Compensation and benefits are two of the most important economic drivers for workers. When a company advertises employment opportunities, its ability to provide competitive wages and attractive benefits is key to hiring the best people for the job. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers an online degree completion program to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resource Management. This program is a great way to get started as a human resource professional and pursue a career in compensation and benefits.
Choose
from seven bachelor completion degree programs
B.S. in Accounting
B.S. in Applied Psychology
B.S. in Business Administration
B.S. in Criminal Justice Leadership
B.S. in Healthcare Management
B.S. in Human Resource Management
B.S. in Information Technology
How to Become a Compensation and Benefits Manager
A bachelor’s degree typically is required to hold a position as a compensation and benefits manager. While the degree field may be business, social science, or psychology, human resources is a good choice for individuals who are drawn to this work. Helping workers perform well in a safe environment is crucial for the success of companies and organizations. Human resources professionals impact the work atmosphere by encouraging policies that are beneficial to both workers and managers. Basic experience in human resources is a good base for a career as a compensation and benefits manager.
Work experience also is necessary before gaining a position as a compensation and benefits manager. Analyzing job descriptions, helping workers access benefits, and assisting with salary negotiations are foundational work experiences for human resources staff. Through experience with a variety of companies and industries, valuable insights are gained. Interacting with a diverse workforce and exploring professional development opportunities are also encouraged.
As human resources professionals approach a role as compensation and benefits managers, certifications also may be helpful. Several organizations offer exams to those who meet their requirements for earning certification. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has acknowledged that the B.S. in Human Resource Management program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota fully aligns with its guidelines.
Compensation and Benefits Manager Duties and Responsibilities
While a compensation manager organizes and implements the structure of wages and salaries, benefits managers serve as administrators for employee benefits programs. Depending on the size of the organization, one person may perform, or direct, both functions. Here are some of the duties and responsibilities held by compensation and benefits managers:
- Supervising workloads and performance of staff
- Overseeing the implementation of pay structures
- Researching wage trends to help the organization stay competitive
- Managing relationships with third-party partners, including insurance companies, investment planners, and other vendors
- Complying with state and federal regulations for compensation and benefits programs
- Setting departmental budgets for wages and salaries
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median wage for compensation and benefits managers was $131,280 in May 2022. The most highly-paid managers earned more than $200,000. These dedicated professionals often work more than 40 hours a week, and face challenging deadlines throughout the year, including benefits enrollment periods.
Our Human Resource Management Degree Programs
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers a B.S. in Human Resource Management to help students gain the skills and knowledge needed to work in human resources. All our online learning programs are designed to accommodate students who are motivated to learn while juggling work and family obligations. Students learn foundational business and human resources principles, as well as studying employee engagement, labor relations, and concepts of leadership.
Our human resources bachelor’s degree completion program can be finished in one year. We honor the experience of our adult learner students by accepting past college credits, work experience, and military service. This includes technical college credits and training via the American Council on Education (ACE) or PLA. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota allows the transfer of up to 90 credits into this program, which adds up to 75 percent of the degree requirements. Students who are motivated to continue their study of human resources can apply to our Master’s Degree in Human Resources program.
Online Learning for Adult Students
The learning environment at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota is rigorous and exciting. We encourage students to participate in the exchange of ideas and question new concepts. Our goal is to nurture, empower, and awaken adult learners to their full potential. Students thrive within our online classrooms with curriculums that deliver valuable knowledge and understanding.
Earn Your Human Resources Management Degree Online
Our educational programs focus on workforce needs and are designed for flexibility. Take advantage of online programs and earn a B.S. in Human Resource Management at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. For more information, request more information or apply today.