What is Human Resource Management?
 
Human Resource Management (HR) focuses on the people issues in organizations, and refers to all of the activities an organization implements and uses to affect the behaviors of employees.  HR activities play a key role in supporting an organization’s ongoing efforts to adapt to change successfully, and HR professionals are sought by all sizes and types of organizations.  HR activities include recruitment, selection, training and development, compensation, benefits, performance appraisal, employee relations, health and safety, and strategic HR planning.  The contributions of HR professionals make it possible for organizations to attract, motivate, and retain a qualified and effective work force.

The Degree Program

The Raj Soin College of Business offers an undergraduate program leading to the Bachelor of Science in Business degree with a major in human resource management.  The HR major provides a solid foundation for entry into the HR profession.  Program highlights include:

• faculty with extensive experience in the HR field

• a strong internship program, which allows qualified students to receive hands-on experience in HR jobs and receive college credit for the learning experience

• a senior project that requires students to create an HR policy and procedures manual for a Miami Valley business.  This project gives students the opportunity to apply their classroom education to a real-world situation.

• coursework in the exact competency areas necessary for successful career performance

• scholarship opportunities that pay for the certification exam offered by the Human Resources Certification Institute

Careers in Human Resource Management

Because of the increasing complexity of HR management, nearly all companies employ HR professionals – as full-time employees, as vendors with long-term contracts to manage outsourced HR functions, and/or as consultants who work on short-term projects.  Most undergraduates start their HR careers as generalists in larger organizations.  Once on the job, an individual may continue to develop as an HR generalist or develop expertise in a particular HR specialty.  In either case, to move upward in the organization, HR professionals need competencies in strategic management, leadership, and organizational change as well as knowledge of HR activities. 

Certification.  By fulfilling the requirements established by the national Human Resource Certification Institute, HR practitioners can be certified as HR professionals.  Certification requirements include education, experience, and a passing score on an exam that covers the major content areas of HR knowledge