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Human resources (HR) is fundamental to organizations across all industries, serving as a critical link between an organization’s needs and the needs of its employees. Human resources professionals strive to develop a positive company culture and enhance employee performance, making them an integral component of an organization’s success.
Earning an associate degree in human resources or HR management can be a stepping stone toward a career in human resources, qualifying graduates for entry-level positions or preparing them for further study.
This article overviews what earning an associate degree in human resources entails, including admission requirements, common coursework and career opportunities.
What Is an Associate Degree in Human Resources?
An associate degree in human resources is a two-year degree program that focuses on managing personnel and organizational resources within a company. This degree program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of recruiting, training, compensation, benefits, labor laws, diversity and inclusion.
Students learn to develop strategic HR policies, carry out critical HR and leadership functions, handle various administrative tasks and administer employee benefits. The curriculum comprises general education and major-specific coursework, emphasizing the practical applications of fundamental HR concepts and principles, along with core business administration theories, ethics and techniques.
The coursework in a human resources associate degree program typically covers courses related to the following:
- Human resource management
- Employment and labor laws
- Recruitment and staffing
- Training and development
- Compensation and benefits
- Performance management
What Can You Do with an Associate Degree in Human Resources?
Earning an associate degree in human resources prepares graduates for a variety of entry-level positions in HR. The level of responsibility and specific job duties may vary depending on the organization.
While an associate degree in human resources can serve as a foundation for further education and career advancement, some employers prefer or require candidates to hold a bachelor’s degree. Researching the requirements for the specific HR roles you’re interested in is critical. Below are a few roles you can pursue with an associate in human resources. We sourced salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Human Resources Specialist
Median Annual Salary: $64,240
Projected Job Growth (2021-2031): 8%
Job Description: Human resources specialists oversee employee relations and work closely with HR management to recruit and train employees. They typically assist with administering benefits and compensation, training and development, evaluating organizational performance and setting performance goals. Additional responsibilities often include maintaining employee records and organizing performance reviews.
While many employers prefer or require candidates to have a bachelor’s in HR or a closely related field, qualifying for this position with an associate degree and relevant work experience is possible. Candidates have opportunities to gain on-the-job training.
Benefits Administrator
Median Annual Salary: $67,780
Projected Job Growth (2021-2031): 7%
Job Description: Benefits administrators provide clerical support to HR teams and administer employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off. They facilitate employee enrollment into the company’s benefits programs and ensure compliance with regulations and laws. Benefits administrators play a critical role in attracting talent and retaining employees.
Many benefits administrators hold a bachelor’s in business, human resources or closely related fields. However, it’s possible to qualify for the position of benefits administrator with an undergraduate degree and relevant work experience.
Training Coordinator
Median Annual Salary: $63,080
Projected Job Growth (2021-2031): 8%
Job Description: Training coordinators develop and implement employee training and development programs. They assess employee and organizational needs to identify areas where training can Improve employee performance. Training coordinators select the appropriate instructional materials and instructors, coordinate workshops, manage the training budget and evaluate training outcomes.
Many training coordinators hold a bachelor’s degree in human resources, organizational development, business or a closely related field. However, relevant experience can also qualify individuals for this position.
Payroll Clerk
Median Annual Salary: $49,630
Projected Job Growth (2021-2031): -3%
Job Description: Payroll clerks oversee all functions related to payroll processing. They collect and verify timesheets and payroll data, calculate wages, commissions, bonuses, and deductions, and prepare, issue, and deliver paychecks and statements. Payroll clerks maintain payroll operations in accordance with company policies and procedures.
Payroll clerks typically hold a high school diploma or equivalent and receive on-the-job training. However, some employers prefer candidates who have completed college-level business courses or possess at least an associate degree in a relevant field.
What’s the Difference Between an Associate in Human Resources and a Certificate in Human Resources?
An associate degree in human resources and a certificate in human resources are educational programs designed to equip learners with the foundational knowledge and skills for a career in HR. The two programs have key differences, including length, cost, depth of study, transferability and career opportunities.
Generally, an associate degree in human resources takes two years to complete, while a certificate program can range from a few months to a year. An associate in HR provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of HR topics, including employee relations, management and HR administration. Alternatively, certificate programs offer a more focused and specialized curriculum covering specific HR aspects and functions.
Associate degree programs in HR typically cost more than certificate programs; however, they may lead to broader career opportunities. Completing an associate in HR can lead to entry-level positions. In contrast, a certificate can help individuals advance in their current HR roles by complementing their educational base and skill set.
Individuals seeking a more comprehensive education and broader career opportunities may find an associate degree more suitable, while those eager to specialize in a specific area of HR may find a certificate more fitting. Ultimately, the decision between an associate degree in human resources and a certificate in human resources depends on your educational and career goals.
Admission Requirements for an Associate Degree in Human Resources
Admission requirements for an associate degree in human resources vary depending on the institution and program. Generally, students need a high school diploma, GED or equivalent and must meet a minimum GPA requirement. They must also submit official high school and postsecondary transcripts. Additional requirements include the following:
- Two to three letters of recommendation
- ACT or SAT scores
- Admissions essay or personal statement
- Interview with an admissions counselor or department representative
It’s essential to research each college or university’s specific admission requirements to ensure you have a complete application package.
Common Courses in an Associate in Human Resources Program
Below is a sampling of standard courses in a human resources associate program. It’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and specific course offerings and titles vary by program.
Accounting Principles
The accounting principles course provides a comprehensive overview of core financial accounting concepts, such as assets, liabilities, equity and the accounting equation. Students learn about the accounting cycle, how to record transactions, maintain financial records and prepare financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements and cash and flow statements.
Business Law and Ethics
In a business law and ethics course, students learn about the legal system and core business law principles relating to business ownership and management. Course courses typically include government regulation torts, dispute resolution, consumer law, contracts, property law and court procedures.
Introduction to Human Resources
The introduction to human resources course examines the role and responsibilities of a human resources department in an organization or business setting. Students learn about HR components such as recruitment, retention, training and assessment. Additional course courses include benefits and compensation administration, labor relations and the impact of legal and legislative decisions on HR policies.
Students discuss workplace scenarios and use problem-solving exercises to determine appropriate and workable solutions.
Introduction to Compensation and Benefits
In the introduction to compensation and benefits course, learners examine the network of benefits and compensation systems critical to human resource management. Students explore procedures and methods involved in the oversight and administration of these systems. Course courses may also cover social and legal issues related to pay and benefits.
Organizational Behavior and Leadership
Organizational behavior and leadership courses cover foundational leadership and behavioral science theory, focusing on leading and managing individuals and groups within an organizational context. The course materials explore different leadership characteristics, styles and strategies, allowing students to evaluate their effectiveness and impact on organizational performance.
Learners examine critical leadership functions such as building and managing a network of effective work relationships, identifying, developing and communicating an organization’s vision and mission and leading change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About an Associate in Human Resources Degree
What does an HR associate do?
HR associate is an entry-level position that supports a company’s HR department with various functions. Associates handle tasks such as recruitment and hiring, onboarding, benefits and compensation administration and maintaining company records.
Is an associate degree in HR worth it?
Earning an associate degree in HR can be worth it if it aligns with your career goals and contributes toward achieving your desired outcome. An associate program provides a foundation in HR concepts, principles, theories, and practical skills for entry-level positions.
What associate degrees are best for HR?
The best associate degree for HR depends on your educational and professional goals. Individuals interested in pursuing a career in HR can establish a strong educational foundation by pursuing an associate degree in human resources or other associate degree programs with a human resources component. Such programs may include business administration, management and organizational leadership.
