Can you be an HR manager without a degree?

While most HR managers have at least a bachelor’s degree, it is possible to become one with just experience. To become an HR manager without a degree, consider earning a related professional certificate or taking courses.

Is a bachelor's degree in HR worth it?

The benefits of earning a bachelor’s degree in HR often outweigh the costs. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual student budget for family, consumer, and human sciences bachelor’s programs was $17,559 in 2020. HR positions — especially mid- to senior-level roles — offer high earning potential and projected job growth, according to the BLS.

Is HR a stable career?

HR is often considered a stable career since organizations need employees — and employees need training, compensation, benefits, and a culture that promotes wellbeing. The BLS’s projected 6–8% job growth for HR positions from 2023–33 also indicates potential career stability.

What degree do most HR people have?

Most HR professionals have a bachelor’s degree in human resource management or a related field. Candidates with a master’s degree may be preferred for senior and executive HR positions.

Bachelor's in human resource management degrees

Human resource (HR) management is uniquely positioned at the intersection of business and people. If a career in talent recruitment, personnel management, or talent development appeals to you, consider kick-starting your career with a bachelor's in human resource management program. Discover what you can learn in this program and what you can do with a bachelor's in human resource management degree.

Explore human resource management degrees

Why pursue a bachelor's in human resource management degree?

Learn the latest technologies

Discover how human resource professionals recruit, negotiate, and manage using modern principles and tools.

Gain valuable hands-on experience

Participate in simulations, analyze case studies, and complete a real-world capstone project to apply your knowledge.

Complete coursework on your schedule

Build a manageable schedule of online courses around your busy life — and earn a degree from an accredited university on your terms.

Find the right bachelor's in human resource management programs for you

What can you do with a bachelor's in human resource management degree?

The principles and skills taught in bachelor's in human resource management programs can help you pursue various career paths related to people, corporate culture, technology, and . Course topics range from and marketing to emerging HR trends.

Here are some potential career paths to pursue, with salary and job outlook data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

Human resource specialist

Human resource specialists recruit, interview, and analyze job applicants. They also coordinate with functional teams to place new hires in roles. HR specialists may also oversee compensation, employee benefits, employee relations, and training programs.

Median annual salary (May 2023): $67,650
Projected job growth (2023-33): 8%, faster than the average for all occupations

Human resource manager

Human resource managers oversee an organization's people-related administrative tasks, including strategic planning, recruiting, interviewing, and hiring. Other duties may include resolving workplace disputes, directing employee benefits programs, and ensuring compliance with national and local labor regulations.

Median annual salary (May 2023): $136,350
Projected job growth (2023-33): 6%, faster than the average for all occupations

Training and development manager

Training and development managers plan, develop, and deliver training and career development initiatives for an organization's employees. This may include overseeing training and development coordinators, managing program budgets, leading training sessions, and reporting program outcomes.

Median annual salary (May 2023): $125,040
Projected job growth (2023-33): 7%, faster than the average for all occupations

What can you learn in a bachelor's in human resource management program?

While every bachelor's in human resource management program differs, most curricula cover core concepts such as:

Standard tools and technologies
Data analytics for human resource professionals
The Human Resource Information System (HRIS)
How to build a company culture that supports employee wellbeing

Most HR can be completed within four years. However, completion time varies by program type, credit requirements, and learner schedule.

Some programs also allow you to get a head start on your in your senior year.

BA in human resource management vs. BS in human resource management

A bachelor of arts (BA) in human resource management program generally focuses on the humanistic, psychological, and behavioral aspects of HR. In contrast, a bachelor of science (BS) in human resource management program takes a more technical approach involving industry-specific topics like finance, marketing, and technology. Both BA and BS in human resource management programs cover key HR principles and philosophies.

Online format

Many learners opt to earn their bachelor's in human resource management degree online. An online bachelor's degree program offers scheduling flexibility while incorporating the same rigor and credibility of an in-person program.

While coursework may be online, capstone projects and internships may require some degree of travel or in-person work. Before enrolling in an online degree program, ensure you have a reliable computer and a strong internet connection.

Admissions requirements for a bachelor's in human resources management program

Admissions requirements for HR management bachelor's programs typically include an application, your high school transcript (or GED), and English proficiency scores. Applicants should have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.