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Human Resources Degrees: What to Expect for a Successful Human Resource Career

Human Resources Degrees: What to Expect for a Successful Human Resource Career

Updated on 21 December, 2024

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• 11 min read

Table of Contents

What Is a Human Resources Degree? Understanding the Basics
What Degrees Are Available in Human Resources? Explore Your Options
How to Choose the Right Human Resources Degree for You?
Human Resources Degree vs. General Business Degree: Key Differences
Why Pursue a Human Resource Career? Discover the Benefits
What Can You Do with a Human Resources Degree? Career Paths Explained
Advance Your Human Resource Career with Top Online Courses from upGrad

Did you know the term "human resources" was first popularized in the 1960s? That’s when businesses began to view employees as vital assets. This new perspective made HR a cornerstone of company success.

HR isn’t just about managing payroll or conducting interviews. It’s a dynamic field that shapes company culture, nurtures talent, and fuels organizational growth. Yet, many aspiring HR professionals feel overwhelmed by the choices and opportunities.

Here’s the good news. With the right human resources degree, you can carve out a fulfilling career that matches your passion for people and processes. This blog will guide you through the options and help you understand what it takes to succeed.

By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly where to start. Now, let’s uncover how a career in HR can make you stand out in today’s workplace!

What Is a Human Resources Degree? Understanding the Basics

A human resources degree is a specialized program designed to prepare individuals for managing people, training workforces, and driving organizational growth. These programs focus on equipping students with the tools to create effective workplace management strategies, handle complex interpersonal dynamics, and contribute to a company's success.

It also equips students with the knowledge to use modern tools like HR analytics software, AI-based recruitment platforms, and employee engagement systems to streamline processes and improve outcomes.

Skills You Gain with an HR Degree

Pursuing an HR degree develops essential skills that are in high demand. Here are some of them:

Talent Acquisition and HR Management: Learn to attract, recruit, and retain top talent for organizational success.
Conflict Resolution: Gain expertise in resolving workplace disputes and fostering a harmonious environment.
Employee Training: Understand how to design and implement effective on-the-job training programs.
Performance Management: Develop strategies to assess and improve employee performance using data analytics.
HR Strategy and Leadership: Build leadership skills to create and execute long-term HR strategies.

Take the leap into HR management – Explore upGrad's comprehensive management courses and boost your career now! You will set yourself up to take on management roles as you expand your skill set with these courses.

Also Read: How to Become an HR Professional: Key Steps, Skills, and Certifications

Now that you understand what an HR degree covers, let’s look at the different types of degrees you can pursue based on your career aspirations.

What Degrees Are Available in Human Resources? Explore Your Options

Education plays a pivotal role in the HR field. HR degrees cater to various career levels and specializations, enabling individuals to develop skills that match their professional aspirations. Many programs now also introduce students to basic programming skills and tools like SQL and Python to analyze employee data effectively.

Whether you’re just starting or aiming for leadership roles, there’s an HR degree to fit your goals.

Associate Degree in Human Resources

An Associate Degree in Human Resources offers a strong foundation in key HR areas like recruitment, employee relations, and organizational behaviour, preparing students for various HR roles. Here's a breakdown of the program:

Duration	2 years (full-time)
Focus	Fundamentals of HR and employee management.
Key Courses	Introduction to HR, Recruitment Basics, Business Ethics.
Benefits	Quick path to entry-level roles, cost-effective education.

Also Read: Human Resource Management Subjects & Syllabus

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources

A Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources builds on foundational HR knowledge, covering advanced topics like talent management, employee development, and strategic HR planning. This program prepares students for leadership roles in HR.

Here's an overview of the program:

Duration	4 years (full-time)
Focus	Comprehensive understanding of HR principles and practices.
Key Courses	Workforce Planning, Labor Laws, Performance Management.
Benefits	Prepares you for mid-level HR roles, offers specialization opportunities.

Also Read: How to Increase the Productivity of your Employees?

Master’s Degree in Human Resources

A Master’s Degree in Human Resources offers advanced knowledge in areas like organizational development, HR strategy, and leadership. This program prepares students for senior HR roles and strategic decision-making. Here's an overview of the program:

Duration	1–2 years (full-time or part-time)
Focus	Advanced HR strategies, leadership, and organizational development.
Key Courses	Strategic HRM, Leadership Development, Advanced Labor Relations.
Types of Degrees	Master’s in HR Management, MBA with HR Specialization.
Benefits	Opens doors to senior-level positions and global HR roles.

Also Read: What is Strategic Human Resource Management? Types, Functions, Examples

What Degrees Can You Take Up Instead of Human Resource Degrees?

If you're considering a career in HR but are exploring other options, several degrees can lead you to similar roles or provide complementary skills. Degrees in business, management, or psychology, for example, offer valuable insights into organizational behaviour, leadership, and communication.

Here are some alternatives to a Human Resources degree:

These certifications enable you to build critical HR skills without committing to a full degree program. They’re perfect for working professionals aiming to stay competitive and boost their careers quickly.

Also Read: Career Development in HRM: Meaning, Stages, Process, Skills

With various degree options in HR, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Here’s how you can align your career goals with the program that suits you best.

How to Choose the Right Human Resources Degree for You?

Choosing the right HR degree depends on your career goals, current experience, and the level of specialization you’re aiming for.

For instance, if you’re interested in AI-driven workforce management, look for programs that emphasize tools like Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, or Tableau. If you’re inclined toward analytics, a degree offering courses in SQL or R programming could be ideal.

Here’s how you can decide:

1. Assess Your Career Goals

Are you looking to enter the HR field, advance in your current role, or specialize in a niche area like talent development or labor law? If you’re starting out, an associate or bachelor’s degree may be sufficient. For senior roles or specialized expertise, a master’s degree is ideal.

2. Evaluate Your Current Experience

If you’re already working in HR, professional certifications or a master’s degree can help you climb the ladder. New to the field? Consider starting with a bachelor’s degree for a strong foundation.

3. Understand Degree Focus Areas

Different programs emphasize various aspects of HR, such as organizational behavior, employee training, or labor laws. Research the curriculum to ensure it aligns with your interests and desired skills.

4. Consider Flexibility and Format

Busy professionals might prefer online degrees or part-time options, while full-time students may benefit from traditional on-campus programs. Choose a format that suits your schedule.

5. Research Accreditation and Reputation

Ensure the program is accredited and recognized by industry bodies like SHRM or HRCI. A reputable degree can boost your credibility in the job market.

6. Think About Long-Term Prospects

Look at the career paths associated with each degree. An associate degree may qualify you for entry-level roles, while a master’s degree can open doors to leadership positions. Match your investment to your expected ROI.

Also Read: Top 5 Career Options in HR: Which one would suit you?

If you’re torn between an HR-specific degree and a broader business degree, let’s examine the key differences to help you make an informed decision.

Human Resources Degree vs. General Business Degree: Key Differences

While both HR degrees and general business degrees prepare you for careers in organizational management, their focus and outcomes differ significantly.

Here’s a breakdown to help you understand:

Aspect	Human Resources Degree	General Business Degree
Focus	Specialized in employee management, training, and organizational behavior.	Broad overview of business functions such as finance, marketing, and operations.
Key Skills	Talent acquisition, conflict resolution, labor law compliance, HR strategy.	Leadership, financial planning, market analysis, general management.
Career Path	HR-specific roles like Recruiter, HR Manager, Compensation Specialist.	Diverse roles such as Marketing Manager, Financial Analyst, Management Consultant.
Courses	Employee Training, Performance Management, Labor Relations.	Accounting, Economics, Marketing Strategy, Business Analytics.
Specialization	Highly focused on workforce management and employee relations.	Generalized with the option to specialize later in fields like HR, finance, or marketing.
Best For	Individuals aiming for careers directly in HR or talent management.	Those seeking versatile business roles across various industries.

Also Read: A Complete Guide To Become Awesome HR Generalist

Beyond the degree itself, it’s important to consider why a career in HR is so rewarding. Let’s delve into the growing demand and benefits of this profession.

Why Pursue a Human Resource Career? Discover the Benefits

HR professionals are at the forefront of integrating technology into organizational strategies. AI and machine learning are streamlining tasks like recruitment, employee training, and performance evaluations. By pursuing an HR career, you’ll shape company culture and drive tech-enabled solutions that enhance productivity and innovation.

Benefits of Choosing an HR Degree

An HR degree equips you with skills and opportunities that make this career path rewarding:

High Demand Across Industries: HR professionals are needed in every sector, from tech to healthcare.
Diverse Career Options: Roles range from talent acquisition to training and development, ensuring varied career paths.
Impactful Work: Shape company culture, resolve conflicts, and directly influence employee happiness.
Opportunities for Growth: HR roles often lead to leadership positions with attractive compensation.
Adaptable Skills: Learn versatile skills like people management, communication, and strategic planning. Also learn versatile tools like data visualization software and automation platforms.

Choosing an HR career means becoming an integral part of an organization’s success story while enjoying opportunities for professional growth and personal fulfillment.

If you’re eager to explore how workplace culture shapes organizations and develop skills to drive meaningful change, check out upGrad’s Culture and Its Various Components Free Course.

Also Read: Top 10 Human Resource Challenges & How To Solve Them?

Understanding the benefits of an HR career leads naturally to the question: What can you actually do with an HR degree? Let’s explore the diverse career paths available.

What Can You Do with a Human Resources Degree? Career Paths Explained

A human resources degree opens doors to diverse and rewarding career opportunities. These roles span various industries and allow for career progression with increasing responsibility and higher pay.

Here’s an overview of HR-specific roles, their responsibilities, and average salaries:

Role	Average Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
HR Specialist	INR 6L	Managing recruitment, onboarding, and employee relations.
HR Manager	INR 8L	Overseeing HR teams, developing policies, and resolving workplace conflicts.
Talent Acquisition Manager	INR 12L	Leading hiring strategies, sourcing talent, and workforce planning.
Compensation and Benefits Manager	INR 13L	Designing pay structures, managing benefits programs, and ensuring compliance with labor laws.

Source: Glassdoor

Industries like technology, finance, and healthcare often offer the highest pay for HR professionals.

Also Read: Top 10 Highest Paying HR Jobs in India [A Complete Report]

Exploring Alternative Human Resource Careers with Skills

HR expertise extends beyond traditional roles, with transferable skills valued across various fields. Communication, conflict resolution, and organizational understanding make HR professionals ideal for several alternative careers.

Role	Average Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Business Advisor	INR 13.8L	Providing strategic advice on organizational growth and workforce management.
Mediator	INR 3L	Resolving disputes and facilitating agreements in workplace or legal settings.
Life Coach	INR 15.5L	Helping individuals achieve personal and professional goals through structured coaching.

Source: Glassdoor

Pursuing alternative careers allows you to apply your HR skills in unique ways while exploring new industries and opportunities. Whether staying in HR or branching out, your degree offers unparalleled versatility and growth potential.

Also Read: Top Career Opportunities in HR You Should Pick From

Once you know the career options, it’s time to consider how online programs can help you upskill and advance in this dynamic field.

Advance Your Human Resource Career with Top Online Courses from upGrad

Upskilling is essential in today’s competitive job market, and online programs make it easier than ever for HR professionals to advance their careers. upGrad offers a comprehensive approach to help you build and refine your skills.

Through our specialized programs, you can gain technical knowledge, hands-on experience, and 100+ free courses. Join over 1 million learners to build job-ready skills and tackle industry challenges.

Here are some relevant courses you can check out:

Course Title	Description
MBA in HR Courses	Seeks to teach and train students on recruiting people suitable for a job providing guidance around workforce management.
Human Resource Analytics Course	This program empowers professionals with advanced HR and analytics expertise.
Advanced General Management Program	A online learning experience tailored for professionals aspiring to enhance their managerial acumen and leadership capabilities.
Time and Productivity Management Techniques	Learn how to get more things done in less time by equipping yourself with research-based, scientifically acclaimed strategies.
How To Be Emotionally Intelligent at Work	Learn what emotional intelligence is, what it consists of and how to master it in order to excel in your career.

You can also get personalized career counseling with upGrad to shape your career, or visit your nearest upGrad center and start hands-on training today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is a human resources degree necessary to work in HR?

While a degree isn’t always required, it significantly enhances your chances of landing an HR role and advancing in your career.

2. Can I transition into HR from a different career path?

Yes, many professionals move into HR by leveraging transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, and organizational abilities.

3. What types of challenges do HR professionals face in their roles?

HR professionals often deal with challenges like managing workplace conflicts, ensuring compliance with labor laws, adapting to technology-driven changes, and fostering employee engagement.

4. Are internships necessary during an HR degree program?

Internships provide hands-on experience and are often crucial for networking and securing jobs post-graduation.

5. What are some popular industries for HR professionals?

HR professionals are in demand across industries like technology, healthcare, finance, education, and manufacturing.

6. Can an HR degree be combined with another major?

Yes, many programs offer dual majors or minors, such as HR and psychology, business administration, or organizational leadership.

7. What are the key certifications to complement an HR degree?

Certifications like SHRM-CP, HRCI’s PHR, and CIPD are excellent for boosting credentials and expanding expertise.

8. How does an HR degree prepare you for global HR roles?

Many HR programs include courses on international labor laws, cross-cultural management, and global HR strategies.

9. What soft skills are most important for success in HR?

Key soft skills include empathy, active listening, negotiation, adaptability, and leadership.

10. How can technology skills benefit an HR career?

Proficiency in HR software (like SAP SuccessFactors or Workday) and analytics tools is essential for modern HR roles.

11. What trends are shaping the future of HR careers?

Key trends include the use of AI in recruitment, emphasis on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), and remote workforce management strategies.

References:
Salary: Life Coach in India 2024 | Glassdoor
Salary: Mediator in India 2024 | Glassdoor
Salary: Business Advisor in Bangalore 2024 | Glassdoor
Salary: Compensation And Benefits Manager in India 2024 | Glassdoor
Salary: Talent Acquisition Manager in India 2024 | Glassdoor
Salary: Human Resources Manager in India 2024 | Glassdoor
Salary: Hr Specialist in India 2024 | Glassdoor