I’ve read articles about this, and it’s been said over and over that they are both regarded equally, and you should choose BS if you’re strong in math and science (I’m not strong in math but I do good in science), and BA if you’re more the social studies/communication type. Which I would say I am, History and English are my best subjects, and I like Geometry way better than Algebra (everyone seems to be either that way or they liked Algebra and hated Geometry at my school).
But this doesn’t really help me narrow it down to what the admission officers will like when I pursue my masters. If I want to get into a reputable program for a masters degree in Human Resource Management, which would they proffer?
Also, when I get my masters, will employers still look at what I got my bachelors in? BS or BA wise? Either way I’m planning to get a job when I get my bachelors, but I’m still thinking long-term for when I get a job after my masters. I want a good start in my career.
If you are targeting medium to large size companies with multiple HR professionals, your effort should be put in getting SHRM (Society for Human Resources Management) certifications. Smaller companies may not know what SHRM certification is, but most HR professionals respect these certifications. Look for universities with active student SHRM chapters.
You should be thinking about an MBA not a Masters in HR. I’ve been in corporate HR for over 30 years; an MBA from a top program gives a person a competitive edge throughout their career; the Master’s programs in HR are just not worth the time and money in most cases.
Why not get an undergrad psych or statistics degree? MUCH more marketable for HR than an HR degree-- they teach skills you will use every day, vs. content which goes out of fashion very, very quickly.
If the same school offers both a BA and BS option, you can compare degree requirements to see what differs between the two options.
Even if the BA and BS are at different schools, taking a closer look at the degree requirements would give you better information than assuming that there is more or less math and science in the BS versus BA programs.
I had a choice with my college major of BA or BS - went for BS since it did not have a foreign language requirement. Jump forward 30 years and my daughter made the exact same choice - picked the BS so she didn’t have to take a language in college. I don’t believe it matters when applying for a job.
Okay so still same answers, I’ll go for a BA! Since having a BS doesn’t give me a competitive edge. Thank you
And yes, I’ve looked into those SHRM affiliated programs some colleges have. I’m from Florida, and other than a “specialty” school (like Ringling College of Arts), our most reputable school (other than ucf fro just being a really large school) is UF, but they don’t have a degree aligned with SHRM.
I plan on getting certified with SHRM no matter where I go, of course.
But if I stay in Florida, should I go to the only SHRM aligned degree offered in Florida by Saint Leo University, an “above-average private, Catholic university” according to Niche.com… I’ve never even heard of it, though. And that’s what I’m thinking employers might think also…
So, our reputable UF without a SHRM aligned degree, or would any good college be better than UF as long as it’s aligned with SHRM? If not then I’ll go out of state for a more reputable college that also has SHRM.
(no matter what I’m planning on getting certified)
Go to the best college you can and just get the certification on your own. In business related degrees you will get better opportunities with universities that are better known and have more companies that recruit on campus.
You should speak to career services at any college you are considering to find out where students from your program ended up. You can enter HR from virtually any field (and in fact, the “better” opportunities often go to students from programs perceived to be more rigorous) so figuring out what the track record is for any college you are considering is an important piece of research.
National employers who recruit all over the country will have more robust opportunities than small, local companies; employers who offer an HR rotational program where you have experiences in Learning, Recruiting, Comp and Benefits, Employee Relations, etc. over a two year period before you specialize are better launch pads than companies which track you early on into a specialty, etc.
But you need to do your homework before you start a degree as narrow as HR.
Ditto post # 5. The BA or BS can have the same degree requirements for the major but vary in the breadth requirements. Get the degree that best matches the courses you want.
Regarding college caliber- aim for the best one you can get into and is practical (ie affordable). We retired to Tampa and I now have heard of St Leo’s. There are so many other Florida schools I would put ahead of it. The exact major you have in college is not as important as the learning. As above- your major is just an entry into a career, there will be multiple paths. Also- what if you change your mind once in college, if only to do a slight tweaking? I can’t imagine even in cities close to St Leo’s (where people have heard of it) that their program is the only path to many HR type jobs.
At this stage keep options more open. Who knows- you may move OOS someday. Do not assume you will remain local.
I’ve worked in management and human resources at top tier law firms for several years now. I have an undergrad in English, a law degree and an MBA. Consider getting an undergrad degree in Psychology/Counselling and then go on to get your MBA. Do not focus on SHRM. Not to bash anyone, but its a dysfunctional organization and you can get certified easily post-college.
