Human Resources Management Degree
Prepare Yourself For Leadership
GCU’s BS in Applied Human Resources Management can equip you with the essential skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in human resources. The degree program emphasizes how industries and organizations use human resources management to enhance their overall performance and success. Courses and assignments allow students to develop the ability to apply these skills in a variety of different contexts and across numerous fields and types of organizations.
Develop Necessary HR Skills With a BS in Human Resources
Each core class within the Bachelor of Science in HR degree program prepares students to handle a different aspect of human resources management, including employee recruitment, selection, placement, retention, total compensation, training, development and performance management. Courses are taught by industry professionals, so students are able to combine theory with the valuable wisdom and experience that their instructors have developed throughout their careers.
The degree program aims to give students a holistic, wide-scale picture of how human resources impacts organizations on the macro level, and also to teach how to manage smaller, more specific facets of human resources. Focus areas within the program include project management, organizational behavior, business communications and employee relations.
The BS in applied HR management integrates the Christian worldview into each course, allowing students to build a faith-based foundation grounded in biblical principles. This Christian perspective pairs with the degree program’s focus on practicing human resources management ethically. The degree shows students how they are able to use their skills to foster a safe, encouraging and equal environment for all members of an organization.
Benefits of a Bachelor’s in Human Resources
The skillset and experience developed through the degree in HR can position graduates to enter the industry prepared to have a direct impact on the success and culture of many different types of organizations. From large, multi-million dollar corporations to small non-profits, students will have learned how to efficiently manage the human aspects of an organization.
Completing this degree program additionally prepares students for the Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) exam, a test which certifies human resources employees. Courses familiarize students with HR concepts and the practical application skills necessary to succeed both on the exam and in their career.
Career Options With an Online HR Degree
Graduates of the program are prepared for positions in talent and human management across many fields and industries, including job titles such as:
- Human Resources Assistant/Coordinator
- Recruiter/Talent Acquisition
- Training and Development Coordinator
- Payroll Specialist
- Human Resources Manager
- Compensation Analyst
- Benefits Manager
- Labor Relations Manager
- Human Resources Generalist
- HR Business Partner
Many HR positions offer significant opportunities for advancement. The background and skills develop through earning a degree in human resources management can even position you for high-level positions at the director or vice president level later on in your career.
Students with a passion for people can find their purpose through a degree in HR. Those with strong skills in communication, leadership and motivation can use the human resources Bachelor of Science degree from GCU to turn these natural abilities into a rewarding and fulfilling career
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-112, Success in Science, Engineering and Technology & Lab: 4
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
- UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-154, Applications of College Algebra: 4
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
- PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4
- BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- HIS-144, U.S. History Themes: 4
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Core Courses
Course Description
This course introduces models and practices used by contemporary marketers in fast-paced, dynamic domestic and global markets including the marketing concept and processes for developing, implementing, and assessing the effectiveness of marketing plans. Building from a foundational understanding of consumer behavior and marketing research, students examine the development and implementation of marketing mix strategies and tactics with emphasis on integrated marketing communications that effectively combine traditional advertising and promotion with digital marketing.
Course Description
This course focuses on communication skills and strategies required to be successful in diverse, dispersed, and global organizations. Students examine various approaches of effective and persuasive business communication at all levels of an organization, including the use of contemporary channels and the challenges of technologically mediated communication to convey important information leading to the facilitation of organizational change in today's dynamic workplace.
Course Description
This course is an exploration of the financial reports and tools used by managers to make decisions and analyze the performance of a business entity.
Course Description
Drawing upon real-world management situations, this course is a study of individual and group behavior in organizations through detailed coverage of the functions of management, individual differences/diversity, leadership, motivation, decision making, organizational design, and organizational change and development. Emphasis is placed on how an understanding of organizational behavior leads to effective management practice.
Course Description
This course is a study of the human resource management function in organizations, including detailed coverage of staffing, organizational development, compensation and benefits administration, and employee relations. Emphasis is placed on how human resource management as a whole enhances organizational performance and success. Prerequisite: HIM-425, MGT-420, or MGT-422HN. Equivalent to AMP-434.
Course Description
This course examines the human resources functions related to workforce planning and the practical application of these functions used by business and human resources leaders to execute strategic workforce planning effectively. Prerequisites: MGT-325 and MGT-434.
Course Description
This course is a study of the challenges associated with managing projects within the context of the overarching management framework of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Emphasis is placed on balancing competing priorities related to human resources, time constraints, and physical resources/materials, as well as managing and controlling project scope.
Course Description
This course explores the areas of Employee Relations within the field of Human Resources and helps prepare students to develop a working knowledge of employee relations that can help organizations identify and resolve workplace issues. Prerequisite: MGT-434.
Course Description
In this writing-intensive course, students investigate challenges facing contemporary organizations and recommend solutions based on research and critical analysis. Students integrate major concepts learned throughout their program to formulate problem statements, employ quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, and communicate recommendations that satisfy the needs of diverse stakeholders.
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
Grand Canyon University’s evening programs cater to the demands of working professionals who prefer an in-person learning environment. Our night classes meet just once per week and offer the interaction and discussion of a typical college classroom.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.