Online bachelor's degree programs in human resource management

A company's human resources department can determine its success in today's marketplace, where human resources professionals are much higher profile. Human resources and human resource management degree programs prepare you to take on the challenge of attracting, managing and retaining an organization's most precious resource--its workers.

Human Resources: The Discipline

As organizations compete for top talent, human resources has evolved into a critical business discipline. In addition to traditional clerical duties, such as maintaining employee records and recruiting new personnel, human resources specialists consult with senior management on company policy and strategic planning issues.

Key areas in human resource management include the following:

• Recruitment and placement
• Training and development
• Compensation and benefits
• Labor relations
• International human relations
• Human resource information systems (HRIS)
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and affirmative action policy

For more information on human resource management, see the Guide to College Majors in Human Resources.

Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Human Resource Management

Universities and colleges offer online bachelor's degree programs in human resource management and human resources. The typical curriculum offers a mix of business and social science coursework, covering relevant topics such as:

• Industrial psychology
• Organizational structure
• Information management
• Quantitative analysis
• Business management

Applied human resources coursework offers training in employee health and safety, labor law, training, compensations and benefits.

Careers in Human Resources

An online bachelor's degree in human resources provides the right qualifications for an entry-level human resources assistant job. With an online bachelor's degree in human resources, you will learn the analytical skills necessary to participate in business strategy and workforce planning discussions, crucial for advancement in this career. General and senior human resources management positions generally require a master's degree in human resources, labor relations or business administration.

Depending on the size of the organization, human resources graduates can work as generalists or specialists. Although no education program can guarantee a future salary, graduates with a bachelor's degree in human resources typically earn a starting salary of $35,000 to $40,000, according to 2009 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data.

Human resources specialists usually command higher salaries:

• Recruiter screen and interview prospective job candidates and represent the organization at job fairs and college recruitment events. They maintain a strong network in the industry and community. Salary: $54,530

• Training and development specialists organize training and assessment programs for workers. These activities may include orientation sessions, on-the-job training and executive development programs. Salary: $55,310
• Compensation and benefits specialists analyze and develop compensation and benefits programs. Salary: $58,520
  
• Human resources managers usually oversee a team of assistants and specialists, set goals and manage HR initiatives, and participate in strategic planning.With experience and education, advancement into management positions is possible. Salary: $105,510

Outlook. With the BLS projecting overall employment to grow faster than average in the next decade, the future looks bright for graduates of human resource management degree programs. The forecast is for 22 percent job growth between 2008 and 2018, double the average rate of growth for all occupations.

WorldWideLearn features information on schools that offer human resource management degree programs. Learn more about online bachelor's degree programs in human resource management and take the first step toward your human resources career today.

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