Choosing a bachelor's in human resource management | edX

How to choose a bachelors in human resource managementWritten by: Amanda Dexter, Edited by: Mitch JacobsonPublished: March 21, 2025Our rapidly evolving employment landscape means this is the perfect time to pursue a career in human resources. Whether transitioning into human resources (HR) or trying to advance your current HR career to the managerial level, you might wonder how to choose a bachelor's in human resource management program.Learn what factors to consider when choosing a bachelor's in human resource management program so you can find the one that best aligns with your career goals.Guide to choosing a bachelor's degree in human resource managementLocation and admissions requirements are often the first factors people consider when it comes to choosing an undergraduate institution. But if you want to pursue a bachelor's degree in human resource management, there are some special considerations to include as you research.Program accreditationEarning your bachelor's degree in human resource management (HRM) from an accredited institution with an accredited program is essential to receiving a quality education in HR industry standards, laws and regulations, technology, and best practices.You should verify a school's accreditation status by searching the online directory of institutions recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education (ED).Additionally, the human resource management program should hold an HR-specific accreditation from an agency approved by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), such as:Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)Comprehensive curriculumThe quality of a human resource management program is largely based on the quality of its curriculum. It should cover a broad range of critical topics that reflect both the current and potential industry trends and best practices within the HR field, including:Employment lawTalent planning and acquisitionRecruitment and hiringCompensation and benefitsEmployee and labor relationsPerformance managementTraining and developmentOrganizational psychologyDispute and conflict resolutionBusiness ethicsData and performance analyticsExperiential learningLook for programs that teach through hands-on, real-world learning opportunities, such as:Internships: Working under supervision within a company's HR department to gain exposure to various HR functions and rolesCapstone projects: Completing a large final project requiring synthesis and application of HR concepts to solve complex HR issues within a fictional workplace environmentCase studies: Analyzing real-life HR situations to explore the challenges and ethics involved in decision-makingRole-playing: Acting out different HR scenarios, such as employee disciplinary meetings or performance feedback sessions, to practice communication and conflict resolution techniquesConsulting projects: Partnering with local businesses or organizations to help identify needs within the HR department and strategize possible solutions or recommendations.Industry-standard technologies: Practicing with software and tools commonly used in HR, such as:Applicant tracking systems (ATS)Human resources information systems (HRIS)Artificial intelligence (AI) toolsLearning management systems (LMS)Talent recruitment and social media platformsPayroll softwareExpert facultyLook for programs with knowledgeable faculty with the appropriate professional qualifications:Experience working in HR in various capacitiesAdvanced degrees and industry certificationsPublished research or guest speaking appearancesKnowledge of issues and relevant solutions in the current HR landscapeProfessional network of business and industry leadersFinancial commitmentOne of the most prohibitive factors in earning a bachelor's degree is the cost. The average cost of tuition and fees — not including room and board — for a full academic school year at an in-state, four-year, public institution is $9,750, according to 2022–23 data from the National Center for Education Statistics.As you compare institutions and programs, be sure to also consider the total program cost (not just the price of tuition) and what lifestyle changes you may have to make along the way.To help offset or reduce your financial burden, consider doing the following:Submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you qualify for federal student aidExploring flexible repayment plan optionsLearning about student loan forgiveness programs, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)Applying for private and public scholarships, no matter how small the award amountCheck with your current employer to see if the company offers tuition assistance or reimbursement programsMeeting with a private lender or bank to discuss potential financing optionsAssessing local employment opportunities if you chose to work while attending schoolExplore bachelor's degrees in human resource managementAre you ready to begin your journey toward a career in human resource management? Then check out edX's courses and programs in human resource management and get started today.Explore all human resources programsCommon questions about getting a bachelor's degree in human resource managementIs a human resource management degree worth it?Considering the salary and occupational outlook for human resource managers, getting a bachelor's degree in human resource management could be a worthy investment in your future. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), HR managers earn a median annual salary of $136,350 as of May 2023, and the Bureau projects employment for HR managers to grow by 6% between 2023 and 2033, which is a rate that is higher than the national average for all other occupations.How long does it take to get a bachelor's degree in human resource management?Most bachelor's degree programs take four years to complete, assuming full-time enrollment in both spring and fall semesters. However, some schools may offer accelerated programs or part-time options for students already in the workforce.What careers are available to those with a bachelor's in human resource management degree?Many people with human resource management bachelor's degrees work within a company's HR department, sometimes overseeing the entire department or specializing in a certain area for larger companies. Possible job titles may include:Human resources managerLabor relations director or employee relations managerPayroll managerRecruiting managerStaffing managerCompensation and benefits managersTraining and development managersBusinessShare this articleShare on FacebookShare on XShare on LinkedinShare on Email