Help lead your organization toward responsible and successful management of its most important asset — its people. Explore how UMass Global’s online HR degree programs can help you grow your career.
Human resources is at the heart of every organization. HR professionals support employees to ensure companies run smoothly, ethically, and with sustained growth. 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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Human resources, or HR, is the department within an organization that helps manage the people who make the business possible. They may work with leaders and individuals to ensure staffing needs are met, workers are satisfied, and track efficiencies of their contributions across the company.
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.
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.
WASC Senior College and University Commission
University of Massachusetts Global is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
What Does Human Resources Do?
Depending on the size of the company, an HR professional might be involved in one or several of the following activities:
What Do Human Resource Managers Do and How to Become One
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. You may have the following questions:
What does a human resource manager do?
How do you become a human resource manager?
What education and experience are required for the job?
Perhaps you’ve just started to think about a career in human resources (HR). Or maybe you’ve already laid the necessary groundwork for climbing the ladder. In these cases, a certificate in human resources may be the best option.
Now the next question: Are HR certificates worth the investment?
The flexibility of this program made it possible to balance work, family, and academics, even when it felt overwhelming. The guidance and encouragement along the way helped to make this milestone possible.
Kristina D.
MS 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.
PHR Certification Exam Preparation Course
Fort Washington Medical Center
Explore UMass Global's Human Resources Programs
UMass Global, an accredited online college, offers flexible pathways for aspiring human resources professionals and leaders. Our programs support your growth with career-relevant learning, faculty mentors actively working in the field, and flexible online coursework. Start your HR career with a bachelor's degree in human resources or advance your career with a master's degree in human resources. No matter which path you choose, these options help build the skills, experience, and confidence for a career in HR.
From recruiting and retention to employee relations, benefits, and development, you'll learn to turn people strategy into performance.
Aug 31, 2026
Human Resources, BS
100% Online
Develop the vital knowledge and skills to guide your organization in effectively managing its greatest asset — its people — with this bachelor’s degree in human resources. From recruiting and retention to employee relations, benefits, and development, you'll learn to turn people strategy into performance.
Maximize human capital with UMass Global's MS in Human Resources. Master talent management, workforce planning, and strategic partnerships in 9 core courses.
Aug 31, 2026
Human Resources, MS
100% Online
Gain the skills and tools you need to maximize employee engagement and address cultural, regulatory, and behavioral issues in a diverse workforce. You’ll learn strategic management, staffing, training and development, conflict and negotiation, employee benefits, and legal issues.
Maximize human capital with UMass Global's MS in Human Resources. Master talent management, workforce planning, and strategic partnerships in 9 core courses.
Master's
Maximize human capital with UMass Global's MS in Human Resources. Master talent management, workforce planning, and strategic partnerships in 9 core courses.
If you have a passion for people and want to play a critical role in business, begin the next step to an HR degree. Have questions about enrollment, degree programs, or financial aid? A UMass Global enrollment coach can help.
