What Degree Do You Need for Human Resources?

In the past, the human resources (HR) department was largely confined to finding job candidates, ensuring compliance, developing compensation packages, and dealing with administrative matters. Today’s human resources professional has a more dynamic role within organizations, which extends to areas like workforce development and employee engagement.

The expansion of workplace responsibilities has created additional opportunities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), human resources specialists are expected to see faster-than-average job growth through 2031. Projections suggest that on average, there will be more than 81,000 job openings per year during this time frame.

We sat down with Purdue Global business faculty members Robert Freeborough, Jack McCann, and Carrie Stringham to learn how to become a human resources professional.

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

It generally takes a combination of education and experience to enter the field of human resources. With the expansion of HR responsibilities, evolving workforce issues, and organizational changes, education is likely to become even more important for aspiring human resources professionals.

“Pursuing a formal HR education is becoming increasingly important in today’s competitive job market,” says McCann. Stringham adds that most employers want human resources candidates to have a formal education, and many positions require a bachelor’s degree.

But exactly what degree do you need for a human resources career? You can pursue various degrees and certificates in human resources or with a human resources concentration. The path you select depends on your specific career goals. For instance, Purdue Global offers multiple degrees and certificates to help you align your education with your career path:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration (BSBA) with a human resources concentration
• Master’s degree in business administration (MBA) with a human resources concentration
• Master’s degree in management and leadership (MSM) with a human resources concentration

Additionally, students can earn a human resources postbaccalaureate certificate or a graduate certificate in human resources.