Human resource professionals can be the glue that holds a workplace or organization together. Practicing compassion and an understanding of human psychology, they work to help people resolve conflicts and understand how behaviors affect colleagues. They recruit coworkers to help us get the work done. They communicate with everyone in a company to help enforce policies and safety regulations. This profession is well-served by the study of psychology.
If you are interested in a pathway to become a human resources specialist, consider applying to the B.S. in Applied Psychology program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Learn more about our program and how to become a human resource specialist.
Choose
from seven bachelor completion degree programs
B.S. in Accounting
B.S. in Applied Psychology
B.S. in Business Administration
B.S. in Criminal Justice Leadership
B.S. in Healthcare Management
B.S. in Human Resource Management
B.S. in Information Technology
How to Become a Human Resource Specialist
Human resource specialists usually earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology, communications, or business. It is recommended that they consider participating in internships before seeking employment. That ensures they enjoy working in human resources and offers a record of experience for future employers. In some industries, human resources staff may prefer that a student be trained in that specific field or related positions, such as customer service representatives or other administrative positions.
Human resources is an area that promotes continuing education, and there are several licenses, certifications, and registrations available. Having earned a bachelor’s degree, such as in the applied psychology degree completion program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, interested professionals are encouraged to join the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). That provides accessible education and examinations that can help advance understanding of human resources principles and serve to advance career paths. Human resources certifications can help increase earning potential and demonstrate your commitment to the field.
Human Resource Specialists Duties and Responsibilities
Human resource specialists require good communication skills, both in speaking and writing. Clarity around policies is key to fairness in the workplace. Called upon to negotiate salaries, benefits, and schedules, human resources specialists must efficiently convey information to others. They also must make decisions about minor matters regularly, such as vacation requests, or instances of major consequence, such as which applicants are better qualified for a position. Details are important in this field, as it requires careful record keeping around benefits and personnel records, as well as when performing reference and background checks or investigating grievances.
The interpersonal skills gained through an understanding of human behavior and psychology may be the most important attribute of a human resource specialist. The applied psychology field focuses on human behavior and motivation, which are important elements in places of employment. Some usual duties of human resource specialists include:
- Meeting with hiring managers to discuss workforce needs and requirements
- Interviewing job applicants on the phone and in person, one-on-one and with others
- Checking background details, work history, and job references provided by applicants
- Communicating details about jobs to new hires, including benefits packages and duties
- Orient new employees, as well as training and development workshops for current staff
- Maintain confidential employee records and process important paperwork
In May 2022, the median annual wage for human resource specialists was $64,240, with the highest 10% earning more than $116,060.
Degree Completion Programs at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers degree completion programs for students who want to finish their bachelor’s degree after an interruption or pause. Our B.S. in Applied Psychology degree program may be especially suited for a career in human resources. However, students may also be interested in our B.S. in Business Administration or B.S. in Human Resource Management degree completion programs.
Here are some highlights of these accelerated bachelor’s degree programs:
- Finish in one year
- Online bachelor’s degrees available
- Designed for adult learners
- Transfer past credits from college and technical training
- Supportive, stimulating learning environment
The B.S. in Applied Psychology degree program offers free access to most course materials. In addition to foundational psychology courses, students learn about specific areas, including abnormal psychology, learning and cognition, and the brain and behavior. The program includes teaching students to write effectively and deliver oral presentations.
We also encourage students to adopt ethical standards and values that build community. That is an important element of human resources work, as well as a foundation of the Catholic Lasallian education offered at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
Start Human Resource Specialist Career Paths With Online Degree Programs
Let our admissions counselors help you through the application and transfer process. If you think completing your bachelor’s degree online is a good choice, explore this opportunity to earn a Catholic education in a virtual information session. For more information about how to become a human resource specialist, contact us today.