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By University HQ Staff Writers
Edited by Evelyn Keener
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What is Human Resources Management?

Human resources management (HRM) is an integral part of any successful business. Developing qualified HR professionals is essential for managing employee relations, developing effective policies and procedures, and creating a positive work environment. For those looking to specialize in HRM, there are numerous higher education options available at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree levels.

When researching colleges and universities that offer HRM programs, it’s important to look into the curriculum, as well as other program details such as internships, job placement assistance, and faculty qualifications. Depending on the level of study chosen, courses in organizational behavior, labor laws and regulations, and recruiting may be included. Many degrees and programs in Idaho also provide practical experience through internships or lab classes that give students real-world experience in their field of choice.

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Online Human Resources Management Education in Idaho

HR management is the practice of managing and administering various employee-related activities such as recruitment and selection, performance management, training and development, and payroll and benefits administration. This is typically done by a human resources (HR) manager.

A human resource manager’s job consists of close interaction with staff, reviewing resumes, and conducting interviews to determine the best hire for an organization. They may also need to seek out potential recruits by visiting college career fairs and maintaining relationships with existing employees who can act as a source of referrals. By staying in tune with the industry changes and trends, they can attract quality candidates that meet the organization’s needs.

Beyond recruitment, HR managers also work as mediators between staff or departments to ensure efficient communication within the workplace. Their role in dispute resolution may include problem-solving techniques, motivating employees to move forward after disagreements, or mediating when two sides do not see eye-to-eye. Additionally, HR managers must maintain up to date knowledge on state and federal labor laws so that their company does not find itself liable in any way – which requires frequent compliance audits.

Online Associates (AS)

An associate in human resources management is an important qualification for individuals seeking to pursue a career in the field of human resources. This degree prepares students with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in modern HR departments. It provides a comprehensive foundation on which graduates can build their career by giving them an understanding of how to manage complex personnel issues, develop strategies for employee relations, and create effective HR policies within their organizations.

The curriculum in HRM schools includes staffing a quality workforce, training, development and compensation principles, and organizational dynamics, as well as legalities surrounding employment laws, workplace safety regulations, and labor relations. Students who earn these degrees also often gain hands-on experience through internships that help them gain real-world skills and better understand the roles that are available in the industry.

Online Bachelors (BS)

A bachelor's in human resources management or a degree in business administration with a human resources emphasis is a great way to prepare for a career in the human resources field. With this degree, you will gain the knowledge, skills, and experience required to become an effective human resources manager. You'll learn about managing personnel, payroll, and other administrative duties associated with the job. As you progress through your degree in HR, you're also likely to gain valuable insights into how businesses operate from a human resources perspective - giving you an edge over your competition when it comes time to apply for jobs. You will also have a leg up over candidates who have only earned an associate degree as most employers prefer those who have earned at least a bachelor’s, if not a master’s in the field.

The curriculum of a bachelor's in HR management covers all aspects of modern HR management. This includes topics such as recruitment and selection processes, organizational behavior and development programs, employee relations issues, and labor law. In addition to these core areas of study, some programs may offer courses on leadership development or training techniques that can be used within companies or organizations.

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Online Masters (MS)

A master's in human resources management (HRM) from one of the many colleges and universities in Idaho is an invaluable asset for those seeking to become successful leaders in the field and to advance an existing career. These specialized degree programs provides students with a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively manage and develop human resources, with knowledge above and beyond that offered in a bachelor’s program, while also providing them with the skill set necessary to make informed decisions when it comes to organizational strategy. With a master’s degree in HRM, graduates can expect to gain employment opportunities that are tailored specifically for their skill set and area of expertise.

Studies will equip graduates with the knowledge needed for a variety of human resource roles such as recruitment, training and development, employee relations, compensation administration, and labor law compliance. Graduates from these programs are prepared to lead organizations through strategic planning initiatives, organizational change, and to implement policies that create an atmosphere of trust between management and employees.

Online Doctorate (PhD)

Earning a PhD in human resources management from a university or other human resource management schools can open new, exciting job opportunities and provide the credentials needed to be known as an expert in the subject. A PhD will provide rigorous education and research training to equip you with the skills needed for strategic management of people and resources within an organization or institution, but these skills can also be applied to a consulting career or a new role in academics.

The range of topics covered by a human resource management degree program at this level might include topics such as organizational culture, performance management systems, labor relations strategies, employee benefits planning, compensation design and evaluation, training and development methods, and legal aspects of human resource management. What you can be certain of is that every class you take will be taught at a higher level than you have ever encountered before. Coursework will prepare students for research methods and data analysis relevant to human resource management positions. With this specialized skillset, graduates are qualified to work as directors or senior managers of human resources departments at large companies or institutions as well as academic staff members at universities.

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Online Certifications

Human Resource Management Certifications can help you become an essential part of any successful business. To become a successful HR manager, it’s important to understand the various aspects of managing people and resources within an organization. Earning a certification in human resource management can help prepare individuals for this exciting career path. By obtaining certifications, individuals will have access to advanced coursework and superior job prospects that can help them move up the corporate ladder.

There are several different certifications available to those interested in human resource management, each with their own unique benefits. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offers the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certifications which are designed to equip professionals with the tools they need to manage employees effectively. These are the most commonly earned and very well respected certifications in this field.

Become a Human Resources Manager in Idaho

Becoming a human resources manager can give you the career path and opportunities for growth that you desire. With the right degree and some practical experience, you can pursue a viable career in this field. Here are some steps to follow if you want to become a human resource manager.

  • Step 1: Earn a Degree in Human Resources Management

    The first step towards becoming a qualified HR manager is to obtain an undergraduate-level diploma or degree related to HR management. This can range from a one year diploma course in business administration with focused studies on human resource management, all the way up to earning a four-year bachelor’s. Many people choose to pursue an additional master's or non-degree specialized certification program as well, depending on their vocational goals.

  • Step 2: Gain Experience Through Volunteer and Internship Opportunities

    Throughout your educational journey, it’s important that you gain as much industry experience as possible in order to set yourself apart when applying for full-time positions. For this reason, we suggest pursuing volunteer or internship opportunities wherever possible during the course of your studies. Working in real world settings dealing with human resources training, recruitment, and labor relations will give you more insight into what it takes to be successful in this field.

  • Step 3: Successfully Complete Professional Certifications

    Even after obtaining your degree, there may be certain professional certifications required for certain roles within the industry. This can range from formal international certifications (such as SHRM's Global Professional) or courses sponsored by universities and other organizations dedicated specifically for enforcing professional ethics codes within HR departments (such as those offered by the Ethical Human Resource Professionals Association). Taking these courses helps employers achieve more credibility when making decisions about hiring personnel, so they may be pertinent to those interested in pursuing postgraduate education or taking leadership roles within their current company.

  • Step 4: Stay Updated on Trends and Regulations

    In addition to degrees and certifications in the field of human resources management, staying abreast of trends relating new technologies, recent legislation regarding employee rights and protections, as well as modern theory surrounding talent acquisition strategies helps employers stay competitive in business operations dealing with personnel hiring/firing procedures. Staying up on current events also gives HR managers insight into cultural differences surrounding managerial decision-making pertaining to selecting personnel working abroad versus domestically sourced employees - something that has become increasingly important amidst ongoing international economic market fluctuation and global economic instability over extended periods of time.

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What Can I Do with a Bachelor's in Human Resources Management?

A bachelor's in human resources management is a great way to get started in the field of human resources. With this degree, you will gain an understanding of the fundamentals of human resources management and develop the skills necessary to help organizations manage their most valuable asset - their employees. Whether you want to work in a corporate setting or with a non-profit organization, having a bachelor's in human resource management can open up many opportunities for entry-level careers and career advancement. The coursework within a bachelor’s program focuses on planning and directing HR activities such as recruitment, selection and placement, performance reviews, employee training and development programs, and compensation and benefits plans. In addition to developing your knowledge about these topics, you will also gain hands-on experience through case studies and internship opportunities.

Potential Careers for Human Resources Management Graduates

  • Dispatcher (Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance)

    Dispatchers work in various industries where they coordinate services from a central location. Their job duties include receiving information from incoming phone calls, monitoring multiple radio frequencies for specific events, and reporting any relevant activities to those who are in the field. They also update logs with information about incidents such as vehicle accidents or medical emergencies. Additionally, they must be familiar with local geography which may aid them when providing instructions over radio communications.

    Necessary Requirements:

    • High school diploma or equivalent
    • At least one year of experience in a dispatching role
    • Excellent problem solving, communication and organizational skills
    • Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
    • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and database software

    Estimated Salary

    • The mean annual wage for dispatchers (except police, fire, and ambulance) in the US in 2021 was $46,650
    • The mean annual wage for dispatchers (except police, fire, and ambulance) in Idaho is $43,010
  • HR Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists:

    Compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists are responsible for overseeing many of a company’s human resource functions, such as compensations, benefits management, policy development and implementation with regard to salaries, retirement plans, disability insurance programs, and other related services. These specialists typically hold bachelor’s degrees in business administration or human resources with further training in organizational development or behavioral science courses.

    Necessary Requirements:

    • Bachelor’s in human resources or a related field
    • At least 5 years of experience in compensation and benefit program management
    • Advanced knowledge of labor laws and regulations regarding employee compensation and benefits
    • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

    Estimated Salary

    • The median annual wage for compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists in the US in 2021 was $64,120
    • The mean annual wage for compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists in Idaho is $66,040
  • Training and Development Manager:

    Training and development managers are responsible for overseeing the entire training process within an organization, from planning to implementation. They work with managers at all levels of the organization to ensure that each employee has been given proper training in order to do their job well. This can involve creating individualized plans for employees, creating curricula, arranging for outside resources to lead trainings, or directing online learning activities as appropriate.

    Necessary Requirements:

    • Bachelor’s in human resources, education, business administration or related field
    • Minimum of 5 years’ experience in Training & Development roles
    • Knowledge of instructional design principles and methods

    Estimated Salary

    • The median annual wage for training and development managers in the US in 2021 was $120,130
    • The mean annual wage for training and development managers in Idaho is $91,340
  • Public Relations Specialist:

    Public relations specialists manage and create content for a company's public image, promote brand awareness, and maintain relationships with media contacts.

    Necessary Requirements:

    • Degree in marketing, communications, journalism or related field
    • Proven experience as a Public Relations Specialist or similar role
    • Knowledge of media production and communication techniques
    • Familiarity with social media platforms and web analytics tools
    • Excellent organizational and time-management skills

    Estimated Salary

    • The median annual wage for public relations specialists in the US in 2021 was $62,800
    • The mean annual wage for public relations specialists in Idaho is $60,900
  • Human Resources Specialists:

    Human resource specialists play an important role in the recruitment process by helping employers identify qualified candidates for job openings. They conduct phone screens with applicants and review resumes for accuracy before referring finalists for face-to-face interviews. In addition, human resource specialists may be responsible for organizing job fairs and career days in order to recruit new talent from universities or community organizations.

    Necessary Requirements:

    • Bachelor’s in human resources or a related field
    • At least 5 years of experience in human resource management
    • Knowledge of labor laws and regulations
    • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
    • Proficiency in MS Office applications

    Estimated Salary

    • The median annual wage for human resources specialists in the US in 2021 was $62,290
    • The mean annual wage for human resources specialists in Idaho is $60,970
  • Business Manager:

    A general or operations manager is someone who leads a business or an organization in its daily operations. They set objectives, develop strategies, manage staff, handle financial resources, evaluate performance, and make critical decisions that keep the organization competitive and profitable.

    Necessary Requirements:

    Estimated Salary

    • The mean annual wage for general and operations managers in the US in 2021 was $115,250
    • The mean annual wage for general and operations managers in Idaho is $76,870
  • Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks:

    Insurance claims and policy processing clerks are responsible for processing claims and policy related documents for insurance companies. They review, verify, and enter data from policy applications, claims forms, and other documents into the company’s records.

    Necessary Requirements:

    • High school diploma or GED equivalent
    • Knowledge of general office procedures
    • Must be comfortable working with computers and databases
    • Excellent organizational skills
    • Ability to work accurately with attention

    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 Idaho is $40,780
  • Compensation and Benefits Managers:

    The primary responsibility of a compensation and benefits manager is to oversee all aspects of an organization’s employee compensation policies and programs. They’re responsible for creating, implementing, administering, and evaluating total rewards packages that best suit the short-term and long-term goals of their employer.

    Necessary Requirements:

    • Bachelor’s in human resources, business administration, or a related field
    • At least 5 years of experience in a similar role
    • Knowledge of state and federal regulations regarding employee benefits

    Estimated Salary

    • The mean 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 Idaho is $89,450

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