[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-4″]A human resources (HR) specialist is responsible for recruiting, screening, and interviewing workers for an organization.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]They also manage areas like compensation, benefits, employee relations, and training. Every industry relies on HR professionals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The average [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/human-resources-specialists.htm/” target=”_blank”]human resources specialist salary[/hen-ui-link] exceeds $64,000, and a bachelor’s degree represents the entry-level education requirement. This page explains how to become a human resources specialist, including degree requirements and career advancement opportunities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Alternate job titles for human resources specialists:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Does a Human Resources Specialist Do?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Human resources specialists help organizations in every sector. They manage the hiring process, compensation and benefits, and employee training.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Human resources job duties include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Become a Human Resources Specialist[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Human resources specialists often hold a bachelor’s degree and professional experience. A background in customer service can help professionals pursue human resources jobs. During a bachelor’s degree in human resources, students complete courses on topics like business, psychology, organizational management, and human resources management.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After gaining several years of experience as a human resources specialist, HR professionals can advance their career by becoming an HR manager. Some employers prefer to hire HR managers with a master’s degree in human resources or an MBA with a concentration in human resources management.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-article-card title=”How to Become a Human Resources Manager” brow=”Career Page” href=”/careers/career-guide/human-resources-specialist/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Professional Certifications[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many HR specialists pursue certifications to demonstrate their expertise and advance their careers. Some employers prefer to hire candidates with HR certification, while others require certification. Several professional organizations offer certifications, including the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.shrm.org/” target=”/"_blank"”]Society for Human Resource Management[/hen-ui-link] (SHRM) and the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.hrci.org/” target=”/"_blank"”]HR Certification Institute[/hen-ui-link] (HRCI).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]SHRM offers the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) credentials. Candidates must meet the education and experience requirements. A bachelor’s degree in human resources and one year of human resources experience meets the SHRM-CP eligibility requirement, while a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-human-resources/”]bachelor’s in human resources[/hen-ui-link] and four years of experience qualifies candidates for the SHRM-SCP credential. Candidates for both credentials must pass an exam.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The HRCI offers the professional in human resources credential for candidates with at least one year of HR experience and a master’s degree or at least two years of experience and a bachelor’s degree. Eligible candidates must pass a three-hour exam to earn the credential. Professionals must typically renew their credentials regularly by meeting continuing education requirements.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About HR Specialists[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much do human resources specialists make?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The average HR specialist salary exceeds $64,000. Professionals who become [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/human-resources-managers.htm/” target=”_blank”]HR managers[/hen-ui-link] can earn over $130,000 a year, on average.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How do I become a human resources specialist?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most human resources specialists hold a bachelor’s degree in human resources or business. A social science, humanities, or education major can also prepare graduates for human resources jobs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is a human resource expert?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A human resource expert brings expertise in employee relations, recruitment, hiring, and training. A human resources specialist or human resources manager can act as a human resource expert for their organization.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What are the seven functions of HR?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An HR department oversees resource planning, recruitment, and retention. HR also monitors compensation and benefits, training and development, employee relations, and career management.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]
- Corporate Recruiter
- Credentialing Coordinator
- Employee Placement Specialist
- Human Resources Generalist
- Job Placement Officer
- Job Placement Specialist
- Job Recruiter
- Personnel Coordinator
- Personnel Officer
- Personnel Recruiter
- Personnel Specialist
- Staffing Coordinator
- Interviewing job applicants
- Performing background checks on job applicants and contacting references
- Conducting new employee orientations
- Answering employee questions on policies
- Administering employee benefits
- Recruiting employees
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Bachelor’s Degree Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s degree represents the entry-level education requirement for most human resources jobs. While some colleges and universities offer majors in human resources, other majors can also lead to careers in human resources, such as business administration or business management.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]During a bachelor’s degree, prospective human resources professionals should take coursework in human resource management, workforce planning, and training and development. In addition to human resources classes, coursework in management, leadership, and organizational behavior help prospective HR specialists build the business skills required for the career.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s degree also incorporates general education classes in mathematics, English, and communication. These courses build critical thinking and problem-solving skills that benefit HR professionals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a bachelor’s degree generally takes four years for full-time students, though transfer students with an associate degree or prior college credit can earn a degree in less time. Graduates can pursue entry-level human resources jobs, including human resources generalist, human resources specialist, or human resources assistant.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Best Online Bachelors in Human Resources Programs” brow=”Rankings” href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-human-resources/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Most Affordable Bachelors in Business Programs” brow=”Rankings” href=”/rankings/bachelors/affordable/online-bachelors-business/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Best Online Bachelors in Business Administration Programs” brow=”Rankings” href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-business-administration/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Best Online Bachelors in Business Management Programs” brow=”Rankings” href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-business-management/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card]
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Master’s Degree Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s degree in human resources helps HR professionals stand out in the job market and pursue career advancement. Some employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree for leadership roles like HR manager.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]During a master’s in human resources, students take advanced classes on topics like strategic human resources management, corporate communications, and human resources information systems. The degree builds strong data analysis, decision-making, and organizational leadership skills.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In lieu of a master’s in human resources, HR professionals can advance their careers by pursuing an MBA with a concentration in human resources management. An MBA offers focused business and management coursework. The human resources management concentration incorporates courses on training and development, compensation and benefits management, and international human resources.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a master’s degree generally takes two years for full-time students. Some programs offer an accelerated route to the degree, while online programs prioritize flexibility for working professionals. Graduates with a master’s degree in human resources or an MBA can pursue HR manager roles.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Best Online Masters in Human Resources Programs” brow=”Rankings” href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-human-resources/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Best Online MBA Programs” brow=”Rankings” href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-mba/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card]
[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Certificate Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Human resources certificates can prepare professionals without HR experience for entry-level human resources jobs or help experienced HR professionals advance their careers. For example, a general HR certificate offers foundational human resources training for students new to the field, while a certificate in human resources management can help HR specialists qualify for HR manager jobs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]General HR certificate programs may include classes on topics like hiring and interviewing, workplace behavior, and bias in the workplace. Human resources management certificate programs offer advanced training in labor relations, staffing decisions, and employee training and development.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Additionally, some colleges and universities offer specialized HR certificates in areas like conflict resolution or recruitment. The focused training of a specialized HR certificate can help HR specialists move into a subfield of human resources.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a human resources certificate typically takes around one year. Most certificate programs do not set admission requirements.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Best Online Certificate in Human Resources Programs” brow=”Rankings” href=”/rankings/certificates/online-human-resources-certificates/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card]