All You Need to Know About Getting a Degree in HR Management

Human Resource Management (HRM) is all about managing the individuals at a company and helping them achieve the company’s as well as their personal career goals. (HRM) involves tasks such as recruiting, hiring, training, and developing employees, along with overseeing performance management, employee relations, and compensation.

The primary goal of human resource management is to create a positive and productive work environment where people thrive and contribute to the success of the business. Basically, it’s all about finding the right people for the right job, nurturing their skills and talents, and keeping them motivated and engaged.

In this guide, we’ll discover the key principles and practices of HRM, including aspects like recruitment, training, performance management, and employee relations. If you understand the importance of HRM, you’ll know how it creates a positive work culture, enhances employee satisfaction, and drives overall business performance.

Related: Why Should You Consider an Online Human Resource Management Program?

There are several degree options available within the HRM realm of Business Management. Some of the more popular HRM degrees are:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management: An undergraduate degree, this course focuses specifically on HRM and covers topics such as recruitment, employee training and development, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and the legal aspects of HRM.
   
2. Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a Concentration in HRM: This is a broader business degree program with a concentration or specialization in HRM. It offers a holistic understanding of business principles, along with an in-depth knowledge of HRM practices.
   
3. Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management: This is a graduate-level program that delves deeper into HRM theory and practice. It offers advanced coursework in areas such as strategic HRM, organizational behavior, talent management, HR analytics, and employment law.
   
4. Master’s Degree in Business Administration with a Concentration in HRM: This is a popular choice for students looking for a well-rounded business education with a focus on HRM. It covers core business topics such as finance, marketing, operations, while also offering specialized HRM courses.
   
5. Ph.D. in Human Resource Management: This is a doctoral-level program for individuals interested in pursuing research and academic careers in HRM. It involves advanced coursework, independent research, and the completion of a dissertation in a specific area of HRM.

The duration for obtaining a Human Resource Management degree varies depending on the level of the degree and the educational institution’s program structure. Here are some general time frames:

Undergraduate

A Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management typically takes around four years to complete. This duration may vary slightly depending on factors like the number of credits required, program structure (semester or quarter system), and whether the student is studying full-time or part-time.

Graduate

The duration of a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management can vary greatly. Typically, it takes around one to two years to complete a full-time master’s degree in HRM. However, some programs may offer accelerated options or part-time study options, which can affect the overall duration.

It’s worth noting that these are general time frames, and the actual duration may vary among institutions and programs. Additionally, some students may take longer to complete their degrees if they choose to study part-time or if they have other commitments alongside their studies.

A Human Resource Management degree opens doors to multiple career opportunities across various industries. Here’s a list of some common career options for graduates with an HRM degree:

1. Human Resources Specialist/Generalist: Many graduates start their careers as HR specialists or generalists. They handle various HR functions, including recruitment, employee onboarding, training and development, performance management, employee relations, and policy implementation.
   
2. Talent Acquisition Specialist / Recruiter: These professionals specialize in recruiting and hiring employees. They source candidates, screen resumes, conduct interviews, and work closely with hiring managers to identify and attract top talent to the organization.
   
3. Training and Development Specialist: HRM graduates can pursue careers in training and development, where they design, deliver, and evaluate employee training programs. They identify skill gaps, develop learning initiatives, and help employees enhance their skills and knowledge.
   
4. Compensation and Benefits Specialist / Analyst: These professionals focus on designing and managing compensation and benefits programs. They conduct salary surveys, analyze market data, administer employee benefits, and ensure fair and competitive compensation practices.
   
5. Employee Relations Specialist: Professionals in this role handle employee relations matters, including conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and grievance procedures. They work to maintain positive employee morale and manage workplace dynamics.
   
6. HR Consultant: Graduates with an HRM degree can also work as consultants, either independently or within consulting firms. They provide expert advice to organizations on HR strategies, policy development, compliance, and organizational effectiveness.
   
7. Labor Relations Specialist: These professionals work with unions and employee representatives to negotiate collective bargaining agreements, handle labor disputes, and ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations.
   
8. HR Analyst: HR analysts use data and analytics to provide insights and support HR decision-making. They analyze HR metrics, trends, and workforce data to identify opportunities for improvement and optimize HR processes.

Some of the highest-paying jobs in HRM, based on approximate salary ranges, are:

1. Human Resources Director / Chief HR Officer: As top-level executives, HR Directors or Chief HR Officers oversee the strategic management of the HR function within an organization. They develop HR policies, align HR strategies with business goals, and ensure legal compliance. The average chief HR officer salary is $272,801 as of July 2023, but the range typically falls between $233,601 and $320,901.
   
2. Compensation and Benefits Manager: These professionals design and manage compensation and benefits programs to attract and retain talented employees. They conduct salary surveys, develop pay structures, and ensure competitive benefits packages. As of July 2023, the average Compensation and Benefits Manager salary is $131,446, but the range typically falls between $116,503 and $145,154.
   
3. Labor Relations Manager: Labor Relations Managers specialize in managing relationships between employers and labor unions. They negotiate labor contracts, handle grievances, and ensure compliance with labor laws. The average Labor Relations Manager salary is $143,932 as of July, 2023. The range, however, falls between $123,783 and $161,336.

4. Organizational Development Director/Manager: Organizational Development Directors or Managers focus on improving organizational effectiveness and employee performance. They design and implement initiatives related to change management, leadership development, and talent management. The average organizational development director salary is $195,137 as of 2023, but the range typically falls between $172,467 and $220,951.
   
5. HR Business Partner/HR Manager in High-Paying Industries: HR Business Partners or HR Managers in high-paying industries such as technology, finance, consulting, or healthcare work closely with senior leaders to align HR strategies with business objectives. The average salary of an HR Business Partner is $82,806, but the salary range typically falls between $74,961 and $92,615.
   
6. Training and Development Manager: These professionals are responsible for designing and delivering training programs to enhance employee skills and knowledge. They assess training needs, develop learning initiatives, and measure the effectiveness of training. As of July 2023, the average training & development manager salary is $133,833. The typical range, however, falls between $117,420 and $153,460.
   
7. HR Consultant/Senior HR Advisor: HR Consultants or Senior HR Advisors provide expert advice to organizations on HR strategies, compliance, and best practices. They often work independently or with consulting firms and can earn hourly rates or project-based fees. The average salary of an HR Consultant is $82,992 as of 2023, but the salary range typically falls between $77,536 and $99,890.
   
8. HR Analytics Manager: HR Analytics Managers collect and analyze HR data to provide insights for decision-making. They utilize data to optimize HR processes, identify trends, and support strategic initiatives. Salaries typically range from $119,234  to $144,459 per year.
   
9. Employee Relations Manager: Employee Relations Managers specialize in managing and maintaining positive relationships between employees and the organization. They handle employee grievances, mediate conflicts, and ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations. The average employee relations manager salary is $122,051 as of July 2023, but the range typically falls between $108,320 and $139,186.
   
10. HR Strategy Manager: HR Strategy Managers focus on developing and implementing HR strategies that align with the overall business objectives of the organization. They analyze market trends, identify HR challenges and opportunities, and develop innovative strategies to attract, develop, and retain top talent. The average HR strategy manager salary is $98,097, but the salary range typically falls between $88,516 and $110,305.

A degree in Human Resource Management prepares individuals to effectively manage the human capital of organizations. HRM professionals not only oversee recruitment, development, performance, and employee relations but also create positive work environments, foster engagement, and implement fair and compliant policies. With some business acumen, HRM graduates can contribute strategically to organizational success. The field offers diverse and rewarding career opportunities, enabling professionals to make a meaningful impact on people and organizational culture.