Skip To Content Privacy Page

Colorado State University - Global Campus

Request Info Login

Blog

How to Become a Human Resource Manager

Share

Studying to Become an HR Manager

Recently we explored what human resource management is and we explained what human resource managers do. Here we’ll outline how to get a job as an HR manager.

Whether you’re looking for an entry-level position, or you would like to find a new leadership or management-level job in human resource management, this post will help you figure out exactly what you need to do to achieve your goal.

Accordingly, we’ll explain whether or not you need a degree, what type of degree would best meet your specific career goals and objectives, what you can do with a bachelor’s versus a master’s degree, and why you should consider getting a degree in HR management online.

If you love working with people and you’re excited about leading staff training, management, conflict resolution, and other similar HR tasks to help organizations meet their objectives, then you should definitely consider pursuing a career in human resource management.

After you’ve learned about how to become an HR manager, we encourage you to fill out our information request form to receive details about our 100% online Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Programs in Human Resource Management. If you’re ready to get started, submit your application today.

Is Human Resource Management a Good Career?

Yes, human resources is an excellent field that you should consider launching a career in, as the demand for human resource managers is expected to grow considerably over the next several years.

According to the BLS, employment for human resource managers is projected to increase by 7% between 2021 and 2031, which is faster than the average for all occupations. 

BLS explains that as new companies form and organizations expand their operations, they’ll need HR managers to help administer and monitor programs, and to ensure that they are adhering to evolving employment laws.

If you do choose to pursue a career in the industry, then completing an online Bachelor’s Degree in HR Management, or an online Master’s Degree program in HR Management is one of the best ways to increase the odds that you’ll be able to achieve long-term career success in the field.

By completing an accredited academic program in human resource management, you’ll develop the critical knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to serve as an effective and efficient HR professional.

What Do Human Resource Managers Actually Do?

Human resource managers are responsible for overseeing an organization’s administrative functions.

Typical HR manager duties include planning, coordinating, and directing a series of processes and procedures, including:

  • Recruiting and talent acquisition.
  • Training and development.
  • Organizational development.
  • Employee benefits.
  • Employee compensation.
  • Employee relations.
  • Talent management.
  • Payroll processing.

Because of the complex nature of these tasks, and the fact that they’re so critical to organizational success, it’s important that anyone looking to become an HR manager seek out the foundational knowledge, skills, and training needed to oversee these responsibilities with expertise.

This is why so many HR management positions are going to require that you have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the field to even be considered for the role, and why we recommend that anyone who wants to become an HR manager first complete a degree program in this field.

Do I Need a Degree to Get a Job as a Human Resource Manager?

You may be able to get a job as an HR manager without a degree, but that is an unlikely proposition, and especially if you’re looking to launch your career in HR at a more traditional organization or corporation which typically require their employees to hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

But beyond making it easier to find a role in the industry, there is another huge benefit to completing a degree program in HR management—getting your degree is one of the best ways to ensure you’re prepared to provide effective leadership in this challenging role.

Simply put, getting your degree in HR management at either the bachelor’s or master’s level is likely to increase the chances that you’re capable of bringing value to an organization from day one, and to improve your marketability when applying for industry positions.

When it comes to choosing a school for studying HR management, you’ll have two excellent options available from CSU Global, where you can find regionally accredited, widely respected degree programs at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels.

Which Human Resource Management Degree Should I Get?

You should choose the degree that best meets your professional needs and your long-term career goals.

Accordingly, you’ll need to determine if either a bachelor’s or master’s degree is right for you, and you can do that by reviewing your existing education credentials, your current knowledge, skills, and prior experience in the field, as well as your professional development goals.

If you’re new to human resources and are looking to get your foot in the door, or if you only have a little experience in the field, but lack a bachelor’s degree needed to secure more advanced roles, then you will likely want to pursue our Bachelor’s Degree in HR Management.

However, if you already have some experience in human resources, especially if you’ve already served in management or leadership roles, or if you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, then you are likely to be better suited for our Master’s Degree program.

If you’re still struggling on choosing between a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, keep in mind that one of the biggest differences between the two programs is that the undergraduate program will include instruction in HR as well as in other fields, whereas the master’s program is going to be specifically focused on HR knowledge, with some additional leadership and management training.

Whichever program you do decide to enroll in, you’ll be well on your way to developing the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to establish a successful career in HR management, as both of our programs were designed to provide training that delivers real-world value for the workplace.

What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in HR Management?

Completing a Bachelor’s Degree in HR Management will prepare you to work as a professional in the field of human resources, and your bachelor’s degree will qualify you to pursue excellent industry roles, including:

This is just a short list of a few of the common jobs you may be able to land with a bachelor’s degree, as your credentials are likely to qualify you for a whole series of related roles as well.

Essentially, getting your bachelor’s in HR management will qualify you to take on any human resources job, though if you want to get a leadership role in the industry, then you may be better served by choosing to pursue a master’s degree instead.

What Can I Do With a Master’s Degree in HR Management?

Getting your Master’s Degree in HR Management is an excellent way to prepare for leadership, managerial and senior-level roles in the industry, including positions like:

As a graduate from a master’s program, you’ll be prepared for leadership roles like managing teams of other HR professionals, providing effective leadership for critical organizational processes, and driving organizational development.

If your goal is to develop a long-term career in human resources, and you want a role in management or even at the executive level, then you may want to consider pursuing a master’s degree in the field.

Is a Degree in Human Resource Management Really Worth It?

Yes, getting your degree in human resource management is a valuable investment in yourself, as it’s one of the best ways to develop the skills, abilities, and foundational knowledge needed to succeed in this challenging field.

While it may take hard work and dedication to complete a bachelor’s or master’s program, it’s also an excellent way to increase the chances that you’ll be able to achieve long-term career success.

Completing a degree program will help prepare you to provide value to any organization from day one, and being able to add the academic credentials to your resume is also likely to make you more attractive to potential hiring managers.

Can I Get My Degree in HR Management Online?

Yes, you can get a well-respected and regionally-accredited online Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management from CSU Global. 

Our accelerated online degree programs offer more flexibility and freedom than a traditional in-person program, as these programs were designed entirely for online students.

Choosing to pursue your degree with us online will make it far easiest for you to juggle your educational pursuits with existing work and family responsibilities, as our programs provide the following benefits:

  • No requirements to appear at any set times or locations.
  • Access to monthly class starts.
  • Accelerated, eight-week courses.

If you’re looking for convenience in your degree program, there is no better option than choosing to study with CSU Global.

What Makes CSU Global the Best School for Human Resource Management?

CSU Global’s Bachelor’s and Master’s Programs in Human Resource Management are both regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and ACBSP Accredited by the Council of Business Schools and Programs

Both programs are also aligned with the Society for Human Resources Management HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates.

Each of these programs was designed to provide working professionals with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to launch a successful career in human resources, and our alumni data proves that the training we offer provides a significant benefit to our graduates.

Alumni from our B.S. program report receiving an average salary increase of 26% four years after graduation, and alumni from our M.S. program report earning an average salary of $74,509 three years after completing their degree.

Our HR management programs also rank exceptionally well, with each of them having earned several top 5 rankings, including:

  • A #2 ranking for Best Online Bachelor’s in Human Resources from The Best Schools or our bachelor’s program.
  • A #2 ranking for Best Online Master’s in Human Resources from Online Course Report for our master’s program.

Furthermore, CSU Global itself has also recently received several distinguished rankings, including:

  • A #1 ranking for Best Online Colleges & Schools in Colorado from Best Accredited Colleges.
  • A #1 ranking for Best Online Colleges in Colorado from Best Colleges.
  • A #10 ranking for Best Online Colleges for ROI from OnlineU.

 

Finally, CSU Global offers competitive tuition rates and a Tuition Guarantee to ensure your rate won’t increase as you’re getting a degree in the desired field.

To get additional details about our fully-accredited, 100% online HR management programs, please give us a call at 800-462-7845, or fill out our Information Request Form.

Ready to get started today? Apply now!