Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management
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Degree:
Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management Degree
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If you’re a people person interested in becoming a vital part of an organization, consider a future in human resource management. From interviewing job applicants and training employees to handling compensation and benefits, HR managers are responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing the administrative functions of an organization.
National University’s Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management (BSHRM) degree program is designed to provide fundamental knowledge and skills for students seeking entry-level and supervisory positions in the field of human resource management. If your goal is to become an integral link between a company’s management and its employees, NU’s practice-based human resource management degree will help you build a thorough foundation of industry-current qualifications and prepare you for an exciting career in any industry.
Degree Requirements
To receive a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management, students must complete at least 180 quarter units as articulated below, including a minimum 70.5 units of the University General Education requirements, 45 quarter units of which must be completed in residence at National University, 76.5 quarter units of which must be completed at the upper-division level. In the absence of transfer credit, additional general electives may be necessary to satisfy total units for the degree.
National University awards credit in quarter units, with each academic year divided into four 12-week quarters.
Each quarter is made up of three 4-week classes, with one class per month. Under the current policy, 4.5 units of credit are awarded for courses.
Program Requirements
14 Courses
Introduction to Human Resource Management
4.5 Quarter Units
This course provides an overview of the myriad of human resource management activities performed in the workplace. Topics include human resource planning, job analysis, staffing, recruitment, selection, retention, training and talent development, compensation and benefits, legal aspects, DE&I, discipline, performance management, labor relations, ethics, and health and safety.
Legal Compliance in HR Management
4.5 Quarter Units
Analysis of the wide spectrum of legal and regulatory issues faced by human resource managers in the workplace. EEO laws, compliance requirements, and prevention of employment related liability are evaluated. Emphasis on the creation of DE&I policies for avoiding discrimination and creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. Federal statutes are reviewed. Case law is discussed and analyzed to prepare students to recognize and anticipate potential legal issues in the workplace.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace
4.5 Quarter Units
Examination of the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in the workplace. Discussion of the relevance of evaluating metrics associated with DE&I theories. Review of the benefits to organizations in the areas of costs, marketing, resource acquisition, creativity, problem solving, and flexibility as a result of valuing diversity. Discussions of equity and inclusion are examined as they relate to managing a diverse workforce.
Workforce Staffing: Talent, Acquisition and Onboarding
4.5 Quarter Units
Evaluation of all aspects of reviewing the strategic direction of an organization as it relates to assessing and filling jobs, from initial recruitment and hiring through subsequent placement, onboarding, and retention. Examining DE&I theories and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion considerations while determining staffing needs, job analysis, interviewing, screening, evaluating, and promoting.
Training and Talent Development
4.5 Quarter Units
Exploration of all aspects of employee training and talent development in the workplace. Challenges faced by human resource managers related to the content of the developmental experience and the methods of delivering training programs will be reviewed. Challenges facing HR managers regarding globalization and an increasingly diverse workforce will be discussed. Understanding various methods of talent development and training activities are highlighted to ensure that employees have the skills, motivation, and resources to successfully meet an organization’s ever-changing needs.
Pay and Benefits Administration
4.5 Quarter Units
Evaluation of the fundamentals of wage and salary programs, including performing job evaluations, conducting salary surveys, adjusting pay structures, and relating pay to performance. Benefits programs and related employee incentives and service programs are covered. Linking performance to both extrinsic and intrinsic rewards will be reviewed. The incorporation of technology as it relates to human resource information systems (HRIS) that increase pay and benefits administration is explored. The synthesis of pay, benefits administration, and HR technology integrates the selection, development and administration of practical programs and systems for attracting, motivating, and retaining a diverse workforce.
Labor Relations
4.5 Quarter Units
Exploration of the labor relations process and its current applications in the workplace. The formation of labor unions, collective bargaining, and contract negotiations will be reviewed, as they relate to union workers and management. The evolution of labor laws will be discussed along with grievance and arbitration activities. Current judicial decisions will be examined. Ethical issues concerning bargaining behavior influences and employee empowerment will be addressed. Current events in labor relations are integrated throughout the covered material.
Organizational Strategy and Design
4.5 Quarter Units
Examination of the theories of organizational design concepts and strategies used by managers to position their company for success. The historical perspectives on organization design are discussed, along with current challenges faced by today’s organizations. Strategic approaches to measuring organizational effectiveness are explored. Various experts’ strategies are evaluated to gain an understanding of ways in which managers can give direction to organizations to remain competitive in the workforce.
Organizational Behavior and Performance Management
4.5 Quarter Units
A survey of the impact individuals, groups, and structures have on behavior within organizations for the purpose of applying such knowledge toward improving employee performance. A focus on work-related behavior with an emphasis on individual and group performance as it relates to organizational productivity. Exploration of the development of interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, with a view toward equity and inclusion, to help all employees, supervisors, and managers improve their effectiveness.
Workforce Planning and Talent Management
4.5 Quarter Units
A survey of organizational development, career systems, and talent management. The course explores and defines the interrelationship of the three areas under the auspices of human resource development. The exploration examines these areas as they relate to helping practitioners achieve organizational goals and identify and develop employee talent. Students learn about both theory and practice as it relates to their ability to assist individuals while seeking greater consonance between individual, group, and organizational change and growth.
Workplace Health, Safety and Security
4.5 Quarter Units
Examination of methods for promoting a safe work environment by creating a culture of safety. The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) is reviewed in connection with human resource management duties and responsibilities under the Act. Workplace violence and workplace bullying are explored along with measures to reduce incidents of violence in the workplace. Challenges faced by human resource managers in creating methods for identifying and coping with job stress are discussed.
Managerial Leadership
4.5 Quarter Units
Examination of the roles managerial leaders perform and the importance of managerial leadership in the workplace. The link between sound managerial leadership and positive consequences for employees – and the organization as a whole – will be discussed. Skills possessed by managerial leaders are examined as they relate to enhancing employee satisfaction, motivation, and performance output. Interpersonal skills of communication, empathy, and coaching skills are explored in connection with managing conflict in the workplace.
Workplace Ethics
4.5 Quarter Units
Utilization of a managerial framework for the examination of ethics in the workplace. Exploring the recognition of the link between workplace ethics and business success as part of an effective business strategy. Managerial best practices in workplace ethics are studied, providing students with an understanding of how ethical decision making occurs. Case analyses are employed to prepare students for real-life experiences involving issues of workplace ethics and assist students in developing skills needed to contribute to responsible business conduct.
Capstone Project
4.5 Quarter Units
The Capstone course is designed to be the culminating work for the bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management. Under the guidance of the instructor, students will design a project to demonstrate their mastery of human resource management theories and the core components of the program, various managerial approaches, and frameworks. Students’ deliverable will include scholarly research, attention to ethical frameworks, and critical analysis of their project.
Graduate Electives
- 2 course; 9 quarter units
Career Outlook
The Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management degree will prepare you for careers such as:
- Top Jobs in this field
- Median Salary (USA)
- JOB Openings (USA)
- General and Operations Managers
- $100,934 avg. salary (USA)
- 373,566 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Operations Management
- Marketing
- Merchandising
- Finance
- Project Management
- Inventory Management
- Profit And Loss (P&L) Management
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- CVS Health
- AutoZone
- Buckle
- Walmart
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car
- Menards
- Sales Managers
- $134,000 avg. salary (USA)
- 55,729 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Marketing
- Sales Management
- Selling Techniques
- Business Development
- Sales Prospecting
- Customer Relationship Management
- Sales Strategy
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Marriott International
- AutoZone
- Hilton
- Carter's
- Wolters Kluwer
- US Foods Holding
- Compensation and Benefits Managers
- $136,386 avg. salary (USA)
- 1,491 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Project Management
- Finance
- Auditing
- Marketing
- Accounting
- Human Resources Information System (HRIS)
- Billing
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Arby's
- Amazon
- Johnson & Johnson
- Sanofi
- Elevance Health
- Hub International
- Human Resources Managers
- $135,074 avg. salary (USA)
- 21,271 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Employee Relations
- Performance Management
- Human Resources Information System (HRIS)
- Talent Management
- Project Management
- Human Resource Management
- Employee Engagement
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Amazon
- Lumen Technologies
- Deloitte
- Marriott International
- Arby's
- PricewaterhouseCoopers
- Training and Development Managers
- $124,252 avg. salary (USA)
- 4,983 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Project Management
- Learning Management Systems
- Marketing
- Instructional Design
- Adult Education
- Curriculum Development
- Continuous Improvement Process
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Circle K
- Johnson & Johnson
- AT&T
- Legacy Marketing
- Pacific Dental Services
- Lincoln Financial Group
- Compliance Officers
- $75,549 avg. salary (USA)
- 38,710 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Auditing
- Regulatory Compliance
- Project Management
- Risk Analysis
- Risk Management
- Finance
- Accounting
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Humana
- Citigroup
- Wells Fargo
- Wahve Holdings
- Elevance Health
- Amentum
- Human Resources Specialists
- $67,652 avg. salary (USA)
- 103,328 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Human Resources Information System (HRIS)
- Applicant Tracking Systems
- Employee Relations
- Auditing
- Talent Acquisition
- Recruitment Strategies
- Talent Management
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Deloitte
- Target
- University of California
- Goodwill
- United States Department of Homeland Security
- Amazon
- Labor Relations Specialists
- $89,975 avg. salary (USA)
- 6,299 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Employee Relations
- Labor Relations
- Performance Management
- Labor Law
- Conflict Resolution
- Employee Relations Investigations
- Employee Engagement
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Ryder
- Gray Television
- Ford
- Wells Fargo
- University of California
- Point32Health
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
- $74,524 avg. salary (USA)
- 9,672 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Auditing
- Finance
- Human Resources Information System (HRIS)
- Accounting
- Benefits Enrollment Processes
- Data Analysis
- Project Management
Top companies hiring for this role
- Unclassified
- Elevance Health
- Guidant Financial Group
- Willis Towers Watson
- Lincoln Financial Group
- Deloitte
- Amazon
- Training and Development Specialists
- $64,487 avg. salary (USA)
- 45,624 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Merchandising
- Process Improvement
- Business Process
- Performance Management
- Project Management
- Community Outreach
- Retail Operations
Top companies hiring for this role
- Walmart
- Unclassified
- Abercrombie & Fitch
- Whole Foods
- Outlier
- Milton Hershey School
- Amazon
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of National University’s Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management, you’ll be able to:
- Conduct a job analysis to identify staffing needs as part of the human resource planning process
- Design a recruitment and selection plan for attracting and retaining qualified candidates for employment
- Develop an orientation and training program to assist new employees in effectively integrating into the organization
- Formulate a compensation and benefits plan linked to performance and motivation of employees
- Recognize situations that pose legal risks of liability to the employer and implement policies concerning legal compliance of workplace laws
- Define and discuss workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion, and its impact on an organization
- Identify labor relations issues in an environment of unionized employees and explain the organizational impact of union activities
- Discuss organizational theory and design as it relates to strategic HR planning, development, and talent management
- Describe elements of proper safety, health, and security measures in the workplace
- Apply ethical principles to complex issues that arise in the workplace
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National University is dedicated to making higher education affordable, as well as accessible. Through NU scholarship offerings, eligible students are able to reduce the financial burden of college, start classes sooner, and finish their programs faster while focusing on achieving their goals.
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The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
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We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners.
Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 240,000 alumni worldwide.
“National University has impacted my career. You can immediately apply what you learn in class to your business.”
Francisco R.,
Class of 2016
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Our network of 240,000 alumni is a large global community that provides our graduates with the professional connections to get a leg up in your new career.
FAQs
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 148,000 job openings for human resource managers are projected each year, and the demand continues to grow as companies in every industry place an increasing emphasis in areas like healthcare, retirement plans, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). You can also make a good living in this field. The BLS reports that the median annual wage for an HR Manager was $126,230 in 2021, with the highest 10% earning more than $208,000.*
NU’s online human resources degree provides a Gain a broad knowledge of the foundations of managing human resources, including recruitment, selection, retention, compensation and benefits, and more.
Our curriculum will prepare you for expanded opportunities in diverse industries. You will obtain valuable knowledge and skills in human resource management that will enable you to contribute to the ongoing process of attracting and retaining individuals who will assist in furthering an organization’s interest in achieving its mission.
*SOURCE: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/human-resources-managers.htm#tab-5
NU’s human resources degree is a practice-based curriculum that will help you develop a market-relevant understanding of topics including compensation and benefits, training and talent development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. With this career-focused knowledge, you’ll be well prepared to pursue positions like:
- Human Resources Specialist
- Human Resources Manager
- Administrative Services & Facilities Manager
- Compliance Officer
- Training & Development Specialist
- Compensation & Benefits Manager
- Training & Development Manager
- Labor Relations Specialist
- Recruiter
- Human Resources Coordinator
- Director of Human Resources
- Talent Acquisition Specialist
- Technical Recruiter
- HR Assistant
- HR Specialist
Employers of HR professionals look for candidates with key skills in communications, leadership, and problem solving. Career opportunities are spread across all industries, from healthcare, manufacturing, finance and insurance to professional, scientific, and technical services. A few of the top employers with openings in their HR departments include:
- Randstad
- Deloitte
- Anthem Blue Cross
- Robert Half
- Amazon
- KPMG
- Humana
- Guidehouse
- Aston Carter
- Applied Materials
**SOURCE: Emsi Labor Analyst- Report. Emsi research company homepage at https://www.economicmodeling.com/company/ (Report viewed: June 24, 2022). DISCLAIMER: The data provided is for Informational purposes only. Emsi data and analysis utilizes government sources to provide insights on industries, demographics, employers, in-demand skills, and more to align academic programs with labor market opportunities. Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Current and prospective students should use
Additional Resources
Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.
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