Human resources management programs prepare people to manage employment policies and practices in the workplace. Students learn to recruit, hire, and train employees. They also learn about laws, wages, and benefits.

Someday you're probably going to apply for a job, if you haven't already done so. Unless the business is very small, a human resources (HR) manager will be involved in the decision. The HR manager will help decide whether to hire you and how much to pay you.

The HR manager will advise your employer about ways to help you upgrade your skills. This is particularly important as technology changes. As businesses make plans, they need to foresee future needs for staff. In addition, they need to consider how to hire, train, and promote people in time to fill those needs. Thus students of human resources management need to learn a little about all aspects of business. They also need to know about managing workers.

Many colleges and universities offer a bachelor's degree program in human resources management. These programs typically take four years of full-time study beyond high school. Usually this degree will open the door for entry-level work with a small organization.

Larger employers often prefer people who have a master's degree in a related field. Labor and industrial relations is one such area of study. Organizational behavior is another. These are often available as concentrations within a master of business administration (MBA) program. An MBA degree usually takes an extra two years of study. Often you do an internship between the first and second years.