study. Area of emphasis in Human Resource Analytics is an option to consider. Students who chose this emphasis will learn essential topics in recruitment, selection, training, and development, and compensation. Moreover, an MBA program could be pursued after taking the undergraduate program. Otherwise, there are MBA flexible options for those part-timers or taking evening classes. 

Acceptance Rate

45.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

This private research university was founded in 1821 through a chartered act of the US Congress. It's named after the first president of the United States of America who advocated the establishment of a national university in 1790. Located in Washington DC, this urban set university stands at 43 acres which includes three integrated campuses in the same area. The university is organized into 14 colleges and schools offering more than seventy program disciplines. Named as the ‘Most Politically Active School’ in the USA by Princeton Review, this university has about 28,000 students enrolled. Notable alumni in this university include 27 US Senators, five Nobel laureates, two Academy winners, and one Golden Globe winner. 

Under the College of Business, the Master of Human Resource Management is a 30 credit hour program comprising core (15 credits) courses, required courses (3 credits), and elective courses (12 credits). This program could be taken for two to four years depending on the study setup chosen either online, on-campus, or hybrid. A career in human resource management seeks professional interest in the role of human capital that plays a major portion in an organization. Students upon taking this program could learn the latest human capital theories and different practices for leadership and employee development. 

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

This private university started in 1893 upon chartered by an Act of Congress and through the efforts of Methodist bishop Jan Fletcher Hurst. It is located in Washington D.C with a 90-acre campus on Ward Circle in the Spring Valley neighborhood of northwest DC. It also has a separate Tenley campus located half a mile east of the main campus.  This university consists of eight colleges and schools offering more than 160 programs including 71 bachelor's degrees, 87 master's degrees, and 10 doctoral degrees. Its student population goes at about 14,000 with about 8,000 undergraduates and 5,700 postgraduates. Notably, the university is one of the best schools in which the US Foreign Service hires its employees. 

The School of Professional and Extended Studies offers two certificate programs namely Essentials of Human Resources and HR Management that could be accomplished through its five to thirteen week online courses. Designed for HR practitioners and specialists, its curriculum has been developed by the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM). Moreover, the university also provides a 30 credit program in Masters in Human Resource Analytics and Management that could be finished upon 20 months of study. 

Acceptance Rate

36.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

This public land grant university was founded as Storrs Agricultural School in 1881. Later on, upon an endowment, the land was granted and became Connecticut’s premier agricultural college and then it became a university in 1939. This university has six campuses, of which the primary campus named ‘Storrs Campus’ spans 4,400 acres. Nonetheless, this campus hosts the largest public collection of books in the state. UConn offers more than 100 majors, eight undergraduate degrees, 17 graduate degrees, and five professional degree programs. The flagship university in New England admits more than 27,000 students annually with various clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities that students could be interested in. 

UConn’s MS in Human Resource Management is uniquely offered for working professionals who want to extend their knowledge on any business-related program including human resource, marketing, and finance. Also, its curriculum imparts a capstone project that will help students identify a major problem or issue in the human resources field.  Its 33 credit part-time curriculum is committed to delivering academic excellence through its research, lecture-based, and experiential learning instructions. 

Acceptance Rate

49.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

This private research university started in 1841 at St. John’s College. It’s the oldest Catholic and Jesuit University in the northeastern portion of the USA. Founded by the Irish-born bishop named John Hughes, this university is the third oldest university in the state of New York. Its main campus, the Rose Hill spans 85 acres with three small campuses scattered along the Manhattan region.  Apart from that, it has academic centers in London, Spain, and South Africa. It comprises ten colleges, four of which are for undergraduate and six are for postgraduate studies. It offers more than 60 programs over different disciplines. 

Part of the School of Professional and Continuing Studies, the Human Resource Management Certification is a globally accredited program certified by the Society of Human Resource and Management (SHRM). This 8-week program offers an intensive curriculum facilitating professional advancement in human resources and management. This certificate program is currently open for enrollment, scheduled usually every Saturday at the Rose Hill campus. 

Acceptance Rate

45.88

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Ohio State is a public university established in 1870 through a charter championed by the Republican governor, Rutherford Hayes. The third-largest university in the USA, the total area of this university spans about 16,000 acres. Its 1,665-acre main campus is located in Columbus, Ohio of which buildings mix with traditional and modern architectural styles. Comprising more than 20 colleges and schools, it operates also with regional campuses in Lima, Mansfield, and Wooster. Its main campus admits about 60,000 students with a very selective acceptance program. Considered as a ‘Public Ivy League School’, alumni of this university include Nobel Prize recipients, Olympic Gold Medalists, and UFC Champions. 

The Department of Management and Human Resources offers undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs with human resources. An undergraduate degree in Business Administration caters to 12 specializations including human resources. Graduate studies in a master's degree consist of 14-week semester courses that could be taken part-time or full-time. Its combined BSBA/MHRM program allows students to finish masters in the five-year study. Nonetheless, the doctoral program focuses on research activities with a total of 80 credit hours of study. 

Acceptance Rate

53.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

This public research university was established in 1854 by the residents of the Seattle area headed by a Methodist preacher. It's one of the oldest universities on the West Coast with existing five campuses scattered within the area. Located primarily in Seattle, Washington, its main campus spans about 703 acres with astounding views of the Cascade Range on the east and the Olympic Mountains of the West. It's organized into 18 schools and colleges through its over 140 departments offering undergraduate, master's, and certificate degrees. Having been listed as a ‘Public Ivy’, its constantly been ranked as one of the top universities in the world. 

The Foster School of Business provides undergraduate and graduate programs for students who want to pursue a pathway towards business leadership and entrepreneurship. Its BS Business Administration course could be completed through taking its 72 credit hour curriculum with residency requirements before graduation. Its MBA program is a flexible curriculum that could be taken full-time, part-time, and evening classes. This two-year program is mainly designed for professionals who want to upgrade their knowledge of leadership and management. Personalized leadership roadmaps and coaching are available for this program. 

Acceptance Rate

51.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

This public land-grant university was founded by Thomas Green Clemson in 1838. It was built to teach agriculture and mechanical arts in South Carolina. Located in Clemson, South Carolina, its main campus spans 1400 acres consisting of seven schools and colleges offering undergraduate, master's, and certificate programs. A highly known research institute, this university has a 250 acre automotive and motorsports research campus and a 17,500 acre Clemson Experimental Forest used for experiential learning and experimental research. The second-largest university in the student population in South Carolina, Clemson has a total of 20,000 undergraduates and 5,600 graduates. The university partners with private companies including Microsoft, IBM, and Siemens for funding on their research. 

The Department of Management at Clemson University offers a Bachelor of Science in Management that allows students to choose one of the seven emphasis areas. Otherwise, one of the areas to consider is Human Resource Management. This emphasis deals with gaining knowledge on HR related functions and outlining the potential problems or issues that could come along the way upon taking the career path. Internship opportunities are also available to all students with the top-notch potential employers in the USA. A BS to MS path will require students to add 12 graduate credit hours to graduate in master's studies. 

Acceptance Rate

51.26

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Top Human Resources Degrees

If you are considering earning a degree or certificate in human resources, you will need to understand your options prior to applying for admissions.  The programs can range from undergraduate certificates to doctorate degrees in human resources online and in classroom.  With the myriad options available, we have grouped the degree programs by level to help you quickly connect with schools offering degree programs that may be best for you.

Human Resources Online Certificates

Online and on-site certificate programs in human resources are found in two different variations: graduate certificates and undergraduate certificates. The undergraduate certificates in human resources is designed to provide students with little or no experience in the field with foundational classes to get familiar with the field of study.  Basic courses in business, psychology, communications, and sociology will help establish a foundation for additional knowledge and skills.

On the other hand, a graduate certificate in human resources is a tool used by experienced working professionals and/or qualifying students.  A graduate certificate is often used to upskill, prepare for a job transition, stay current on trends in the marketplace, or help professionals remain competitive in the field.

Graduate certificates online or in a classroom will focus on a particular area of study such as law, personnel management, leadership skills, training & development, compensation & benefits, occupational safety & health, managing a diverse workplace, organizational culture, and international human resource management.

Human Resources Associate's Degree

An online associate degree in human resources is a 2-year degree granting program conferred as an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS).  The program provides a mix of liberal arts education such as communications, philosophy, English composition, and math with core classes.

The core classes found in a human resources program will vary from school to school but will include general topics such as organizational design, communications, compensation, legal aspects, workforce planning, and development.  Students earning an associate’s degree in human resources will be equipped to continue on and earn a bachelor’s degree or join the workforce in an entry-level position or jobs such as a human resources specialist, advisor, recruiter, or job placement specialist.

Human Resources Bachelor's Degree

The bachelor’s degree in human resources can be earned online or in class.  A bachelor’s degree is a 4-year program for full-time students and will take longer for part-time students to complete the degree program as a function of course load and pace.   The bachelor’s degree is conferred as a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) depending on the school’s curricular design and accreditation requirements.

Much like an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree in human resources blends general education courses with core curriculum.  The core classes in a human resources degree will include classes such as: statistics, managerial accounting, financial accounting, international business, business law, corporate finance, principles of management, strategic planning, principles of marketing, human resources management, organizational ethics, operations management, principles of macroeconomics, compensation management, principles of microeconomics, and workforce planning.

Human Resources Master's Degree

An online master’s degree in human resources is conferred as a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) at most accredited colleges and universities.  The program will take 1-2 years to complete depending on the number of classes taken at a given time.  The master’s degree is a focused program in human resources intended to provide students with a highly specialized set of skills in a particular area of study.

Students can study to become specialists or a general human resource professionals.  Specializations include preparation for the following human resources certifications: Senior Certified Professional (SCP), Society for Human Resource Management Professional (SHRM-CP), Professional in Human Resources (PHR), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), or Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR).

General human resources students will take upper-level classes such as strategic marketing, legal issues, managerial finance, business research methods, accounting for decision making, organizational design & structure, global economics, operations management, workforce planning, human resource development, and compensation management.

PhD in Human Resources

The classroom-based doctorate program or online degree in human resources is a 3-5 year program that includes a board-approved dissertation project.  The doctorate degree in human resource management is conferred as a PhD or a PhD in Business at the majority of schools.

Colleges will provide students with rigorous courses in upper-level programs such as: applied systems thinking, mechanics of decision making, research theory & design, organization behavior, strategic thinking, human capital development, qualitative reasoning, conflict resolution, quantitative reasoning, strategic allocation, supply chain management, quality management, and productivity.

Human Resources Requirements

A degree in human resources may obtained at various levels of education with some institutions providing programs that begins at the baccalaureate level. Such programs are relatively new, and focus on the increasing importance of human resources in the workplace.

Currently human resources as a specialization is often pursued primarily at the graduate degree level and is designed to offer growth in knowledge, abilities and skills to those already operating within the human resources field. This is an interdisciplinary degree combining social sciences, behavioral science and business. Some courses that may be offered include:

  • Planning and Development
  • Compensation and Benefits
  • Labor Law
  • Employee Health and Safety
  • Human Resource Management

Employment Opportunities for HR Managers

Human resource employees work in almost every industry and are responsible for hiring, firing, benefits and recruitment. Certification is available to those who seek to increase their skill set and earnings potential, but is not necessary. Over time the job has expanded to include various important tasks within the business environment.

These tasks include:

  • Increase Productivity
  • Enhance Morale
  • Improve Performance
  • Training
  • Limit Turnover
Most Popular Jobs for Human Resource Managers

Human resource workers may choose to specialize in a particular area of human resources. Such individuals will perform tasks as outlined by their specialization, utilizing specific skills and knowledge obtained through training to complete their assignments and perform their duties. Specializations are beneficial for individuals and businesses as they allow focus on specific areas without burdening an individual by having them deal with a large number of tasks in a variety of functions.

  • Employment Interviewers: Responsible for the hiring of individuals to positions within a given company. Interviewers will conduct interviews with candidates and will suggest candidates to employers based on the results of the interview.
  • Labor Relations Specialists: Responsible for developing contracts, discussing and evaluating employee grievances, working with labor unions on disputes, and assisting in determining wages, salaries, health care packages, pensions and more.
  • Placement Specialists: Responsible for identifying individuals that match the needs of companies. They are also known as headhunters. These individuals are typically privy to positions recently opened and not yet advertised, often seeking out qualified individuals to quickly fill the hole left by an the departure of a previous employee. Primarily specialize in higher level management positions, though some work at placement for middle and low level positions.
  • Recruitment Specialists: Responsible for identifying and vetting talented individuals through postings, job fairs, campus visits, and more. These individuals look for potential employees to fill out entry level positions, typically reviewing and hiring students out of college. Additional responsibilities typically include verifying information given on applications, contacting references, and making job offers.
  • Human Resources Generalist: These individuals fulfill many of the above stated roles in their day to day routine. They are generally employed by smaller companies due to necessity and convenience. These individuals have a strong understanding of the different facets of human resources, but do not specialize in any single part. Such individuals will have a multitude of skills due to the needs of the company.

Human Resources Salary & Outlook

The average salary for someone working in human resources varies widely based on position and specialization. For example, human resources managers average $106,910 per year where job analysis specialists average $54,000 per year.

Jobs in human resources are expected to grow at a rate of 13% which is twice the national average.  This growth will translate to some 46,600 job openings over the coming decade provide opportunities for employment and job growth.  Overall qualified individuals should be able to obtain work, particularly in larger organizations that require large human resources departments in order to maintain daily operations.

Largest Employers of Human Resource Managers

  • Management Companies           20,080
  • Local Government Agencies          8,110
  • Employment Services Firms         5,060
  • Medical and Surgical Hospitals    4,280
  • Computer Design Firms                 4,270

 States with the Highest Employment of Human Resource Managers

  • California           16,190
  • New York           10,100
  • Illinois                  9,020
  • Texas                    6,670
  • Massachusetts    5,090

Top Paying States for Human Resource Managers

  1. New Jersey                     $157,110
  2. District of Columbia     $149,170
  3. Rhode Island                  $147,890
  4. New York                        $142,720
  5. Colorado                         $149,530
Human Resources Associations

If you are interested in obtaining a human resource degree you may also want to consider a degree in business administration, human resources development, or international business.  More domain-specific information can be found by researching associations and organizations in HR.  We recommend starting with the SHRM, Management Association (MA), and the National Human Resources Association (NHRA).

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