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Human Resources Degrees: Which One Do You Need and How to Get Started (2026) 

Jennifer Newmann

Published: | Last Updated:

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Every company needs people who can hire, support, and manage its workforce. That’s what human resources (HR) professionals do, and it’s why this field keeps growing. 

The BLS projects HR specialist jobs to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, with about 81,800 openings projected each year.1 HR manager roles are also growing at 5 percent over the same period, with about 17,900 openings per year.2  

If you’re thinking about a career in HR, here’s what you need to know about degrees, certifications, and how to get started.  

What Does an HR Professional Do?

HR professionals keep companies running smoothly by taking care of their most important assets, their people. 

Depending on your role, your day-to-day work might include:  

  • Posting job openings and screening applicants 
  • Conducting interviews and helping with hiring decisions 
  • Onboarding new employees 
  • Managing employee benefits and payroll 
  • Resolving workplace conflicts 
  • Handling issues like harassment or discrimination 
  • Coaching managers on staff-related decisions 
  • Supporting strategic planning alongside company leadership 

HR is one of those careers that genuinely requires human judgment. It’s also one that will keep growing as companies navigate an increasingly complex workplace landscape. 

Where Can You Work in HR?

HR professionals are needed in virtually every industry.  

You could work for: 

  • Retailers and service companies 
  • Hospitals and healthcare organizations 
  • Nonprofits and government agencies 
  • Financial institutions and insurance firms 
  • Small businesses and startups 
  • Manufacturing and production companies 
  • Business consulting firms 

You can even work for yourself. Self-employment and HR consulting are both viable paths for experienced professionals.   

Which HR Degree Should You Start With?

Associate Degrees in HR

An associate degree is the most common starting point for an HR career. It typically takes 18 to 24 months to complete and gives you the foundational skills employers look for in entry-level roles. 

With an associate degree, you could qualify for positions like:  

  • HR generalist 
  • HR assistant 
  • Payroll clerk 
  • Assistant recruiter 
  • Compensation and benefits specialist 
  • Operations coordinator  

Your coursework will cover topics like ethics, communications, employee relations, payroll and compensation, employee development, performance management, HR law, and tools like Microsoft Office. 

Bryan University’s online Associate Degree in Human Resources Management covers all of these areas. It also prepares you for the HR Certification Institute (HRCI)’s Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) certification exam and includes the option to earn a Microsoft Excel Associate certification.  

Both of these credentials make you a stronger job candidate right out of school. All courseware and electronic books are included in your tuition. 

Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in HR

Many HR professionals continue their education after earning an associate degree. A bachelor’s degree opens doors to more advanced specialist and manager roles. A master’s degree is often required for director-level and executive HR positions. 

You don’t have to decide all of this upfront. Starting with your associate degree is a smart first step, you can enter the workforce sooner and continue your education while gaining real experience. 

Is HR a Hard Major?

It’s challenging, but not in the way most people expect. 

HR isn’t heavily math-focused or technically complex. The challenge lies in balancing people skills with business knowledge. You need to be a strong communicator, a fair decision-maker, and someone who can handle difficult conversations with professionalism and empathy. 

Make sure the coursework for the program you pick reflects this balance. You’ll need to know ethics, leadership, marketing, accounting, business management, and communications, alongside HR-specific topics like employee relations, training and development, and compliance.  

What Is the aPHR Certification? 

The Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) is an entry-level certification issued by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI). It’s a nationally recognized credential that signals to employers that you have a solid foundation in HR knowledge. 

The exam covers five areas:

TopicExam Weight
Compliance and risk management25%
Employee relations24%
Talent acquisition19%
Compensation and benefits17%
Learning and development15%

The aPHR is valid for three years. To keep it current, you can either earn 45 recertification credits or retake the exam. 

You don’t need the aPHR to get hired in HR but it does make you stand out. Bryan University’s associate degree program prepares you to sit for the exam before you graduate. 

Why Earn Your HR Degree Online?

An online HR degree gives you the same education as a traditional program without the commute, campus fees, or rigid schedule. 

For working adults and busy parents, that flexibility makes a real difference. You can move toward your degree at a pace that works for your life, without putting everything else on hold. 

Bryan University’s online program also allows you to pursue your Business Administration Undergraduate Certificate at the same time as your associate degree. That certificate covers business communications, marketing, social media, accounting, financial reporting, and Microsoft Office. These skills complement your HR education and make you more competitive in the job market from day one.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a degree to work in HR?

Not necessarily. Some employers prefer candidates with at least an associate or bachelor’s degree. Entry-level roles like HR assistant or recruiter are often accessible with an associate degree, while manager and director roles typically require a bachelor’s or master’s. 

How long does it take to get an HR degree?

An associate degree typically takes 18 to 24 months online. A bachelor’s degree takes about four years, though many schools offer accelerated or transfer-friendly options that can shorten the timeline. 

Is HR a good career in 2026?

Yes. With 81,800 projected annual openings for HR specialists and strong demand driven by strategic organizational priorities, HR offers consistent opportunity across nearly every industry.  

What is the difference between an HR specialist and an HR manager?

HR specialists focus on specific functions like recruiting, benefits, or employee relations. HR managers oversee the broader HR department and work more closely with company leadership on strategy and planning. Managers typically require more experience and often earn significantly more. 

Can HR professionals work remotely?

Yes, remote and hybrid HR roles have become increasingly common, particularly for recruiting, benefits administration, and HR generalist positions. The shift toward remote work has expanded the number of remote-friendly HR opportunities across the country.

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, “Human Resources Specialists,” Occupational Outlook Handbook, last modified August 28, 2025, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/human-resources-specialists.htm. ↩︎
  2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, “Human Resources Managers,” Occupational Outlook Handbook, last modified August 28, 2025, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/human-resources-managers.htm. ↩︎

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