Human resources specialists have diverse duties and levels of responsibility, so the educational requirements in the field vary. You can work in virtually any industry, so you have some choices to make when selecting your degree program in human resources. Even though specialization usually occurs at the master's level, determining your specialty in advance will direct you to the most effective courses of study and help you pick your elective courses.
The bachelor's degree is the most common qualification for entry-level jobs, although you may be able to get a foot in the door with an associate degree if you also have work experience. Master's degrees have increasingly become preferred for upper-level management positions. At all levels, online college courses in human resources have become more widespread as business professionals seek to expand or focus their expertise without losing years of work experience.
An interdisciplinary background is appropriate in this field--more so than for other business degrees. Look for a curriculum that combines business and social sciences. Relevant courses might include management principles, organizational structure, industrial psychology, public administration, computers and information systems, compensation, recruitment, and training and development. Other courses in behavioral sciences, psychology, sociology, political science, economics, or statistics are useful. Some jobs may require a more technical or specialized background in engineering, science, finance, or labor relations, for example.
