Guide to Online Associate's Degrees in Human Resources
Almost every mid to large sized company has a human resources department. When you think about it, they have to have one. With multiple employees someone needs to manage who is getting hired and fired, who needs training, and who gets what benefits. With a human resources associate degree this is exactly what you’ll be doing.
The great thing about getting your associate degree in human resources is that this field is growing at an amazing rate. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that careers in the human resources industry are expected to grow by at least 20% by 2014. Why so fast? Well, because so many industries, especially tech industries, are outsourcing work in foreign countries the field of human resources is growing to meet the new challenge of managing an international workforce. Virtually every single industry needs human resources professionals so finding a job shouldn’t be difficult.
When you get a human resources associate degree you’ll be learning about employee and team management, labor law, civil rights, motivation and compensation systems, benefits management, employee recruitment, payroll processing, conflict resolution, employee training and education, and about many different computer systems. Because technology is so important in this industry it’s vital that you completely understand how to use the software that this field relies on. Without the proper training you’ll get in school it can be very hard to succeed in this field.
With an associate degree in human resources you can expect to earn between $30,000-$40,000. Like many degrees, however, if you continue with your education and get a Bachelor’s Degree in human resources you can expect your opportunities and salary to go up quite a bit.
You can also make significantly more if you focus on a niche, like international business or technology. Adding foreign languages and computer skills to your knowledge will only help you earn more and work with a wider variety of companies. You can also make a lot more if you focus on management. The average salary for a Compensation and Benefits Manager is around $66,000. For a Training and Development Manager, it’s $67,000.
Another great thing about the human resources field is that quite a few professionals work as freelancers. This means they don’t work for any one company “full time”, but rather are hired out on an as-needed basis when the company needs help. The advantage to this is that you get to be in business for yourself, work at home, and make your own hours. Most of the time you’ll be using the phone and Internet to communicate with your clients, which means you can work anywhere you have access to those two things.
Getting an associate degree in human resources can be a great way to embark on a secure, well-paid career. You can work for a large corporation or go into business for yourself. Either way, you’ll need plenty of people and computer skills to succeed, which is why taking the time to go to school for this career is essential.
Click here to see some of the best associates degrees in human resources
Guide to Online Associates Degree Programs
Associate degree holders generally have better job prospects than those with only a high school diploma. Earning an associate degree usually takes two years, and doing so in at an online school can be much more convenient than at a traditional campus. Below are the top accredited online schools offering associate degrees in the US.
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With one of the largest offerings of accredited online associate degrees, Post University is consistently highly rated by its students because of its flexibility and affordability. All associate degrees offered are fully accredited. Post was founded in 1890 and has been providing highly-rated degree programs to students ever since with an emphasis on practicality and application. Read full school profile » |
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The University of Phoenix was one of the first accredited colleges to offer online degrees. Today, it has grown to become one of the nation's largest universities through its online division and campuses coast to coast. They remain one of the top choices for students looking for an associates degree online because of the broad array of choice and affordability they offer students. Read full school profile » |
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With perhaps the largest number of online associates degrees offered, Kaplan University's degrees are fully accredited, affordable, and offer a flexibility that many other online schools cannot match. This unrivaled selection spans several industries, hundreds of specializations, and all degree levels of education, empowering students to choose their own path to a career. Read full school profile » |
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One of the nation's leading Christian universities, Liberty offers a broad range of accredited associate degrees online. Their incorporation of moral and ethical considerations into study make them a popular choice for students seeking a well-rounded education built on academic integrity. Established in 1985, Liberty University has one of the longest-standing online education programs in the country. Read full school profile » |
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The online associates degrees at Everest University can be completed in under 2 years, making this a great way for students to quickly works towards their life goals. An associates degree can give you a jump-start on your career and open opportunities around every corner. Many of the programs help students pursue positions in ever-growing fields. Read full school profile » |
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Virginia College offers a wide range of accredited associates programs. VC takes several steps in helping students pays for college by offering financial aid to those who qualify, including textbooks in the tuition cost, and providing online programs that can be completed under two (2) years, giving students a quick way to jump start their careers. Read full school profile » |
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DeVry University is a highly-regarded leader in education with campuses across the nation and several online degrees available. DeVry focuses on providing degrees centered in the technology industry or fields that require a broad understanding and need for technical skills. DeVry has several highly popular degrees like Accounting, Web Graphic Design, Health IT, and Network Systems Administration. Read full school profile » |
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Strayer University has over the last decade become one of the most respected schools offering accredited online associate degrees. Their strong reputation among employers, broad course offerings, and over one hundred years in education make them consistently a top choice for students. Strayer has over 85 campuses and 60,000 students currently attending online or at one of its campuses. Read full school profile » |
