What Can You Do With a Human Resources Degree?

Ask any CEO about the key to a successful business, and you’ll probably hear a lot about people. No company can thrive without skilled, committed employees. But ensuring that a company finds the right people, and gives them the training and support they need to succeed, isn’t easy.

That’s where human resources (HR) professionals come in.

Deb Gogliettino is an associate dean of business at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) who has 25 years of experience in human resources leadership at the c-suite level. She said that over time, the role of HR has evolved into a strategic partnership with an organization.

"Today, I would define HR as the expert in fostering the evolution of organizations to meet the ever-changing demands of the business," Gogliettino said, "and addressing the challenges talent brings to the workforce every day."

To become an HR professional, you'll want to consider earning a human resources degree.

What is a Human Resources Degree?

A degree in human resources, which you can earn at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, introduces you to the ins and outs of the field and allows you to study and develop important skills. If you're wondering what degree you need for human resources, earning a bachelor's degree in human resources can be a good first step to building a career in a growing people-focused field.

Since human resources is broad and an important component of any organization, you can choose from many pathways, focusing on particular areas such as recruiting, workforce development training or compensation and benefits administration. A degree in human resources can help you explore these topics as well as HR fundamentals.

You can also learn the basics of how organizations recruit and retain a skilled workforce, including topics relating to:

• Benefits and compensation
• Employee safety
• Labor relations
• Workforce management

Another degree you could consider to build your HR skills is a bachelor's in business administration with a concentration in human resource management, as Nakia Woodard '23 did.

Woodard had some challenges in her educational journey though, due to her narcolepsy. "Imagine opening a book and then you can't read a few paragraphs without falling asleep," she said. "But overcoming it and saying 'it's not going to stop me anymore' was my biggest feat."

Woodard credits the university's accessibility team and advisors for their support throughout her studies. And with her degree completed and previous experience as a HR generalist, she said she aims to build a career in HR management.

HR programs may also incorporate scenario-based or experiential learning opportunities into their curriculum so you can gain experience in situations you may encounter in the field.

If you want to learn more about the world of HR without committing to a 4-year program, you might consider earning a certificate in human resources. You could also earn this certificate before you get a degree in HR.

For the most part, HR jobs require a bachelor’s degree. Some also demand specific certifications — some of which your bachelor's degree program could prepare you to earn. For example, SNHU's human resources program prepares you to sit for HRCI's Associate Professional in Human Resources^® (aPHR^®) certification — and offers an exam discount.

A master’s in human resources or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) could be worth it, too, if you're interested in positions that may require the credential, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

At SNHU, you also have the option to earn a specialized MBA in Human Resources.

What are HR Jobs Like?

"No matter what role you have in human resources you will always use problem-solving and critical thinking, analysis, creating solutions and active listening in your day," Gogliettino said.

As an HR professional, you may spend your workdays helping employees navigate the process of choosing an employer-sponsored health insurance package or writing a long-term plan for hiring and career development in a large organization.

"Most of my colleagues, when asked, would say that life in human resources is something different every day," Gogliettino said. "I think for most roles the work is a combination of steady and unknown which makes human resources fun." 

So, is getting a degree in HR worth it? It can be if broadening your career options through additional skills and knowledge or positioning you for different possible paths is your goal.

7 Jobs to Consider With a Human Resources Degree

According Gogliettino, the role you pursue in human resources should depend on your individual interests, skills, experience and level of education.

"Those interested in human resources have to be willing to start at the entry point and understand that all roles in human resources are important because the work influences the workforce and the organization every day," she said.

Here are several job specialties to consider in human resources:

Compensation, Benefits and Job Analysis Specialists

The role of compensation, benefits or job analysis specialist typically demands some work experience as well as a bachelor’s degree, according to BLS. If you're an HR specialist with a knack for research and data analysis, you may find this work is right up your alley.

The job usually includes learning about and comparing benefit policies and plans, classifying position descriptions to set fair salaries, making sure the company complies with legal requirements and preparing reports on all of this for managers and other HR professionals. BLS reports that median pay in this field was $74,530 in 2023, with a 7% job growth through 2033.*

Compensation and Benefits Managers

As a compensation and benefits manager, you might choose and manage benefits vendors, insurance brokers and investment managers, in addition to researching questions around pay and benefits, according to BLS. You could also design compensation plans, including incentive structures and commission rates, and create strategic plans that balance recruitment and retention with a company's budget requirements.

The compensation and benefits manager role had a median salary of $136,380 in 2023, according to BLS.*

Human Resources Specialists

In this role, you'd represent the front line in a company's recruitment of skilled workers. You might handle all or part of the process of hiring new recruits, from writing and placing job advertisements to interviewing candidates, checking references and bringing new hires on board. Often, HR specialists also deal with a variety of matters for current employees, including managing payroll, answering questions about company benefits and training workers both on job-specific skills and company policy.

HR specialists help employees understand their value at work as well as how their interests align with those of the employer. They also work on recruitment and develop compensation plans and training programs to give employees the chance to keep learning and growing on the job, BLS reports.

To qualify for this work, applicants usually need a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business or a related field. The median pay for the job was $67,650 in 2023, with an 8% job growth through 2033, according to BLS.*

Human Resources Managers

After working in human resources or a related field for a few years, you could move up to a management position. In some cases, making that jump may also require a master’s degree. Human resources managers earned a median salary of $136,350 in 2023, with a 6% job growth expected through 2033, according to the BLS.*

In this professional role, you'd take on strategic as well as day-to-day responsibilities. You could plan and oversee benefits programs, work with upper management to determine the best ways to use employees’ skills, and take charge of policies for recruitment, dispute mediation and disciplinary measures.

Learn more about how to become a human resources manager.

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Labor Relations Specialists

In some fields where there are more unions involved, working as a labor relations specialist can be a good career choice. The median salary for these positions was $89,980 in 2023, BLS reported.* You could work alongside union representatives and the organization's management to ensure agreements relating to employee issues such as pay, benefits, pensions and management practices are upheld, according to BLS.

These specialists require the ability to interpret labor contracts and possess decision-making and listening skills, among others.

Training and Development Specialists

One specialization for HR professionals with excellent opportunities for career advancement is training and development. The median salary for this role was $64,340 in 2023, and these positions are expected to grow 12% through 2033 — faster than the average job.*

In this role, you'd work with executives, managers and employees to determine what skills workers need and then design, organize and carry out training programs, BLS said. You might lead team-building exercises, develop course materials or create videos for training. Online and mobile training programs are a particular area of growing demand.

Training and Development Managers

To become a training and development manager, BLS noted you typically need a bachelor's degree, but some positions may require you to have a master's degree. You could become a training and development manager once you have five or more years of job experience, according to the BLS.

In this role, you'd play a strategic part at your firm by planning training programs and helping your team to carry them out, BLS reported. You would also plan and implement training budgets, assess training needs for your employees, update existing training programs and more.

Training and development specialists, according to BLS, had a median annual salary of $125,040 in 2023 with a 7% job growth through 2033.*

Is a Career in Human Resources Worth It?

If you have a passion for people and an interest in supporting employees and advancing talent in an organization, a career in human resources could be the perfect fit for you. "The most rewarding reason to pursue a career in human resources is the opportunity to make a difference by helping others to thrive," said Lisa Jammer, an adjunct instructor for business programs at SNHU.

There are several pathways you can take as you build or advance your career in HR, and the field is continuing to evolve to meet the needs of a changing society and current events.

"The role of a human resource professional is more valuable than ever as organizations strive to retain their talent during the Great Resignation, attract top talent, upskill and reskill their workforce, and manage a hybrid work environment while enhancing employee engagement," Jammer said.

Regardless of your particular talents and interests — from running quantitative analyses of salary trends to finding and recruiting talented new employees and ensuring teams are thriving — there’s likely to be a role in HR that’s right for you.

*Cited job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Actual salaries and/or earning potential may be the result of a combination of factors including, but not limited to: years of experience, industry of employment, geographic location, and worker skill.

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Alexa Gustavsen '21 is a content facilitator and writer at Southern New Hampshire University. Based in New Hampshire, she completed her bachelor's in creative writing and English on campus at NH. Currently, she is pursuing her master's in marketing online at the university. Connect with her on LinkedIn.