Human Resources Management and Services: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Human Resources Management and Services is a comprehensive academic discipline focused on the strategic planning, development, and oversight of organizational workforce systems. This program prepares individuals to navigate the complexities of talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation structures, and compliance within diverse work environments. Graduates emerge equipped to support organizational success through effective human capital management.
- Workforce Planning and Talent Acquisition: Strategies for forecasting staffing needs and recruiting qualified candidates through targeted sourcing, interviewing, and onboarding processes.
- Performance Management Systems: Frameworks for setting goals, evaluating employee performance, providing feedback, and aligning individual outcomes with organizational objectives.
- Compensation and Benefits Administration: Design and implementation of equitable pay structures, incentive programs, and employee benefit packages that support retention and motivation.
- Employee Relations and Labor Law Compliance: Practices for maintaining positive workplace dynamics, resolving conflicts, and ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local employment regulations.
- Training and Development Programs: Methods for identifying skill gaps, delivering effective learning experiences, and fostering continuous professional growth within the workforce.
- HR Information Systems (HRIS): Utilization of digital platforms to manage employee data, streamline HR operations, and generate insights for strategic decision-making.
- Organizational Culture and Change Management: Approaches to shaping workplace values, driving transformation initiatives, and supporting employees through periods of organizational evolution.
Human Resources Management and Services Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Human Resources Management and Services Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Human Resources Management and Services degrees, including Human Resources Specialists and Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 1,010,040 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human Resources Specialists 13-1071 | $72,910 | $45,440 - $126,540 | 917,460 | $35.05 |
| Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping 43-4161 | $49,440 | $36,090 - $67,140 | 92,580 | $23.77 |
Human Resources Management and Services Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $48,870 in Arkansas to $81,730 in District of Columbia—a 67% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, California, and Washington. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,010,040 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Human Resources Management and Services by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 35 institutions offering Human Resources Management and Services programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Human Resources Management and Services is found at Colorado State University Global (CSU Global) (278 graduates), University of Oklahoma (OU), Norman Campus (177 graduates), Bellevue University (139 graduates), Webster University (100 graduates), and Michigan State University (MSU) (77 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 950 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado State University Global (CSU Global) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
278 | Aurora, Colorado | Public | csuglobal.edu |
| University of Oklahoma (OU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
177 | Norman, Oklahoma | Public | ou.edu |
| Bellevue University |
Master's
|
139 | Bellevue, Nebraska | Private | bellevue.edu |
| Webster University |
Master's
|
100 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | webster.edu |
| Michigan State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
|
77 | East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
| University of Pittsburgh |
Bachelor's
|
26 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | pitt.edu |
| Capella University |
Master's
|
18 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Private | capella.edu |
| Seton Hall University (SHU) |
Master's
|
14 | South Orange, New Jersey | Private | shu.edu |
| Northwood Technical College (Northwood Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
13 | Rice Lake, Wisconsin | Public | northwoodtech.edu |
| Excelsior University |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Albany, New York | Private | excelsior.edu |
| Idaho State University (ISU) |
Other Award
|
9 | Pocatello, Idaho | Public | isu.edu |
| Framingham State University (FSU) |
Master's
|
8 | Framingham, Massachusetts | Public | framingham.edu |
| Stevens Institute of Technology |
Postbac Cert.
|
8 | Hoboken, New Jersey | Private | stevens.edu |
| Immaculata University |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Immaculata, Pennsylvania | Private | immaculata.edu |
| Moravian University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
8 | Bethlehem, Pennsylvania | Private | moravian.edu |
| University of Cincinnati (UC) |
Postbac Cert.
|
7 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | uc.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Postbac Cert.
|
7 | University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | worldcampus.psu.edu |
| Atlanta Technical College (Atlanta Tech) |
Other Award
|
5 | Atlanta, Georgia | Public | atlantatech.edu |
| Siena Heights University (SHU) |
Master's
|
5 | Adrian, Michigan | Private | sienaheights.edu |
| University of the Southwest (USW) |
Master's
|
5 | Hobbs, New Mexico | Private | usw.edu |
| Oklahoma Christian University (OC) |
Master's
|
4 | Edmond, Oklahoma | Private | oc.edu |
| Amberton University |
Master's
|
4 | Garland, Texas | Private | amberton.edu |
| Athens Technical College (Athens Tech) |
Other Award
|
3 | Athens, Georgia | Public | athenstech.edu |
| Saint Joseph's College of Maine (SJC) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Standish, Maine | Private | sjcme.edu |
| Cambridge College |
Master's
|
2 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | cambridgecollege.edu |
| Northwest Missouri State University |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Maryville, Missouri | Public | nwmissouri.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | psu.edu |
| Lynn University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Boca Raton, Florida | Private | lynn.edu |
| Dordt University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Sioux Center, Iowa | Private | dordt.edu |
| Gardner-Webb University (GWU) |
Post-Master's
|
1 | Boiling Springs, North Carolina | Private | gardner-webb.edu |
| Drexel University |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | drexel.edu |
| Villanova University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Villanova, Pennsylvania | Private | villanova.edu |
| Widener University |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Chester, Pennsylvania | Private | widener.edu |
| Marymount University |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Arlington, Virginia | Private | marymount.edu |
| Bluefield State University |
Other Award
|
1 | Bluefield, West Virginia | Public | bluefieldstate.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Human Resources Management and Services programs
How much can I earn with a Human Resources Management and Services degree?
Salaries for Human Resources Management and Services graduates vary by role and location. Human Resources Specialists earn a median of $72,910 annually, while Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping earn around $49,440. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $81,730 compared to $48,870 in Arkansas. Approximately 1,010,040 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Human Resources Management and Services programs?
Currently 35 accredited institutions offer Human Resources Management and Services degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Colorado State University Global (CSU Global) (278 graduates), University of Oklahoma (OU), Norman Campus (177 graduates), and Bellevue University (139 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Human Resources Management and Services growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 2,169 in 2010 to a peak of 1,527 in 2020, before declining slightly to 950 in 2023-24. This represents a 56% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Human Resources Management and Services degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Human Resources Specialists, Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping, . Related occupations employ approximately 1,010,040 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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