Human Resources

Why Human Resources?

Human resources professionals are the foundation of every successful organization, helping businesses attract, retain, and develop talented employees. In this program, you will learn to manage essential HR functions such as recruiting, onboarding, training, and employee relations while developing the communication and leadership skills needed to make a positive impact in any workplace.

At Mid-State, you’ll gain real-world experience through simulations, interactive projects, and connections with local employers. Courses are offered in person or fully online, giving you the flexibility to balance your education with work and life. You’ll graduate ready for entry-level HR roles in any industry—or to continue your studies in business or management.

Develop core HR competencies in recruiting, employee relations, and performance management.
Gain hands-on experience through simulations and industry-based projects.
Learn from experienced faculty who bring real-world expertise to every class.
Engage with local professionals and organizations through the LEAD Center and community partnerships.
Choose flexible course delivery options, including fully online instruction.
Prepare for immediate employment or advancement opportunities in a growing field.

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Program Facts

Total Credits

61-62 Credits

Degree Type

Associate in Applied Science (AAS)

Program Length

Two Years

Delivery Method

In Person, Online, Online Live, Hybrid

Location

Adams, Marshfield, Stevens Point Downtown, Wisconsin Rapids, Online

Start Dates

Fall, Spring, Summer

Estimated Program Cost

$11,159.99

View Cost of Attendance

Financial Aid Eligibility

Fully Eligible

View Types of Aid

Program Outcomes

Graduates leave ready to succeed in their careers. Each year, data from Mid-State's Graduate Survey and statewide reports show consistently high satisfaction and strong starting salaries. Here's a snapshot of what success looks like after graduation.

Career Opportunities

Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialist

Human Resources Specialist

Payroll/Benefits Specialist

Staffing Administrator

Training and Development Specialist

$71k Median Annual Salary

Recent program grads in Wisconsin earned a starting salary of $71,318. Source: Lightcast Data Set

1,872

Average Monthly Hires

1,872 of recent Wisconsin program grads landed jobs within six months of graduation. Source: Lightcast Data Set

Program Details

Take a closer look at what the program offers and what to expect.

Program Courses

Following is the list of courses within the program. Your course plan may vary, and you'll get a recommended sequence once you're enrolled. See the program information guide below for full course details or talk with your advisor.

Program Information Guide (PDF)

Full-Time Curriculum (61-62 Total Credits)

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) options are available for some courses.

Term 1: (17 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10102231	Business Networking	No	1
10103106	Microsoft Office-Introduction	Yes	3
10106106	Quality Customer Service	Yes	3
10196190	Leadership Development	Yes	3
10801195 or 10801136	Written Communication or English Composition 1	Yes	3
10801196 or 10801198	Oral/Interpersonal Communication or Speech	Yes	3
10890102	GPS for Student Success	Yes	1

Term 2: (16 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10101140	Accounting 1	Yes	3
10102110	Employment Law	No	3
10102230	Business Communities	No	1
10196191	Supervision	Yes	3
10196193	Human Resource Management	Yes	3
10809172 or 10809196 or 10809122	Introduction to Diversity Studies or Introduction to Sociology or Introduction to American Government	Yes	3

Term 3: (13-14)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10102233	Negotiation Skills	No	1
10196135	Conflict Resolution	No	3
10196163	Managing Risk & Safety	Yes	3
10804107 or 10804118 or 10804189	College Mathematics or Intermediate Algebra with Applications or Introductory Statistics	Yes	3 or 4 or 3
10809195	Economics	Yes	3

Term 4: (15 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10101120	Payroll Accounting	Yes	3
10116153	Compensation and Benefits	No	3
10116154	Recruiting and Hiring	No	3
10196171	Organizational Development	Yes	3
10809198 or 10809188	Introduction to Psychology or Developmental Psychology	Yes	3

Program Outcomes

Employers will expect graduates of this program to be able to:

Design an organizational workforce plan.
Develop training programs.
Analyze organizational total rewards programs.
Incorporate employment law into business practices.
Apply employee relations techniques.

Employability Skills

Alongside your career training, you'll develop key workplace strengths. Explore the additional skills you'll build.

Employability Skills (PDF)

Technical Standards

To succeed in this program, you'll need to meet certain technical standards. These are the key skills and abilities needed for the program and future career success—with or without reasonable accommodations. Be sure to review them carefully before you apply.

Technical Standards (PDF)

Career pathways help you build your education step by step. Each stage offers one or more credentials that are recognized by employers and lead to real jobs—and you can keep building toward your career goals as you go.

Prior Learning

Certificate

Technical Degree

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Get credit for what you already know. You may be able to earn college credit for prior learning through skills you’ve gained through high school classes, previous college work, self-study, military training, jobs, or volunteer experience.

Credit for Prior Learning
High School Dual Credit
Mid-State Fast-Track – Open to high school students

“Mid-State’s hands-on learning, convenient scheduling, updated technology, and instructors who can relate to the field have all helped me become successful and even advance in my career in under a year.”

- Stephanie B.
Mid-State Grad
“I value my experience at Mid-State tremendously. Even with a disability my education gave me the opportunity to join the workforce before I even graduated. Education equals opportunity.”

- Jake A.
Mid-State Grad
“My degree from Mid-State and the encouragement I received from my teachers gave me the skills and confidence to move forward in my life and excel in my career.”

- Sharon R.
Mid-State Grad
“The education I received at Mid-State has been invaluable. It built a foundation that is endlessly improving, providing excellent growth opportunities in my career.”

- Kevin B.
Mid-State Grad
“Most students go to college to find good-paying careers doing something they enjoy. Mid-State gave me that and so much more, as I discovered my passion and achieved more than I ever could have anticipated.”

- Bryce C.
Mid-State Grad
“I couldn't have asked for a better education. My instructors were some of the most incredible people, and they were willing to do whatever was necessary to help everyone.”

- Leslie T.
Mid-State Grad