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How do I get an Associate's Degree in Human Resources?

B. Miller
B. Miller

In order to get an associate's degree in human resources, you will need to apply to a school offering this type of program and complete the required coursework, earning at least the minimum grade point average (GPA) to graduate from the program. An associate's degree in human resources is typically a two-year degree, and will probably also require some general education classes, such as basic math, English, history, and science classes in order to obtain the associate's degree. This type of degree is also frequently offered online or in evening classes at a local community college, allowing you to complete the coursework around an otherwise busy schedule, such as an existing full time job.

Though good grades in high school certainly never hurt when applying to a school for an associate's degree in human resources, many community colleges do not weigh those grades as heavily as a traditional undergraduate institution. This means that a desire to learn, ability obtain good grades in future classes, and desire to improve your career, are often enough to apply to one of these schools. If you do well earning your associate's degree, you can always apply to a four-year college, and go on to get a bachelor's degree or even a master's in human resources.

A mortarboard and diploma for an associate's degree in human resources.
A mortarboard and diploma for an associate's degree in human resources.

When you are getting an associate's degree in human resources, your required courses will generally be specified by the program. You will need to take a certain amount of credits and pass the classes in order to graduate. Some students take longer than two years to get this degree, especially if they can only attend the program part time, which is fine. In addition, some online programs allow an associate's degree to be completed in a shorter period of time by condensing classes. For instance, you might take one class at a time, but the class may only last six or eight weeks as compared to a more traditional fifteen-week semester.

If you fill out your application correctly, meet with an admissions and career counselor to plan your degree program at the school, and take all the required courses and complete the work, you should be able to earn an associate's degree in human resources. This type of degree will generally allow you to be qualified for an entry level human resources position. You may then choose to move up in the company either through earning years of experience, or by pursuing additional education at a college or university.

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    • A mortarboard and diploma for an associate's degree in human resources.
      By: Matthew Benoit
      A mortarboard and diploma for an associate's degree in human resources.