What is Human Resources?
Rhode Island boasts several colleges and universities that provide degree programs in human resource management and related fields. Graduates in this field often possess the knowledge and skills to manage diverse aspects of personnel and benefits programs for companies. Professionals with expertise in this area are sought after by businesses across various industries, with significant demand in sectors such as business, finance, education, and healthcare.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for human resources managers is projected to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032. This faster than the average for all occupations in the nation and will result in about 15,500 job openings each year.
Job outlook for human resources specialists is slightly better, however. Employment for this profession is expected to increase by 6% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This will result in approximately 78,700 relevant job openings each year. While these are often considered entry-level positions, they do provide a good means of employment for graduates.
Read MoreProfessional and business services is the third largest industry in Rhode Island, accounting for $7.8 billion in revenue each year. Individuals skilled in human resources may also be able to find work in other top sectors within the state. These include real estate, education, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, wholesale, retail, entertainment, construction, and information.
Based on data provided by the BLS, Rhode Island employed 360 human resources managers and 2,270 human resources specialists as of May 2022. The annual mean wage reported for these jobs ranged between $82,330 and $159,080. Even the lower end of this income scale is above the state’s annual mean wage of $64,530 for all occupations.
Those planning to enroll in human resources management degree programs should realize that institutional location matters. While traditional and online programs are available at colleges and universities across the United States, those who intend to seek employment in Rhode Island may benefit most from enrolling locally. Schools in the state will deliver education that is geographically pertinent, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to meet the standards and expectations of employers in the region.
Students interested in a degree, certificate program, or other program for working professionals will find plenty of options in this and nearby states. These options may include Bryant University, Johnson & Wales University, Rhode Island College, and the University of Rhode Island, among many others.
Human resources managers play a pivotal role in keeping organizations functional. Occupational parameters can vary, but these professionals are typically responsible for overseeing all aspects of personnel management, from talent acquisition and recruitment to hiring and training initiatives. They also ensure compliance with all employment laws and work to mitigate legal risks associated with maintaining a workforce. Another common expectation is employee relations management, which can require them to act as intermediaries, foster communication channels between staff and management, and/or address concerns. Other duties may include participating in job interviews, providing in-take briefings, taking part in strategic planning meetings, processing disciplinary actions, and finalizing retirement paperwork.
Most companies across almost every industry need human resources managers, making employment opportunities readily available in Rhode Island and throughout the entire United States. Positions are most prevalent in the professional, scientific, technical services, management, and manufacturing sectors. Relevant jobs are also common in healthcare, social assistance, and the government.
Notably, it’s possible for these professionals specialize in one or two aspects of the field. Some popular areas of expertise include:
- Compensation and Benefits Managers
- Training and Development Managers
- Labor Relations Directors
- Employee Relations Managers
- Payroll Managers
- Recruiting Managers
- Staffing Managers
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Online Human Resources Education in Rhode Island
Colleges and universities across Rhode Island and the United States provide academic degrees in human resources management and related fields of study. Prospective students typically have the flexibility to choose between in-person and online enrollment options at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels.
While education standards can vary among companies, human resources professionals generally possess some level of higher education. Although entry-level positions may be available for candidates with high school diplomas or GEDs, these opportunities are limited. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, candidates typically require bachelor's degrees in human resources or a related major such as business, communication, or psychology.
Online Associates (AS)
Associate degrees in human resources management generally consist of 60 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately two years to complete. Each undergraduate curriculum is unique, typically blending general liberal arts with major-specific classes. This approach ensures students explore communication, mathematics, and social science topics alongside content relevant to their area of study, which fosters a well-rounded educational foundation for future learning and professional employment. Human resource management students usually receive a broad introduction to the field that includes studying relevant areas such as talent acquisition, labor laws, conflict resolution, and compensation benefits.
It's important to note that graduates at this level will rarely qualify for jobs as human resources managers. They can, however, pursue employment as human resources assistants, human resources associates, and administrative assistants. Given that many employers prefer candidates with bachelor’s degrees, however, a significant number of graduates choose to further their education.
Credits from undergraduate courses can be transferred and used to fulfill requirements for new undergraduate degree programs, such as those at the baccalaureate level. Generally, colleges and universities acknowledge up to 60 or 90 hours of prior coursework. This is equivalent to about two years of study. Consequently, individuals holding associate degrees may require only an additional two years of education to obtain bachelor’s degrees.
Online Bachelors (BS or BHRM)
Bachelor’s degrees in human resources management often consist of 120 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately four years to complete. As previously mentioned, undergraduate programs such as these typically incorporate both general liberal arts and major-specific classes in their curriculums. This ongoing study of various subjects - including communication, mathematics, and sciences - ensures that students receive a comprehensive education applicable to diverse aspects of life, as well as any potential further academic endeavors. Those majoring in human resource management can also expect to receive a broad introduction to the most important subjects in the field. This usually includes business, accounting, team building, organizational psychology, and conflict resolution techniques.
Additionally, human resources management majors are often encouraged by many academic institutions to choose concentrations or specialized areas of study. Opting for additional instruction in a specific sub-field can aid students in preparing for particular types of employment upon graduation. Concentrations that may be available include:
Concentrations that may be available include:
- Business Administration
- Healthcare
- Accounting
- Data Science
- Organizational Leadership
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the standard minimum education requirement for most human resource management professions is the bachelor’s degree. This degree type commonly readies graduates for employment as corporate recruiters, compensation and benefits managers, and training and development specialists.
As an alternative, graduates can also choose to pursue advanced education in the field. Although not always necessary, advanced degrees can significantly improve overall job prospects and lead to higher-pay. Individuals who intend to apply for master’s degree programs must be ready to submit official undergraduate transcripts to prospective colleges and universities. Additionally, applicants are usually required to meet specified minimum grade point average (GPA) and Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) score criteria.
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Online Masters (MS or MHRM)
Master’s degrees in human resources management generally range from 30 to 36 credit hours of coursework that take full-time students approximately two to three years to complete. Graduate-level programs no longer include general liberal arts classes. However, many programs do require applicants to successfully complete specified undergraduate courses, or prerequisites, before admission. This ensures that all incoming students have the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for advanced study in the field.
Graduate degree curriculums are typically designed to assist students in preparing for advanced employment opportunities. While course selections vary, enrolled individuals frequently receive in-depth instruction in business strategy, organizational change management, organizational ethics, effective team leadership, personnel staffing, and worker evaluation. Other common areas of study include human resources strategy, organizational culture, and talent management.
Upon graduation, individuals often become eligible for positions such as human resources managers, as well as management positions in other industries. It’s also not uncommon for graduates to gain employment as compensation and benefits managers, senior human resources managers, labor relations specialists, and human resources information systems managers.
Online Doctorate (PhD)
A PhD or doctorate in human resources management generally consists of between 60 and 120 credit hours that take full-time students up to seven years to complete. As terminal degrees, these programs uphold rigorous academic standards. While curriculums vary by institution, they typically offer opportunities to study various advanced topics in compensation management, foundations of human resources theory and practice, recruiting and retaining talent, organizational behavior and performance, and creating adaptive workplaces.
Additionally, human resource management majors may have opportunities to choose concentrations at certain colleges and universities. Opting to pursue specialized study in a specific sub-field can help students prepare for particular types of employment upon graduation.
Many academic institutions offer the option to concentrate in:
- Human Resource Management
- Organizational Management
- Organizational Training and Development
- Benefits and Compensation
- Higher Education
Students typically undergo traditional classroom instruction during the first phase of enrollment, with later years dedicated to independent study and research. In many cases, these degrees conclude with the creation, presentation, and defense of dissertations before a board of computer information technology professors.
These degrees help prepare graduates for some of the best employment opportunities available in the field. These may include positions as postsecondary educators, human resources consultants, and industrial/organizational psychologists.
Become a Human Resources Manager in Rhode Island
To secure a role as a human resources manager in Rhode Island, a degree and several years of pertinent work experience is generally necessary. The required degree level can vary, contingent on employer preferences. Some companies and organizations accept candidates with bachelor's degrees, while others mandate master's degrees. This knowledge can help guide your choice of academic program(s).
Human resources managers usually hold degrees in human resources, but alternative fields of study can be equally suitable. Common undergraduate alternatives include business, communications, and psychology. If pursuing graduate studies, the most applicable majors are labor relations and business administration. Regardless of the program title, students interested in this field will benefit from taking courses in conflict management and resolution.
After completing the required business degree program(s), you can seek employment in various human resources positions. However, attaining the title of manager usually takes more time. In most instances, these positions require several years of relevant work experience. Consequently, it’s common for individuals in this field to initially work as human resources specialists or labor relations specialists before being promoted.
Another common practice for human resources management professionals is pursuing certification. Although not always mandatory for employment, acquiring additional credentials serves to showcase credibility and expertise in the field. Consequently, employers frequently favor candidates with relevant certifications. This not only improves job prospects but also increases potential for higher pay.
In this field, there is no single most important credential for professionals. Instead, you have the flexibility to choose which certification(s) you want to pursue based on your unique personal interests and/or career goals.
Many certifications for human resources managers are offered by professional associations and organizations. Prominent examples of these include the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), HR Certification Institute (HRCI), and International Foundation of Employment Benefit Plans. Credentials may be offered by other groups as
Some of the most popular credentials available to human resources managers include:
- Society for Human Resources Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) via SHRM
- Society for Human Resources Senior Management Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) via SHRM
- Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) via the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA)
- Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) via Association for Talent Development (ATD)
- Professional in Human Resources (PHR) via the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI)
- Talent Management Practitioner (TMP)
- Strategic Human Resources Leadership (SHRL) via the Human Capital Institute
Potential Careers for Human Resources Graduates
- Compensation and Benefits Manager
Compensation and benefits managers oversee employee pay and benefits programs for organizations. These professionals design, implement, and manage compensation structures, ensuring they align with industry standards and company policies. They also analyze salary data, participate in salary surveys, and make recommendations to attract and retain talent. Another common responsibility is overseeing established benefits programs, such as health insurance and retirement plans, to enhance employee well-being. Through strategic planning, they contribute to a competitive and equitable compensation framework, supporting employer success, and employee satisfaction. According to PayScale, compensation and benefits managers make an average base salary of $88,097 per year. - Human Resources (HR) Assistant
HR assistants provide vital support to their department. They are often responsible for handling various administrative tasks such as maintaining employee records, processing paperwork, and managing correspondence, as well as assisting in recruitment efforts, coordinating interviews, and onboarding processes. Additional expectations may include helping organize training programs and contributing to maintaining positive work environments. They also help facilitate communication between employees and human resources managers. According to PayScale, HR assistants make an average base salary of $42,661 per year. - Human Resources (HR) Manager
HR managers play a crucial role in organizational success by overseeing a wide variety of human resources functions. These professionals are instrumental in shaping company policies, driving employee engagement, and ensuring a productive and compliant workforce. In addition to managing staffing, recruitment, and employee relations, they also collaborate with leadership to align departmental strategies with business goals. Other responsibilities commonly include developing and implementing policies, ensuring compliance with regulations, fostering positive workplace cultures, handling conflict resolution, promoting employee well-being, and facilitating professional growth. According to PayScale, HR managers make an average base salary of $70,245 per year. - Labor Relations Specialist
Labor relations specialists play a pivotal role in managing the relationship between employers and employees. Serving as intermediaries, they promote fair practices and facilitate effective communication within organizations. They also interpret and administer labor contracts, addressing concerns related to wages, working conditions, and disputes. Additional responsibilities include ensuring compliance with labor laws and policies, as well as fostering a positive work environment and contributing to harmonious employer-employee relationships. They often collaborate with management and labor representatives to negotiate collective bargaining agreements and resolve conflicts. According to PayScale, insurance labor relations specialists make an average base salary of $73,764 per year. - Police, Fire, or Ambulance Dispatcher
Police, fire, and ambulance dispatchers are essential in emergency response systems. These professionals play a pivotal role in coordinating responses, guiding first responders, and ensuring timely assistance to those in need. They use specialized communication systems and remain composed under pressure, contributing to the effectiveness of emergency services, and safeguarding the well-being of communities. Primary responsibilities include quickly and calmly answering emergency calls, gathering critical information, and dispatching the appropriate services. According to PayScale, police, fire, and ambulance dispatchers make an average base salary of $38,928 per year. - Training and Development Specialist
Training and development specialists design and implement programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of employees. These professionals play a crucial role in fostering employee growth, ensuring that they have the necessary skills to meet job requirements. By facilitating continuous learning, they contribute to the professional development and success of individuals and organizations across various industries. Common responsibilities include assessing organizational needs, creating training materials, and conducting workshops or courses. They also evaluate the effectiveness of training programs, adapting content as needed. According to PayScale, training and development specialists make an average base salary of $58,520 per year.
Sources:
- Human Resources Managers. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Human Resources Specialists. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Management Occupations. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- May 2021 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Rhode Island. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP). Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM)
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