Your guide to the human resources major

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Key takaways about a human resources major

A human resources major blends business, people skills, and problem-solving.
Core classes cover recruiting, compensation, employment law, analytics, and DEI.
Double majors in psychology, communications, or business analytics pair well with HR.
HR careers range from recruiting and learning & development to HR tech and strategy.
Scholarships and school search tools can help you fund and plan your HR journey.

So, what exactly is a human resources major?

If you’re the go-to friend for organizing, settling disagreements, or hyping people up, HR might be your lane. A human resources major is all about how companies hire, train, pay, and support people. You’ll mix strategy with empathy to help workplaces run smoothly and fairly.

What is the best degree for human resources?

The most direct path is a human resources degree or human capital management program. Some schools offer HR as a concentration within business administration. If your college doesn’t have an HR-specific track, majors like psychology, communications, or management—paired with HR internships—can set you up well.

Core courses and specializations I’ll see as an HR major

Recruiting & talent acquisition – finding and hiring the right people.
Compensation & benefits – designing fair pay and benefits packages.
Employment law & ethics – learning the rules that keep workplaces fair.
Training & development – helping employees grow and level up.
HR analytics & workforce planning – using data to guide people decisions.
Labor relations – understanding unions, negotiations, and conflict resolution.
HR technology systems (HRIS) – managing the platforms that keep HR running.

Popular double majors or minors with human resources majors

Psychology – for understanding people and behavior.
Communications – for navigating change and workplace messaging.
Business analytics or data science – for HR analytics and data-driven decision-making.
Finance or accounting – for compensation and budgeting.
Legal studies – for compliance and labor law.
Information systems – for HR tech and people-data management.

Skills I’ll pick up as an HR major

Clear communication and active listening
Problem-solving and fair decision-making
Managing projects and driving change
Reading and presenting data
Policy writing and compliance skills
Coaching and leadership development

Top career paths for human resources majors

HR generalist – the “jack-of-all-trades” role for early career HR pros.
Recruiter – finding and closing talent.
Compensation/benefits analyst – making sure pay and perks are competitive.
Learning & development specialist – designing training and career growth programs.
HRIS analyst – managing HR software and systems.
Employee relations specialist – handling workplace issues and policy.
DEI coordinator – advancing inclusion initiatives.
HR business partner – working with leadership on strategy.

Salary potential in human resources

If you’re thinking about a career in HR, the pay can be pretty solid. On average, HR specialists make around $73K a year, with entry-level roles closer to $45K and top earners pulling in $126K+. Roles that focus on compensation, benefits, or job analysis usually pay a bit more, around $77K.

Moving into HR management? That’s where the numbers really jump—managers earn a median salary of $140K, and top-level managers can make $239K+. Starting salaries are around $70K, specialized roles push into the high $70Ks, and leadership positions can sometimes double what specialists make.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, April 2025

Is human resources the right major for me?

Human resources could be a great fit if you enjoy helping people solve problems at work and can balance empathy with fairness and policies. The major tends to attract students who like a mix of collaboration and independence, since you’ll spend time both working with people and digging into systems or data. You should also feel comfortable with variety—some days are routine, while others bring surprise challenges that need quick problem-solving. On the other hand, if handling workplace conflict sounds overwhelming, HR may feel draining. But if you’re energized by guiding people and shaping workplace culture, an HR major can set you up for a rewarding career.

Notable schools for human resources majors

Cornell University (ILR School)
Rutgers University (School of Management and Labor Relations)
Michigan State University (School of HR & Labor Relations)
Penn State University (Smeal College of Business)
University of Minnesota (Carlson School – HRIR)
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (School of Labor & Employment Relations)
Ohio State University (Fisher College of Business)
Indiana University Bloomington (Kelley School – HR emphasis)
Texas A&M University (Mays Business School)
University of South Carolina (Darla Moore School – HR/Org behavior)

Pro tip: use Scout College Search to compare programs and find your fit.

Paying for your HR degree

Like any degree, studying human resources is an investment, but there are plenty of ways to make it more affordable. Scholarships are one of the best resources to explore, and you don’t have to wait until college to start applying. You can browse scholarships by major, search for tailored awards with Scholly Scholarships, or apply for easy options like the $2,000 No Essay Scholarship. There are also funding opportunities created specifically for students pursuing HR—check out scholarships for human resources majors to see what’s out there. With the right mix of planning and scholarship applications, you can make your HR degree more affordable and focus on building your career.