Degrees and certifications human resources managers need
Human resources managers are instrumental in building strong teams, fostering workplace culture and ensuring smooth organizational operations. For those aspiring to lead in the HR field, education and professional certifications play a vital role in career development.
Discover your options for studying human resources at Central Michigan University and apply today.
What is it like working as a human resources manager?
HR managers are responsible for overseeing an organization’s personnel needs. Their day-to-day tasks include:
- Recruiting and onboarding employees.
- Managing employee relations and conflict resolution.
- Developing and implementing workplace policies.
- Overseeing payroll and benefits programs.
- Ensuring compliance with labor laws and standards.
This role requires problem-solving, exceptional interpersonal skills and knowledge of industry laws and regulations.
The importance of education and certification in HR management
The HR field requires a solid foundation in management principles, understanding of labor laws and excellent people skills. Degrees provide the theoretical knowledge, while certifications validate advanced skills and dedication to the profession. Both are crucial for building credibility in such a people-focused role.
What degrees do you need for a career in HR?
Bachelor’s degree in HR or related fields
Most HR careers begin with a bachelor’s degree, typically in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Psychology or a related field. These programs teach the fundamentals of HR, including talent acquisition, employee development, labor relations and organizational behavior.
Advanced degrees
While a bachelor’s degree is often sufficient to begin your HR career, some professionals choose to pursue advanced degrees such as a Master’s in Human Resources or a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in HR. These degrees are valuable for those aspiring to executive or strategic HR roles.
Do you really need a degree to become an HR manager?
Yes, most HR management positions require at least a bachelor’s degree. It’s a foundational requirement that equips you with essential knowledge to effectively manage teams and align HR practices with business goals.
How do you become a certified HR professional?
After obtaining a degree, the next step to solidifying your career is earning an HR certification. Certifications demonstrate expertise in HR practices and give you a competitive edge in the job market.
When choosing the right HR certification, it's essential to consider your career stage, goals, employer preferences and global recognition
- Career stage – Are you just starting your journey in HR, or have you gained some experience? Choose a certification suitable for beginners, mid-level professionals or those aiming for senior HR roles.
- Career goals – Determine whether you want to specialize in day-to-day HR operations or aspire to become a strategic HR leader, guiding organizations to achieve their goals through people management.
- Employer preferences – Research which certifications are highly valued by companies in your region or industry. Understand that different certifications may hold varying levels of importance and relevance to potential employers.
- Global recognition – Consider whether you plan to work primarily within your local region or want to pursue international HR opportunities. Some certifications, like the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), are recognized worldwide, while others, like the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI), have a stronger focus within the United States.
Certifications overview
Two of the most recognized certification bodies are HRCI (Human Resource Certification Institute) and SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management). They offer a range of certifications tailored to HR professionals at different career stages.
Certifications for entry-level HR professionals
- aPHR (Associate Professional in Human Resources): Best for those just starting out in the field.
- SHRM-CP (Certified Professional): Focused on operational aspects of HR management.
aPHR vs SHRM-CP certifications – What’s the difference?
Both of these certifications are designed for people just starting their career in Human Resource Management. The aPHR is traditionally focused on technical and operational HR management and is administered by HRCI, while the SHRM-CP is broader, focusing on competency-based learning that incorporates leadership and behavioral skills. Which is better for you depends on your career goals:
- Pick aPHR if you prefer a technical emphasis on laws, regulations and program management.
- Pick SHRM-CP if you’re interested in leadership development and strategic HR planning.
Certifications for mid- and senior-level HR professionals
- PHR (Professional in Human Resources): Ideal for HR professionals with experience in program implementation and management. This is the mid-level of the 3-step PHR system.
- SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources): Focused on the strategic aspects of HR leadership.
- SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional): Designed for senior practitioners tackling strategic HR planning.
SPHR vs SHRM-SCP – Which should you choose?
Both SPHR and SHRM-SCP are designed for senior professionals, but there are differences. Choose SPHR if you want to specialize in operational expertise and choose SHRM-SCP if strategic leadership is your long-term career goal.
- SPHR by HRCI emphasizes process-oriented expertise, such as policy creation and workforce planning.
- SHRM-SCP focuses on leadership and influencing strategic HR decisions.
Is SHRM certification worth it?
Absolutely! SHRM certifications are widely recognized and respected globally. They focus on real-world applications of HR and align with modern workplace needs, making them an asset to your career. Having a SHRM certification improves your credibility and opens doors to advancement opportunities.
Final thoughts
Paving the way for a successful HR career requires a combination of education and professional certifications. Starting with the right bachelor's degree, gaining experience and acquiring certifications like PHR, SPHR or SHRM-SCP, positions you as a top-notch candidate in the competitive HR landscape.
Central Michigan University’s paths to a career in HR
At the bachelor’s degree level, our College of Business Administration offers a major in Human Resource Management.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Human Resource Management
- You’ll learn business fundamentals plus focus on HR and recruitment, compensation, training, labor relations and more.
- You’ll get hands-on experience in the field as you collaborate with Michigan companies as part of your regular classes.
- You can join our student chapter of SHRM and start building your professional network. Networks can lead to internships opportunities that help you land a job after graduation.
At the master’s degree level, you have a choice or two paths:
Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resource Management
- Our MBA is AACSB accredited.
- Offered full-time, part-time, in-person or online.
- Ranked as one of the best MBAs in the country by U.S. News and World Report.
Master of Science in Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management
- Fully half of your courses will be HR related.
- If you have earned your PHR or SHRM-CP, you may have already completed 6 credits (2 classes) of your MSA program.
- If you have earned your SPHR or SHRM- SCP certification, you may have already completed 9 credits (3 classes) of your MSA program.
Accelerated admissions to the MBA or MSA
If you do both your bachelor’s and master’s degree at CMU, you can earn 18 credits of your master’s program by applying to the accelerated program while still a junior undergraduate student. You’ll have to meet the requirements for admission to the master’s program. But the effort is worth as you’ll:
- Save money – You’ll pay undergraduate rates for the 18 credits.
- Save time – The 18 credits apply to both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Learn more about our human resource management programs for those just starting out and seasoned professionals.