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Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Human Resource Management Overview

With a human resource management bachelor degree, you will develop the confidence and determination to become a key factor in administering your organization’s staff. This program provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of the human resources field. Plus, Woods Core requirements – rooted in the liberal arts tradition – will help you become adaptive to the changing needs of the organization as well as to understand the environment in which your organization and its staff operate. Our degree programs provide the flexibility to lead you to the career of your dreams. With your professional advisors helping you along the way, you can mix and match majors and minors to get the perfect degree tailored to you and your career aspirations.

This program’s curriculum is fully aligned with the Society for Human Resources Management’s HR curriculum guidebook and templates. We are among only a handful of programs in Indiana that acquired this honor. This means as a graduate of this program, you will be eligible to apply for the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) exam, a great way to start your HR career! In your time in this program, you will learn about such topics as organizational behavior, contemporary issues, culture and diversity, business law and communication. Interested in earning your human resource management bachelor’s and a master’s degree in 4 years? Learn more about our 3+1 Leadership Development Program.

FAQs

What is human resource management?
Human resource management is the practice of recruiting, hiring and managing an organization’s employees. It involves creating personnel policies and procedures, ensuring employee safety and managing all aspects of the hiring and onboarding processes. Human resource management is all about helping the employees of an organization, so professionals may also facilitate training, help with compensation and benefit processes.

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is one of the best colleges for human resource management because we overlay a values-based curriculum with a strong foundation in leadership, so you aren’t just learning about human resource management; you’re learning to be a leader in the field and will have a solid foundation in business and management principles.

Why get a degree in human resource management?
Are you interested in the principles, methods and technologies that are used to improve organizational productivity? Or maybe you are interested in honing in employee management, people skills and leadership. If this is you, then getting a human resource management degree from SMWC is the right way to go. After completing this program, you will be able to demonstrate to potential employers that you have specialized knowledge of these topics and this field.

What can you do with a degree in human resource management?
At SMWC, you will be prepared for a variety of human resources jobs by learning how to:

  • Analyze the needs of an organization and develop creative solutions
  • Evaluate the work environment to increase effectiveness and add value
  • Oversee training, safety and wellness of an organization’s employees
  • Enact comprehensive strategies for employee management

With our general business core, you will develop your ability to manage a broad variety of corporate challenges while specific HRM coursework shows you how to think conceptually about the dynamic world of management.

Managers agree that an HR Department can enhance morale and productivity and decrease job turnover by providing training and development to improve skills and increase employee satisfaction. With experience, graduates can expect a rich career beyond a human resource generalist. These include:

  • Director of Human Resources
  • Employment and Placement Managers
  • EEO Officers or Affirmative Action Coordinators
  • Employer Relations Manager
  • Job Analyst
  • Compensation Manager
  • Director of Industrial Relations
  • Labor Relations Manager
  • Conciliator, Mediator or Arbitrator

Check out our blog: 8 careers you can have with a human resources management degree

What is the average annual salary of someone with a human resource management degree?
As you look at starting salaries, keep in mind that the cost of living and opportunities to move with a career or industry sector should also factor into your decision. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for human resources managers is $130,000.

What support and resources are provided at SMWC?
The Learning Resource Center (LRC) provides exceptional, personalized learning resource services to encourage student success. The LRC offers help with a range of academic support services, including a writing center, tutoring, college success courses and more.

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is routinely ranked by US News and World Report among the Best Regional Universities in the Midwest and the Best Value Schools. Our departments are also routinely ranked for their individual degree programs.
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