What is Human Resources (HR) Administration?
HR administration is a vital component of any organization that wishes to remain competitive in today’s business world. Those looking to enter or advance their career in HR can benefit greatly from enrolling in an accredited college program which specializes in the field. There are a variety of colleges and universities offering degree programs focused on HR across the country.
For those looking to start with an entry-level position, such as HR assistant, they may benefit from obtaining an associate degree at a community college or technical school. However, if someone is looking to move up the ladder into management roles, they should consider obtaining a bachelor’s degree at an accredited university with specialized courses in subjects like labor relations and recruitment strategies.
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Online Education for Human Resource Managers in Arizona
An HR manager is responsible for overseeing employee benefits, recruitment, training, and development. They are found in almost every company, from large corporations to small businesses, and their main goal is to ensure the organization’s success by effectively managing its employees. As a result, obtaining an education in HR administration through a college or university degree program can be beneficial for those looking to work in business but who are uninterested in the analytical or numbers side. A degree in HR can allow you to work in the business of people.
HR management degrees provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to understand both the legal requirements of employment and how to motivate employees in order to optimize organizational performance. Through instruction on topics such as health and safety standards, labor relations law, and employee selection techniques, individuals learn how to create policies that maximize productivity while fostering a positive workplace environment. Additional coursework may include business finance management, strategic planning, or compensation design studies.
Online Associate (AS)
Obtaining an associate degree in HR is a great way to jumpstart your career in the field. A human resources associate degree prepares you for a variety of entry-level HR jobs and it could be the first step toward a bachelor's.
HR professionals have a range of skills including management, finance, marketing, and communication. They create an environment where everyone is treated fairly and help employees feel valued. They also oversee employee benefits packages and work closely with company executives, ensuring that organizations follow labor laws and internal company policies alike.
HR associate degree programs can prepare you for many jobs in the field including compensation managers, employee benefits managers, and employee welfare coordinators. They also teach you the basics of employment law, labor relations, and collective bargaining agreements. However, most higher-level or management careers in this field do prefer those with bachelor’s degrees.
National Rankings - Top 25 Online Associates in Human Resources ManagementOnline Bachelors (BS)
Obtaining a bachelor's degree in HR management can give you an edge in the job market. These degrees prepare you to manage and administer all aspects of human resources in a business. Upon graduation, you can lead employees toward a common goal.
As an HR major, you'll develop your professional skills in areas like compensation, benefits, and labor relations. You'll also learn about employee recruitment, training, and retention. During your time in one of these programs, you'll have the chance to work on projects that are real-world in nature. These projects can include HR plans for non-profits, medical clinics, and volunteer organizations. You may also have the chance to earn professional development credits through regular job fairs and internships, depending on the school or program you choose.
A bachelor's degree in human resource management is a multidisciplinary degree that draws heavily from business strategy, economics, and psychology. It's designed for those looking to get a head start on their career and can get you into management at an accelerated pace vs. an associate degree.
National Rankings - Top 25 Online Bachelors in Human Resources ManagementOnline Masters (MS)
A master’s degree in HR administration is a great way to make yourself more competitive in the job market and gain access to higher-level promotions and job opportunities. With an advanced degree, you will learn valuable skills and knowledge related to recruiting, training and developing personnel, as well as leadership development. A master's degree program will also teach you how to analyze human resources data, develop compensation strategies, assess performance management systems, and use technology-based tools for human resource management.
The coursework of a master’s degree in HR management typically includes topics such as labor relations, organizational behavior, business law, and communication. You may also learn how to conduct job analysis and interviews, hire staff, design performance appraisal systems, manage employee relations, create benefits plans, administer payrolls, develop safety programs, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, and ensure compliance with federal regulations.
National Rankings - Top 25 Online Masters in Human Resources ManagementOnline PhD (PhD)
A PhD in HR is a highly sought-after degree for those looking to further their career in the field or those who wish to teach at the university level. With these advanced degrees, students gain an understanding of both theory and practice, enabling them to be more efficient and effective when it comes to managing staff and general business administration. Earning this degree can open up many opportunities for employment across a variety of industries including business, healthcare, education, engineering, and government.
The curriculum of these types of programs typically includes courses such as organizational behavior and development, labor law, and management strategy. Students also learn about topics like employee selection processes, performance management systems and conflict resolution techniques. In addition to classroom learning experiences, doctoral candidates often participate in field research projects that allow them to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Graduates will be well prepared with the skills needed to succeed as a leader or expert consultant on matters pertaining to human resources management.
UniversityHQ resources and scholarships guide for Business Management Check out our Financial Aid GuideOnline Certifications
Human resource management certifications are an important part of the human resources field as they provide a way to prove one’s expertise and knowledge. Those who have obtained their certification will gain an edge in the competitive job market, ensuring that they remain competitive by having specialized knowledge in the area of human resources. For those looking to enter into this field and become certified professionals, there are several colleges and universities that offer programs specifically designed for HR certifications.
These programs vary from institution to institution, but most have similar requirements such as a minimum GPA requirement, completion of certain courses related to human resource management, and successful completion of an exam given by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Additionally, some institutions also require students to complete practical experience within the field before being fully certified.
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How to Become a Human Resources Manager in Arizona
HR management is a growing field that offers opportunities to manage an organization’s human resources and personnel. Certification often requires completing specific steps through an accredited HR management program, though earning a degree in the field can be enough to enter an HR role. Here are tips on becoming a human resources manager.
- Step 1: Research colleges and universities offering degrees in human resources management
Researching colleges and universities can feel overwhelming with so many schools, programs, and degree levels available. Whether pursuing an associate degree or a doctorate, it's essential to choose an accredited institution that meets your educational needs.
When researching schools, consider both their academic reputation and the type of learning environment they offer. Look into their class sizes, student resources such as career counseling services, extracurricular activities available to students in the human resources program, and any other opportunities that might better prepare you for your future career goals.
- Step 2: Get your degree in human resources
While a business degree can lead to entry-level HR roles, a more specialized degree in human resources can open up greater career opportunities. HR professionals are crucial to an organization's success, handling recruitment, training, and employee management. Many colleges and universities offer undergraduate and graduate degrees tailored specifically to this field.
These programs typically include courses like labor relations, organizational behavior, industrial psychology, and business ethics, where students learn about interviewing, compensation strategies, and employee benefits. Along with technical HR management skills, students also develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the field. - Step 3: Earn certifications from organizations
Earning certification in human resources management is a great way to gain expertise and stay current in the field. Certifications help individuals stand out, show commitment, and enhance career prospects. When looking for professional development, job seekers should find organizations that align with their goals. Many professional associations offer certification programs focused on specialized HR skills.
By completing these courses, participants will have access to valuable information about related topics such as labor relations, organizational development, and employee recruitment strategies. Additionally, these certificates provide access to a network of industry experts who can provide insight into current trends and best practices when managing a team of employees or developing policies and procedures
- Step 4: Stay up to date on new trends related to human resources management
For those looking to stay ahead of the curve in HR, understanding the most current trends is an important part of that. Keeping up to date on new developments in this field can help human resources professionals ensure that they are providing services that best meet their organization’s needs. One of the best ways to do this is to join a professional organization. Through these organizations, you can gain access to conferences, journals, networking opportunities, continuing education courses, and much more.
What Can I Do with a Bachelor's in HR Management?
A bachelor's degree in human resources management is an excellent way to start a career in a fast-growing field. HR managers oversee the people within an organization, ensuring employees have the skills, knowledge, and resources to succeed. With a degree in this field, graduates can qualify for leadership roles across various industries.
With this degree, you'll gain the skills to analyze personnel policies, develop compensation plans, and coordinate recruitment activities. You'll also learn to build relationships with employees, helping them achieve their goals while providing guidance and support. Additionally, you'll apply your knowledge of labor laws to ensure compliance across your organization. While this degree may not prepare you for all business roles, many industries require skilled HR professionals.
Potential Careers for HR Graduates
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks:
Insurance claims and policy processing clerks are responsible for processing insurance claims and policies, as well as managing documents and communication with clients.
Necessary Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- 1-3 years of experience in a similar role
- Knowledge of insurance industry practices, regulations, and procedures
- Excellent organizational skills
Estimated Salary
- The mean annual wage for insurance claims and policy processing clerks in the US in 2021 was $45,790
- The mean annual wage for insurance claims and policy processing clerks in Arizona is $41,410 Learn more
Human Resource Assistants (except payroll and timekeeping):
A human resource assistant is responsible for providing administrative and organizational support to the HR department. This includes assisting with recruitment, managing employee records, and onboarding new hires, though it doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be working with payroll as that is often relegated to another role.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field
- At least one year of experience working in a human resources role
- Knowledge of applicable employment laws and regulations
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
Estimated Salary
- The mean annual wage for human resources assistants (except payroll and timekeeping) in the US in 2021 was $44,840
- The mean annual wage for human resources assistants, except payroll and timekeeping in Arizona is $43,770
Training and Development Specialists:
A training and development specialist will be responsible for designing and delivering training programs, providing guidance to staff, and developing and implementing new strategies to improve the quality of training in the organization.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources management, organizational psychology, or a related field
- Proven experience as a training and development specialist or similar role
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for training and development specialists in the US in 2021 was $61,570
- The mean annual wage for training and development specialists in Arizona is $67,140
Labor Relations Specialists:
A labor relations specialist is responsible for managing labor-management relations and maintaining positive working relationships between the organization and its employees.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field
- 5+ years of experience in labor relations or a related field
- Knowledge of labor laws, regulations, and collective bargaining agreements
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for labor relations specialists in the US in 2021 was $77,010
- The mean annual wage for labor relations specialists in Arizona is $81,510
Lodging Managers:
A lodging manager is responsible for overseeing the operations of a lodging establishment, such as a hotel or resort. While this might seem as though it is outside the purvey of a human resources degree, these managers oversee huge numbers of employees and deal with customers on a regular basis, making a human resources degree a pertinent starting place for this management role.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in business, hospitality, or a related field
- Previous experience in hotel management or a related field
- Knowledge of hotel operations and customer service principles
- Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Ability to work flexible hours
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for lodging managers in the US in 2021 was $59,430
- The mean annual wage for lodging managers in Arizona is $68,010
Compensation and Benefits Managers:
These managers are responsible for all aspects of an organization’s compensation and benefits programs. They may consider many benefits programs every year, deciding if it’s worth it to switch to a new provider or program and negotiating benefits for their employees as a group to try to get the best deal possible.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field
- 5+ years of experience in a compensation/benefits role preferred
- Knowledge of federal and state labor laws and regulations related to employee compensation and benefits
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for compensation and benefits managers in the US in 2021 was $127,530
- The mean annual wage for compensation and benefits managers in Arizona is $133,500
Chief Executive:
A chief executive is responsible for providing strategic direction and leadership to the organization while overseeing its daily operations.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., business administration)
- At least 10 years of management experience in a corporate setting
- Proven track record of effective leadership
- Strong financial management skills
Estimated Salary
- The mean annual wage for chief executives in the US in 2021 was $213,020
- The mean annual wage for chief executives in Arizona is $150,990
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