SE Dallas News

(DALLAS) — Dallas College has partnered with DallasHR to launch a new Associate in Applied Science degree in Human Resources Management that will be offered this spring semester. The new degree includes a national certification and the endorsement of DallasHR, the third largest Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) affiliate in the United States.

Through the partnership with DallasHR, Dallas College is also breaking new ground with two certificates in human resources — an HR Assistant certificate and HR Associate certificate. The new credentials, to be offered starting Jan. 17, 2023, can be folded into the associate degree while allowing students to gain employment during their studies.

“Both certificates can be applied toward the Human Resources Management A.A.S. as ‘stackable credentials,’” said Dr. Sherry L. Jones, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, dean of the School of Business, Hospitality and Global Trade at Dallas College. “The new curriculum, offered fully online, advances students from the basics of human resources to credentialed professionals and paves the way for them to obtain an A.A.S. in Human Resources Management.”

In order to accelerate students toward employment, the first two program certificates can be completed in as little as two semesters. To further students’ education beyond an associate degree, Dallas College is also working with four-year colleges to develop A.A.S. credit toward a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science (B.A.A.S.).

“An associate degree is a good option for students seeking the fastest track to enter the profession,” Jones said. “It saves students time and money while giving them the chance to determine their HR field interests and specialty preferences. The program will help students to qualify for positions that assist with the day-to-day tasks of HR management.”

The need for human resources specialists has never been greater with about 82,000 openings for human resources specialists projected each year over the decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force through retirement.

“The need for human resource professionals will grow by 4% in Texas over the next five years,” said Erin Swain, director of learning and development for DallasHR. “The program offered by Dallas College will provide a pipeline of talent for employers searching for credentialed HR professionals for this growing field.”

With an increasing number of Fortune 500 companies and major manufacturers moving their headquarters to North Texas, openings in human resources have increased exponentially, with even greater growth expected as companies decide to relocate to Dallas-Fort Worth.

“If you’re looking to switch careers and enter the growing field of HR, we offer fully online programs that allow you to earn a credential on your own time,” said John Pladocostante, dean of e-learning program development at Dallas College. “These credentials also offer local businesses opportunities for their employees to upskill in their profession.”

For questions about enrolling in Dallas College HR certificate and degree programs or to learn more, email PathwaySuccess@DallasCollege.edu, visit DallasCollege.edu/HRDegrees or call 972-761-6850 to speak directly with a pathway specialist.

Original source can be found here.