Comparing a B.A. and B.S. in Human Resource Management

August 28, 2020 9:03am

Those with an interest in human resources can find a variety of online and on-ground programs to choose from at universities all over the country. Some offer a bachelor of arts while others offer a bachelor of science. While they can lead to similar careers, there are differences in the focus of each one should understand before enrolling in a program.

What is the difference?

A B.S. in human resources will typically be more focused on the core courses – mostly those involving mathematics and science. A B.A. is going to be more generalized in focus and include courses centered on psychology, humanities, and the arts. Anyone with a desire to solve complicated human resource issues or develop workplace policies might find a B.S. more beneficial. Someone wanting to pursue an HR degree whose strong suit is not mathematics may find a B.A. degree a better option.

What is the course focus and length?

Every college will vary on the types and titles of their courses in both B.A. and B.S. HR degrees as well as length. Learners can expect to be required to complete at least 120 credit hours in programs for either degree. Time to completion can depend on whether courses are taken in a traditional setting or online. In many cases degrees can be earned faster online since courses are offered in an accelerated timeframe (usually six to eight weeks long) throughout the calendar year. Course requirements for HR programs will vary in subject matter by institution, but many college curricula encompass subject matter including:

Bachelor of Arts:

• Business Law
• Ethics
• Marketing
• HR Management
• Organizational Psychology
• Training and Development

Bachelor of Science:

• HR Management
• Conflict Resolution
• Data analytics
• Training and Development
• Compensation & Benefits
• Law (related to HR and employment)

What are the career outcomes?

While the focus of each degree varies a little, career choices for graduates with either a B.S. or B.A. in human resource management are comparable since employers generally do not regard one type of HR degree over another. Rather, they focus on the degree-granting institution and accrediting body. Those considering a more flexible online degree program can have confidence their degree will be respected as much as one earned in a traditional setting as more accredited, and nonprofit colleges are expending their online degree program offerings. Graduates can obtain HR careers with a higher than average projected job growth through 2028, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. And popular HR positions yield an average salary of $60K, according to PayScale.

Some popular HR management careers include:

• Human Resources Manager
• Training and Development Manager
• Benefits Manager
• Human Resources Consultant
• Recruiter
• Labor Relations Specialist

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