HRGuru

I'm a sophomore in college and haven't definitively declared my major so I want to make sure I am making the right decision by posting my questions (in bold) since I am considering the field of HR. Is a degree in HR management essential to success in the field or would another degree such as communications with a focus on communicaion studies (interpersonal, intercultural, organizational, gender, etc.) and a minor in human resources suffice?? The HR program at my school is pretty lengthy (15 to 18 hrs a semester) and I would probably spend a year catching up on business core requirements (they start in freshman year) which would add an extra year to a four-year degree while taking it as a minor would ensure me graduating on time. Should I take the extra time and finish an HR degree or take it as a minor instead??

I agree with the the1compguy, a lot depends on where do you want to go.  In addtion to his commments, you have to think of what type of company do you want to work for and at what level.  If you want to be the HR manager for a local business that has 1000 employees, then a minor will get you by.  If you want to work for a major company that has 10,000 employees, then you  are better off with the HR degree.  You can also get your minor, find a job in HR and then work towards your MBA or HR degree after and hopefully work for a company that will pay for it.  Where the latest buzz in HR management is to align HR with the corporate goals and strategies a BS in business and a minor in HR would work best. If you want to enter training or recruiting field then communications would help. Suggest for your electives take some technical computer classes to learn databases and other computer skills.  In the future most HR functions will be automated and computer skills will be a must.