Overview of Associate Degree in Business: Human Resource Management
Majors Overview May 4, 2013Human resource (HR) professionals are expected to play a key role in helping organizations achieve their goals in what is an increasingly competitive market. Students enrolled in an associate degree program in human resource or business management will be prepared to play indispensable roles as members of a business organization.
Associate Degree in Business: Human Resource Management
Students who complete a business degree in HR management can seek entry level jobs in the rapidly-growing field of human resources. Admission criteria require applicants to hold a high school diploma or a general educational development (GED) certificate. The program is devised to make students adept at training, hiring, managing and developing personnel for a business organization. Basic administration skills are also taught, including management of employee benefits and conducting business in an ethical and legal manner.
These programs might be available as associate degree programs in business administration, business management, or human resource management. Associate degree programs in business administration or management may offer concentration options or coursework in human resource management.
Program Coursework
Depending on the programs, some human resource management degree programs incorporate business classes with social sciences classes, such as psychology, since HR professionals are required to work with individuals of different backgrounds. While specific programs vary, an associate degree program in human resource management may include the following course topics:
•Public speaking
•Accounting
•Business statistics
•Employee compensation
•Economics
•Human resources management
•Organizational behavior
•Training and development
Career Options
There are several different career paths a graduate may take in the field of human resource. Depending on the human resource careers, some may require additional education; associate degree holders can obtain work experience through supportive and assistant positions and may be promoted to higher positions. Popular career options for graduates may include the following:
•Training specialist
•Benefits specialist
•Human resource assistant
Continuing Education
While there are some human resource jobs available to graduates of an associate degree program, more opportunities are available to those who have completed the bachelor degree program in human resource. An undergraduate or graduate degree programs might be available in HR management, or in business administration with HR management concentration options.