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

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.

WASC Senior College and University Commission

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

What's the main role of human resources?

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


Testimonials

From the moment I applied, my admissions counselor was such a huge support.

Alison C.
Human Resources, BBA

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
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


12 HR Metrics your company should be focused on.

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


Demo

Earn Your Degree in HR

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

Degree Type
Ways to Learn

Programs Offered

young female student interacting on laptop with headset on
Human Resources

HRCI Cert Man Hybrid Workforce

Learn how to leverage the benefits of hybrid workforces, especially during times of transition and as business needs change.
$199

HRCI Cert Man Hybrid Workforce

Learn how to leverage the benefits of hybrid workforces, especially during times of transition and as business needs change.
Certificates & Courses
Online
UsersGroup
Extended Education
BulletedList
.9 CEUs
Coins
$199
05/07/2025
female_student_studying_by_window_at_home_daylight
Human Resources

HRCI Pro: Benefits

Learn how to design, implement, evaluate, and adjust your organizational medical benefit plan to meet specific goals, learn the components of retirement planning, and learn how to create benefits offerings tailored to your workforce to foster employee wellness. Earn a digital badge after completing each certificate course.
$299

HRCI Pro: Benefits

Learn how to design, implement, evaluate, and adjust your organizational medical benefit plan to meet specific goals, learn the components of retirement planning, and learn how to create benefits offerings tailored to your workforce to foster employee wellness. Earn a digital badge after completing each certificate course.
Certificates & Courses
Online
UsersGroup
Extended Education
BulletedList
1.2 CEUs
Coins
$299
05/07/2025
05/07/2025
Business people shaking hands in the office. Group of business persons in business meeting. Three entrepreneurs on meeting in board room. Corporate business team on meeting in modern office. Female manager discussing new project with her colleagues. Company owner on a meeting with two of her employees in her office.
Human Resources

HRCI Pro: Compensation

Explore the elements of a compensation system, learn the requirements for internal and external equity in the workplace, and gain effective strategies for effectively communicating compensation and rewards. Earn a digital badge after completing each certificate course.
$299

HRCI Pro: Compensation

Explore the elements of a compensation system, learn the requirements for internal and external equity in the workplace, and gain effective strategies for effectively communicating compensation and rewards. Earn a digital badge after completing each certificate course.
Certificates & Courses
Online
UsersGroup
Extended Education
BulletedList
1.2 CEUs
Coins
$299
05/07/2025
business_man_leading_a_meeting
Human Resources

HRCI: HR Ethics Certificate

In each 1.5 hour course, you will explore the relationship between human resources and creating an ethical workplace. Learn the role you play in shaping an ethical and socially responsible workplace culture.
$259

HRCI: HR Ethics Certificate

In each 1.5 hour course, you will explore the relationship between human resources and creating an ethical workplace. Learn the role you play in shaping an ethical and socially responsible workplace culture.
Certificates & Courses
Online
UsersGroup
Extended Education
BulletedList
1.5 CEUs
Coins
$259
05/07/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

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.