Human Resource Management

Objectives

Today’s work environment requires human resource professionals to be key partners in helping organizations achieve their goals. Selecting, developing, training, and retaining the right individuals for the right jobs are essential to achieving an organization’s success.

This major is an interdisciplinary program housed within the Department of Psychology and designed for students who seek a career in the Human Resource Management field. Students are prepared to handle responsibilities involving recruitment, selection, training, appraisal, compensation, organizational communication and other HRM activities. Opportunities for employment are found in the private sector, not-for-profit organizations, and in state and local government.

Students in the program will learn the essential functions of the human resources professional, as well as organizational psychology and business concepts, and will demonstrate an understanding of the principles of human resource management. Emphasis is placed on direct skill development and application with most courses taught by working professionals.

The Human Resource Management major is offered to students in the usual 16-week format. This traditional format is offered through the College of Arts and Sciences.

The Human Resource Management major is also offered in 8-week courses. Courses in this accelerated format are designed for those students for whom evening classes are more convenient.  Online and blended (combined online and face-to-face) formats are also offered. The accelerated HRM major is offered through the School for Professional and Continuing Education.

Student Outcomes

Students who pursue the Human Resource Management major will be able to:

1. Understand the broad areas of psychology, particularly social psychology, measurement, and research methods.

2. Use knowledge of statistics and research design to plan, critically evaluate, and execute a research project, including a case study at an HR site.

3. Understand and practice interpersonal skills needed by HR professionals. 

4. Understand direct, real world application of psychological knowledge in management applications.

5. Apply ethical reasoning learned throughout the program to psychological work in an applied setting.