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Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General

Program Description

Just the Facts

Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General. A program that generally prepares individuals to manage the development of human capital in organizations, and to provide related services to individuals and groups. Includes instruction in personnel and organization policy, human resource dynamics and flows, labor relations, sex roles, civil rights, human resources law and regulations, motivation and compensation systems, work systems, career management, employee testing and assessment, recruitment and selection, managing employee and job training programs, and the management of human resources programs and operations.

This program is available in these options:

  • Certificate / Diploma
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Graduate Certificate
  • Master's degree
  • Doctoral degree

High School Courses

See the high school courses recommended for programs in this career cluster:

See the high school courses recommended for programs in this pathway:



Additional Information

Human resources management students learn how to help employees meet their full potential and maintain job satisfaction.

Different schools will offer different paths to a career in human resources management. A school can have its own human resources management department, or it may be part of business administration, organizational development, human services or public administration.

Most programs are offered at the bachelor's or master's degree level, but there are also many one- and two-year programs. However, many of these shorter programs are for people who already have education or work experience and want more education to move into a management position.

Many students go on to receive a master's or even a PhD degree in some area of human resources management. Often, those with advanced degrees go into consulting, teaching or writing. A master's degree may be needed for some jobs, but those with bachelor's degrees can often be promoted to top management or executive positions.

Before choosing a school, you may want to ask if it offers a co-op program. Co-op programs are paid work placements that give you academic credit. They help pay for your education and give you hands-on experience.

Most college programs look for students with a solid B average in the final year of high school.

Jai Ghorpade, a professor of management at San Diego State University, suggests students build a firm foundation with courses in math, statistics, liberal arts and history.

Students need excellent communication skills, since human resources managers have to write and speak effectively with people of various cultural backgrounds, levels of education and experience.

Ghorpade feels that public speaking, or "any extracurricular activity that brings a student out into the community," will help develop these vital communication skills.

Maureen Nummelin is the coordinator of a postgraduate program in human resources management. She recommends any type of activity that exposes a student to any kind of management function.

She stresses the importance of "learning to work in teams, to become self-motivated and directed, and to be able to deal with pressure and short timelines."

The main costs are tuition and books, although you will have to pay a fee if you want to join a professional association.


Links

Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Human Resources Managers

Society for Human Resources Management
A resource for HR professionals in more than 160 countries

HRM on the Internet
A plentiful list of related links