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Human Resources (HR)
Online Bachelor's Degree Program

Your empathy, patience, and leadership can bring out the best in others. A bachelor's degree in HR helps you turn that potential into a powerful career.

36 Mo.

Program Length

Online

Format

IACBE

Accredited1

MBA

Dual Credit

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Quick facts about the Herzing University Bachelor of Science in Human Resources program

AccreditationIACBE accredited,1 Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Transfer creditTransfer up to 90 approved credits from prior college courses
CertificationsBuild skills associated with key industry certifications, including CBP, CCP, CCTD, and more2
Format100% online courses you can take at home with flexible scheduling
CurriculumThe curriculum emphasizes applications of AI and analytics to improve talent acquisition, employee engagement, and workforce planning strategies
Hands-onExperiential learning includes a capstone project or internship, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned in online HR coursework in a real business environment
QuickPathsEarn dual credit towards an MBA program; transfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University
US News Best Online Programs Bachelor's 2026 Badge

Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best online bachelor's programs in 2026

Shape culture, drive change, and foster talent as a data-driven human resources professional.

The Herzing University Bachelor of Science in Human Resources program reimagines the human side of business, emphasizing the modern skillset required to succeed in a career in HR. 

With coursework emphasizing the use of AI tools in recruitment, performance, analytics, and workforce planning, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills needed for today’s tech-driven careers in human resources. You’ll learn how to use technology to turn data into insights, helping to create better experiences for employees in an organization.

Begin a career path rooted in empathy, growth, and heart as an HR professional. Take the first step into the field of human resources and begin building better workplaces. Our university exists to help make your impactful career possible.

Professional presenting project data during a virtual meeting
  • Career-focused curriculum

    Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.

  • Flexible schedule

    You can take classes during the day or in the evening.  We work hard to help you maintain school-life balance, striving to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.

  • Virtual services

    Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.

  • Lifelong support

    We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.

  • Rolling admissions

    No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.

Requirements 

A career-focused human resources curriculum

Our program helps you develop people-centered skills with strong business and technology foundations and build a career as a strategic HR leader who makes an impact on employee experience and organizational success.

Several courses integrate the knowledge areas and competencies emphasized by both SHRM and the Academy to Innovate HR (AIHR). The curriculum includes modern coursework in HR analytics and AI-enhanced HR tools designed to strengthen your ability to use data and technology in decision-making. You will build confidence and competence with emerging AI and analytics tools that streamline HR workflows, support effective talent acquisition, and enhance team-building and organizational development.

You can potentially earn dual credit towards an MBA. Eligible students may replace 12 semester credit hours of the core program requirements with approved dual credit graduate level coursework, lessening the time and cost needed to finish an MBA program in the future.

All classes are delivered online in a virtual learning environment with a required research project or internship (if allowed in your state).

ProgramMonths iSemester Credits
Bachelor of Science in Human Resources36120

iAverage number of months for students to complete program 
Program availability varies by location


BS-HR Program Outcomes

The BS-HR program combines core business management courses with HR coursework, preparing you for different types of roles with unique balances of both HR-specific and management responsibilities.

Upon completion of this program, the student should be able to:

  1. Manage labor and employee relations by applying conflict resolution strategies, collective bargaining principles, and relevant employment laws.
  2. Design effective recruiting and workforce planning strategies that align with organizational goals and respond to evolving labor market trends.
  3. Develop talent through performance management, training programs, and career development initiatives that foster employee growth and retention.
  4. Interpret HR metrics and analytics, including AI-powered insights, to support data-informed decision-making and people management.
  5. Evaluate organizational behavior, culture, and change management practices to lead transformation and enhance organizational effectiveness.
  6. Design strategies that support employee lifecycle and experience by integrating onboarding, engagement, and offboarding processes that enhance a positive workplace culture.

Required Courses

All courses, 66.00 semester credit hours, are required.

This course offers an exploration of the critical aspects of financial management, including return on investment (ROI), the time value of money, capital investment decisions, and the intricate process of evaluating financial performance. Through a blend of theoretical concepts and practical applications, students will learn to analyze financial statements, assess financial risks, and employ forecasting techniques to guide strategic decision-making.

This course is designed to introduce students to the foundational elements of accounting, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and apply basic accounting concepts, processes, and tools. The course is tailored to provide students with an understanding of accounting principles and covers topics, from the preparation of financial statements to the intricacies of budgeting, management control systems, and profitability analysis.

This course is designed for students aiming to ascend to new heights in their careers and master the art of business leadership. This course offers a blend of personal growth strategies and business acumen, tailored to equip students with the insights, skills, and tools necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern business world.

This course is designed to navigate the complex ethical and legal landscapes of the modern business world. This course offers an exploration of the principles, practices, and implications of business ethics, compliance, and legal frameworks that govern corporate operations. Through a blend of theoretical insights and practical applications, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions, manage risks, and uphold the integrity of their business practices.

This course provides a multifaceted aspect of conducting business and the formulation of effective business strategies. Topic will include a foundational understanding of key business concepts while exploring business environments, organizational structures, management functions, marketing, finance, and ethical considerations.

This course introduces the fundamental principles and concepts of marketing. Topics will include the key elements of marketing strategy, consumer behavior, market research, and the components of the marketing mix connecting their role in business environments.

This course provides a foundational understanding of statistical concepts, covering measures like mean, median, mode, standard deviation, and variance. Students will learn to interpret and present descriptive statistics, delve into inferential statistical techniques, explore hypothesis testing principles, differentiate relationships with regression analysis, analyze time series data for trends and patterns, and comprehend various probability distributions including normal, binomial, and Poisson distributions.

This course is the study of the intersection of people, technology, organizations, and the relationships among them. This course will examine the fundamental concepts, principles and practices of management information systems, artificial intelligence (AI), and how this information technology can be used to support and enhance various business functions and decision-making.

The course is designed to equip students with the foundational knowledge and essential skills required for the successful initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure of projects. It offers a comprehensive overview of project management principles and practices, emphasizing the critical role of effective project management in achieving project objectives within constraints such as time, quality, and budget.

This course introduces the fundamentals of business analytics, focusing on transforming data into actionable insights crucial for business success. Students will gain proficiency in programming, modeling techniques, and data visualization, enabling them to analyze and interpret complex data effectively. Students will also be introduced to artificial intelligence (AI) and will develop the skills to become valuable assets in various industries, driving data-driven decision-making and innovation.

This course is designed to navigate the complexities of modern organizational landscapes. This course delves into the essence of effective leadership, exploring the facets of leading with vision, strategy, emotional intelligence, and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on leadership. Students will uncover the critical skills and insights needed to lead teams, drive change, and achieve organizational goals.

This course introduces students to the core principles and strategic frameworks essential for launching and sustaining successful entrepreneurial ventures. Students will explore the entrepreneurial mindset, opportunity identification, business model development, and strategic planning. Emphasis is placed on evaluating market potential, crafting a value proposition, securing resources, and formulating competitive strategies. Students will develop practical skills to navigate the challenges faced by startups and innovative enterprises. 

This course explores the theories, models, and practical approaches to managing change within organizations. Students will examine the drivers of organizational change, resistance to change, and strategies for successful implementation. Emphasis is placed on understanding the human and strategic elements of change, including communication, leadership, stakeholder engagement, and organizational culture. 

This course will delve into the core foundational concepts of economics discussing the forces that shape the world around us. Topics to be discussed will include the concepts of microeconomics and macroeconomics, the pivotal role of statistics in economic analysis, and the dynamic interplay between supply, demand, and market forces.

This course will examine compensation models and discuss how to design and administer a compensation system that permits the organization to operate profitably. Topics include employee benefits, benefits administration, pay and compensation, and legislation.

This course offers an in-depth exploration of the strategies, practices, and policies that underpin the effective management of people in today's diverse and ever-evolving workplace. This course covers a wide range of critical topics, from diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) to strategic workforce planning, recruitment, compensation, change management, and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on human resources operations.

This course provides an in-depth examination of modern sourcing and recruitment practices, emphasizing strategic alignment between talent acquisition and organizational goals. Students will learn to implement targeted sourcing strategies that prioritize both candidate fit and long-term organizational needs. The course explores digital employer branding, social outreach, and other visibility-enhancing methods to attract high-quality applicants in competitive markets. Students will analyze the full recruitment lifecycle while also examining the role of AI in enhancing recruitment efficiency, communication, and bias mitigation. Through recruitment metrics, students will assess quality of hire, measure process effectiveness, and improve cost-efficiency.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of training and development strategies that drive individual growth and organizational performance. Students will learn to conduct effective needs assessments to uncover learning gaps and target areas for performance improvement. Emphasis is placed on crafting measurable learning objectives that align with strategic business goals and on designing interactive, learner-centered content grounded in adult learning principles. The course prepares students to design engaging, application-focused training experiences and to use feedback and assessment tools to evaluate the impact of learning initiatives. Additionally, students will focus on creating inclusive learning environments that foster psychological safety, support diverse learning needs, and promote long-term career development.

This course explores the strategic processes involved in identifying, developing, and retaining talent to support organizational continuity and long-term growth. Students will analyze performance management systems to ensure they align with business objectives and promote employee development. Emphasis is placed on designing succession planning models that proactively prepare high-potential employees for key leadership and critical roles. The course also covers the development of talent pipeline strategies driven by workforce planning insights and future organizational needs. Students will examine employee engagement techniques that enhance retention and performance, and will learn to interpret talent analytics to guide data-informed decisions in development and succession initiatives.

This course explores the strategic use of data and technology in modern Human Resource Management through the design, development, and application of HR dashboards. Students will evaluate the core functions of Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) and learn to use e-HRM tools to enhance operational efficiency, promote employee self-service, and strengthen engagement through digital platforms. Emphasis is placed on interpreting key HR metrics and performance indicators and transforming this data into meaningful visual insights for decision-makers. Students will gain hands-on experience in building dashboards that integrate data from multiple sources, apply best practices in data visualization, and support workforce planning through predictive and prescriptive analytics.

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the legal and relational frameworks that shape the employer-employee relationship. Students will interpret key federal, state, and local employment laws, such as Title VII, ADA, FLSA, and OSHA, to ensure organizational compliance and safeguard employee rights. The course emphasizes the identification and management of ethical and legal risks in HR practices, including those related to discrimination, workplace safety, and employee discipline. Students will analyze the history, function, and influence of labor unions, along with the processes of collective bargaining and contract negotiation. By the end of the course, students will be able to navigate complex employment law issues and promote positive labor-management relationships.

Open Elective Courses

A minimum of 12.00 semester credit hours is required. Eligible students can take approved dual credit graduate level courses to complete a portion of the open electives requirement.

Dual Credit Courses

Eligible students can replace up to 12.00 semester credit hours of the core program requirements with approved dual credit graduate level coursework. A total of 12.00 graduate semester credit hours can be taken throughout the student's program. Graduate Program Applicable Dual Credit Courses Master of Business Administration Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management Master of Business Administration in Project Management BU 520 Integrated Economics and Decision-Making BU 525 Strategic Human Capital BU 531 Strategic and Risk Management for Business Success BU 631 Project Management for Business Leaders Master of Business Administration in Business Analytics Choose 4: BU 520 Integrated Economics and Decision-Making BU 525 Strategic Human Capital BU 531 Strategic and Risk Management for Business Success BU 631 Project Management for Business Leaders BU 683 Foundations of Business Analytics for Leaders Master of Science in Business Analytics BU 683 Foundations of Business Analytics for Leaders

Required Capstone or Internship

4.00 semester credit hours are required.

This course provides students with an opportunity to apply their cumulative knowledge in business analytics to real-world problems. Focused on bridging theoretical learning with practical application, this course is structured around individual projects where students will choose a business issue to investigate and recommend actionable solutions to their selected problems.

This course is designed to seamlessly transition students from academic learning to professional practice. Throughout an immersive eight-week period, participants will engage in a full-time "on-the-job" experience, integrating as key members of an organization. This hands-on approach allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges, fostering a deep understanding of professional dynamics and industry standards.

Required Courses in General Education

Students enrolled in this bachelor's degree must complete a minimum of 36.00 semester credit hours in general education distributed among the following disciplines. Refer to the General Education section of the catalog for specific information about courses within each discipline. Courses transferred from other accredited colleges may also be used to meet these requirements. EN 104 English Composition I, Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 EN 111 Information Literacy, Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 EN 116 Speech, Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 EN 304 English Composition II, Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 HU 140 Cultural Diversity, Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 HU 240 Introduction to Humanities, Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 HU 340 Humanities and Contemporary Popular Culture, Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 MA 109 College Algebra, Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 MA 320 Statistics, Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 SC 270 Environmental Literacy, Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 PS 101 Psychology, Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 SS 350 Social Issues and Technology, Semester Credit Hours: 3.00

Personal and Professional Development Courses

All courses, 2.00 semester credit hours, are required.

This course is designed to introduce students to methodologies that will prepare them for academic and professional success.  Topics include but are not limited to Canvas support, student support services, e-books, university policies, resumes, self-reflection, time management, goal setting, and strategies for anxiety reduction.

This course provides an opportunity for students to critically examine their skills and develop a plan to further their career and own financial literacy. Topics include research, job searching, developing career documents, refining interview and communication skills, and creating a personal budget.

Distribution of Contact Hours by Course

Distribution of Contact Hours by Course Course Lecture Hours Lab Hours Internship Hours Total Contact Hours Credits AC 231 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 AC 236 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 BU 106 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 BU 217 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 BU 231 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 BU 242 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 BU 245 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 BU 321 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 BU 331 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 BU 345 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 BU 351 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 BU 380 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 BU 423 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 BU 427 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 BU 490 (or BU 494*) 60.00 0.00 0.00 60.00 4.00 EC 101 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 HR 310 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 HR 321 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 HR 400 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 HR 420 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 HR 430 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 HR 431 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 HR 440 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 PD 121 15.00 0.00 0.00 15.00 1.00 PD 202 15.00 0.00 0.00 15.00 1.00 Electives 180.00 0.00 0.00 180.00 12.00 Gen Ed - Communications 180.00 0.00 0.00 180.00 12.00 Gen Ed – Humanities 135.00 0.00 0.00 135.00 9.00 Gen Ed – Mathematics 90.00 0.00 0.00 90.00 6.00 Gen Ed - Science 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 Gen Ed – Social and Behavioral Sciences 90.00 0.00 0.00 90.00 6.00 Totals 1800.00 0.00 0.00 1800.00 120.00 *Totals with Internship BU 494 Internship: 0/0/180/180 1740.00 0.00 180.00 1920.00 120.00

Certifications

Alignment with key industry certifications

Professional smiling while using a tablet in a modern office environment. Image
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The Bachelor of Science in Human Resources degree program includes several courses aligned with important industry certifications from HCI, HRCI, SHRM, and more. Complete the required coursework, and we will reimburse the application fees for up to three industry certifications upon submission of proof of successfully passing the certification exam.i

Certifications associated with courses in the program include:

You’ll need to review specific requirements associated with each certification to confirm your eligibility upon graduation.

iCertifications may provide greater opportunity for employment but are not a state-specific requirement. Most industry certifications are tied to the completion of a single course.

Requirements 

Enrollment prerequisites and requirements

Prerequisites to enroll in the Herzing University Human Resources bachelor's degree program include:

  • Prior education requirement. Completion of high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
  • Entrance testing. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to succeed in college-level courses via prior ACT/SAT scores, completion of prior college credit, or additional entrance testing.
  • Availability of time, personal commitment, and a professional attitude. We exist to help enthusiastic students fully committed to reaching their highest career goals. Our faculty and leadership are dedicated to helping you reach them.

You will need to meet and interview with a Herzing University admissions advisor and complete an enrollment application to be admitted into the program.

If you have any additional questions regarding admissions into the program, please contact our admissions team.

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Transfer Credit

Transfer credit opportunities

The human resources program offers the opportunity to transfer substantial credit earned from prior college coursework for those who are eligible.

You can potentially transfer up to 90 approved credits from prior college coursework into the Bachelor of Science in Human Resources program. This represents 75% of the total program semester credits (120), the time needed to complete the program, and cost of tuition. 

Applying transfer credit is one of the most important parts of the application process, and our admissions advisors work hard to ensure you apply as much existing credit as possible into the HR program. Make sure you are prepared to submit all transcripts; you may be surprised which credits are transferable—so be sure to include everything.

If you have more specific questions about transferring credit from prior education, contact our admissions team and we can help guide you through the process.

Tuition & Cost 

Tuition & Cost

The cost of tuition for the Bachelor of Science in Human Resources program is $515 per credit.

You can potentially earn even greater savings by transferring credit from prior college coursework, applying for financial aid, or potential partnership opportunities through your employer.

Our goal is your career advancement. That's why we are always working to improve our curriculum and processes to make our program as affordable as possible while preparing you best for success in your work.

  • Scholarships & Financial Aid

    You may be eligible for multiple scholarships and grants, both through Herzing University and several national scholarship websites.

    Find scholarships and grants  

  • Military/Veteran Discounts

    Veterans, Active Duty U.S. Servicemembers, and spouses may qualify for a 10% tuition discount or tuition reduction to $250 per credit.

    VA/Military benefits  

Financial Aid

You are never alone: supporting your investment in an HR degree program

The estimated per-credit cost of the BS in HR program does not necessarily indicate how much the program will cost for you. Applicants can potentially apply several different kinds of financial aid to minimize the cost, for those who qualify.

Our team can help you find the best options for financial aid, including both federal and alternative funding sources, grants and scholarships, military benefits, tuition assistance, and more.

Additional resources

FAQ

Find answers to the most common questions about tuition and financial aid.

Financial Literacy

Learn about important financial literacy concepts including budgeting, responsible borrowing, and general financial awareness.

Applying for FA

Discover important Federal and State priority deadlines as well as campus contact information.

Accreditation & Recognition

Our accredited & recognized online school

We strive to earn rank as one of the top private, nonprofit universities in the United States. Just as you work every day to become the best version of yourself, so do we as a university.

We are proud to have attained institutional and programmatic accreditation in addition to industry recognition for our accomplishments helping students earn a degree and find career success.

  • US News Best Online Programs Bachelor's 2026 Badge

    Ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the best online bachelor’s degree programs in 2026.

  • IACBE Logo

    ✝The Business Division at Herzing University has received specialized accreditation for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11960 Quivira Road in Overland Park, Kansas, USA. For a list of accredited programs please refer to our IACBE member status page.

  • Herzing University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

    View all Herzing University Accreditations and Approvals.

Student Support Services

Supporting your career success

Incorporating a bachelor’s degree in human resources program into your already busy life can present a significant challenge. 

But you are never alone! We provide several resources for students to support them in their education and help them turn that into career success upon graduation.

Personal advisor

Every Herzing Human Resources student has a personal advisor dedicated to their success in the program. Your assigned advisor can help you in many ways, including:

  • Connecting you with important resources like the Library and Tutoring and Writing Center
  • Provide class test out opportunities to maximize your time and resources
  • Assist with time management strategies, including managing your schedule
  • Facilitating conversations with your faculty
  • Address any possible educational or personal issues

Career development

We provide career development services throughout the course of the Human Resources program as well as after you graduate. Resources include:

  • Our Job Board, available through our career support partner Handshake
  • Career Connect, our network of students, alumni, and friends in the Herzing community to seek insight into mentorship or employment opportunities
  • Resume evaluation, interview simulation, and more self-guided tools delivered through Canvas for students and Career Connect for graduates
  • Personalized resume, interview, networking and more career coaching with a member of our Career Development team

The Student Experience at Herzing

Herzing is a place where I felt welcome. It offered me a unique educational experience as someone whose parents didn’t attend college.

Donnye Ramirez-Diaz
Business Student | Atlanta Campus

I love Herzing University and I’m proud to be a part of the Herzing family. I chose the human resource management program because I have always been interested in a career in human resources.

Kriandra Magee
Business Student | Online Campus

My children inspired me to go back to school because I wanted to prove to them that achieving your goals is possible.

Glendale Miller
Business Student | Madison Campus

I knew I always wanted to work with people. I had worked in human resources before earning my degree which helped me understand and gain a passion for the career. I knew that I wanted something more for myself, so rather than going somewhere and being viewed as another number, I picked Herzing.

Amanda Ortiz
Business Student | Kenosha Campus

I ultimately chose to earn my degree in Human Resource Management because it complemented the experience I gained in the military and as a civil servant.

Jason T. Garcia
Business Student | Online Campus
Careers

What can I do with a bachelor’s in HR?

Human resources is a broad field that offers employment opportunities in a variety of fields. Here's what you can potentially do with a human resources degree:

  • Compensation or Benefit Analyst/Manager
  • Human Resources Specialist
  • Human Resources Generalist
  • Human Resources Manager
  • Labor Relations Manager
  • Corporate Recruiter
  • Training and Development Coordinator
  • Training and Development Manager

Job outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of human resources managers is projected to grow 6% from 2025-2035, faster than the projected average across all U.S. occupations.*

Earn the education you need to continue advancing in a growing career field and better your chance of finding the job you’ve always wanted. We exist to help you take the first step and support your lifelong learning.

Faq

Frequently Asked Questions

Didn't find the answer to your question? Send us an inquiry and we will be happy to answer all your questions!

A master’s degree in human resources can help prepare you to lead teams, departments, and direct entire organizations. An advanced degree, such as an MBA in Human Resources, can help give you a competitive edge when applying for executive roles, such as chief HR officer or director. An MBA in HR also provides you a unique combination of business skills, leadership training, and advanced human resources knowledge.

Yes! A bachelor’s degree in human resources can prepare you for a long, successful, profitable career in a variety of roles and industries. HR is a very flexible degree that can be applied to a number of specialties, including benefits administration, training and development, and recruitment. If you enjoy helping people and businesses thrive, a bachelor’s degree in HR could be a great fit.

Yes, you can earn your degree in human resources online with flexible course options that fit your schedule.

Herzing’s program includes core HR classes helping you to build a strong foundation in human resources, as well as additional business management and elective courses. You can transfer in up to 91 approved credits from prior college classes you’ve taken.

The skills and traits required for success as a social worker overlap with those of a human resources manager or professional. Both careers require strong communication skills, empathy, and a desire to help both individuals and groups thrive.

However, there are significant differences in the day-to-day life of HR professionals vs. social workers, including work environment, schedule, who you’ll work with, and types of problems you’ll be solving.

Learn more about the difference between human resources and social work careers.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), human resources specialists earn an average salary of $81,990 per year ($39.42 per hour).*

The BLS reports the average pay for an HR manager was $77.15 per hour or $160,480 per year. Those at the top of their field may earn a higher salary depending on their experience and education (for example, if they have a graduate degree).

Human resources is a growing field. According to the BLS, Employment opportunities for HR managers is projected to grow 6% from 2025-2035, faster than the average for all U.S. occupations. This is due in part to growth of existing companies and new companies forming. HR professionals are also needed to help understand and administer complex employment and benefit laws.

To be successful in human resources, you’ll need an education focused on human resources, organizational development, or business. In addition to that, specific skills that HR professionals benefit from include:

  • Communication skills: As an HR professional, a major part of your role is communicating with employees. You must be able to express yourself clearly in both oral and written communications.
  • Organizational skills: HR professionals must be extremely organized and able to manage different projects and programs.
  • Decision-making skills: As an HR manager, you may be responsible for making important decisions regarding hiring and firing people, as well as company-wide rules and regulations.
  • Training and development: Many people look to human resources to help provide guidance on training and career development. You should be able to either perform this training or help direct employees as they seek to grow their career.
  • Teamwork: HR professionals often work with many different departments and are part of cross-functional teams. It’s important to be able to work well with others, to see their point of view, and work together to reach goals that will best help the company be successful.

Generally, yes. It can be possible to work in the human resources field without a degree; however, to advance in your HR career employers may require a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s degree can help prepare you for higher level HR roles, such as manager or supervisor.

To become a director, vice president, or chief HR officer, it can be beneficial to have an MBA in addition to several years of experience.

To become an Human Resources (HR) manager, you can best qualify with at least a bachelor’s degree and a few years of experience. Some employers might prefer that HR manager candidates have a master’s degree in human resources or an MBA with an emphasis in human resources.

Some people choose to pursue specialized certificates in human resources. Certifications are not always necessary to become an HR manager; however, they can help you demonstrate your expertise and help you stand out from the competition. There are several types of HR certificates, including:

A human resources degree is an academic degree awarded to students when they complete a two or four-year program with a focus on human resources or human resources management.

Generally, undergraduate HR programs provide students a learning foundation needed to help manage and develop diverse workforces. A company's human resources department oversees almost everything related to employees from recruitment, hiring, and training to employee motivation, retention, benefits, and other services. That is why HR courses are focused on providing leadership, interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills needed to help companies and their employees be successful.

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Disclosures

Accreditation & Disclosures

  1. The Business Division at Herzing University has received specialized accreditation for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11960 Quivira Road in Overland Park, Kansas, USA. For a list of accredited programs please refer to our IACBE member status page.
  2. Certifications may provide greater opportunity for employment but are not a state-specific requirement. Most industry certifications are tied to the completion of a single course. Complete the requisite coursework and we will reimburse the application fees for up to three industry certifications upon submission of proof of successfully passing the certification exam.

Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

View Herzing University Accreditation and Approvals

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