General studies courses are taken during the first two years of college. These courses will include approximately 52 semester hours. Courses include English composition, mathematics, science, social and behavioral sciences, plus arts and humanities. Additionally, some general studies courses will be required that pertain to the HR degree. These studies include classes in accounting, spreadsheets, databases, statistical concepts and macroeconomics. These general studies classes must be completed before being accepted into an HR major.
Almost every college degree allows students to have approximately 18 semester hours of electives. Even though a lot of these courses are considered easier courses, it would benefit the student to take electives that assist in attaining the HR degree. Some of the electives that should be taken to benefit an HR degree would be sociology, health and human service or business management.
Majoring in human resources will require students to take required courses. Generally, there will be at least 52 to 56 semester hours of required courses before receiving a bachelor's degree in human resources. Courses include management, training and development, compensation and benefits, employee and labor relations as well as decision making and problem solving.
Since human resources deals with personnel issues, every aspect of a company must be known, such as company policy in regards to benefits, payroll or health insurance claims, in addition to terms of employment and dismissal. Students will receive the basics of each of these responsibilities in college, but most companies send their human resources personnel to additional training after being hired.