Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Management
The BS in Applied Human Resources Management degree at Grand Canyon University (GCU) can equip you with the essential skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in human resources. The bachelor’s HR degree program emphasizes how industries and organizations use human resources management to enhance their overall performance and success. Courses and assignments allow you to develop the ability to apply these skills in a variety of different contexts and across numerous fields and types of organizations.
Online Human Resources Degree Topics
Each core class within this bachelor of human resources management degree program prepares you 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 you can combine theory with the valuable wisdom and experience that your instructors have developed throughout their careers.
The human resources degree program aims to give you a holistic picture of how human resources impacts organizations on the macro level and 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.
Benefits of Earning Your HR Management Degree
The BS in Applied Human Resources Management degree program integrates the Christian worldview into each course, allowing you 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. This HR degree shows you how you can use your skills to foster a safe, encouraging and equal environment for all members of an organization.
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Opportunities for HR Degree Graduates
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 manager
- Training and development specialist
- Compensation and benefits manager
- Labor relations specialist
- Human resources specialist
- Compliance officer
Many HR positions offer significant opportunities for advancement. The background and skills developed 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 human resources degree. 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.
Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources FAQs
If working with people is your purpose, read through our frequently asked questions to learn more about a career in the field and earning your human resource bachelor’s degree online or on campus.
If you strive to work with people, earning a HR bachelor’s degree and pursuing a career in human resources can be a rewarding experience both personally and financially. Human resource professionals have the opportunity to solve problems, influence change and positively affect the lives of those around them. Additionally, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, human resources managers had a median annual wage of $126,230 in May 2021.1
Undergraduate degrees that focus on instilling knowledge and developing qualities that are helpful for a career in HR are all options for a human resources career — this may include degrees in business, management or even education. However, an undergraduate degree specifically in human resources is the ideal option for those looking to direct their career that way, as it prepares you with topic materials that are specific to the human resource field.
A bachelor’s degree in human resources is set up to challenge and prepare you for a career in human resources. Applying yourself, practicing good study habits, utilizing effective communication strategies, and using problem-solving skills are all keys to being successful in an HR program.
The baseline qualification to work in HR is a related bachelor’s degree. For non-entry level positions or advancement opportunities, employers may require additional education, such as a master’s degree in business or human resources. A SHRM certification may also be desired for many positions in HR.
1 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Human Resources Managers as of May 2021, retrieved on Oct. 25, 2022. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as human resources managers. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, and accept employment from, determines salary not only based on education, but also individual characteristics and skills and fit to that organization (among other categories) against a pool of candidates.
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-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 an emphasis of how marketing integrates within all aspects of business.
Course Description
This course focuses on effective change strategies and communication skills required in modern organizations. Students examine various approaches of effective and persuasive communication at all levels of an organization, including analyzing the need for change and overcoming communication barriers. Students will also learn how to negotiate and 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.
* 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.