Education and Training

A human resources degree can be earned from many different colleges and universities, though it may be included in a number of different departments within the school. Common departments that house the human resources degree programs include public administration, human services, organizational development, communication, education, business administration, and instructional technology.

Earning a human resources degree requires being exposed to a number of different disciplines. Therefore, common courses required for the degree include business, social sciences, and behavioral sciences. Some employers also prefer coursework in technical fields such as science, engineering, or law.

Employment Opportunities

A person with a human resources degree may pursue a career in a number of different areas, including:

• Director of human resources
• Employment manager
• Recruiter
• Compensation and benefits manger

The director of human resources may be responsible for overseeing a number of different departments that are headed by other individuals with a human resources degree. Depending on the size of the company, the director of human resources may make up the entire human resources department.

An employment manager, also referred to as a placement manager, is responsible for supervising the hiring process as well as other employees within the employment office, such as recruitment specialists and equal employment opportunity specialists.

Recruiters put their human resources degree to work by maintaining contact with community members and traveling to colleges and job fairs in order to scout for potential employees. Their job is to screen and interview applicants. They may also be responsible for checking references and for extending offers of employment.

Compensation and benefits specialists are responsible for conducting programs for employers regarding employee benefits. They may also specialist in just one type of benefit or in pensions.

Job Outlook and Salary

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for those with a human resources degree are expected to grow faster than the average occupation. This is because businesses continue to expand and need additional employees, which means human resources specialists will be needed to hire and monitor these employees.

The Bureau reports that the median annual salary of compensation and benefits managers in May 2004 was $66,530. Human resources managers earned $81,810 while employment and recruitment specialists earned $41,190.

Take the next step, find a college with a Human Resource program near you.