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 organizations 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 HR

Because of the increasing complexity of HR management, nearly all companies employ HR professionals Ï 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.

Career Opportunities

Affimative Action Coordinator
Affirmative Action Manager
Benefits Coordinator
Benefits Manager
Benefits Planning Analyst
Career Specialist
College Recruiter
Community Relations Executive
Compensation Analyst
Compensation Manager
Contract Negotiator
Director of HR Management
Director of Industrial Relations
EEO Officer
Employee Assistance Director
Employee Assistance Specialist
Employee Counselor
Employee Orientation Specialist
Employee Services Manager
Employee Welfare Manager
Employment Agency Manager Employment Manager EEO Specialist
HRIS Coordinator
HRIS Manager
Industrial Relations Manager
Interviewer
Job Analyst
Labor Relations Representative
Personnel Assistant
Personnel Manager
Plant Safety Specialist
Recruitment Manager
Safety Director
Test Administrator
Training & Development Director
Training Coordinator
Training Manager
Training Specialist
Wage & Salary Administrator
Wage & Salary Specialist Positions Held by Grads:
Director
Deputy Chief of Police
Team Leader
Sales Manager
Human Resource Manager
Compensation Analyst
Labor Relations Representative
Affirmative Action Specialist

Who Hires WSU Grads:
Mead
Big Three Automakers
United Health Systems
Children's Medical Center
Elder-Beerman
United Parcel Service
National City Bank
Coca Cola
Hilton Hotel Corporation
City of Dayton
United Way

photo of Justin Brackenhoff, HR Major and MBA Graduate
Justin Brackenhoff, HR Major and MBA Graduate
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photo of Dr. David Bright

Dr. David Bright
Assistant Professor
Department of Management
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photo of Human Resources & Management Club
Human Resources & Management Club
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Wright State University

3640 Colonel Glenn Highway - Dayton, Ohio - 45435

What is Human Resource Management?

The Degree Program

Careers in HR

Career Opportunities

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