Question about Professional degree endorsement

I recently read a response on this page concerning a Human Resources Management degree. In this response a link was posted to the Society of Human Resources Managers page where it lists out the degrees that "align" with the SHRM's guidelines for the HR professional degree path. What does this mean/do for the degree holder if anything? I cannot find any information on the SHRM site that lists out what this "endorsement" would mean. Both of the degrees in HR I plan to get are covered (my BA in HR from AMU and my future MA in HR from National U) but I do not really understand what that means for me as the degree recipient.

Thanks for any insight/help you can give.

 

I think I can answer this.

Trade Associations and Member Associations represent the firms and professionals in a given industry or field. It is not uncommon for part of their mission to be to act as ‘stewards’ for what a best practice looks like in the market, which often leads to training and/or certifications from the association. When these associations partner with a school or endorse or approve a program, it typically means that the program either covers the necessary training to prepare someone to sit for a certification, or at a minimum uses some of the educational materials produced by the association representing best practices. (either way a little bit of revenue for the association, not a bad thing this is how things get done).

So what does this mean to a student? Any or all of the below, if you care about it (which as a professional in the industry you might), none if you do not:

First, it could be a two bird’s one stone scenario where some of the college courses also prepare you to go take the association certification test. If the certification was something you were interested in this could save you some time/money and let you emerge with more than just the degree as a credential.

Second, if the degree program uses some of the educational material from the association, then you can feel a little better about what you are learning in that it is current and aligned to the 'best' common views in the field.

Third, it could be that you can go earn the industry certification outside the program and then bring it in for credit, another nice option.

Finally, when competing for promotions and jobs at larger firms, coming in aligned with the industry association can carry some weight (small but everything can count). Some people really buy into these and others don’t. If you happen to hit a hiring manager that is all about the ‘professional community’ and what not, this could make a difference.

All in all this type of approval is a meaningful endorsement, if the smallest and least significant all-other-things-equal, but even a feather can tip a well calibrated scale if it is the only differentiator.