If you’re looking to transition into a human resources (HR) career, an accelerated human resources degree can help you gain the skills and credibility you need to succeed. At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, we offer a 90-credit Human Resource Management bachelor’s degree program designed for working adults. Here, we discuss how an accelerated HR degree can benefit career switchers.
Key Takeaways
- An accelerated human resources degree helps students earn a degree quickly without sacrificing quality.
- The intentionally designed FastTrack 90TMHR Management degree at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is offered fully online and is designed for working adults.
- The program covers essential skills for an HR career, including communication, leadership, data analysis, and more.
What Is an Accelerated HR Management Program?
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota recently announced our FastTrack 90TM bachelor’s degree programs, which are intentionally redesigned, accelerated bachelor’s degrees. These programs, designed for working adults, require 25% fewer credits than a standard bachelor’s degree and are offered fully online. The program acceleration is accomplished not through cramming, but through focused pacing and careful program design.
The 90-credit Human Resource Management program is well-suited for adult learners who want to change gears in their career and graduate sooner. With fewer credits, students can earn their degree more quickly, break into the workforce sooner, and save money on tuition. Most students earn their degree in three years. However, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota has a generous transfer credit policy, enabling students to transfer up to 66 credits from other schooling or previous work experience. This can shorten the degree completion time even more.
Curriculum and Skills You Will Build in Our HR Management Program
The HR Management program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota features a curriculum that is aligned with Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) standards, ensuring the education students receive is in accordance with industry goals and needs. Topics the program covers include:
- Human resource management practices
- Employee compensation and reward systems
- Employee engagement and performance
- Employment law and employer-employee relations
- Financial or data analysis to support business decision-making
- Ethical leadership
- Communication and management skills
Students will take courses like Business Law, Employee Performance and Engagement, Strategic HR Management, and more to help develop the skills they need for an HR career. If graduate school is in your plans, you can start your master’s early by taking graduate-level courses during your bachelor’s program at undergraduate tuition rates.
Time to Completion and Transfer Policy
The HR Management 90-credit program takes three years to finish, around a year shorter than the standard four-year completion time of a regular bachelor’s degree. However, students can apply up to 66 transfer credits, with up to 35 being from prior learning assessments (PLAs). This means that those who have previous college credits, relevant work experience, or military training can shorten their completion time even further, letting them graduate in less than three years.
Besides our generous transfer policy, students also get access to other support services, including:
- Personalized advising
- Career services
- Virtual writing support
- 24/7 library access
- Financial aid to students who qualify
HR Management Outcomes and Career Paths
Students who complete the 90-credit HR Management program will be taught the skills and knowledge needed to pursue career transitions. Whether they’re looking to go from a different field to HR or from entry-level HR roles to advancement paths, our SHRM-aligned curriculum will help them get there.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), human resource managers earned a median annual wage of $140,030 as of May 2024. The employment of HR managers is projected to grow 5 percent through 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. For career switchers looking for a job with a competitive salary and a strong job outlook, human resources stands out.
Apply to the 90-Credit HR Management Program Today
Are you ready to jumpstart your career transition? Apply to the HR Management 90-credit bachelor’s degree program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. We take a mission-driven, student-centered approach to every program, and we offer flexible online delivery and support for working adults. To learn more about our accelerated human resources degree or to speak with an enrollment counselor, request more information today.
Accelerated Human Resources Degree FAQ
How many credits can I transfer when enrolling in the HR Management program?
Students in the 90-credit programs can transfer up to 66 credits.
Is the HR Management program accredited?
Yes, the program is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), reflecting the caliber of the program.
Will my certifications count for college credit?
Yes, certain HR certifications can count as college credit through prior learning assessments. These include industry certifications and micro credentials, such as those from Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) or Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI).
How fast can I finish the HR Management program?
Students can finish the 90-credit programs in three years (or less with transfer credits).
Can I work full-time while studying?
Yes, the 90-credit programs are designed for working adults who want to earn a degree while continuing to work.
