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Human Resources Managers

Education and Training Requirements

High School

In high school, take a general college preparatory curriculum that includes classes in business, mathematics, computer science, English, speech, foreign language, and current events.

Postsecondary Education

A bachelor’s degree in human resources or business administration is the minimum educational requirement to become a human resources manager. Alternatively, you can pursue a bachelor’s degree in another field and augment your education by taking courses in subjects such as labor or industrial relations, organizational development, and industrial psychology. Human resources managers may also have degrees in finance, education, or information technology. Some organizations require job applicants to have a master’s degree in human resources, labor relations, or business administration. Visit https://www.shrm.org/certification/for-organizations/academic-alignment/Pages/HR-Program-Directory.aspx for a directory of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in human resources.

Certification

The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans’ certificate series offers learning opportunities in all areas of total compensation. Applicants can sign up for just a single course or take three of the following courses to earn a certificate of achievement:

  • Benefit Plan Administration
  • Benefits and Compensation
  • Health and Welfare Plans
  • Public Sector Benefits Administration
  • Retirement Plans
  • Strategic Benefits Management

Other Education or Training

In this highly-competitive industry, it’s important to keep your skills up to date by participating in continuing education (CE) classes, workshops, and seminars. Most HR associations provide some type of professional development opportunities. For example, the Society for Human Resource Management offers the Essentials of HR Management program, which can be completed online or via in-person seminars. The society also provides more than 200 courses and webcasts on topics such as leadership, communication skills, employee engagement, benefit plans, and employment laws. The Association for Talent Development, International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, International Society for Performance Improvement, and WorldatWork also provide CE opportunities. Contact these organizations to learn more.

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