Human Resources

Help lead your organization toward responsible and successful management of its most important asset - its people. Explore career opportunities and how UMass Global's online HR programs can help you and your company achieve positive results.

People Are The Purpose

Human resources is the heart of every organization. HR professionals work to support employees to ensure companies run smoothly, ethically and continue to grow. If you are drawn to help others and want to play a critical role in business, a career in human resources could be your calling.  

Whether you're looking for entry-level human resources jobs, or want to advance your current HR career, UMass Global can help you get where you want to be. We offer bachelor's and master's in human resources degrees online, including a dedicated Master of Science in HR or as an emphasis option for an MBA degree. Plus check out our certificate programs including both undergraduate and graduate options to round out your skill set.

You may even consider a self-paced program like the one UMass Global student Alex Meyers pursued to achieve her goal of becoming an HR generalist. Experience her success in this short video.

No matter which path you choose, UMass Global can help you put your passions to work. 

UMass Global student Alex Meyers tells her experience in a self-paced degree program.
WSCUC

University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Career Resources for HR Professionals

Explore career paths in human resources and hot topics in the industry.

What are the key functions of HR?

Depending on the size of the company, an HR professional might be involved in one or several of the following activities:

  • Recruiting, hiring and retaining talent
  • Employee engagement 
  • Performance management
  • Compensation and benefits
  • Development and training
  • Risk management
  • Audits and legal compliance

Explore each in detail

What's the main role of human resources?

 

Earn Your Degree in HR

Have questions about enrollment, degree programs or financial aid? A UMass Global enrollment coach can help.

 

3 Steps to becoming a human resource manager

 

How to become an HR manager

A career in human resources management could allow you to combine your business savvy with your passion for helping people. Although these professionals tend to work behind the scenes at an organization, they have a sizable impact on their company’s daily operations and outcomes.

 

  • What does a human resource manager do?
  • How do you become an HR manager?
  • What education and experience is required for the job?

Get the Answers

How to measure HR success

Translating human resources efforts into tangible numbers can help you and your company improve results. Use these metrics to assess and establish benchmarks for attracting, developing and retaining top talent. 

Explore how to calculate things like time-to-hire, cost-per-hire, training participation rate and average happiness of your workers with this helpful graphic.

 

View Infographic

12 HR Metrics your company should be focused on.

 

From the moment I applied, my admissions counselor was such a huge support.
Alison C.
BBA in Human Resources
When I first began the course, I knew only the bare minimum concerning HR. Though I worked in the field, terms and regulations were foreign to me. Now, I am able to properly relate to what is being stated at the table of discussion and can participate at an expert level.
Lynette A.
Fort Washington Medical Center, PHR Certification Exam Preparation Course

Find Your HR Degree/Program

Hybrid

(on-campus/online)

Online

Online

(self-paced)

In-Person

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BA in Liberal Studies, Multiple Subject Teaching

Arts and Sciences

Whether you're laying the groundwork to earn a teaching credential for elementary education in California, or you simply seek a bachelor's degree with a broad liberal studies foundation, the UMass Global Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies is the perfect choice.

Online

AA in General Business (MyPath)

Business and Professional Studies

This online, self-paced program helps students build the foundation necessary to advance in business. 

Online

(self-paced)

AA in General Education

Arts and Sciences

In this general education degree, you'll be introduced to a broad range of subjects, including written and oral communication, liberal studies, mathematics, history, art, philosophy, social sciences and natural sciences. 

Online

Added Authorization, Autism Spectrum Disorders

Education

This state-approved, autism specialist certificate is a 4-course, 12-unit program providing either a CTC-designated authorization to serve learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders or a Certificate of Completion.

Online

Added Authorization, Multiple Subject Credential

Education

This authorization program, comprised of just two courses, is designed for teachers who already hold a Single Subject Credential in California and want to teach in both multiple and single-subject environments.

Online

Lead by Example: Earn Your Degree

Take the next step in creating positive change with an education that makes a difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Browse through some common questions about human resources careers.

Why is human resource management important?

HR is critical for all businesses, regardless of their size. It provides the building blocks for success by maintaining culture, business communications, staffing efficiencies and ensuring the organization is following regulatory requirements for a positive work environment.

Is HR for the employee or employer?

HR serves the interests of employees and employers alike. While these professionals work to ensure the organization is staffed appropriately and running smoothly, they also contribute to and measure the happiness of its workers. After all, a business is only as successful as its people.

What degree do you need for human resources?

To enter this field, you can complete your bachelor's degree in HR or even a related field like finance, management, education or information technology. Once achieved, you may want to look into master’s or certification for professional development to gain a competitive edge. Find your program at UMass Global.

What is an advantage of hiring from within?

One primary benefit of hiring from within is saving both money and time since internal employees already have the institutional knowledge and need less training. This lends itself to less risk of turnover as well as improving retention and motivation for top talent and rising stars. Explore more benefits.
All HR FAQs

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