Human resource managers are concerned with the effective use of human resources in organizations. This field encompasses a broader view of the traditional personnel function to include not only the recruitment, selection, development and evaluation of individuals, but the planning, design and management of various organizational functions.  The major in Human Resources Management develops the skills needed to administer the personnel functions of organizations. It is designed primarily for students who intend to pursue careers in administration, personnel management, labor relations or wherever the management of people at work is a central concern. Emphasis is placed on developing an intensive understanding of the concepts and techniques needed to acquire, develop and utilize an organization’s human resources. The program includes broad coverage of such topics as personnel psychology, personnel administration and labor/management relations, in addition to providing basic knowledge of organizational behavior.

Careers in Human Resource Management

Compensation Administrator Labor Relations Director
Employee Benefits Supervisor Personnel Generalist
EEO Representative Personnel Recruiter
Employment Interviewer Training Director
Job Analyst

For more information on careers please visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics at http://www.bls.gov/OCO/

Requirements for a BS in Human Resource Management

This is not an official document. Please refer to the appropriate OU catalog for official information regarding degree requirements.

ORG 399 ACHIEVE III Human Resources Management
ORG 430 Organizational Research Methods
ORG 434 Advanced Human Resources Management
ORG 460 Compensation and Benefits

Examples of Electives — Choose two courses, at least one of which must be a 400-level ORG course:

ORG 431 Leadership and Group Performance
ORG 432 Motivation and Work Behavior
ORG 433 Labor/Management Relations
ORG 470 International Organizational Behavior and Human Resources Management
ORG 480 Topics in Organizational Management
MGT 480 Seminar: Current Business Topics
ECN 338 Economics of Human Resources
PS 454 Public Sector Human Resource Management

In addition to the course requirements listed above, students wishing to earn a human resources management (HRM) major must also complete a Human Resources Management Experience (HRME) or pass the Assessment Exam offered through the Society for Human Resource Management Certification Institute (HRCI).  These options are described below.

1. Human Resources Management Experience (HRME) requirements:

a) HRME contract

• Student must receive HRME faculty adviser approval prior to beginning the work experience.
• For students wishing to substitute their current or recent work experience, the student must complete the contract for the appropriate job and schedule a meeting with the HRME faculty adviser for approval and subsequent exit interview. You may have to provide additional support when using previous experience for this requirement.
• The student’s work experience must meet the minimum contact hours requirement (280 hours).

b) Mid-term hours and job duties verification

• After 140 contact hours, the student must submit documentation of the hours worked, anticipated completion date and job duties. The HRME supervisor’s signature is required on this document.

c) Exit interview

• Upon completion of the HRM Work Experience, the student must schedule an exit interview with the faculty internship coordinator.
• This interview should be scheduled upon completion of the student’s application for a degree.
• If the student is using a previous or current work experience, the student must schedule the exit interview upon verification of the work hours of this employment relationship.
• Upon completion of the exit interview, written documentation of the completion of the HRME requirement will be provided to the student and the undergraduate advising office within two weeks.

2. Assessment Exam. Note, the exam is given during three testing windows of May 15-June 15, July 15-Aug. 15 and Oct. 15-Nov. 15.

More information on the exam can be found at http://www2.shrm.org/assuranceoflearning/index.html. Students must provide evidence via exam grades from SHRM that they have passed the exam to use this option.

HR Experience Frequently Asked Questions

Human Resource Management Student Organizations at OU

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

Scholarship Opportunities

Apply for General Scholarships

Meet the Faculty and Staff in the Human Resource Management area

Marketing and Management Department

Advising Resources for Human Resource Management Majors

Please contact the Human Resource Management Major adviser for more specific advice related to major courses

Major adviser: Karen Markel (markel@oakland.edu)