Do You Need a Degree for a Career in Human Resource Management?

If you want to climb the career ladder in human resource management, think about earning a bachelor's degree--or even a master's--to help you on your way.

by Jane Smallman
jane.smallman@collegesearchengine.com
College Search Engine Columnist

For career success in human resource management, degree qualifications are increasingly important. This is a competitive field, and you will be at a disadvantage if you are not a college graduate.

Do I Need A Degree To Get My First Job?

The answer to this question greatly depends on the kind of job you want. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that many employers want college graduates with at least a bachelor’s degree even for entry-level human resource positions, and often prefer those who have majored in human resources or a related subject like industrial relations. In addition, competition for these jobs is already fierce as there is no shortage of willing candidates who are already degree-holders.

Without a degree you might still be considered for certain administrative and payroll positions, but the disadvantage of these jobs is that they’re rarely a stepping-stone to anything more rewarding. The conclusion seems to be that if you want a job that can lead to a career in human resources management then you need to get yourself to college (whether online or traditional) and earn a degree.

Does Career Success Depend On Having A Degree?

Further up the human resources career ladder a degree-level education is equally important. HR leaders don’t just deal with human resource problems; they also participate in the major decision-making processes that are part of modern business management. This means they need a good working knowledge of things like strategic planning, finance, economics, marketing, and statistics.

You can learn some of this from experience, but don’t forget that at executive level you’ll be working with people who have experience and, more than likely, a degree-level qualification in the subject. If you want to be able to speak their language and earn their respect, it will help if you’re a graduate yourself.

So, is a degree really necessary for a career in human resources management? Well, if you’re lucky, you might get by without being a college graduate, but if you have set your heart on being a leader in this field you should sign up for that degree program now.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
About.com
Monster.com

About the Author

Jane Smallman combines freelance writing with running a mountain-guiding business with her husband. She has a bachelor and master’s degree in social sciences.

Posted on April 12, 2007 at 4:19 PM

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