Becoming a certified human resources professional significantly enhances your prospects in the competitive HR job market, signaling a robust skill set and deep understanding of the field. Pursuing a Human Resource Management Degree Online provides a flexible and effective pathway to achieve this professional recognition and career advancement.
For individuals aspiring to excel in human resources, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management that is meticulously designed to align with the standards of leading HR credentialing bodies: the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). This alignment ensures that graduates are well-prepared for professional certifications and career success.
HRCI Content Partnership and aPHR Certification
SNHU’s BS in Human Resource Management curriculum comprehensively covers the five core content areas tested in the HRCI Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) certification exam. This strategic curriculum design allows students to seamlessly integrate exam preparation into their coursework. The aPHR certification is valuable for professionals across various sectors, not just HR, as it underscores essential people management skills crucial in today’s business environment.
Students enrolled in the SNHU BS HRM program also benefit from discounted rates for the aPHR exam and gain access to HRCI exam preparation resources for a full year post-graduation. This support system significantly enhances students’ readiness and confidence in pursuing certification.
SHRM Alignment and SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP Certifications
Furthermore, the SNHU Human Resource Management degree program is rigorously aligned with the Society for Human Resource Management’s Body of Applied Skills & Knowledge (SHRM BASK) competencies. The SHRM BASK, developed through extensive global research, represents a consensus on the essential competencies and knowledge areas for HR professionals worldwide.
The SHRM BASK framework underpins the content for SHRM’s prestigious certification exams: the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). SNHU’s program alignment directly supports students aiming for these certifications by ensuring curriculum content adequately prepares them for the exam requirements. These certifications are directly linked to practical, on-the-job scenarios, validating a professional’s ability to apply learned concepts to real-world HR challenges. Eligibility for both SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams typically requires a bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field, along with varying levels of professional HR experience.
For those looking to further their expertise, SNHU also provides an online HR management master’s degree program. This advanced program builds upon the SHRM competencies, focusing on critical areas such as employee and labor relations, legal and ethical considerations, recruitment strategies, and navigating the evolving workforce through technology.
Obtaining a master’s degree in human resources from SNHU can also expedite the path to advanced certifications by potentially reducing the required years of professional HR experience needed to qualify for certain certification exams, making it a strategic investment in long-term career growth.
